courtesy of Bob Brichmann, DJ / Emcee at Artistic Productions
The adage that the right DJ can make or break your event is completely accurate. DJs come with so many skill levels, levels of experience and do so many different things. Yes, they play music, but there’s an art to mixing your tastes with those of your friends & families coupled with timing (not to mention dealing with spontaneous requests). The emcee aspect, including introductions & announcements are all key tasks for the modern DJ. DJs monitor and manage the flow of events as the evening unfolds. They mini-crisis manage. They interact with the other professionals to make sure all are on the same page.
DJs also help with ceremony music & microphones. DJs are production specialists these days, too. They can do multiple sets both on-property and at two different locations and even set remote speakers for outdoor patio areas. Various A/V aspects are often a part of their repertoire, including DVD/slide show projection, monograms, uplighting, pin-spotting and various lighting décor.
Brides & grooms should look 1st for someone that does weddings. They are different than high school dances, bars/clubs, bar mitzvahs, karaoke parties and backyard BBQ’s. Find the personality you “click” with. Discuss your dream and seek their advice. You’ve probably never been married. Many of the good DJs do upwards of 100 weddings a year. That says something for experience. It’ll give you peace of mind, but, more importantly, it’ll lead to a stress free, memorable wedding experience.