Working with DJ's and MC's

My new year’s resolution is to be more active with my lovely blog and to create a source of information for brides and grooms as an insider’s point of view on all things wedding. Some issues I have a huge opinion on and others…not so much. But for what it is worth, I am going to put my two cents in. In the next few posts we will review what I know of other types of wedding vendors, the pros, cons, and the “to-do” lists.

As wedding photographers, we have worked with all types of DJ’s. We have seen DJ’s with IPods and DJ’s with such incredible systems with lights and microphones and the works. I am sure they charge the full range of fees, so this blog is NOT about what they charge, but more what they do and how they can be important to your wedding.

You will want to choose a DJ who is also your MC, because let’s face it; nobody wants Uncle Tom at the microphone all night long, right? An MC is your master of ceremonies. This is the critical person that keeps things flowing and on time. Your optimal DJ/MC will be invisible when not needed, but swiftly taking over when required. Someone who intuitively plays just the right music, really reads the crowd, participates to the right level, encouraging the revelry but finely controlling the pitch.

You should always work out a timeline (schedule of events) with your DJ/MC way ahead of time and review it several times the weeks leading up to your wedding. BTW, send a copy of this schedule to all your vendors, but don’t worry, we will have already gotten it from your DJ, or be hanging up his shorts when we arrive. J The DJ/MC can make the job of photographer and videographer a living hell or be a god send. After shooting formals, and the ceremony and the reception arrival and everyone greeting the bride and groom and the foods, ect. We are soon looking for a place to #1 check our gear, keep our gear secure and #2 rest. If we are doing either of these two things and all of sudden the caterer appears out of nowhere and wants to cut the cake so that they can wrap up and leave. Where is your photographer and videographer? The excellent DJ/MC will verify it is the right time for this event and intercede with the caterer if required to correct the timeline, if it is the right timeline your excellent DJ/MC will notify the photography crew if nothing else than by an announcement over their speakers, which we always listen for. The average DJ/MC will look around for the bride and groom and play the right music. The poor DJ/MC will not even get the music right because this event has caught him/her off guard. As important as we photographers feel we are, it is the DJ/MC that will set the tone, prevent disasters and help guide yours guests and other vendors as you enjoy your wonderful lovely special day.

We have been asked if the lights that some entertainment professionals bring will interfere with the photographs. All I can say is that if ANYTHING is interfering with my photographs I will professional ask the DJ/MC or the interfering party to remove/desist the interference. I have never been bothered by the lights provided. I work diligently to include this lighting and to show it to its finest, as it is capturing the overall ambiance of the party.

We have several vendors that we love to work with and they have never let us down. Please feel free to browse our recommended vendor’s page on our website for more information.

So our Hope Haven Top 5 things to do with a DJ:

1. Interview your DJ in person and spend a bit of time with them. Get to see their personality. Ask him/her to play your special song. How long does it take him/her to find it? Does he have it? Where is his music stored and how can he access it? Is he organized? What will he wear at your wedding? Is he/her the actual one going to DJ/MC your wedding? Does he have microphones, are they wireless? Can he record the audio of the ceremony?

2. Check references. At least talk to other wedding vendors and see what they know of the vendor in question. Professionally we don’t say things bad about other vendors, so if your referral person cannot comment that is not a good sign. If they go on and on about how great a vendor is, that’s your green light. Venues almost always know the good DJ’s they are usually a great source of information.

3. Work out your timeline way ahead of time, copy your other vendors and review this timeline in the weeks prior to the wedding.

4. Verify that your DJ does in fact have insurance. If someone invited to your wedding trips on his cords, are they suing you?

5. Let your DJ/MC know exactly what type of facility you have selected, how many tables, how much space, dance floor, power sources, ect. Most DJ’s will find this out for themselves, but it will help build the relationship and understanding if you already have some information.

6. Give your DJ/MC a list of the names and contact information for all your other vendors.

7. Negotiate with a DJ/MC as you would for anything in your wedding, but keep in mind the good ones have good equipment and a higher price. Remember, you get what you pay for. I would so much rather see a bride and groom skimp on flowers and hire an amazing DJ/MC who will know exactly how to build this amazing memory for you.

8. Include the DJ/MC in your meal count for your caterer. These events usually take place during dinner hours and can be very difficult on the constitution. A happy DJ is a well fed DJ.

9. Talk with your DJ/MC about any guidelines or special circumstances. They need to be aware if any of your guest might have a seizure disorder if using lights. Situations like this can be controlled and problems averted with communication.

10. The Biggest and the Best – be sure you have someone from your wedding party assigned to greet the DJ at the venue and help out with any parking situations, tables, outlets, ect. This should not be your worry and you don’t need to have the DJ/MC tracking you down.