We love it when a great site like The Knot puts out some great info! The following is an excerpt from their artickle that wedding bands and DJs across the country contributed to the list of biggest mistakes couples make at their weddings.
Mistake: Not meeting the DJ until the day of their wedding.
A face-to-face meeting is the best way to determine if the DJ is qualified and will give you what YOU want. Also, you can determine if you have a personality match with the DJ and if he or she is someone who will deliver a fun day.
Mistake: Having too small of a dance floor
If there is nowhere to maneuver, then congestion on the dance floor can be a nightmare because people get bumped into, glasses break, and drinks can be spilled. Having more room will encourage your guests to get on the dance floor.
Mistake: Playing only one type of music.
Too much of a good thing is a bad thing in music. Weddings will always have a wide range of age groups, and you want your guests leaving with the feeling that your wedding was the best they have ever attended, so you might let us switch things up to cater to all your guests!
Mistake: Forgetting to make a do-not-play list.
The last thing a bride wants to hear at her reception is a band she hates or maybe a song that reminds her of her husband’s ex! The DJ always has to remember that it’s the bride and groom’s wedding — not theirs — and our job is to make it the celebration that they really want!
Mistake: Requesting too many songs.
Keep in mind that a DJ plays approximately 12 to 15 songs per hour, so for the average four-hour reception, that’s only around 60 songs. A good rule of thumb is to keep your request list to about 25 songs or so. That way you get to hear all of your songs, plus you give your DJ freedom to take requests from your guests.
Mistake: Choosing long special dance songs.
It can get boring for your guests. Of course this is your day, and these dances are special, however, when choosing those special songs, consider shortening the mother-son and father-daughter songs. These dances are great, and you should spend this special moment with your parent(s), but it’s ok for the DJ to fade the song out at an appropriate time to keep the momentum of your reception going. The same can be useful to those not comfortable with being in the spotlight, especially those who admit they don’t dance well.Mistake: Not paying attention to the flow of the events.
To create energy for an active dance floor, make sure the wedding flow of events moves along nicely. If you have a 90-minute cocktail hour and two hours of dinner your guests will be looking for a nap, not a dance floor. Keep your cocktail hour to “an hour” and then move into a well served dinner service process.
Mistake: Picking too many obscure songs.
As music professionals, we certainly appreciate all kinds of music, however, the guests may not. They go to a wedding expecting to hear music they know and can dance to, A simple rule for music selection is 90% of the music played should be known by 90% of the guests.
Mistake: Not verifying your DJ.
Make sure the DJ you are talking with will be the actual DJ performing at your reception. Many DJ companies book multiple events on the same night and may subcontract to other companies using DJs with varying levels of skill. Be careful of ‘bait and switch tactics’ by making sure you evaluate the individual DJ and not just the DJ Company.
