In an ideal world, every couple would find their dream DJ, with glowing references, the perfect price and, of course, availability on their date.  Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and sometimes you’re left scrambling to make arrangements that are less than ideal.

Maybe all the DJ companies that were recommended to you were sold out, and you had to sign with a company you knew little about.  Or, maybe you took a gamble on a company that assigns DJs well after the initial sales meeting.  Perhaps you just met with your DJ, and realized that you are in a world of trouble — he doesn’t seem reliable, doesn’t seem to “get” you, and is nothing like what you expected.

You may feel like your hands are tied, but there are some things you can do to make lemonade out of the lemons you’ve been given.

Your number one priority needs to be that the most important details are specified in writing. (In other words, eliminate any possibility of confusion!)  Your contract needs to state your DJ’s arrival time — which should be at least an hour before your event, though 90 minutes is better — as well as the venue’s name,  address, and phone number.  If you already signed a contract that did not include this information, it’s certainly reasonable to provide it in writing to the DJ and company owner, and to expect that they acknowledge they received it.  Make sure, also, that you have your DJ’s name and cell phone number (as well as a working emergency number for your contact at the DJ company) on hand on your wedding day — a member of your bridal party can always call the DJ shortly before his scheduled arrival time to make sure all is well.

A second important guideline is to make sure there is no room for error on your music likes and dislikes.  While a good DJ can be trusted to mix your requests with other music that both suits your preferences and pleases your guests, you can’t be sure an “unknown” DJ will take this approach.  In this situation, it is perfectly appropriate to micromanage your playlist, down to picking every song.  There are a lot of great online resources, from wedding sites to DJs’ blogs, to provide you with suggestions and inspiration for creating a wedding playlist.  Keep in mind, also, that your “do not play” list may only include a handful of songs, or it may be equally as long as your “must play” list — in this kind of circumstance, I’d advise the latter!  Remember, everyone’s definition of terms like cheesy is different, and if you aren’t sure you and your DJ see eye-to-eye, take the guesswork out.

Finally, if you really have doubts as to the competence or attitude of your DJ, you may want to take even more extreme measures to prevent a disaster.  This might include having your “major dance” songs (first dance, parent dances, etc) burned to a CD and in your best man’s pocket, to writing out your own script for announcements the DJ might need to make.  (Hint: if you think your DJ might botch a long list of bridal party introductions, it’s probably wise to stick to having him introduce the bride and groom only!)  You may even want to present to your DJ, in writing, a list of specific do’s and don’ts to prevent him from recreating some of the wedding nightmares I’ve personally observed or been told about.  For example, one of my clients relayed a tale of a wedding she attended where, much to the bride’s horror, the DJ suddenly began passing out cheesy party favors and inflatable instruments, while announcing this as his “special surprise gift to the bride and groom.”  (Free of charge!)  Many of us have also seen DJs who set up tacky, low-end party lights, display obnoxious banners with their logo, or constantly plug their company on the microphone throughout the event.  These are all things you shouldn’t — and wouldn’t — need to worry about with a reputable DJ, but when you’re dealing with someone you know nothing about, take nothing for granted.

Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in a position like this, but I’m putting this information out there for those couples who find themselves stuck.  I really believe that at your wedding, you deserve to have things done your way.  Sadly, it’s sometimes up to you to make sure that happens.

~ Evan

In an ideal world, every couple would find their dream DJ, with glowing references, the perfect price and, of course, availability on their date.  Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and sometimes you’re left scrambling to make arrangements that are less than ideal.

Maybe all the DJ companies that were recommended to you were sold out, and you had to sign with a company you knew little about.  Or, maybe you took a gamble on a company that assigns DJs well after the initial sales meeting.  Perhaps you just met with your DJ, and realized that you are in a world of trouble — he doesn’t seem reliable, doesn’t seem to “get” you, and is nothing like what you expected.

You may feel like your hands are tied, but there are some things you can do to make lemonade out of the lemons you’ve been given.

Your number one priority needs to be that the most important details are specified in writing. (In other words, eliminate any possibility of confusion!)  Your contract needs to state your DJ’s arrival time — which should be at least an hour before your event, though 90 minutes is better — as well as the venue’s name,  address, and phone number.  If you already signed a contract that did not include this information, it’s certainly reasonable to provide it in writing to the DJ and company owner, and to expect that they acknowledge they received it.  Make sure, also, that you have your DJ’s name and cell phone number (as well as a working emergency number for your contact at the DJ company) on hand on your wedding day — a member of your bridal party can always call the DJ shortly before his scheduled arrival time to make sure all is well.

A second important guideline is to make sure there is no room for error on your music likes and dislikes.  While a good DJ can be trusted to mix your requests with other music that both suits your preferences and pleases your guests, you can’t be sure an “unknown” DJ will take this approach.  In this situation, it is perfectly appropriate to micromanage your playlist, down to picking every song.  There are a lot of great online resources, from wedding sites to DJs’ blogs, to provide you with suggestions and inspiration for creating a wedding playlist.  Keep in mind, also, that your “do not play” list may only include a handful of songs, or it may be equally as long as your “must play” list — in this kind of circumstance, I’d advise the latter!  Remember, everyone’s definition of terms like cheesy is different, and if you aren’t sure you and your DJ see eye-to-eye, take the guesswork out.

Finally, if you really have doubts as to the competence or attitude of your DJ, you may want to take even more extreme measures to prevent a disaster.  This might include having your “major dance” songs (first dance, parent dances, etc) burned to a CD and in your best man’s pocket, to writing out your own script for announcements the DJ might need to make.  (Hint: if you think your DJ might botch a long list of bridal party introductions, it’s probably wise to stick to having him introduce the bride and groom only!)  You may even want to present to your DJ, in writing, a list of specific do’s and don’ts to prevent him from recreating some of the wedding nightmares I’ve personally observed or been told about.  For example, one of my clients relayed a tale of a wedding she attended where, much to the bride’s horror, the DJ suddenly began passing out cheesy party favors and inflatable instruments, while announcing this as his “special surprise gift to the bride and groom.”  (Free of charge!)  Many of us have also seen DJs who set up tacky, low-end party lights, display obnoxious banners with their logo, or constantly plug their company on the microphone throughout the event.  These are all things you shouldn’t — and wouldn’t — need to worry about with a reputable DJ, but when you’re dealing with someone you know nothing about, take nothing for granted.

Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in a position like this, but I’m putting this information out there for those couples who find themselves stuck.  I really believe that at your wedding, you deserve to have things done your way.  Sadly, it’s sometimes up to you to make sure that happens.

~ Evan