Scroll Top

“Can We See You Perform?” AKA: Wedding Crashing

wedding-crashers-cutmaster-music

I have to admit that us DJs might be at fault for you wanting to crash someone else’s wedding. After all, I did tell you to interview your DJ and also gave you tips when hiring your DJ, making it obvious how important we are to your big day. One thing you might have thought we forgot to mention, was to actually see your DJ in action. How else are you going to know that this is the right DJ for you? The reality is, that we purposely left this detail out because it can get a little sketchy when it comes to actually checking out a DJ. I’m going to list a few reasons when it’s actually NOT ok to see your DJ perform and when it is ok. There’s a few unwritten rules when it comes to viewing a DJ prior to your event.

It’s not ok to visit your DJ at another wedding if you are not a guest.

I list this first because it’s a big NO NO when it comes to checking out a DJ, unless you are an actual guest at the wedding. I get potential clients asking all the time if they can stop in on someone else’s wedding to see us in action. Here are the reasons that you can’t go to someone else’s wedding.

  • You weren’t invited! This should be obvious, but sometimes I guess it’s not. Wouldn’t you want your DJ to extend the same courtesy for your event? Plain and simple, if you walk into someone else’s wedding uninvited, you have officially crashed their wedding. Don’t be that person.
  • Logistics! Every wedding is unique and different. The way someone wants their DJ to perform could be completely different than what you expect. This doesn’t necessarily mean that DJ is not for you, but it could have an adverse effect. So as a DJ, I don’t want you walking in on a performance that would not be suited for your particular needs. A great DJ adapts to the clients wants and needs creating their unique special day through a very meticulous planning process.
  • You are impeding the DJ from doing his job. So, let’s say you didn’t take my advice and dropped into another couple’s wedding anyway (shame on you!). And then, you went up to the DJ and started talking to him. Not only have you now crashed the wedding, but you have actually taken the DJ away from his job and focus, which should be on the newly wedded couple. He’s talking to you and forgets he needs to mix into the next song. Now there’s dead air, the dance floor has stopped, and everyone is looking at the DJ ready to burn him at the stake! Ok… this is a complete exaggeration, but you get the point.
  • More logistics! Unless you are viewing your DJ with the exact same setup and package as yours, you might be getting either an over-inflated or under-inflated picture of what your event will look and feel like. It’s natural to walk into a space and envision your own event. Depending on what this particular client has booked, you could be setting yourself up for a range of unnecessary emotions regarding your own reception. And the good Lord knows you don’t need anymore stress in your life right now.

I know, I know… we’ve hit you hard with the reasons you should not crash an event, and trust us, we’re right. It’s tacky, shameless, and outright rude to impose on someone’s biggest day in their life uninvited. But, there are times when it’s ok, and actually preferred that you see your DJ perform.

Watch your DJ at a public venue or performance.

  • Ask your DJ if they have any public performances. Maybe they do a club night, or host a trivia night, or karaoke. If you can see your DJ in another venue/medium, this will give you a pretty good start as to whether they are worthy and capable of handling your wedding. Here’s two things to watch for: 1) do they handle themselves well on the microphone? 2) If they are mixing music, do they have the capability to adapt and read their crowd. At the end of the day, you need someone that can emcee really well and run the show, and you need someone that can rock a dance floor. There’s more details to look for, but you can visit Interviewing Wedding DJs 101 for a list of questions to ask your DJ.

Watch your DJ at a wedding… when you are a guest!

  • If you have been invited to a wedding and you are either engaged or think you might be getting engaged, well now is the perfect opportunity to screen your possible DJ.
  • Pay attention to the DJ as he runs the night. Does he speak well on the microphone? Does he use professional grade gear and equipment? Does the dance floor respond to his music programming? And at the end of the day, does everyone leave this wedding feeling great and do the Bride and Groom feel great about it?

Watch your DJ perform during your consultation.

  • We’re not saying to make your DJ bust out his microphone and gear. You can learn a lot about your DJ during an actual face-to-face conversation. You should meet any possible DJ in person before committing to booking. Do they speak well in this setting? If not, then how can you expect them to do it in front of an audience. Are they professional? Do they display the qualities you envision for someone hosting your wedding reception? Can they talk you through their procedure and process of event planning? Here’s some characteristics to look for in a great wedding DJ.

Reviews, Reviews, Reviews

  • What better way is there to screen your DJ, other than having a bunch of other people do it for you! Wedding Wire is probably the most popular 3rd party review service when it comes to wedding vendors. Any DJ that is worth checking into will have referrals and online reviews about their services. Google reviews are also great to look into as well.

Ideally, you would get to see your DJ in action before you hire them. But, many times this is not possible and you have to go through the interview process very carefully to make sure you pick the right one. You obviously understand the importance of hiring your DJ and you know the value they will bring to your event. Take advantage of the opportunities available to screen, interview, and review your potential DJ, and listen to your gut instinct. And when that little person in your head wants to ask your DJ if it’s ok to drop in on someone else’s wedding, tell them to check themselves before they wreck themselves, to wait and eat cake at your own wedding.

Leave a comment