The Wedding DJ: Setting The Mood For A Night To Remember

The job of wedding DJ is an important one. He or she is the coordinator of the reception music for the wedding, and must balance the requests of the bride and groom with the ambience of the room. He or she determines when the mood calls for a fast paced rock song or romantic ballad. The difference between your wedding guests enjoying themselves on the dance floor or looking bored at their tables rests largely on your DJ's shoulders.

So, how do you find a DJ? The best way is to rely on recommendations by word of mouth to book your DJ. With the advent of the mp3 player and music on computer, anyone with a decent stereo system can call themselves a DJ. Like any service, there are consummate professionals and duds, so do your homework and find a DJ who has good referrals. Talk to recently married couples you know, or search online for DJ's websites and services and research them.

Make a list of songs you absolutely want played at your wedding, as well as ones you don't. If you don't want your guests flopping around to the chicken dance, or if the macarena drives you crazy, let your DJ know. Listen to wedding CD's to familiarize yourself with popular weddings songs, and thumb through your music collection to get an idea of musicians you'd like to play. Be specific - don't tell the DJ you like classical and pop music and leave the rest up to them. Outline what styles, albums and even particular songs you want to hear. Many DJ's today even offer online music libraries where the couple can go in and compile their playlist.

Yes, it's your wedding day, but no, it's not really all about you. If you grew up in the 80's and love heavy metal, an ongoing selection of your favourite songs from that era will not entertain your guests. Nobody wants to sit and listen to music they aren't enjoying, and while you should choose songs that mean something to you, remember your family and friends. You want everyone to have a good time, so try to choose a few songs from each type of music - even if that means sitting through a few polka numbers for your great uncle or playing that awful country song your mother adores. Keep the children in mind - while a raunchy rap number might bring laughter to your guests on the dance floor, it won't impress the parents of young children. Be tasteful with your music selection - or request it later when the little ones have gone home.

Ensure your DJ understands not only exactly what you want, but also the terms of the contract. You don't want to see him or her packing up halfway through the reception after misunderstanding that you wanted a DJ for five hours, not three. Avoid any conflict over the payment amount and get it in writing. Call or email your DJ again before the date, and confirm the details once more to be sure.