Why is having a DJ so important for a wedding?
Jamie says, “I could not possibly imagine a celebration without music. Music evokes emotion, and a wedding day not only is a day full of love, but the right music can certainly heighten any and all emotion that comes with the big day.
A DJ is also so good at reading the room, and can play the right song at the right moment, something that is a huge drawback of having just a set playlist from Apple Music or Spotify. DJs are more versatile in many different genres of music that can be played, which is an advantage over having a live band that may only have a handful of music genres in their repertoire.”
Image by @rubiconphotog
What is your favourite part of your job?
Jamie says, “The best part of my job as a wedding DJ is the appreciation from couples when their expectations were exceeded. Also, the reaction from their guests as they are thoroughly enjoying the music. Playing great music truly never gets old.”
What is your best advice for couples when looking for the right DJ for them?
Jamie says, “Do your research! A good DJ vendor should have nothing to hide. Here are a few different things to check as you begin doing research:
Reviews! Reviews from past clients is a good place to start. Here at QA Entertainment, our contract asks for reviews because we are confident in the final product.
Social media (or just photos in general from past events) should be a resume for DJ vendors. If your DJ cannot share what a couples dance floor could look like throughout the night, that could be a red flag. A picture speaks a thousand words!
Ask your DJ about their experience! Doesn’t hurt to ask where they’ve worked, how long, etc. A company could have been around for decades, but the DJ arriving on your wedding day could be newer, and have started as DJ less than a year ago. No big deal, just helpful to know and discuss in advance!
Something to avoid? Listening to a DJs mixes online is not the best for choosing your wedding DJ. If they make a mistake on that mix, they can stop and re-record the mix. You need to be confident that your DJ can play live. Unlike many other wedding vendors, DJs have to be great in the moment as our talents are on display in real time.”
What can couples do to ensure you know what kind of party they want?
Jamie says, “Communication is key! Share the music you like and having a must play and do not play list is so important. It’s also more than just music - if you want a busy and full dance floor, you and your new spouse should be on the dance floor too! Tell you guests “the best wedding present is to meet you on the dance floor” and let us do the rest.
If you and your spouse are not big on dancing that is perfectly fine. Tell us about your guests, how old they are, where they are traveling from and what genres of music you believe they would appreciate for a more relaxed vibe.”
What could couples do to make your job easier during the planning process?
Jamie says, “It is important for couples to be clear with their expectations: whether it’s the music they would like to hear or the overall vibe they are looking for. QA Entertainment provides a detailed Online Wedding Planner tool which organizes the important milestones during a wedding day. Completing whatever your DJ (or any vendor) asks of you will provides us (or them) with ample time to prepare for your day exactly how you’d like it and is the best way to make life easier for everyone! It minimizes the guess work or rushing anything! Also, trust your vendors - you’ve booked a professional! We’ve got this.”
What are your thoughts on being an MC & a DJ at a wedding? Does it make it easier or harder for you when couples ask you to MC versus asking a friend?
Jamie says, “I love the personal touch of having friends or family appointed to MC a wedding. However, there are a few elements of MCing that a friend or family member may be unaware of due to lack of experience and we are always willing to provide pointers to help your chosen MC throughout the evening.
Do be aware that it certainly makes the event more challenging when asked to MC and DJ a wedding as it’s another hat we are required to wear. Wedding MCs must provide the appropriate energy during wedding party entrances, adhere to timelines, prepare speakers for toasts, phonetically pronounce names properly, speak on behalf of the venue; all while being charismatic during the process. Having a wedding planner also helps keep us on track as we juggle this extra task. Not an easy task, but certainly doable!”
What are your thoughts on being an MC & a DJ at a wedding? Does it make it easier or harder for you when couples ask you to MC versus asking a friend?
Jamie says, “I love the personal touch of having friends or family appointed to MC a wedding. However, there are a few elements of MCing that a friend or family member may be unaware of due to lack of experience and we are always willing to provide pointers to help your chosen MC throughout the evening.
Do be aware that it certainly makes the event more challenging when asked to MC and DJ a wedding as it’s another hat we are required to wear. Wedding MCs must provide the appropriate energy during wedding party entrances, adhere to timelines, prepare speakers for toasts, phonetically pronounce names properly, speak on behalf of the venue; all while being charismatic during the process. Having a wedding planner also helps keep us on track as we juggle this extra task. Not an easy task, but certainly doable!”
How do you best judge a crowd, keep the energy high, etc?
Jamie says, “I was fortunate to have a father who was a DJ and was thrown into the trenches of DJing events at the age of seven, therefore, experience is my main ally in judging crowds. Just like your guests will sit down and eat delicious meal from a talented chef, they will dance all night to a talented and experienced DJ. From my experience once a crowd knows you’re a great DJ, you will quickly earn their respect and appreciation which leads to a magical dance floor.
As mentioned, knowing how old your crowd is will not only inform any DJ on what decades of music to play, it will also aid in determining how long they would dance for, before getting tired, and when to pull back on higher energy songs for something lighter or easier to dance to. Another trick I have? You can learn a lot from how guests respond to the music being played during cocktail hour and dinner.
Lastly, there are generally three types of guests at a wedding and there is one you should focus on the most. But, that’s a whole different conversation. Reach out to me on social media and we can talk about it in depth - my inbox is open!”
Learn more about Jamie on his website, and learn more about what QA Entertainment has to offer.
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