Hopefully, the dj and couple can meet months in advance. Even if that is not possible, a few weeks notice would also suffice.  The key is to be prepared. Bride and groom will be less stressed making sure they have a dj is booked for their wedding. It is the mobile dj who brings the party to the event. Never tell the dj, “I trust you to play good wedding music”. Weddings are a custom event and bride and grooms should take advantage of it.

Bride and groom should work on the list together.  Keep in mind the dinner music is mostly background music. The music will not be as loud so guests can communicate while they eat.  If your guests are requesting songs that bride and groom do not like, then they can play them during dinnertime. Also during the cocktail hour, songs that particular guests like can be played at that time. During this time, the bride and groom are taking pictures and not even around to hear the music.

Try to avoid sending djs multiple lists. It would be easy to get lost in emails. Technology has brought us Gmail and couples and djs can share living documents or what they call Google docs. Songs can be loaded with notes on the document then it can be deleted if needed to be. Also with technology, Shazzam or Sound Hound can pinpoint what songs that are heard and do not know the name of the song. It keeps a record of the songs that were searched and then can added to the list.

First dance songs are special. If the dj is talented then s/he can premix the song and edit it if they want to combine two songs seamlessly. The song can be a song they listened to when they first started dating.  It could be a song that one of the two loves and the other just wants to go with the flow. Software programs like Garage Band or Logic can do a great job editing music. There is a lot of online info on how to do it right.

The most important music of the night is the dance component of the night. The music will be bringing life to the dance floor.  Send the Dj Get as many songs as you can that you love. Sometimes the dj can read the crowd, but sometimes they may put a song that slows the vibe of the event so its good to give the dj a lot of selections.

Not having a dj versus having a dj

Throwing an event can be an expensive endeavor. Some people have never thrown a big event before and do not know where to start. Often times they reach out to others who have thrown some type of event before or they go search online to see what tidbits of information that they can gather.

They find having the best food can be one of the most important decisions of the event. Little that they know that music also plays an imperative component of the event. Music sets the vibe of the event. It can be the subtle background during dinnertime or it can be the party motivator during the dance portion of the night.

Money can be a factor. Some folks do not know what djs charge for events. For wedding events, djs can charge 800 to 2500 depending on what the bride or groom wants. Upgrades can be multiple dj set ups such as reception music system (speakers, microphones, and dj controller) and the ceremony PA system (speakers with mixer) with multiple microphones, specific up-lighting and or any other lighting, photo booth, and television screens or projectors with screens.

For other events such as birthday parties, school dances, anniversaries, or reunions can run from 100 dollars an hour to 200 dollars an hour. There is a difference in price between weddings and other events because weddings take more planning thus more preparation.  In either case, all events need a playlist. There have been events where the clients want every song played in a certain order or as open as clients just wanted rock music. Every event is different.

So the question is, Does the party event thrower wants to save a little money and play music off an iPod or hire a dj?

The positives of an iPod /iphone or digital device that contains music: Its economic if you already have one. Set up the playlist and press play.

Negatives of ipod/iphone or digital device that plays music: What happens if device breaks?  (Power cords no longer work or batteries run out) How can one make announcements? Who will make announcements? Who will do the bouquet toss count? Limited music and silence in between songs

Positives of a dj: A Dj can make announcements when needed.  A Dj can adjust the microphone levels when different people give speeches or toasts. People hold microphones differently and have different volumes in their voices.  A Dj can pllay certain music at certain times and can read the crowd and continue with the energy of the room. A dj can suddenly change the music if no one is feeling the song.  Good djs have backup equipment incase of equipment malfunction (extra hard drive, extra laptop, extra speaker, or cabling). Also A Dj can Provide more energy for the room.

Negatives of a dj: It would be more expensive than ipod/iphone or musical device

Remember the times in high school or college when one went to a get together. There were the times they were playing an iPod or stereo. It was pretty mellow and calm. Think of the times where a dj was involved, there was so much energy and gleefulness.

Basically if one wants to up the level of the event then a dj must be hired. But then again any ole dj will not suffice. Make sure one checks their reviews or if any of your friends have recommendations.  Again the event should be memorable, so with the right ingredients will make it one your guests will always talk about.

At the beautiful Club Autosport in San Jose, Black and White Affair Dj Services hooked up their system with the house system, Easily, you can  have sound run through out the whole establishment with only 2 15 inch speakers. It was nice to have all that power already built in the venue. At the venue, patrons have the option to have a stage or not. There is a huge big screen located on the premise to show slideshows or videos.

Prom goers were dancing to their favorite tunes while being next to classic cars that they took selfies with.