At your wedding, the music can really set the mood and create a lasting impression on your guests. It can also create a backdrop to express the personality and tastes of the couple getting married! Here is a wonderful conversation I had with Steve of Good Note DJs, who has extensive experience and knowledge in the DJ’ing world of weddings!
How did you get into DJ’ing for weddings, and why do you particularly like weddings?
I’d long been involved with music part-time, hosting a weekly radio show and writing for musical publications while holding down a typical Washington 9-5 white-collar job. Around 1997, I became determined to utilize my expertise and passion for music in a full-time business.
When I started as a mobile DJ in 1997, I took any type of DJ job I could get. But I soon decided to specialize in weddings, so I focused on learning everything I needed to know to do them right, and today they constitute 90% of my business. I love weddings for many reasons. They’re joyous events where I not only play music but help plan and create long-lasting memories.
As a wedding DJ, what skills, personality traits, and unique touches allow you to be successful and stand out among other DJs?
A great wedding DJ must offer the widest possible range of music, all styles and eras, so that everyone from the bridesmaids to the grandmothers have a chance to dance. He must not just have the music, but know the music. I do.
A great wedding DJ has to know how to deal with people, not just with audio gear. No matter how good the music, a wedding DJ hasn’t done his job if he hasn’t treated the guests professionally, coordinated closely and collaboratively with the other vendors, and developed an excellent relationship with the bride and groom. I take this part of my job very seriously.
A great wedding DJ must have the commitment to personalize the wedding for each bride and grooms – and the creativity to accomplish this. No McWeddings! I work with my wedding clients to incorporate many unique moments. Instead of just introducing the wedding party as “Bridesmaid Mary Jones escorted by Groomsman John Doe,” I can state some personal information about each bridesmaid and groomsman, so the guests understand and feel the bride and groom’s connection with these special people.
Instead of just playing the “same ol’ same old” during the cocktail hour, I can produce cocktail mixes that reflect the bride and groom’s unique music tastes – or that tie in with their wedding theme or their honeymoon. Instead of just ending the evening with a last song, I can help orchestrate a last dance with a touch of flair. Those are just some examples!
Photos by Love Life Images, Inc.
What should a couple look for when searching for the perfect DJ for their wedding?
An excellent question. Most wedding couples have never hired a DJ before, so they are not sure how to go about it. I could go on at great length about this, but for brevity’s sake I will just mention here a few things many couples do not think about.
Look for a wedding DJ who matches your style and musical tastes. Meet your prospective DJ in person. See if you “click.” Decide if you would be comfortable with that person serving as your spokesperson, your Master of Ceremonies, for your special day. If you have strong musical preferences, discuss them; make sure your DJ has the musical tools to do your job.
Insist on a DJ who combines know-how with flexibility. You do not want a DJ who is arrogant and insists on telling you what to do and what to play. On the other hand, you do not want a DJ who is too meek and so accommodating that he is, in effect, asking you to do his planning for him. Find a DJ who seeks your input but who shares with you his sage advice.
Ask to see the DJ’s wedding reception checklist. If a DJ does not have a detailed checklist of all the things he does at each reception, he might be winging it on your wedding day.
Ask to see the planning kit the DJ provides his clients. Does he offer written guidance about when to schedule and how to stage your special moments like first dance, toasts, and cake-cutting? Does he provide you musical suggestions and sample playlists? Does he solicit from you the information he will need to help him personalize your wedding?
Ask to see an actual photo of the DJ’s equipment set-up, to make sure he presents a neat and clean appearance – not a bunch of beat-up old speakers and cables and wires going every which way!
Finally, look for a DJ with extensive wedding experience. By extensive, I would say at least a few hundred weddings. Weddings are not nightclubs or kids’ parties. Believe me, 8 or 10 years ago, I did not know half the things I know now! Do not hire someone who is still learning how to avoid mistakes. Hire a pilot who not only knows how to fly, but knows how to land the plane, safely, and smoothly, every time, no matter the circumstances.
What are your favorite kinds of music to play?
When working as a professional DJ, my favorite music is whatever music gets the best response at each particular event. I love it when I literally hear squeals and shouts of delight from the crowd as they hear the opening bars of a tune.
And lastly… A few song superlatives based on Steve’s experience as a wedding DJ!
Overall most popular song for 2009: “I Gotta Feeling (Tonight Is Gonna Be a Good Night)” by the Black Eyed Peas
Some alternative, contemporary options for the bride and groom’s first dance: “1,2, 3, 4″ by the Plain White T’s; “Be Mine” by David Gray; ”Better Together” by Jack Johnson; ”The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson; ”Everlong” (the acoustic version) by Foo Fighters; ”Sideways” by Citizen Cope; ”I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz; ”The Luckiest” by Ben Folds; ”You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne.
My personal favorite first dance song that no one ever chooses: “Open Window (The Wedding Song)” by Sarah Harmer:
Artists most likely to get guests of all ages on the dance floor: Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Michael Jackson
Thank you very much Steve! It was a pleasure speaking with you! Please be sure to check out his blog. For more information, call (301-270-8520 or 202-213-1977) or email Steve at steve@goodnote.com.
