There is a certain type of DJ out there who, to speak plainly, is just too cool to DJ weddings. Now whether that’s because of that crazy Adam Sandler movie or the fact that weddings are generally a family affair, I don’t know. But what I do know is that being a wedding DJ presents newbies with a chance to improve their skill and more importantly get paid work.
Whatever you personally think of weddings, forget it. You don’t have to play every single request made from The Village People to Wayne Newton and you don’t have to rig a pricey light set up to impress the bride and groom. What you do need to know are these 5 tips to help you get started and keep going!
Weddings Are Big Business
Regardless of what you think about DJing weddings the fact is that weddings are big business, a business that booms even when the economy isn’t. This means that when those big clubs aren’t having as many large events that require DJs, you will still have a steady stream of work flowing in.
Forget that you scoff at the idea of playing ’The Hustle’ or ’The Chicken Dance’ and consider that when jobs aren’t plentiful there will always be plenty of weddings to DJ…for the right DJ.
If your goal is to make a career out of DJing then your business model should include weddings as a great way to keep your business alive.
You Will Get Better
One thing that new DJs rarely consider when they turn down gig after gig simply because it’s a wedding, is that wedding DJing is a great way to improve your skills. Sure you’ve spent hours in your room or basement mixing until you’ve programmed the perfect set, but none of that means anything until it’s been tested in front of a real world crowd.
Being a DJ at a wedding gives you plenty of practice at performing, being professional & personal, and most importantly engaging the crowd. Weddings allow you to test your skills on a very, very wide demographic. Whether it’s reluctant teenagers, elderly dancers or middle aged partygoers, weddings allow you to learn how to play to any crowd…and get paid while you improve.
DJ Runs The Show
If you really want to get a taste of what it will be like to have your very own successful business then look no further than being a wedding DJ. That’s right, as a wedding DJ you are expected to do a lot more than mix tunes.
It is your responsibility to introduce the bride & groom, the first dance, the bride’s dance with her father, prayers, toasts, bouquet toss and the garter toss just to name a few things. In addition to leading these wedding staples it will be up to you to keep the newlyweds on schedule so they get through every ritual before the time expires on the reception hall.
Weddings prepare you for the multi-tasking that is required of a business owner and successful DJ. You’ll have to juggle these tasks while you keep the party going, which means you have to find a way to do both and do them well.
Drum Up New Business
If none of my other reasons have convinced you that weddings are a lucrative and educational way to enter the DJ business, then consider that weddings are a great resource for new business.
The bride has bridesmaids who may be marching down the aisle very soon as well and if you do an amazing job she just might have one less thing to worry about as she plans. But it isn’t just other weddings you’ll get to gig; there will inevitably be other events that require music such as bar mitzvahs, quinceañeras, conferences, anniversary parties and just about any other celebration where music is essential.
This is why you’ll want to bring a big stack of cards with you to pass out and leave around so when everyone asks ”who’s your amazing DJ,” the answer will be within reach!
Quick On Your Toes
If your dream is to DJ at large venues with hundreds or thousands of people, then a wedding is the perfect place to get used to the quick pace of big city clubs. You’ll have to be prepared for equipment failure, drunk guests, too eager bridesmaids (or groomsmen), bridezillas and meandering toasts that get a little…uncomfortable.
Being a wedding DJ isn’t just sitting back and playing a bunch of outdated tunes. It’s about setting the scene for the happiest day of someone’s life. More importantly it is about juggling about a million different balls and making sure none of them hit the floor.
DJ at least a dozen weddings before you make up your mind about keeping weddings as a big part of your DJ business. You’ll see that in addition to making the night memorable for the bride and groom, you will grow your business and become a spectacular DJ.
All while getting paid. What could be better than that?
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Timely! Booked my first wedding in Sept. and 50th Anniversary. One thing would nice to hear, is how DJs actually make the intros. What do they say? All the books say to be yourself but don’t give examples of What and How to say it!