Are you one of those dj's who...

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
i try to not stand out as a typical fat guy who simply cant pass up a free buffet (and that boils down to my own psychosis and maybe not as much a professional requirement)....and continue to bring my own water so that no guest wonders if im attempting to get loaded on free booze after my 3rd trip for a diet coke...

Dude, stop worrying so much about what people think! You are working for a client. If the client allows you to get a drink of water, what's the problem.

Do you realize how absurd you sound? People, including me, aren't mad or upset, they just think that not eating or drinking at a wedding when you are invited to do so by the people who hired you is crazy. You HONESTLY think that people are judging you because you went to the buffet? Give humanity a break. They don't give a damn what you are eating or drinking. They just want you to make them dance.

Geesh!
 
  • Like
Reactions: djcrazychris
Dude, stop worrying so much about what people think! You are working for a client. If the client allows you to get a drink of water, what's the problem.

Do you realize how absurd you sound? People, including me, aren't mad or upset, they just think that not eating or drinking at a wedding when you are invited to do so by the people who hired you is crazy. You HONESTLY think that people are judging you because you went to the buffet? Give humanity a break. They don't give a damn what you are eating or drinking. They just want you to make them dance.

Geesh!


lol...

cc
 
definitely 2 schools of thought on this... some even angry...lol...love it...

Try raising this discussion in a photography forum. Those guys get majorly pissy about the food clauses in their contracts. I even had one event where the photographer got into a heated discussion with the caterer about it and kept telling her "It's in our contract that a hot meal is to be provided." I kept my mouth shut but was thinking, "Your contract isn't with the caterer, bright boy."
 
Try raising this discussion in a photography forum. Those guys get majorly pissy about the food clauses in their contracts. I even had one event where the photographer got into a heated discussion with the caterer about it and kept telling her "It's in our contract that a hot meal is to be provided." I kept my mouth shut but was thinking, "Your contract isn't with the caterer, bright boy."

When couples ask me about a meal, I tell them I don't require it but will graciously accept. I do recommend that they feed photographers. I know so many photographers that are with the couples 3 hours before the ceremony getting the "get ready" shots, and late into the night. Sometimes their day is super long.

I don't really love watching any wedding vendor act like an entitled brat... but I know why they deserve to be fed.

I could bring a sandwich with me, set up, and then eat 15 minutes before guests arrive with no problem. But the photographers don't have that luxury at most events.
 
Some days are pretty long and lots of travel up here so a meal is almost always included. I don't have anything in my contract about it it's just pretty much accepted practice up this way. One company I work with a lot feeds me right after the head table

Barring some extended performance duration (6 hours or more) or specific medical condition, eating isn't mandatory during the usual 4-5 hours of the performance. We eat before and/or after, typically together and for camaraderie and friendship, but never during as I know it creates a negative image that I elect not to present.

6 Hours?..Child's play my friend. With travel some days are 15 or more up here. This year my average event is about 10 including travel and setup/teardown

To preempt the usual cacophony of, "what about drinking?" foolishness, water and soft drinks, if offered, are appreciated but not necessary (we can provide our own hydration). Regarding alcoholic beverages, it is policy, that we share with clients, that we do not and will not drink ANY alcoholic beverages during the performance, unless we are charged with delivering a formal toast and then, to respect the tradition and honoree, only the toasting party is allowed to imbibe..

I've had that same policy for many years now I don't even drink alcohol at the toast straight Pepsi for me. I used to drink at events many many years ago...It was fun but as I got more serious about this that stopped. The one exception is midnight NYE I have a beer

I had a bride that wanted to take a shot of tequila with me once... I obliged. But otherwise would follow this policy as well. However, I rarely get asked about it from clients.

I did that once too...I'm not a big fan of Tequila but what the Bride wants the Bride gets ;)

One venue I play at frequently at closing time the bartender will pour straight whiskey shots for the few that are left working there he always includes me in the shots....Even brought in a bottle of Jack for when I'm there :)
 
... because I try to not stand out ...

You're not alone. There's often some insecurity behind any individual DJ with a "no eating" policy. (Not to be confused with a "no eating in front of guests policy - which is something different.)

Waiters and waitresses, etc. do eat at the event and the restaurants at which the work - they just do so out of view of patrons and that has more to do with their work attire and specific duty station. Its the same reason room cleaning and maids use service corridors/elevators in hotels and cruise ships to access the rooms rather than the main guest areas.

But, the DJ isn't wearing an apron, or a maids uniform. You are hosting. It's your job to be present and entertaining among the guests. You're also not a celebrity and it's unreasonable to think you have a room full of mean girls who are counting how many broccoli spears are on your plate, or how much diet coke you drink. They don't care and if they do - well, you need not.

Just follow the house rules and if they feed you - eat where and when they deem it most appropriate.
 
  • Like
Reactions: djcrazychris
...the photographer got into a heated discussion with the caterer about it and kept telling her "It's in our contract that a hot meal is to be provided." I kept my mouth shut but was thinking, "Your contract isn't with the caterer, bright boy."

Yes, but it is a professional courtesy to have this argument directly with the caterer rather than taking it to the client. If it was overlooked by the client the caterer can confirm their intention, and if it was overlooked by the caterer then they can correct their mistake without the client being disturbed about it.
 
I've had it, first hand from a MOB. Some people get really pissy about it, especially if you're piling your plate high.

It comes down to the role you are playing as DJ. Not every event places the DJ s in the role of host. At a family style buffett it would be more appropriate to wait for an invitation than to assume a role not everyone will perceive you to have. Then it would in fact, look better to go back for seconds than to pile it high with food that may not get eaten.
 
You been here four hour! RIP.

"I tell you what man...talkin bout ol john candy and john belushi...a knife and fork dug their grave man..."

John Belushi and John Candy were both big guys, but drugs ultimately did Belushi in and John Candy refused to change his diet and to stop smoking.

But both were tragic and senseless losses.

Every time I saw John Pinette in concert (always got a meet and greet afterwards), he got bigger and bigger! Damn shame.

But a pulmonary embolism did him in...:cry:
 
  • Like
Reactions: djcrazychris
Yes, but it is a professional courtesy to have this argument directly with the caterer rather than taking it to the client. If it was overlooked by the client the caterer can confirm their intention, and if it was overlooked by the caterer then they can correct their mistake without the client being disturbed about it.

That's why these conversations need to be had ahead of time. At the event, it's too late.

Put it in your planning notes to go over this with the couple at your final meeting. In 27 years, never a problem.
 
Some days are pretty long and lots of travel up here so a meal is almost always included. I don't have anything in my contract about it it's just pretty much accepted practice up this way. One company I work with a lot feeds me right after the head table

6 Hours?..Child's play my friend. With travel some days are 15 or more up here. This year my average event is about 10 including travel and setup/teardown
I specifically referred to performance (MCing, mixing, reading the crowd, managing and facilitating expeted events...) duration.

For my practices, strike & travel are not counted in that component.

Our professed practice is to eat, if necessary or desired, before and/or after the event but most definitely not after the GUESTS arrive nor during the contracted performance time.

But I suppose the Bobbing Muppets will find some insecurity or weakness in that professional, simply and easy to implement practice.

Ms. Piggy was a Muppet, right?

Was Mr. Piggy a Muppet deeeeeejay?
 
  • Like
Reactions: djcrazychris
But I suppose the Bobbing Muppets will find some insecurity or weakness in that professional, simply and easy to implement practice.

In your case it's demeanor that implies insecurity.

Your practice is fine for you but, not your employees for whom most states in the U.S. prescribe by law what your practice may or may not have to say on the issue. If they are sub-contractors then they will also have their own say on the matter.
 
In your case it's demeanor that implies insecurity.

Your practice is fine for you but, not your employees for whom most states in the U.S. prescribe by law what your practice may or may not have to say on the issue. If they are sub-contractors then they will also have their own say on the matter.
Out of sand already...
 
  • Like
Reactions: djcrazychris
We typically pack our own meals and grab a bite to eat after setup and before guests arrive. On rare occasion we will eat event's food; usually it's a corporate event where we are informed ahead of time where we'll be sitting and that we're expected to eat. At weddings these days, we are usually fed and eat with guests, because we only do weddings for family/close friends these days so it's expected by both sides.

Most of our events are approx 5 hour setup, 4 hour event and 3 hour teardown. Longer if there is any program/social/etc. It's nice to grab a bite after setup or we're starving by the time we're done at 3am.
 
I specifically referred to performance (MCing, mixing, reading the crowd, managing and facilitating expeted events...) duration.

For my practices, strike & travel are not counted in that component.

Our professed practice is to eat, if necessary or desired, before and/or after the event but most definitely not after the GUESTS arrive nor during the contracted performance time.

But I suppose the Bobbing Muppets will find some insecurity or weakness in that professional, simply and easy to implement practice.

Ms. Piggy was a Muppet, right?

Was Mr. Piggy a Muppet deeeeeejay?

In many cases in my market there is nowhere to eat after an event...At least not in a 100 mile drive from the venue. In some locations there is nowhere before the event. I always have something on hand for hydration on the way home and for snacks but if offered I will certainly partake in a meal. It's an accepted practice here

I also don't base my standards on what a Louisiana Deeeeejayyyy does as I wouldn't expect him to base on me
 
In many cases in my market there is nowhere to eat after an event...At least not in a 100 mile drive from the venue. In some locations there is nowhere before the event. I always have something on hand for hydration on the way home and for snacks but if offered I will certainly partake in a meal. It's an accepted practice here

I also don't base my standards on what a Louisiana Deeeeejayyyy does as I wouldn't expect him to base on me

Same here. Not only are options limited or not available at all at 3am, but accessibility is an issue as well (Can't pull thru a drive thru with a 53' trailer). Even when we are fed at an event we have travelling snacks and a few gallons of drinking water along.