Weddings Style of DJ??

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C

Capital Disc Jockeys

New DJ
Nov 5, 2006
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Schenectady, NY
Surely, most of you have received this question; *Are you a low key DJ*

We get this most of the time. It's almost like a prerequesite. Personally, I ask then what type of DJ they are looking for.

They seem to think 175 people and they need a low key DJ. My opinion is this many people you need an interactive DJ. I would think the vibe of people makes a difference.
 
Tim in my experience it truly makes a difference in what the Bride and groom are looking for and honestly it has nothing to do with the number of guests.
 
I'd have to agree with Jon on that....

Many of the brides I deal with either don't care or don't think to ask.... but I get the feeling that once the ceremonial stuff is done they'd just as soon have ya fade into the background as to jump up and down showing them how to do the Cupid Shuffle....
 
Jon Tuck said:
Tim in my experience it truly makes a difference in what the Bride and groom are looking for and honestly it has nothing to do with the number of guests.
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I put in vibe and took out the number..

I guess my point of this thread was because of the meeting we had Saturday with a potential bride and groom. Now typically, the groom doesn't say a wrod in the meetings..This time, the bride barely spoke 2 words. The groom literally is the boss...

But when they mentioned 175 people and they want a low key DJ, I guess this is where we differed.
 
AlbanyAMS said:
I put in vibe and took out the number..

I guess my point of this thread was because of the meeting we had Saturday with a potential bride and groom. Now typically, the groom doesn't say a wrod in the meetings..This time, the bride barely spoke 2 words. The groom literally is the boss...

But when they mentioned 175 people and they want a low key DJ, I guess this is where we differed.
Click to expand...

Did you ask him what he ment by "Low Key".... ?

My definition of low key and his may be very different.... or the same.
 
in my arena low key means let the music do the talking which is my mainstay. I dont bring in blow up dolls anywho.......... I do however interact when the time is right for instance I did know my couple were doctors and used songs and special dances which enhanced this. I also knew from the toasts that one of the groomsmen and the Groom himself were somewhat prolific break dancers and I used that during the evening to connect with my crowd.
 
I do announcements and spend proper time on the mic but only when needed. No additional charge.
 
Much of the time, the majority of the guests share the opinions and tastes of the couple (or at least know what they're about). After all, who's wedding day is it?


AlbanyAMS said:
Define low key vs. highly interactive.
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Well, that sentence defines itself, but to elaborate...

(from my site)

"Working the last 18 years as a DJ, I have developed
a seasoned ability to read a crowd and a vast knowledge of
music which allow for a fun and danceable experience.

As an MC, I use the microphone sparingly & accordingly and
do not engage in any forced interaction, games or routines."


This is why "my" clients come to me.

There are entertainers for different types of clients, because "there are different types of clients". Some entertainers choose to be for "all types of clients". That's okay. It's just not my personal choice.

I promote the product I sell and there's no confusion.

:sqwink:
 
on a form I give the future bride and grooms this is on said form to let me know the type of interaction they need for thier wedding

YOUR DISC JOCKEY

What Should Be our Attire ____ Tuxedo ____ Suit/Shirt & Tie ____Casual


What Level of Interaction/Type Of Personality Should Be Displayed by Your Disc Jockey?

_______ Low Key: DJ is to remain in the background and let the music play the major role of the event.
No talking should be necessary.

_______ Moderate/Master Of Ceremonies: DJ should handle announcements as needed and display verbal interaction with the audience only if needed.
(This type of personality will simply let everybody know what is going on at any given time.)

_______ Other: please state the type needed _____________________________
Click to expand...
 
Tim - I think that a LOT of people say that they want a "low-key" DJ because they've experienced the guy who is totally "off the hook" and tries to make the day all about himself...

That's why I always ask my clients to tell me what they've seen other DJs do that they absolutely HATED. Often, the things they tell me are things that I would never do anyway. It's not so much that they want "low-key" as they DON'T want someone who is going to wear costumes, dance around like an idiot and scream into the mic... (Sound like anyone we know???)

As to the number of people being related to the need to be more interactive, it's been my experience that the more people there are, the easier it is to get them moving with just good music... (Of course, I'm just south of "over-the-top" myself...)
 
Yep. A costumed DJ Service...?? mmm...No further comment needed.

My personal style?? I've been called *conservative* *laid back* *non cheesy*...

I just give 'em what they want!

I have literally had great receptions with zero group dances where I felt like I did an aerobics workout for 3-4 hours!

I've had 45 people where they sounded like 100 ppl! And just the opposite where I've had 125 sound like a fu**ing morgue...
 
I pick my moments....If I hear something about the groomsmen during the speeches, i may use that that later. I had a bunch that supposedly were known for their carrousing in college. Apparently they thought they were quite the catch collectively.

during the dance portion, I brought all the groomsmen up and announced a special song for them; played "I'm too sexy"...Went over very well....

Generally though, I'm fairly low key.....
 
I think the best way to go is by the couple who is hiring you. Also, like has been mentioned before, listen to people throughout the night. One wedding we did, the groom never said much during the meetings, but at the reception we found out through a couple of the bridesmaids that the groom was a huge Jimmy Buffett fan. So for a slow dance, we played "Come Monday" and his face lit up (got some great pics from that slow dance as well).
 
AlbanyAMS said:
Yes, low key is to do the formalities and play the music. No games, contests, and general announcements if neccessary.
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I guess I'm not understanding your disconnect with these clients.

Why would this approach be "bad" for a party of 175 guests?
 
Wow - much opinions listed here.

My take is 'borrowed' or better yet, adopted from someone else in the area.

The style 'low key' is becoming watered down like 'elegant' and 'wedding specialist'.

So, like above, I ask if they have experienced any annoying DJs and of course they say yes. I then say, well, I don't do that - it's just not me.


Disclaimer: Several years ago I did the 180 opposite of what I do now. I was not comfortable in that role, just felt it was what folks wanted. Since I have dropped all essence of that shtick, my DJ life has never been better and booked more so than ever before.

Staying in the background and being 'invisible' yet approachable really works for me.
 
I have been asked about this on occasion. My reply is a line I stole... er, "borrowed" from Steve Miller some years back: "I can be as interactive as you wish. I can be quiet as a churchmouse if you that's what you prefer."

The question begs another, ie why do you ask? Often, they're asking because they were at a wedding party where the DJ did things they didn't like. It's all academic anyhow because different folks appreciate different strokes.

But I always attempt to let the B&G guide my style of performance. It's their wedding, after all. I know we're not likely to please every guest in the house. :)
 
Good thread...

I tend to be "low key" more at weddings than at other events. The client always dictates this, but I typically dont get too much mic time after the formal dances/portion of a wedding reception.

I have seen guys that are way beyond goofy in terms of how interactive they are.....at my nephew's wedding, the guy had all of his spin and pukes running, all night, had a shirt with bright red sequins on it, danced every single fast song, had a tambourine he beat on all night, and was in general, way over the top. My nephew's wife had hired him, and he was a friend of their family, so I would guess that was fine for their reception, and he may have been over the top with permission, so to speak. I played the music for my other nephew's reception, and didnt feel the need to do any of the craziness this other guy did, yet I interacted quite a bit on the mic, dancing, and such.
 
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