My last wedding...

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For the last several years, I've always had a wedding on the books. I have been slowly raising my prices to a point where the phone stops ringing. Last night was my last scheduled event. Yeah, I hate weddings.

Here's how it went: This was a very upscale resort about 35 minutes from my house. While entering the parking lot, I hit a surprise speed bump. I opened my trailer and discovered some stuff on the floor (from hitting the speed bump). I had to "hump" my gear up a small elevator, while leaving my trailer unsecured a great distance from the dance floor. No problem, but it caused me some concern. I really hate weddings.

The room was all mine while the wedding took place in another room upstairs. It was a small wedding... about 80 guests. Right at the beginning of the evening, small kids were running all over the dance floor, and one kid kept coming up asking for songs (I take requests). I got the impression that one of his parents kept telling him to ask for a certain song... most the time he couldn't pronounce the song correctly. Geez, I hate weddings.

I kept playing his requests (which I assume prompted more, without a "tip"). Then I get a request for "pussy control" and I'm told the bride approved the song. No way... I ask her, and she says wait until midnight. Well, I'm suppose to leave at midnight, so I shrug it off. I hate this.

At one point, I talk to the bartender while getting a Coke, and she tells me that she's NEVER seen a better DJ, and asks for my card. Maybe if I didn't hate weddings so much, I'd have been even better. Up to this point, nothing spectacular has taken place. Not many dancers. Then I get into the hip hop set and fill up the dance floor (about 11PM).

Then, without warning, the bride and groom leave. I never saw them again... no "goodbye", or "good job". No tip... no nothin'. I shut down at about 12:15, and within a minute, the room clears out. I hate when they end like this.

I pack up my gear and head for the elevator. The door opens and it's full of garbage cans. So I wait. I eventually get one load down to my trailer (have to leave it unattended again while I go up for the other load). This time the food service is using the elevator, and has it full again. DAMN, I hate that!

I eventually get all of my gear packed in the trailer and discover that my route out of this place is blocked off with a chain. I finally get out and head for home. As I'm backing down my driveway, my "timer" shuts off, and all my outside lights go off. I can't see to back up any further. I'm pissed... It was an 8 hour day. I HATE WEDDINGS!

Nothing too spectacular, but I'm so damn tired of weddings. I'll take the club route any time. No humping gear, and I'm in five minutes before I start, and out before the customers know the music has stopped.

Anyway, I sign on to ODJT and discover that there hasn't been much activity since my last "sign on". I post one or two comments and go to bed. Can't sleep, 'cause my wife is down in the cities to see her kids this weekend, and my dog is taking up the whole bed. I get up a few hours later and log on again. Only two posts since my last log in. Damn!

Wait, the phone just rang... someone wants a wedding at my new "full price"... gotta go! :sqrolleyes:
 
So Tyrone, I guess I would be way out of line to assume that you don't like working weddings?
 
I'm with you Tyrone.....You have just stated why I do not do weddings. Even if your comments were......"tongue in cheek"....

I don't need the kids running around...(the second wedding I did some little kid busted my wireless receiver). The requests for the inappropriate music......numerous just got tired of saying no........

It's also too competitive, to many DJ's doing weddings in my area, very few doing 50th wedding anniversary parties, all the fun of a wedding without the inappropriate music and all the kiddies running around.............Yes..!!!!
 
You guys are too funny.

I love working weddings.

I think every DJ has their preference what kind of gig is their favorite.
 
I agree, I think my age may have a little bit to do with it too..........I can assure you if I was younger I wouldn't feel this way......

That and having to buy all the current/new music...can be costly.....
 
I love an all out party and fortunately we in Canada seem to know how to make even a Wedding a throwdown for around atleast 4 hours. Yes there is much more work involved pre game ( I also love the detailed portion). Next week Im doing a Double Surprise 30th Birthday party. Did I mention I love DJing parties (any of them) ? Paying me to party is a no brainer. Even when going to Vegas for a convention though Im paying I wont resist the party. We are all allowed to do it how we do it cause guess what its our business. Unless of course we work for a multi.
 
Jon Tuck said:
I love an all out party and fortunately we in Canada seem to know how to make even a Wedding a throwdown for around atleast 4 hours. Yes there is much more work involved pre game ( I also love the detailed portion). Next week Im doing a Double Surprise 30th Birthday party. Did I mention I love DJing parties (any of them) ? Paying me to party is a no brainer. Even when going to Vegas for a convention though Im paying I wont resist the party. We are all allowed to do it how we do it cause guess what its our business. Unless of course we work for a multi.
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I love a party........that's why I started up as a DJ......I guess I don't like all the pre-wedding work involved, and the need to have current music...Hip-Hop.....Rap, R&B....

I admire those who do the weddings........you earn your money........

My anniversary parties, birthday parties usually involve just one client meeting, and I have more freedom on the play list.:sqbiggrin:
 
Ah... I hear ya there, my friend. Loud and clear.

Some wedding parties can be a royal PITA for vendors. I didn't mind the ball-bustin' loads when I was younger but it's not as fun as it once was. Heck, you're half beat by the time the show starts. Give me the ol' VFW and Moose hall dances any day.

Although we don't hate doing weddings there are easier ways to make a living. My main beef with weddings has alwys been the fickleness of music requirements. Sometimes it seems to change every time ya chat with the bride.

All them pups... you got that right. What is it about a wedding party that turns 'em all into miniature NASCAR drivers? All the sugary food and drink perhaps? Gosh, the little ones were better behaved at the campground dances.

Don't ya hate it when the B&G disappear? Man, that stuff just irritates me to no end. The least they could do is say they're leaving.
 
I'm with Carolyn -- I love weddings :)

To me, they were easy money!

No extra work, as they are basically all the same. Put your mind/mouth in wedding mode, and it can run all by itself without any intervention from the good part of the brain.

My main beef with weddings has alwys been the fickleness of music requirements. Sometimes it seems to change every time ya chat with the bride.
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That's why I never paid it any mind -- I play what I play. They hired an entertainer, not a slave :sqbiggrin: :sqwink:
 
I guess it makes sense that the younger DJ's will not have as much of a problem with weddings...it's a peer group thing..........their peers are getting married, same music, and again same generation, makes it easier than what us old guys go through.........
 
Thanks, Jim.

Maybe it's a regional thing? When I lived in VA, doing wedding parties was a cinch. Even for the upscale ones, you had a large group of folks who all knew each other and were fun to work with. Young, old and in between, people danced and had a great time. I honestly had to watch my programming so's I didn't wear 'em out too soon.

And guests didn't just up and walk out when you played a song they didn't care for. They'd request something they liked. Guests were there for the duration ~ ya couldn't push 'em out the door. :)

Here in DE it's been more of a challenge to connect with the guests for some reason. True, when you're looking at the over 40s it's easy to play music they like. But some of these folks in their 20 and 30s... man, I've got no clue. :dontknow:

Part of the difference (I think) is that DE is a destination for folks who are moving away from the high cost areas of NJ, PA and NY. Gosh, I've played more Frankie Sinatra tunes here in the last seven years than I did the whole time I lived in VA. Country music doesn't carry much weight with guests who are from out of state.

If given a choice between a wedding reception and a birthday party, NYE show or anniversary party for our peers, we'll take the party. :)
 
Fred Stewart said:
Thanks, Jim.

Maybe it's a regional thing? When I lived in VA, doing wedding parties was a cinch. Even for the upscale ones, you had a large group of folks who all knew each other and were fun to work with. Young, old and in between, people danced and had a great time. I honestly had to watch my programming so's I didn't wear 'em out too soon.

And guests didn't just up and walk out when you played a song they didn't care for. They'd request something they liked. Guests were there for the duration ~ ya couldn't push 'em out the door. :)

Here in DE it's been more of a challenge to connect with the guests for some reason. True, when you're looking at the over 40s it's easy to play music they like. But some of these folks in their 20 and 30s... man, I've got no clue. :dontknow:

Part of the difference (I think) is that DE is a destination for folks who are moving away from the high cost areas of NJ, PA and NY. Gosh, I've played more Frankie Sinatra tunes here in the last seven years than I did the whole time I lived in VA. Country music doesn't carry much weight with guests who are from out of state.

If given a choice between a wedding reception and a birthday party, NYE show or anniversary party for our peers, we'll take the party. :)
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What He said !!!..................:eek:ccasion14:
 
I know I have not been DJing as long as most of you but I love the wedding scene. I have such a desire to be the best in my area that I can almost test it. I found something that I feel God has given me a talent for and after 46 years of life I feel I have found my true JOB. I had the groom last nite kept pointing at me and saying you are the man lol. It was a great time for all. Though I did get my share of do you have any music in the 2000 year era.

Thats ok I got back at them I had them dripping sweat on the dance floor and said so you guys wondered if I had anything from this decade aye. Well how you like me know :sqeek:. They all screamed and had to go out side once in awhile to cool off. For me Grey I love hip hop so keeping up on the new stuff is easy for me and I love the younger ones doughting me and then kicking there ass. :sqwink: Here are a few pics of last nite. The last song was a song called heaven by bryan adams the acoustic version. It was fantastic for a last song. About 5 people not including the bride where crying and swaying I loved it. I just feel the power that music can have over people and there emotions and I just want there event to shine in there hearts for the rest of there lives and for all around.
 

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Again you can get this song on Itunes its Bryan Adams song Heaven the MTV unplugged version. If you have never heard it or want a beautiful last song or just a great slow song get this now. There is a part where there is a flute playing that just takes this song and makes it even better. Get the song and play it while looking at this picture of there last dance and you can see how well it would work. In the picture the bride is weeping.
 
Jim speak for your self LOL

some of us old guys and now Dave claiming the love for these events and his similiar thinking about upkeep with the newest of new music I couldnt have described it any better nextgen.:sqcool:
DJ Gray said:
I guess it makes sense that the younger DJ's will not have as much of a problem with weddings...it's a peer group thing..........their peers are getting married, same music, and again same generation, makes it easier than what us old guys go through.........
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I too love weddings, most are hits, I do admit that some are the kind you whish you never did.

But those that work, Oh boy! you can have up 100 people at the end begin for one more song because they're having the time of their life.

I did a wedding about 2 weeks ago, it started to be a 7 hour wedding about 400 people, all the club style works (Live Camera, Ambience graphics, a bunch of stuff)
The groom kept on coming to pay me for overtime, this went on for about 2 hours and ended up as a 9 hour wedding.
 
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