HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING DJ BY DIGITAL DAVE
Digital Dave is a world-renowned performer and entertainer based in Pittsburg. In addition to being the in-house DJ for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he is also the resident DJ of Cabo. He has traveled the country with me, performing for noteworthy clients such as Jessica Lombardi and Switch Founder and CEO Rob Roy, The Knot, and Realty One.
The art of being a Wedding DJ has greatly evolved over the past 20 years. Prior to 2000, there weren't vast differences between most DJs or DJ companies. Most DJs owned comparable sound and lighting systems, had comparable music catalogs, had a similar performance style, and were, for the most part, in the same ballpark with regard to pricing. Fast forward to 2020, and you can find wedding DJs ranging in price from $500 to in excess of $10,000, some of whom focus primarily on DJing, some of whom focus on MCing, and some of whom have productions that will rival a small concert venue. Selecting the right DJ can seem intimidating when you think about the diverse range of styles, pricing, and services offered. Unfortunately, many planners don't dive deep into the process of helping their couple select a DJ nearly as much as they should. DJs are frequently among the last vendors booked for weddings, even though a DJ's contribution to the reception's success is so significant. According to a recent survey on Brides.com, newlyweds ranked "DJ/band" third in importance in what "actually made their wedding truly unforgettable" behind only their venue and photographer. Have you ever been to a wedding where the dance floor was overflowing the entire night? Have you ever been to a wedding where the dance floor was empty most of the night? My guess is that you've probably experienced both, and those experiences alone should reinforce the importance of helping your clients select the right DJ for their wedding.
The reason I say "the right DJ" and not "a great DJ" is because in 2024, DJing styles vary drastically from DJs who are on the mic out on the dance floor most of the night to DJs who are of a high caliber nightclub style that creatively mix songs to everything in between. Some DJs play the "shoe game" or set up the "tunnel of love" - not remotely my style. Some teach line dances, while others hate them. Some DJs have enough gear to set up for a 3,000-person concert, while others travel light. I know successful DJs that play mostly cheesy "wedding music" and others who can cut a new Drake song into the mix in a way that is unexpected and fresh. That's me. I'm the guy who isn't afraid to cut an old song with a new one because I know it will invigorate the crowd. The point is that all of these DJs, the one with a half-million dollars in gear, the one who plays the "shoe game," and the nightclub-style DJs that all may have all 5-star reviews on The Knot or Weddingwire. They all may be great DJs in their own right, but that doesn't mean they are the right DJ for you.
Whether you are a planner helping to guide your clients towards a DJ for the evening or a couple booking directly, it is essential to do your homework. You need to know that your DJ understands your vision for the reception and can play to it. To help you deep-dive into the many different types of DJs that exist, I will highlight some critical stylistic differences while underscoring common traits that you should find in any DJ. There is no right or wrong in most stylistic areas, but there is a right or wrong style for each individual's wedding. I'm also going to explain my own methodologies to show how easy it should be for DJs to describe their style.
Mic Work/Interaction:
At most weddings, a part of the DJ's job is also to talk on the mic. Some DJs perform and also work the mic. Other companies offer a team service with one person acting as the DJ and one serving as a separate MC. There is no right way to do this, as long as you're confident that the person handling the MC duties is competent.
The variables when it comes to mic work are in tone/inflection and frequency. In terms of inflection, some DJs have a serious or professional tone while others are more light-hearted. Some DJs lean towards comedic delivery, some make every announcement in a stadium PA timbre, and others are more conversational. When it comes to frequency, you will choose between minimalists who speak very rarely, only making essential announcements and others who want to interact with the crowd. Some performers tell jokes, others want to play games or teach dancers, and some actually get into the crowd, coming onto the floor to sing and dance with the couple and their guests. Consider which you prefer. Do you want a light touch or heavy interaction? Are you a couple seeking a happy medium? Make sure that your DJ's tone and the frequency of their interaction match your couple's wants.
Take my style, for example. I consider myself middle of the road when it comes to inflection. I speak primarily from a conversational tone but will be a professional tone with an announcer feel during moments such as the grand entrance. Regarding frequency, I'm a minimalist and only believe in talking on the mic when necessary. Once the dancing begins, I hardly ever touch the mic unless it introduces a formality such as a bouquet toss that needs to be announced. I do not believe that talking, playing games, and teaching dances are appropriate in the luxury market. Ultimately, however, there is no right or wrong answer. Just be sure that the DJ's style is symbiotic with your desires.
Cocktail Hour/Dinner Music:
Different DJs have different approaches toward cocktail hour and dinner music. Some request a lot of input from their clients, while others have a standardized set they fall back on. I realize that many weddings have live entertainment for cocktail hour and/or dinner, but having a DJ play at one, if not events, has been a trend for several years now.
I do not believe in standard lists. Every couple is different and deserves to be treated as such, especially in the high-end market. Every detail must be curated at a luxury wedding, including the cocktail hour and dinner music. Thos hosting a six-figure wedding should not be "served" the same playlist that the DJ played during his or her last five weddings, whether during cocktail hour, dinner, or dancing. While interviewing DJs, confirm that they are open to your suggestions and that they have an understanding of the genres you love. For example, indie couples may want to hear from artists such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Couples with soul will lean more towards an artist such as Sam Cooke, or maybe the classic jazz stylist of Nina Simone. Those who lean toward the classics may prefer the big band sound of Sinatra or Bublé. Your prospective DJ doesn't need to have a massive library of each genre you want, but they need to know the basics and understand the context of the songs and artists.
When working with a couple, my process allows couples to select genres and specific songs for both the cocktail hour and during dinner service. Sometimes, this time frame isn't a priority for our clients. Instead of working with me on a full playlist, they select a few songs and trust hat I can fill in the rest. This is where musical knowledge and context become essential. If you opt to do this, understand that you trust your DJ to function as a real-life Pandora or Spotify. They must process your input and then read the crowd in real-time, updating the playlist based on the feedback.
Again, I will use myself as an example. While I am quite knowledgeable in most areas of music, I specialize in eras of neo-soul, soul, jazz, R&B, love songs, and big-band for cocktail hour and dinner service. I am also well-versed in post-2000 acoustic, indie, and deep house. Country music, however, is my weak point.
I love incorporating covers into dinner music. For the right client, I will include a Latin soul cover of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams" and a brass band cover of Outkast's "Spottieottiedopaliscious." A Paul Anka big-band cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is incredible. (Yes, you read that correctly. Paul Anka and Nirvana. It's a real thing - look it up!) These covers all offer a unique interpretation of a classic and can get heads bobbing and feet tapping. I cannot emphasize enough how frequently I get compliments about dinner music because there is no such thing as background music. Each song played is setting the stage for the next part of your night. Make sure your DJ treats each track as such.
Dancing Music:
The biggest focus for couples and planners is always the dance party at the reception. The days have long since passed where you could look at the "Top 200 Wedding Songs" and presume that almost any DJ's set would include 90% of that list. I have DJed a wide variety of weddings over the past ten years. Some were virtually all 90's music while others were very pop-punk heavy. I even DJed for couples that only wanted EDM and hip-hop music. I was initially nervous about how the older guests would respond to that playlist, but it ended up being one of the best receptions I have ever played.
Most couples value an approach of mixing it up and playing music from multiple genres and eras to ensure all of their guests enjoy themselves. Most DJs, including myself, share this mindset. As with all elements, however, there are other factors to consider.
1. Does the DJ mix music?
I know I said there's no overall right or wrong answer regarding a DJ's style, but this is one area where there is a right way to do things. In all circumstances, your DJ should mix (or blend) music. This is the art of transitioning from one song to another song. Mixing helps you maintain the tempo and keeps the beat continuously going instead of abruptly changing (or, worse, stopping) between songs. Stopping creates an awkward vibe and may cause guests to leave the dance floor.
In today's culture, your DJ must know how to mix. I most definitely mix, scratch, and blend. Be sure that your DJ knows how to do this as well.
2. Does the DJ have a demo mix that they can send you?
While wedding planning, you will undoubtedly have a menu tasting and a cake tasting. You will look at photos from your photographer and sit for engagement photos. You may even do a demo of your flowers, yet most couples book their DJ without so much as listening to a sample of their work. Do not rely solely on marketing and a sales pitch. DJs worth hiring should have mixes available that will allow you to sample their work and hear their style before booking. These sets may not identically mirror what a DJ would sound like the night of your client's wedding, but they can exemplify a DJ's mixing and programming style. You can also communicate which of a DJs mixes you like best, which instantly gives the performer an idea of where a client's tastes lie musically. Mixcloud is currently the most common platform in which DJs host their mixes.
For example, you can explore my mixes online. I have mixes ranging in style from Motown to 80's New Wave to current hip hop and everything in between. Visit mixcloud.com/djdigitaldave
3. Is a DJ's mixing style compatible with your client?
In recent years, there's been a movement in the DJ community called "quick mixing." Quick mixing, as you might be able to discern from the name, is mixing quickly from one song into the next, sometimes playing as little as a 20-second chorus of a track before transitioning to the next song. Some DJs do not quickly mix, playing a full 3 minutes of their songs. Some DJs frequently quick mix, while others try to employ a healthy balance between the two styles. This stylistic difference isn't a make-or-break decision for all couples. However, I have met couples who request one method over another over the years. So, while it may not be a deal-breaker for each individual couple, it's definitely an area worth exploring.
Personally, I favor the middle-of-the-road approach. I tend to play newer and more popular older songs a little longer, although I rarely play the entire song. With a 90's hip hop or alternative rock, I often do a quick mix. I also like to employ some advanced DJ techniques, such as wordplay, which is when the lyrics of one song relate to the next. An example of this would be playing Miley Cyrus' "Party In The U.S.A." and the lyrics "…and a Britney song was on" mixing into a Britney Spears track. This is a more advanced artistic skill that you won't discover among many DJs. However, if you find a DJ who's capable of advanced mixing techniques, it can add an additional level of "wow" to the evening's soundtrack.
4. Is your DJ programming style compatible with your style?
This is the area in which ensuring that a DJ's style aligns with your needs is of utmost importance. Sure, you can and most likely will request songs. It is the way that a DJ plays those requests that can make or break the night. This goes back to a DJ getting into a Pandora or Spotify mindset. Your artist must be educated enough to know that "if the couple or guests like songs x and y, then they will probably also like song z."
As with cocktail hour and dinner music, your DJ needs to have context for the genres that are preferred to play a great set. Ask a potential DJ what styles of music they are proficient in or if they have any favorite genres to play. Some DJs "checked out" musically in 2005. These DJs may still download and play newer songs, but they have no context for those songs or the emotion that a 28-year-old may tie to them. If your couple wants predominantly older music, that may not be an issue, but many couples today, later in the evening, want to hear a lot of their favorite songs from the past ten years. You want a DJ who is not only familiar with these songs but understands their impact. Follow the same steps you followed for cocktail hour and dinner music to ensure again that your DJ is knowledgeable about the genres your client wants to hear during dancing.
One final significant touchpoint that you must address when it comes to ensuring a DJ’s programming is simpatico with your palette is the level of "cheese" that a DJ brings into his or her sets. There are still working DJs out there that go to old-school cheesy wedding music such as "Celebration" and the "YMCA." Other DJs prefer the new school classics such as Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling" and Pharrell's "Happy." Finally, you have DJs (such as myself) who try to avoid the stereotypical wedding music as much as possible. This doesn't mean I'm playing obscure songs, it just means I'm playing songs that are a little more tasteful. Some of my go-to throwback artists include Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Hall & Oates. I like incorporating modern artists such as The Killers, Jay-Z, Drake, and Justin Timberlake. They are all iconic, recognizable artists, none of which would be considered cheesy.
I want to reemphasize that my proclivities are not meant in any way as a critique of DJs who aren't in my lane. I've always believed that the world would be sad if everyone's music tastes were the same. There are many couples out there that want to hear "I Gotta Feeling" or "Happy" maybe even more than want to hear "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" or "Mr. Brightside." I don't want anyone to agree with me. I only want people to be educated enough to find the right DJ for themselves. If you find a DJ you love but have a few special requests, definitely ask! My personal policy is that I will specifically play songs that are directly requested by the couple. And for the record, just because I tend to avoid traditional wedding music doesn't mean I won't drop the occasional "Shout" if the moment is right.
5. Can I incorporate live musicians?
The fusion of live music and DJs has been gaining popularity recently. From drummers to saxophonists and violinists, the concept of live music mixed with DJing has become increasingly visible at luxury weddings. The fusion concept is a great way to add uniqueness to your wedding, and it tends to have a broad appeal to guests of all ages. If you are interested in fusion, find a DJ who has musicians that he or she works with regularly. This will result in a more cohesive experience.
The right DJ has the power to fill your wedding with meaningful moments and a packed dance floor. I wish you the best of luck in finding the right wedding DJ and maybe discovering some great new music along the way. My best wishes to you, and keep dancing!
- Dave Lander
Owner, DJ Digital Dave LLC
Based out of Pittsburgh, PA, Digital Dave is a veteran DJ/MC specializing in luxury weddings, nightclubs & radio shows. Dave has made several national appearances on both Sirius XM & the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show and he is also the in-game DJ for the Pittsburgh Steelers. You can connect with him at dave@djdigitaldave.com or listen to his mixes at mixcloud.com/djdigitaldave.
