8 Reasons NOT to DJ Your Own Wedding | What You Need To Know

February 10, 2023

A few years ago I stepped into the DIY world and decided to build my daughter a “rain gutter bookshelf.” At the time, they were all over Pinterest. They were cheap, seemingly easy to make and super cute. Adorable reading nook here we come! My troubles began before I even got the supplies home because the gutters didn’t fit in my car–UGH! No biggie, I bought a hand saw (i.e. spent more money) and cut them down in the parking lot. Crisis averted…for now. After spending way more time and energy than Pinterest promised, my amazing bookshelf was reduced to décor because it definitely wasn’t very practical. It was flimsy and could barley hold 6 books at a time. 🙁

This was the first of many DIY fails for me. DIY projects can fail for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, the project is beyond the skill level of the person attempting it. Which is precisely why you should not DJ your own wedding!

Planning a wedding is a big undertaking and should not be taken lightly. DJing your own wedding can be tempting due to the savings involved, but it can also be a BIG MISTAKE. In this blog post, we’ll explore 8 Reasons NOT to DJ Your Own Wedding.

EQUIPMENT

A typical wedding setup consists of a laptop, a DJ controller, a set of speakers, a microphone, a mixer, lights and all the necessary cables and adapters to connect everything. Plus, backups in the event something fails. Renting the required equipment will cost you at least $800 for a two-day rental. You’ll definitely need the extra day to practice setting up the equipment before your big day. Any number of things can go wrong at any moment. For that reason alone, you should hire a professional wedding DJ. They know their equipment, so they know exactly where to start when troubleshooting an issue and you don’t have to worry about any unexpected problems. With the DIY option you may be simply stuck with no music at all if something goes wrong.

YOUR GUESTS WANT TO BE ENTERTAINED

The number one fear for many couples is having a lame reception. This is likely the biggest party you will ever plan so, why risk DIYing your wedding DJ? While you may love your playlist, will everyone else love it? When is the best time to play a line dance? Should you even include line dances? What will you do if the dance floor stays empty? An experienced wedding DJ will be able to ensure EVERYONE has an epic time celebrating your day.

Weddings are very unique events to DJ because of the wide range of age groups in attendance, variety of ethnicities and backgrounds and personal style of each couple. We generally cover multiple genres and decades of music all within 2-3 hours. That means, we can’t play every song in it’s entirety. If your guests are anything like me, they may only want to hear the first verse and chorus. How would you manage that with a playlist? A professional wedding DJ will mix throughout the night to give you and your guests a fun, engaging entertainment experience to reminisce about for years to come.

EVENT HOST/MC

One of the most important roles of a wedding DJ is Event Host/MC. There are a lot of moving parts to a wedding. Your DJ will manage the flow of your day and keep your guests informed about what’s happening next. Without speakers and a microphone, someone will either have to walk around corralling your guests like cattle or simply yelling. An experienced MC will provide clear concise instructions. They will coordinate with all your other vendors throughout the night, make changes on the fly, as needed, avoid awkward dead air and keep your day on schedule.

If you DJ your own wedding, who will make the announcements and introduction? As your MC, the DJ will introduce you and your wedding party and make announcements for all the key parts of your day such as your first dance, toasts, cake cutting etc. It goes far beyond simply following a timeline. We prepare your guests in advance for toasts by reminding them to top off their drinks. We make certain your photographer isn’t on a bathroom break for your bouquet toss or other memorable moments. Having an MC to make announcements ensures your family and friends don’t miss any part of your special day.

STRESS

Hiring a wedding DJ can be a great way to reduce stress while planning your big day. They can offer guidance on the best options for you, and provide support and assistance throughout the entire planning process. Your DJ will supply the music you want and ensure the sound system is properly set up and running smoothly. By relying on experienced professionals to handle the details, you can rest assured that your wedding will be well taken care of. Hiring an experienced DJ takes the burden off you and allows you to focus on the joy of your day.

SPECIAL SONGS

A professional DJ will seamlessly handle all your music cues and special songs from your ceremony to your last dance. Playing the right song at the right time is so important. Why put the stress of that on a family member or friend? Imagine the moment you have your first kiss as a married couple, get presented to your guests by the officiant, then…crickets. You are standing there awkwardly waiting for the music to start but your DIY DJ forgot to hit play. A wedding DJ knows how important each of these moments are to your day and will execute them flawlessly.

READING THE ROOM

Playing from a playlist there is no way to adjust to the vibe of the crowd. It’s important for a DJ to read the room to ensure the music is creating an enjoyable atmosphere. A good DJ will be able to gauge the energy level of the crowd and adjust their music selection accordingly.

bride and groom dancing with guests at wedding — Wes Shinn Photography

MUSIC REQUESTS

How will you handle music requests if DJing your own wedding? Will you have the discretion required to play the request at the appropriate time or not even play it at all? A professional DJ has years of experience managing requests from guests. Not every song requested will be a good fit for your day or the vibe at the moment. Playing the the wrong song could clear the dance floor and no one wants that.

EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM

An experienced wedding DJ has seen it all and is prepared for almost any situation. Drunk uncles, missing groomsmen, delayed schedules, you name it. You can expect the best equipment, superior MC and mixing skills, and extensive music knowledge. They will have an impeccable setup that is clean and elegant.

You need a professional DJ who will give you a premium experience. You deserve it and your loved ones will thank you for it. On top of being a master at their craft, a professional DJ should also have a business liability insurance policy in the unfortunate event of an accident. Some venues even require it. So, that’s one less thing on your plate to worry about if you hire a DJ.

wedding dj virginia beach — Rachael Reid Photography

CONCLUSION

Planning a wedding is a big task, and it can be tempting to try to save money by DJing it yourself. However, when it comes to the entertainment, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Not only will they have the expertise and experience to ensure the success of your wedding, but they will also have the necessary equipment and resources to make sure your wedding is one to remember. So, regardless of your guest count you need the support of an actual DJ.