Should you give a DJ requests?
Should you give a DJ requests?
If it’s your event or wedding, yes you can give the DJ requests ahead of time (I recommend at least 2 weeks in advance). For cocktail hour/ dinner I recommend 5-10 requests and for dancing 5-10 requests.
Give your DJ an idea of what you like, genres of music, artists you like etc. This will give them a snapshot of what to prepare and expect. A good DJ will read the crowd in the moment and play what’s best for the party/ event. Trust your DJ and let them read the room.
If you’re of any particular nationality and it’s important to you on your wedding day to include that please let your DJ know. If it’s important for your family but it’s not something you particularly want to include, dinner is a great time to put slower music relatives like in different languages.
Cultural music for example a Tarantella for Italian people, or any traditional dances or performances for different cultures are often done at the beginning of the dancing portion of the evening. This makes the family happy as they sometimes leave earlier and the younger people stay longer.
This is why EDM or hip-hop is normally played a little later in the evening. The songs that please all ages are normally at the beginning of the evening. These songs vary depending on the wedding. Every wedding is unique which is why it’s important to meet with your DJ ahead of time or give them a list of what you like. Remember not to give too many songs because it’ll actually have the opposite effect, your DJ won’t know what you actually like.
In the same vain of Must-Play requests make sure you tell your DJ what NOT to play. Do Not Play songs are important so your DJ can be sure to avoid them throughout the evening. This can include any artists you don’t like for personal or musical reasons or if someone in the wedding is particularly triggered by a certain song. A couple once instructed me not to play a certain song because it reminded a guest of someone they recently lost and they wanted to make sure this remained a happy occasion.
If nothing comes to mind, don’t worry about it. Let your DJ do their job and expertise by reading the room and the crowd.
Should you give your DJ requests the day of or in the moment? Should guests request songs?
If you’re getting married and want to hear a song, go up to your DJ and tell them. If it’s a guest going up to the DJ, let your DJ know ahead of time to use their own discretion or not to accept requests. That’s up to you! You could even tell your DJ ahead of time not to play a guest request unless the bride or groom comes up with them for example.
As a DJ if a bride or groom comes up to me with a request, I play it as soon as I can. If a guest comes up to me with a request I will most likely play it unless it’s a random request that doesn’t fit with the vibe or genres the couple likes. If it’s on the “do not play” list, I won’t play it. That’s why it’s important to provide a list or let your DJ know general guidelines because guests do request songs.
Bookings and inquiries: info [at] yourgirlflav.com