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"Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." --Charlie Parker
In Part One of “An iPod wedding: should I or shouldn’t I?” I pointed out the reasons why using an iPod may or may not be a good choice for your wedding ceremony. Basically, the iPod doesn’t have an interface that lends itself to choreographed music changes and emergency adjustments, both of which help a lot if you’re planning a grand theatrical moment for the entrance of the bridal party (which many, but not all, people do.)
But what about the reception? If I don’t have to worry about all the things that can go wrong with a processional, shouldn’t I just use an mp3 player and save some money?
That depends. Professional DJs don't like the idea of an iPod wedding, but they don’t know you, your tastes, or what you have in mind. They also don’t want to see themselves out of a job. Times are tough and everyone is trying to save money; for some types of events, an iPod will work just fine....though the American Disc Jockey Association might burn me in effigy for saying so. Oh well. Get out the marshmallows.
One of the missions of professional organizations like the ADJA is to raise the standards and public image of DJs. That’s a good thing for both consumers and DJs--having publicly declared standards of competence and behavior, so people understand why it’s not such a bargain to hire a $50 “Craigslist Special” DJ who will break into your car to steal wedding gifts between sets.
However, the digital music revolution has permanently changed the way people think about music, including record industry products and, in this case, the necessity of DJs. My heart goes out to those DJs who are losing their ability to pay the bills, but no one is going to stem the rising technological tide. Even RIAA and its occasional huge court judgments against music pirates haven’t slowed down the digital revolution in music consumption one bit (and if they’d embraced file-sharing technology and its users at the beginning, they might be leading the digital music market instead of chasing after iTunes and its ilk.)
Okay, but isn’t a DJ is required for smooth handling of the reception, providing a dance mix and emceeing all the many events--first dances, father/bride dances, bouquet toss, cake cutting, etc.--in the affair’s timeline? Isn't it nigh onto culturally mandatory?
Well...many people think so. But not really. After budget and technical considerations, the choice of whether to have a DJ at a reception is a matter of taste--musical and otherwise.
One, as the age of brides and grooms skews older, I see fewer and fewer brides who really want to dance with their dad (or stepdad, or both dads, or no dad around, since with an older pair it’s more likely a parent is deceased) or drag themselves through all the other standard-issue reception activities. They'd really rather sit and eat with everyone else, and not be bothered.
Second, more and more couples are eschewing the commonplace reception timeline and playing subtle, uninterrupted music through their parties--yes, with their iPods, and for this purpose an iPod actually works just fine--and thinking up original reception activities because they’d rather not have the same well-worn party bromides forced on them by a cheesy guy in a bow tie--unfortunately for DJs, a stereotype right in there with the schmaltzy wedding singer and his bow tie.
The fact is, some events are better served by a soundscape, especially in more subdued locations like, say, a Japanese garden, an intimate inn, or a private home in a closely-packed residential neighborhood. That’s where an iPod with a decent stereo dock is all you need.
If you want to party loud, party hearty though--well, a laptop is far better than an iPod because you can program in crossfades and effects, but if you’re doing this for hours it gets dull because the crossfades all sound the same. If you’re taking breaks from the music for other activities (say, playing “Guitar Hero” against your groomsmen to see who wins the garter) it might work okay....or hey! you might want to pop for a DJ.
Bottom line: it all depends where you're partying, how long you’re going to be there, how loud you want to get, and whether or not you’re planning activities that require an emcee (or neato crossfades.) For centuries guests proposed toasts to bridal couples without having to be cued by a guy with a microphone. Maybe that’s your preference too, and far more traditional if you think about it--or maybe you just can't live without doing the Macarena at your nuptial celebration. Do the right thing for you and your wedding style.
Please don’t think I’m hating on DJs--I’m not. I’ve worked with some spectacularly wonderful and well-established ones, and they can make complicated events much easier (and for those they are a must.) However, everyone in the wedding sector is hustling these days and they say crisis is an opportunity to reflect and re-engineer, so here are a few crazy observations that might help DJs dealing with a tightening market:
One: To outdistance a pursuer, fly where they cannot follow. In any business where you have competition (and iPods) on your tail, you’ll get trounced if you’re offering the same old product as everyone else. What can you do that no one else can?
DJs often trot out standardized timelines for couples and then can’t see how lack of originality makes their services redundant--and will eventually make them obsolete. Yes, there are couples who want to do all the old timeline chestnuts, but you can build interest by offering creative alternatives that no one else does. Dig through a few bridal blogs or bulletin boards to find ideas, and be the first and only DJ on your block to offer fun and original options for clients who prefer not to garter-toss or money-dance (be sure these options are fun, though, and good-spirited--DJs who humiliate their clients won’t get brought back for the baby’s christening luncheon or the office Christmas party.)
Even if ninety percent of your client base wants the same old thing, they’ll still choose you over another DJ if you offer them innovative timelines during your initial pitch--a display of creativity will fend off doubts about your ability to keep the party interesting.
Two: if event dress-code allows, take every opportunity to ditch the bow tie. Some of the most in-demand event DJs here in L.A. are also club DJs, and their reception wardrobe is upscale, stylish, and modern--decidely not stuffy, and neither are their playlists. The hip demographic will listen to Sinatra if they have a nice icy cocktail in their hands though, so Mom and Dad (and Step-Dad) can still step out to the music too. Think about how to refresh your look as well as your equipment and music choices.
Three: Embrace the new technology, or get run over by this millennium’s horseless carriage. Whatever your preferred music format, you can still bring a laptop and let guests contribute to a special playlist beamed from their iPhones; no matter your age, you can learn a few scratch skills on a touch-control “turntable” like this one to spice up The Chicken Dance. Do some cool-hunting in the digital music technology blogs and develop nifty new capabilities that will set you apart from the rest of the crowd. You can find Open Source applications for your current technology if you don't want to blow lots of dough on new software/hardware.
Four (and this is a special request from me): Make ceremony audio as important as sounds for the party. It irks me no end that many DJs consider ceremony audio and music a secondary chore they agree to so they can book the reception gig. Additionally, few seem to have any respect for the work and expense that has gone into creating a beautiful aesthetic for the ceremony--flowers and all--only to visually muck it up by injecting clashing black equipment into the visuals.
So somebody please make my day (and a million dollars, guaranteed) by manufacturing, marketing, and distributing white and chrome sound systems for weddings! Every hotel in the world will have to buy one so it’ll be worth your while--I only want a couple percent off the gross sales for giving you the idea. You can retire; planners, officiants, and photographers internationally will thank you forever.
Even if you don’t want to spray-point your speakers white right now, you’ll up your interview appeal immensely if, after discussing playlists and preferences for the reception with your prospective couple, you’ll ask them to tell you about the ceremony look and audio needs. Be part of the aesthetic, don't undermine or overwhelm it. Tell the bride, “I want to make your vows sound as beautiful as you’re going to look.” Your phone will never stop ringing, trust me.
Okay, I’ve kvetched enough (or maybe not--where’s my white mic, like Streisand's, with a stand and speakers to match? Or better, my lavaliere with interchangeable clips and windscreens in all my wardrobe colors? Even Streisand doesn’t have those.)
I hope DJs--and all us wedding professionals--find our way through this economic darkness and meet abundant opportunities in the new digital landscape. That being said, we need to remember the meaning and importance of a wedding every time we work one, and keep that close to our hearts as we negotiate the changes in our world and our industry.
If some couples can’t afford our services or take their nuptials in a new direction, do not wish them ill. Every wedding day should have music in it, even if it’s just the tinkle of a few glasses mixed with the laughter of a small number of friends...and maybe an iPod. Or maybe a DJ. O maybe a real live bagpiper. They’re all part of the musical mix and, with a little thought, each will play their parts well (and no bagpiper jokes, please.)
Until next time, a sweet and melodious life to you all (and Happy Summer!)
National Wedding and Marriage Examiner Elizabeth Oakes welcomes your feedback at weddingexaminer@gmail.com; you can easily share this story or subscribe by clicking on the buttons at the top of this column, or read more of Elizabeth's stories by clicking here.
She's also happy to answer your questions about getting married in Los Angeles--check out her work and inquire about availability at MarriageToGo.Com.
Comments
Do you advise bridal couples, to ditch the dress and get married in their prom gown (hey they already bought it didn't they?)
Ditch the car, you can use dad's unfinished '68 Mustang convertible complete with rust.
Or hey ditch the photographers. Take your own and publish them on Facebook.
When it boils down to it the DJ for a wedding is often integral to the success of the reception and because of this is far more important that the type of Car you turn up in!!!
If you do use an IPOD be prepared for someone to have to babysit it, also you'll have to do a lot of preparation on the play-list. Requests? What requests!
People not dancing to the tune being played? Quick someone change it?
If your DJ is good enough, and to be honest I'm from the UK and don't get all that MC stuff, he'll have discussed the music with you to the extent that he'll know what you and just as importantly (if not more so) your guests like.
As a professional mobile DJ for 30 years and president of the Seattle Disc Jockey Association, here's a shocker: I AGREE with much of your rant!
For smaller, informal or daytime receptions which are more of a dinner social than a dance party, a laptop or iPod could suffice. In fact my DJ company rents sound gear for DIY brides' iPods or CDs.
But I also believe that a cheap "Craigslist special" DJ can do more harm than not having a DJ at all. Those are the DJs who usually play what they want, have inadequate gear, spread wires all over the front-and-center banquet table, and have no clue about programming music for a wide variety of ages. That requires talent, experience and a depth of knowledge of music from standards to hip hop, and knowing what to play and when to play it.
I've seen DIY weddings where 5 hours go by and no one "remembered" to do the toast, or first dance. A great DJ balances the formalities and the celebration and (as my clients will attest) is worth every pe
A Professional DJ will have several meetings (face to face) with the clients to ensure their wedding reception dreams come true. When you have a room off 100 to 500 people you have many different choices in music favorites. People like to dance to songs that they know and love. Can an ipod take requests? Can an ipod hold 10,000 to 50,000 songs? Can an ipod introduce the wedding party and the B&G? Can an ipod create special moments and memories for a lifetime? Can a B*Gs musical preference really please all 200 of their guests? Can an ipod keep the party guests excited and engaged in the day? Can an ipod be entertaining?
I take huge offense to your bashing of Craigslist DJ's. In both parts of your article, you pass them off as thieves, and paint the picture of someone playing music with one hand, and robbing your house or car with the other. While I'm not as cheap as the $50 per hour you mention, I'm close, and I'm a completely honest person. I advertise on Craigslist (and don't charge a whole heap) because I want to work for the people who want a nice reception, but may be unable to afford the high-priced guys (that was me years ago). Do the poor or economically-challenged not deserve to have that memorable special day?
While I agree that not every DJ you find on Craigslist are completely honest, you'll find that everywhere. Your continual bashing is insulting to those of us who are 1) trying to make a little extra money by DJ'ing; 2) enjoy what they do; and 3) not trying to force people to pay through the nose.
Next time, try not to profile.
As a professional mobile DJ, I understand that every bride/client has a unique need for their wedding day music. I try to filter out clients who may not need the comprehensive services that my company provides. Services such as lightscaping to enhance the mood of the reseption venue, illuminated monogram of the couples initials sharply projected on the center of the dancefloor, video montage of the couple set to music that defines their personalities, etc.
Contrary to popular opinion, not every bride is looking for a low budget wedding. There are still many brides who want their wedding day to be unforgetable and demand a wedding entertainment provider who pays attention to the smallest detail. These brides would never EVER trust an IPOD or a Craigslist DJ to deliver the services I have described.
For the record, I do not own any bow ties!
Thanks for all the comments, gentlemen!
I knew I was going to get it for the Craigslist thing, but please understand it was meant as a joke (though that being said, it is imperative to check the credentials and references of anyone you pay for wedding services--and Chris, as you've worked as a pro for some time, that puts you head-and-shoulders above many of the others out there hustling for work.) Sorry if you were offended--not my intent, and I apologize. Craigslist: GOOD.
As for the rest of you, I'd be interested in hearing what you're doing to update your services--not merely technologically, but innovations that make your DJness unique. Anyone?
As one of only 13 National Hall of Fame DJs and author of my own article on ipod weddings I have to say a lot of what you wrote is true, but as with any article it's easy to skew things one direction and mislead brides into thinking the ipod wedding is a replacement for the ture DJ professional when that is so far from the case.
Unless you are talking about an over-simplified cocktail party and not a full blown reception removing the DJ or band from the picture to save money is about the same as JUST having the guests use another novel innovation of the past 5 years, the disposable digital camera and dropping the $8000 photographer from the budget. Who knows better than family and friends what they want to keep memories of?
The drop in equipment prices and the affordability of music has brought out a ton of hack DJs. It does not matter if they are hiring from Craigslist or an association (anyone with a check can be a member of an association) Brides need to do their homework.
Thanks for the comment, Sid, and congrats on your Hall of Fame status.
I'm not attempting to "skew" brides away from the "true DJ professional"--I'd like to offer couples more choices, and good criteria for making those choices.
The fact is--at least here in the big city--more and more couples do not want a DJ running the reception (regardless of their budgets) because they don't enjoy being the center of attention, or feeling pressured to engage in photo-ops like first dances or bouquet tosses. Many people prefer what you call "an over-simplified cocktail party" (or other type of celebration) for this reason, and that is a valid choice for those who don't care for the "dinner and a show" style of DJ-hosted reception.
Also, as more couples are choosing morning weddings to offset costs, the Saturday-night dance party reception is becoming only one of many possibilities, not the default. My question is: what are DJs doing to adapt to the new marketplace?
Elizabeth, I can only call this one as "the tail wagging the dog". As someone who talks to hundreds of brides every year, I don't see any major move toward the "new marketplace" you speak of. (I'm in the "big city" of Seattle.) Perhaps in your home base of El Lay, home of nouveaux riche tofu-eating trend surfers - but how indicative is that of mainstream America? There's a reason traditions have become...well...traditional! Because a small contingent eschews them - perhaps even motivated by "I don't care what grandma wants, this is MY f'n wedding" selfishness - doesn't make for a "new marketplace". If there is one, someone should tell the nearly 100% of brides who call me wanting grand entrances, a dance with Dad and (gasp!) the Chicken Dance.
Now Dan don't get too hasty here. I can see this as a great way to shoehorn in extra timeslots for receptions venues that would normally have nothing booked. Think about it. These would be very short receptions because there would be no reason to stick around. The Bride and Groom does not want to be the center of attention and there is no entertainment so to speak.
From experience of working with vendors all these years this equals very few labor hours and a quick turnover of the room, (not having to wait for the DJ to pack up) that translates into huge profits if it catches on. Kind of like the venues that turn on the heat during the summer and claim the AC cannot keep up with the amount of people in the room.
There can be a morning reception, noon reception, afternoon reception, early evening reception and top it off with a evening recption. Giving venue 5 receptions instead of say the "traditional" 2-3 a day.
Think of it as a fastfood reception for brides. In out done.
Dan's point is well-taken; there are still a large number of brides who want conventional reception timelines, and that's all well and good--for now. However, there are two points Dan is missing: first off, L.A. and NYC are culture leaders (despite chronic tofu ingestion) and it is always prudent for businesses to keep an ear to the ground trend-wise, for obvious reasons.
More importantly, though: how long do you think "The Chicken Dance" or, for that matter, DJs-- have been "traditional"? Not long! The technology for "mobile entertainment" wasn't even developed until the rock-and-roll era...so maybe thirty, forty years....so how long do you think the "traditional" presence of a reception DJ will hold out, with the rapid changes in music and computer technology--or to Sid's point, with more venues installing their own user-operated sound systems? What are you doing to insure you'll still have a place at the table when the iPod generation weds over the next ten to twenty years?
I already commented on your previous post on this topic, but I wanted to reiterate the fact that professional wedding DJs are NOT losing business to iPods. Couples who understand and value the huge impact that music has on the success of a wedding will always hire a professional DJ or a band for their wedding. Those who do not understand the importance of their wedding entertainment will use an iPod or a laptop. These are the same people who would have previously used a "boombox" and burned mix CDs in the past. For couples interested in providing their own wedding music, the technology to do so has been available for over a decade.
Competent, professional disc jockeys have nothing to fear from changes in technology. iPods, iTunes, or some yet-to-be-released software program will never be able to replace the judgment and timing of an experienced, talented wedding DJ - it's that simple. Wedding planners haven't been rendered obsolete by an online "wedding checklist," have they?
I've worked many weddings where client-generated music has been a very successful choice (be it via iPod, laptop, or original compositions); I find Evan's demonizing of people who choose non-DJ options a little disturbing and unkind. Brides and grooms should not be swayed by this assertion that a DJ is mandatory to the success of a wedding; it's simply not true.
Also, I question statements like, "competent, professional disc jockeys have nothing to fear from changes in technology." Seeing as mobile electronic entertainment only became technologically possible about forty years ago--DJs are newcomers to wedding culture, especially compared to truly traditional elements such as feasting, musicians, flowers, vows and blessings, and officiants/clergy, which have endured through a thousand-plus years of cultural history--do you really think DJs are prudent to ignore the vulnerabilities posed by further technological changes? We'll see.
I own a DJ company in Philadelphia, and agree with much of what you are saying. Might I also point out that I get calls regularly from brides in regards to this, who only figure out last minute that they will need some sort of amplification system to ensure that their 75+ guests can hear their Ipod, and then go on to ask me about renting microphones for announcements. We can provide all of this, but keep in mind I have costs like liability insurance and workmans comp, and let's not forget labor of setting it up and later returning to break it down. When does it just make sense to hire the DJ to stay the whole time? Ipod weddings can be less expensive, but is the savings that big? Most brides who call me for this end up just booking a DJ.
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