Many DJ's, including myself, accept requests from the crowd. I have been DJing events for over 25 years and I have a few suggestions for those that wanna request music and hire a DJ. I'll list them in numerical order, but not necessarily in order of importance. The list may be updated if I find I've left something out.
Don't wait until the last 10 seconds of the current song to request YOUR song. Wait until the next song has started. It gives the DJ a chance to find your song and concentrate on your request while still allowing the DJ to smoothly mix songs for the event.
Try to read your audience. If the dance floor is filled with people cutting a rug to The Osmond's greatest hits, Slayer is probably not the band to request a "next song" to.
ALL DJ's fear a guest approaching the DJ booth with their phone out. It almost always means, to us, that it's a rare song that only that guest likes and wouldn't fit into the vibe in the room. Just come prepared and tell us whatcha wanna hear and 99% of the time, we'll oblige and you'll be happier.
Limit your requests. 2, or even 3 requests is acceptable. But one person trying to control the mood and vibe of the event, leaving the DJ to be a jukebox, is annoying. If you request a song and it gets the crowd excited and dancing, leave it to the DJ to keep that rollin' with their knowledge of music. A good DJ will be able to keep the tempo without multiple requests.
Tipping a DJ is always appreciated. Wedding DJ's work hard to make your night memorable and fun. If you got what you wanted and have no complaints, give the DJ some monetary love.
Don't get mad if you don't get your request. Sometimes the DJ has a buncha requests before yours and sometimes your request isn't in our playlists.
Keep your drinks and food FAR away from the DJ's equipment! A spilled beer on an electronic device spells disaster! Usually the DJ contract has a clause that if a guest destroys your equipment, the contract signer is responsible for repairs or replacements. Don't put your friends and family members in that position.
DJ's know that events they work are usually social engagements, but socializing with the DJ is not recommended WHILE the DJ is working. DJ's need to concentrate on cues, format and the music. Think if you're working (wherever that is) and people wanting to talk to you while you're trying to be productive, it really slows everything down.
If your venue has a balcony or a second floor overlooking the crowd, DO NOT set the DJ up there for a wedding or charity event. A DJ needs to see their guests and play music accordingly. Club DJ's are good over a crowd because they only play what they play. Requests are not a thing and everyone at a club is prepared for a club atmosphere. Grandma and Grandpa are not ready for a rave. A good wedding DJ should be an active part of the party's vibe and that can't be successfully achieved if the DJ is stationed away from the group.
Never touch the DJ's equipment. This one sound obvious, but as a seasoned professional, let me tell you, this NEEDS to be said. All the flashing lights and whirring turntables seems almost irresistible to play with, but it's a definite no-no.
Don't request music you're not going to engage with. If you just want to hear a song and sit down and talk with friends, it doesn't help the atmosphere of the event.
Always dance when the bride and groom are dancing. It's a sign of respect and it's a lotta fun. Never leave the guests of honor to dance alone...unless it's their first dance as a married couple of course.
DJ's usually carry a large selection of music but that doesn't mean the KNOW all that music. Saying "Play anything by Kesha" is a bad move. If the DJ has Kesha music and isn't familiar with it, it's almost inevitable the ill advised request cracks the mood and kills the dance floor with an unfamiliar tune. Always tell your DJ the name of the song and artist you want to hear.
Have fun. A DJ is not a jukebox, they're there to entertain and enhance the evening. A good DJ will keep the mood elevated and the participants happy without constant input.
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