Planning a magical, heart-felt, tear-jerking ceremony is only half the battle when it comes to planning your wedding day! The reception is equally (or more)  important!  We know that your family and friends are there to witness and celebrate your love, but you also want them to have an amazing time at the party, too! One big way to facilitate that is to hire an excellent DJ (hint, hint) for your reception!

And, when it comes to a truly memorable night, we know that the soundtrack of your party plays a crucial role! But, while it’s true that hiring a great DJ can make or break your big day, remember that, that partnership is a two-sided street.

To that end, it’s up to you to clearly communicate your wishes in advance with your DJ. Don’t make the mistake of just playing it by ear.

So, if you’re not sure where to start, or what you should address with your DJ, below are the five most crucial things you should tell them before your big day. That way they can get the party started and keep it going strong all throughout the evening!

How to Pronounce the Names of Honored Guests

First things first: Decide who is going to introduce your and the entire wedding party for your grand entrance. If you decide to go with the DJ for the announcements, definitely give them a phonetic spelling of the names of the entire wedding party, especially if there are any unusual or hard to pronounce names (first or last) in the mix. You could even send a voice recording to your DJ so they can hear it clearly before your reception.

Whether or Not You Expect them to Emcee

Aside from introductions, let your DJ know if you’re going to require them to be the Emcee for the evening. Maybe you can’t decide on an Emcee from amongst your friend and family groups, or maybe you just don’t have anyone that is willing/able to take on the role. Either way, we recommend that you don’t spring this on your DJ when they arrive to set-up for your wedding reception! And, if you do decide to ask your DJ to emcee, make sure you share your preferences! Are you comfortable being the center of attention? Are there topics/ people to steer clear of? You may also alert your DJ to any strained relationships between members of your bridal party or family, including divorces or other things that could cause awkwardness. That way they can use the utmost care and sensitivity while interacting with those folks and in making announcements at your reception!

What Songs You Want for Your Important Moments

You absolutely want to fill your DJ in on what songs you’ve been thinking of for the major moments! These include your wedding party introductions, your first dance, the parent and child dances,the  cake cutting, the bouquet and garter tosses (if you’re doing them), and the last song of the night! This is crucial to avoid disappointment on your big day! 

Timing is also critical, and not just in regards to the actual day-of timeline and what songs to play when. For example… will you and your partner dance the full five minutes of your first dance song or do you want your DJ to fade it out at the three-minute mark? 

The Context for Song Requests

As opposed to just a general list of songs you’d like to hear, it’s almost more important  to provide some context for those requests. So if, ‘Hot In Herre’ by Nelly was your high school anthem and is guaranteed to keep all your friends on the dance floor, let your DJ know! This way, your DJ can get a better sense of what other songs, artists, or genres that will work for your guests! 

A Solid “Do Not Play” List

Oftentimes, the list of off-limit songs can be even more important than your ‘must play’ list! Especially if the DJ is open to taking requests from guests, which is something else you and your DJ have to discuss before your wedding! 

While we do suggest that you leave room for requests (within reason), don’t hesitate to list anything you hate, is associated with bad experiences in your life, or reminds you or your new spouse of a past relationship! The DJ can simply tell guests requesting those particular songs that he doesn’t have them available, or that the bride and groom have designated those songs as off-limits! Also be sure to get specific about language (eg, dirty words) and the volume preferences/requirements of the venue or guests. However, as a rule, we find that it’s always best to avoid explicit lyrics and language at your wedding!