DJs are human and they make mistakes like everybody else. However, the ten biggest wedding DJ mistakes that I am going to list below should never be allowed to happen.

Biggest Wedding DJ Mistakes

No Back-Up Computer

It goes without saying that a DJ should have a backup for every piece of equipment. 

On that note, there are certain pieces of equipment that offer more flexibility than others if they malfunction. 

For example, if a DJ has a subwoofer that stops working, he or she may have enough bass from the main speakers to still produce a great performance. 

However, if a DJs computer malfunctions, and they don’t have a backup computer, the show is over. There is no way around it. 

Doesn’t Read The Crowd

One of the keys to getting people on the dance floor and keeping them on the floor is to read the crowd. 

Have you ever been at a wedding where the dance floor is PACKED, everyone is super pumped up and the DJ kills the fun by playing a slow song at the wrong time?

You may have also seen the opposite situation where nobody is dancing and the DJ continues to play the same genre of music that is not inspiring people to dance.

DJs that do this are not reading the crowd. 

I tell the DJs that I train, “If something is working, build on it.” If something is not working, switch things up until you aline yourself with the vibe that your crowd is looking for.”

Unnecessary Upcharges

I have no problem charging for my time, use of equipment and talent. 

I simply set an upfront price to cover all of the services needed for a successful DJ performance.

However, when I hear stories about DJs advertising at a super low price and then charge extra for set up time and equipment they need anyway, I think it’s pretty darn shady. 

Why charge extra for set up time? They have to set up.

Some charge extra for a wireless microphone when they have to have one. 

Some DJs will also increase their price just to provide some basic dance floor lighting when every DJ should have it and use it at every wedding anyway. 

In addition, I have had many clients tell me that they passed on hiring a particular DJ because of silly upcharges like this.

They simply didn’t feel comfortable with this approach to DJ pricing. 

Not Taking Song Requests

“Are you serious? “Some DJs don’t take song requests?”

Absolutely and there are many that don’t. This is a HUGE wedding DJ mistake that happens too often.

What better way to know what songs the people want to dance to, than to have them come up and flat out tell you?

When someone at a wedding asks to make a song request, I love it and I welcome it every opportunity. 

MUSIC IS TOO LOUD!!

Playing the music too loud is one of the most common wedding DJ mistakes out there.

Especially in the beginning of a wedding when the guests are trying to have a conversation during dinner.

There is a time to push the volume and there is a time to ease up. 

Some DJs actually think that by playing the music louder, it will encourage more people to dance. Just the opposite is true.

The people that need a little extra time to warm up to dance will simply leave if the music is too loud. 

Damaged or Malfunctioning Equipment

I understand that every DJ has a different amount of resources to purchase equipment.

However, if they are going to be charging a client, they owe it to them to use equipment that is reliable and in good working condition.

Furthermore, if there is one piece of equipment that you want to ask about, it’s the wireless microphone.

Make sure the DJ agrees to use a professional quality mic that won’t malfunction during your toasts and speeches.

A poor quality wireless microphones can cause a huge mess if it cuts in and out with unpleasant sounds of distortion and interference. 

Not Visiting The Wedding Venue In Advance

I have to say I’m at the point where I’ve DJ’d at almost every wedding venue in Southeastern Michigan.

I’m more than happy to meet the couple getting married at the venue in advance to take a look at the floor plan.

Many times when the couple knows that I’m very familiar with the venue, they prefer to have our DJ consultation over the phone to save time. 

However, I never advise a DJ to show up on the day of the wedding without being familiar with the venue’s layout and floor plan. 

Making a venue visit in advance will save them time on the wedding day searching for the right venue staff to ask questions like: “Where should I load in? Where do I park? Which ballroom are we in? Where should I set up my DJ equipment? Where is the ceremony space?

When setting up for a wedding, every minute counts and a wedding DJ should never assume everything will go as planned during the setup time.

Furthermore, the DJ will start to make “set up errors” that will compound if the DJ doesn’t know where they are or where they are going. 

Makes Jokes On The Microphone

I love talking to my clients about why a DJ should never make jokes during a wedding. 

I can honestly say, a lot of people like my sense of humor.

However, a wedding is not a place to make jokes on the microphone……ever!

The DJ does not know everyone in the crowd personally and the chances of them possibly offending someone with their jokes is very likely.

(one person offended is too many).

For example, I was at a wedding once as a guest where the DJ made a joke and it caused a huge moment of awkwardness. Everything got quiet and all the guests started looking at each other in disbelief as if to say “I can’t believe the DJ just said that.”

I always say, if a DJ wants to crack jokes to the public, then they should be a stand-up comedian and leave the wedding stage immediately. 

Does Not Interact With The Crowd

Wedding DJs are paid pretty darn well in my opinion. With that said, why should someone pay a DJ to just stand there and play music? 

Someone can easily hook up a computer to a speaker and set a playlist to play automatically if they just wanted to listen to their favorite tunes. 

In addition to being hired to play great music for dancing, the DJ must orchestrate all of the wedding events on the wedding timeline in an organized fashion. The client is also paying the DJ to provide their services as an emcee and professional entertainer. 

On the opposite note, I have seen DJs go too far the other way by overdoing it on the microphone as well. 

A great DJ will interact with the crowd in a way that is fun and engaging while not being overbearing. 

Doesn’t Keep Playlists Up To Date

I love a good classic dance tune. Almost everybody does! 

However, there will many moments during a wedding where you and your guests may want to hear the “latest and greatest” hip hop or pop jam. 

The DJ has gotta have these songs ready to go in advance! 

A DJ should update their playlists at least once a month with the newest popular dance hits because people WILL be asking to hear them.

Thank you for reading

“Wedding DJ Mistakes“

Wedding DJs

Photo Booths

Event Rentals

Check Us Out!