Djing Your Own Wedding: A Good Idea?

If you're thinking about DJing your own wedding, you're not alone. Many couples opt to skip the DJ to save money, avoid cheesy DJ antics, and have more control over the music. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as having to work at your own wedding and dealing with technical difficulties.

- Equipment: You'll need more than just a phone and a speaker. Invest in or rent professional-quality amplification equipment, including speakers, a mixer, and a microphone.

- Playlists: Create multiple playlists for different parts of the day, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. Make sure your playlists are downloaded locally and are longer than you think you'll need to avoid repetition.

- Testing: Test your equipment and playlists at the venue beforehand to ensure everything works and sounds good.

- Backup Plan: Have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties. This could include charging all devices, bringing extra cords, and having a backup playlist on multiple devices.

- Music Captain: Assign someone to be in charge of the music on the day. This person can also safeguard your playlist from guests who want to take over.

- Announcements: Decide who will make any necessary announcements throughout the reception.

While DJing your own wedding can be a fun and budget-friendly option, it's important to consider the time and effort involved. If you're tight on time or want to fully enjoy your day without any added stress, hiring a professional DJ may be the better choice.

Equipment

The equipment you will need to DJ your own wedding depends on the size of your wedding and the quality of sound you want. Here is a list of the equipment you may need:

• A sound system. The sound system you will need depends on the size of your wedding venue and the number of guests. A good rule of thumb is that for every square foot of space, you will need 1 watt of speaker power. So, if your venue is 500-1000 square feet, you will need a sound system of between 500 and 1000 watts. It is recommended to get a bit of extra "head room" of around 250 watts to be on the safe side. You can either buy or rent a sound system, but renting is usually the more cost-effective option.
• A device to play music from. This could be a laptop, iPad, smartphone, or iPod. If you are using a streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music, make sure you have downloaded your playlists so that you are not relying on a wifi connection.
• A mixing console. This is used to connect your music device to the speakers. You will need a cable to connect the two, usually a mini-stereo to a male dual RCA cable.
• Speakers. It is recommended to have two 12-15” speakers with stands. You may also want to consider a subwoofer, especially if you are playing music with a lot of bass.
• A microphone. This is necessary if you want to make announcements or speeches. It can be wireless or have a long cable.
• Lighting. While not essential, lighting can enhance the ambiance and atmosphere of your wedding. Simple mood lighting can be achieved with RGB LED flood lights, which can be controlled and changed colour. You can also use "scans", which are disco lights that project patterns and colours onto walls and ceilings.

Setting Up Your Equipment

When setting up your equipment, it is important to test everything beforehand to ensure it is working properly. You should also check that you have all the necessary cables and connections. Position the speakers for optimal sound quality and consider whether you will need ventilation for your equipment. If you are bringing your own speakers, make sure you have enough space and check with the venue about any plugin fees.

Backup Plan

It is important to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong with your equipment. Make sure all your devices are charged, and bring extra cords and copies of your playlist on multiple devices. Speak to your venue coordinator about what options you have if you encounter any problems.

Playlists

• Decide on your music sources and equipment: Choose a music streaming service or app, such as Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal, that allows you to create and download playlists. You'll also need a device like a laptop, iPad, or smartphone to play the music and, if necessary, an audio adapter cable to connect to the sound system.
• Curate your music selection: Collect songs that are meaningful to you and your partner, as well as songs that will please your guests. Consider the different parts of your wedding, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, and create separate playlists for each. Include a mix of genres and moods to cater to a diverse audience.
• Edit and refine your playlists: Go through your playlists and trim songs to 2-4 minutes, removing long introductions or dragging moments. Ensure smooth transitions between songs by using the crossfade feature. Listen to your playlists in their entirety to check the flow and make any necessary adjustments.
• Pad your playlists: It's better to have extra music than to run out. Add at least 2 hours of additional music to your playlists to account for unexpected delays or extended portions of the wedding.
• Assign a music captain: Designate a reliable and tech-savvy person to manage the music on the day of the wedding. They can ensure that the equipment is set up correctly, cue the right playlists at the appropriate times, and safeguard your carefully crafted playlists from over-eager guests.
• Have a backup plan: Create backup copies of your playlists on multiple devices, and bring extra cords and chargers. Also, familiarize yourself with the venue's sound system and any alternative music options they may have in case of emergencies.

Timing

Pre-Wedding Timeline

Before your wedding day, create a detailed timeline for the different segments of your celebration where music will be needed. This includes the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. Having a clear timeline will help you organise your playlists and ensure a smooth flow to your event.

Equipment Setup

Give yourself plenty of time to set up and test all the equipment before the wedding. This includes setting up the speakers, mixer, cables, and microphone. Test the sound levels and ensure that everything is working properly. If possible, do a trial run at the venue with all the equipment to ensure optimal sound quality and identify any potential issues.

During the Wedding

Assign a "music captain" or emcee to manage the music and equipment on the day. They should be responsible for ensuring the sound equipment is ready, cueing up the right playlists at the appropriate times, and safeguarding your carefully crafted playlist from over-eager guests. This person should be tech-savvy and ideally have some knowledge of sound technology.

Backup Plan

Have a backup plan in case of any technical difficulties. This could include having extra cords, fully charged devices, and multiple copies of your playlists on different devices. Also, discuss backup options with your venue coordinator, such as their in-house playlist or a DJ they can call in an emergency.

Post-Wedding

After the wedding, don't forget to return any rented equipment promptly to avoid additional charges. If you purchased equipment, decide whether you want to keep it for future use or look into options for reselling or donating it.

DJing your own wedding can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to timing to ensure everything runs smoothly on your special day.

Volume

Determine the Adequate Volume for the Venue:

• The volume required will depend on the size of the venue and the number of guests. As a rule of thumb, for every square foot of space, you'll need 1 watt of speaker power. So, if your venue is 500-1000 square feet, aim for a sound system with 500-1000 watts of power.
• Additionally, consider the layout and acoustics of the venue. Hard surfaces like walls and floors can reflect sound, affecting the overall volume and sound quality.

Choose the Right Speakers:

• Opt for "active" speakers, which have the amplifier built-in. They are generally cheaper, easier to set up, and more compact than traditional "passive" speakers that require a separate amplifier.
• Rent the speakers instead of buying them to save costs. Contact local DJ equipment rental shops or event production companies to inquire about speaker rental options.

Calculate the Number of Speakers:

• The number of speakers needed will depend on the size of your wedding and the distribution of guests. As a rule of thumb, for every 100 guests, you'll need approximately 1000 square feet of space.
• Ensure that the speakers are positioned strategically to provide adequate coverage for the entire venue. Place them in areas where they can project sound effectively without being obstructed.

Consider a Subwoofer:

Adding a subwoofer to your setup can enhance the bass response and provide a fuller, richer sound. This is especially useful if you plan to play music with significant low-end frequencies.

Test the Volume in Advance:

Before the wedding, conduct a sound check to ensure that the volume is adequate and that the speakers are positioned optimally. Play test tracks at different volume levels to gauge the sound distribution and ensure that the speakers can handle the required volume without distortion.

Adjust Volume According to the Moment:

The volume should vary throughout the wedding to match the mood and energy of different moments. For instance, keep the volume lower during dinner and conversations, then gradually increase it as the party progresses and people move to the dance floor.

Be Mindful of Feedback and Distortion:

Be cautious of feedback and distortion, especially when using microphones. Ensure that microphones are positioned away from speakers to avoid feedback loops. Distortion can occur if the volume exceeds the capacity of the speakers or if there are issues with cable connections.

Have a Backup Plan:

Prepare backup equipment, including extra speakers or alternative music sources, in case of technical difficulties. Fully charge all devices, and bring extra cords and power sources to prevent unexpected interruptions.

Backup

Even the best-laid plans can go awry, so it's important to have a backup plan in place when DJing your own wedding. Here are some tips to help you prepare for potential problems:

• Have a backup device: Ensure your entire playlist is downloaded to multiple devices, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. This will prevent issues with buffering, delays, or skips in your songs.
• Power sources: Survey your wedding venue for power outlets and bring extension cords or power strips if needed.
• Extra cords and cables: Have extra cords and cables for your audio device, speakers, and mixer.
• Backup playlist: Create a backup playlist with a variety of songs to fall back on if things run long or you need to switch up the mood.
• Backup DJ: Assign a music captain or emcee who can take over if needed. This person should be familiar with the equipment and playlists and be comfortable with the responsibility.
• Test your equipment: Do a trial run of your equipment and playlists at the venue to ensure everything works properly. This will help you identify any issues and make necessary adjustments.
• Speak to your venue: Ask the venue coordinator about backup options if you encounter problems. They may have their own playlist or have a DJ or musician on call.
• Write down nearby stores: Note the locations of nearby electronic stores in case you need to send someone for emergency purchases.

Frequently asked questions