What Your DJ REALLY Wants You to KNOW

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What Your DJ REALLY Wants You to KNOW
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[@djgriffentertainment5141]

So happy to be here! Thank you everyone! Never hesitate to reach out for wedding music guidance.

[@akrakat9318]

DJ KZbin channel yeeessss! =)

[@bigafoota]

My fiancé is a former DJ & the number of questions & concerns I see brides & grooms have over music & the DJ or band is crazy! But I guess I’m lucky since I have his expertise (& we both went through this for our Bar & Bat Mitzvahs)

[@danielschultz6706]

Having a daytime wedding with the meal starting around 1 or 1:30. How do we discover if a DJ will do a good job working the room during the day? What should we look for?

[@liliortiz8163]

Yes please! Start a KZbin channel! Or maybe a music curating service? Is that a thing? Idk. Think it could be great for DIY Brides.

[@alejandradiaz-acosta3777]

@@akrakat9318 to the doctor ☺️☺️❤️☺️❤️🎉🎉🎉🎉☺️❤️☺️☺️💊☺️❤️☺️🎉🎉🎉🎉💊

[@src4409]

If I tell a dj or band not to play something and they do.... it is NOT the last thing on my mind. My wedding day is so important, and the money being spent is not miniscule, and the planning and stress that went into that day is enough to break a bride or groom. Please, if you're a vendor, don't think that you can get away with not listening to the people who paid you.

[@colleendeighton3524]

Exactly. The last thing I want when I'm dancing with my husband is the song that my ex and I first kissed to. Would totally pull me out of my happy place.

[@jeanettekakareka]

I appreciate that Griffin didn't just throw out the idea of doing a DJ-free wedding. We ended up choosing a DJ because we found it in the budget, but for small intimate weddings on a budget, it doesn't always feel like a necessity. And I don't like feeling over-sold. A lot of the DJs we spoke to (not that we hired...) made it sounds like people are crazy for not hiring and spending all this money. I find that's a bit unfair since many many many people fall in love, but not everyone can make money appear that they simply do not have.

[@rachhhnicole]

my DJ ended up being so awful 😔 i thought we had communicated well and he understood what we wanted but he was so difficult on our wedding day! my husband did most of the coordination with him and specifically spoke to him about bringing a tent bc there was a good chance of rain for our outdoor ceremony-the day of the wedding he forgot it and tried to claim that their entire 20 min conversation about the weather never happened! he almost refused to play until i found way for him to use the covered porch of the main house on the estate! THEN after we spent weeks coming up with a long playlist of songs that were meaningful and fun that we wanted to dance to with all our loved ones, he played a whole bunch of random songs and only half were even from the detailed playlist we gave him to play. music is very important to us so it took me a while to get over that. he also assured us he had apple music and then right at the beginning of the dancing portion of the reception awkwardly made everyone sit through a spotify ad, telling us to “just disregard it” 🥴 such a weird experience. luckily he got everything for the ceremony right which was truly what mattered most to me, and while i was disappointed at his service, we still had a wonderful day!

[@garreturbaniak9241]

OK, so a couple of things with this. First I'm sorry to had a bad experience but there are some things here that should be addressed. 1. You need to check tge DJs contract. If it states that the client needs to provide appropriate cover in case of outdoor weather then that is tge responsibility of the client...no matter what is said over the phone. You need to remember that DJ equipment is extremely expensive (typically $5,000 for a very basic setup), and DJ equipment doesn't do well in the rain. 2. A long Playlist is not always a good thing for a wedding. You need to remember that there are only 24 hours in a day. Must songs are 3 to 6 minutes long. Even with 3 to 4 hours of dancing, you can only play so many songs in that time frame. Now, I will say the DJ should've brought this up prior to the wedding and your list should've been divided into 3 sections (absolutely need to hear...which shouldve been no more than 15 songs, would like to hear if possible, and do not play).

[@adriannagattuso5442]

AH so relieved that I can hand over my 5 different wedding playlists to a DJ and they won't bat an eye. HAHA

[@lotusssypringa]

I would write down the ones that he cannot miss. My dj literally played 5 of my songs all night

[@VioletEmerald]

@@lotusssypringa That's really sad

[@informedbeauty]

We had so many issues with our venue, and our DJ saved our wedding night, because he was able to rearrange our timeline on the fly to make things flow, despite the venue and other vendor related obstacles. I was ready to hug him at the end of the night, haha

[@pinkyde1570]

I loved this... I need a DJ! 😊 I didn't realize the serious cultural differences for wedding music. Outside of Bruno Mars I was lost. No MJ... No Rihanna???😐 Had to look up the "staple" songs. I think I know Sweet Caroline from a commercial. My black family and friends would never! Cotton Eyed Joe...😬 baby they'd storm the booth looking for answers!!! 😂😂😂

[@aisforana]

I was a server in event operations and the music was ALWAYS the same. Weddings/ Holiday parties(anything that involved them bringing in a dance-floor). The DJs were different but the music was always the same. It made the guests really hyped up hahaha but it was always Sweet Caroline/Cotton eyed Joe/ Taylor Swift. When I get married I want to book my local Latin DJ! He puts on an incredible show

[@aisforana]

Update: I wrote this before he made the comment about squeezing Sweet Caroline in 😂 😂 I KNEW IT

[@novalinnhe]

Yaaaaaasss!

[@src4409]

I hate this. I'm looking for a jazz/motown band that has diverse range, but I'm finding all of them have the same list of songs they sing. I get that they want Pele to dance, but I'm sure there are more songs to dance to than the same 50 songs.

[@chelseaalmost_]

Yay!!! What good timing!! Love your videos Jamie! I feel like it's definitely 80% non-brides binge watching, myself included 😜

[@smpiggee]

Yes. I think it will be extremely helpful if a DJ had a KZbin channel

[@emmadawson1158]

Make sure you and your DJ are 100% on the same page because mine ROYALLY messed up my wedding last weekend.

[@catieq5270]

Omg, I’m so sorry that happened to you. What did the DJ do wrong?

[@Sexiraina1993]

If anyone plays Sweet Caroline or any of those other songs he listed at my wedding I will fight someone. That would not go down well with my guests and would actually be embarrassing for the DJ cause I’m pretty sure 80% of my friends and family don’t even KNOW “Sweet Caroline”. I said I want “Black people club music”.

[@thekataandlama]

😂I’m biracial and my partner is black. We went to my white friends wedding and when sweet Caroline he really locked eyes with me and was like. I don’t know this song...😂 I thought he was kidding, but he really wasnt

[@Ms.blu3]

😅 I'm glad I wasn't the only person to think this on the Sweet Caroline bit. Please don't lol

[@Cecil...]

What songs are wedding classics in your culture? :)

[@novalinnhe]

I love how all the black people watching this thought the same thing hahaha 😂 really want old school R&B classics at mine! And I imagine it's the same for a lot of people from other cultures too, like an Asian couple would want music from their culture and a Latin couple would want music from theirs. Something to think about!

[@ChrisJohnsonCJs-Kitchen]

I'm not sure what the issue is with Sweet Caroline - just that it's a really old song? But keep in mind your DJ is there to entertain ALL of your guests. An ancient song here & there might get your grandparents out on the floor cutting the rug too and those are always amazing moments. If some songs are deal breakers for you, just let your DJ know - please don't play any of the following songs/genres.

[@valp2809]

This is so true!!! My sister recently got married and the venues coordinator was let go 2 days prior to the event. The person who took over the coordinator position had no experience thank God that the DJ had experience and took over the coordinator duties. He did such an amazing job that none of the guest knew about the coordinator issue.

[@Housewarmin]

I suck at picking DJs. I’ve given an entire playlist and they still played songs I didn’t ask for. And the entire party was looking confused. 😒😒

[@samdesylva6236]

We almost didn’t have a DJ for our wedding next year because we didn’t want to settle for anybody. On a Facebook group someone was asking for a DJ and I recommended one saying he was awesome but unfortunately we couldn’t get him. That comment made him see and remember me and he just hired someone beneath him that is able to do our wedding💗 awesome what a referral can do!

[@astrea79]

A good dj can also help you make your alternative plans for entertainment a reality. My fiance and I love bar trivia,and our DJ also does that as a side business. So they're helping us get a mini bar trivia during our reception for something fun and different.

[@CarsoroniAndCheese]

omg that sounds so fun, what city are you around?

[@astrea79]

@@CarsoroniAndCheese DC, Black Tie Entertainment was our dj company

[@annahatton924]

This was REALLY helpful. Hiring a dj is tricky, so this was a great idea. Thanks Jamie and Griff!

[@awyman05]

Brand is so important as I’m shopping for dj

[@brookemckenzie1862]

Very informative! Wow! So many things I didn’t know.

[@ChrisJohnsonCJs-Kitchen]

I work for a non-profit that does fundraising events and even then, a good DJ is GOLD. They can really make your event.

[@annejia5382]

thank u jamie! 💓 griffin is so sweet 💓

[@colleendeighton3524]

I'm a little concerned with the statement "If you say to not play Rhianna, but the vibe is bumping, you're not going to care." Dude. My DJ will be told to not play anything by The Weekend. I know people like his music, but I have some super bad memories connected to his music, and it would totally pull me out of my happy place if the DJ decides that my request didn't count.

[@lanznfluffy]

Gonna have to DIY our music via spotify due to small venue and keeping costs to a minimum so this was very helpful thanks to both of you! Wish you were both in New Zealand, then I'd save every penny to hire you guys.

[@courtneystewart8006]

My wedding is Fall 2021 and I am just starting to plan. I don't think we can do a dance party at the wedding. We want to have the couple's dance, father daughter dance, etc. but it might not be safe to have guests all join in dancing. Guest list should be around 25 so micro wedding. Because of that, I don't see us having a dj. I would like to have a cello and violin live for the ceremony and the venue is an inn that has ambient music. I've been told I can get a DJ for 4 hours for the same price as a live musician DJ for 1 hour. I also had someone volunteer to MC who should be really great. Not sure what to do!

[@AshlieIacocca]

Wuuttt Griffin is my DJ for next summer! I feel like I know him now :D

[@jessicasakimae541]

I booked him for my wedding in November 2022! So excited!

[@hannahleff7435]

Thank you Jamie!!

[@garreturbaniak9241]

Ive been a wedding DJ for over 27 years. There are some things I agree with on here and some I don't. For example, you can't preplan a wedding Playlist. Every wedding is different and as a professional DJ, you have to be able to read a crowd and change gears on a dime. A playlist can't do that. You can plan all you want but you won't know where a crowd wants to go until you see it with your own 2 eyes. Personally is key when it comes to DJing weddings. I always tell my clients, when I push play on Love Shack it's going to sound exactly the same if another DJ pushes play on Love Shack. What you need to look for is if your personalities align.

[@luciejeandin1708]

I'd love you to do a video on forest weddings, like, everything about them! 🖤😄

[@Kris10Swilley]

Jamie, love, love, LOVE your channel! I'm getting married in October of next year and am prepping for the reality that open dancing might still not be safe (indoor reception). Are there any open dancing alternatives you've seen work well? Karaoke? Standup comedian? Not afraid to go really outside of the box.

[@fs8345]

Your videos are amazing!

[@alyssajolie6972]

DJ GRIFF IS THE BEEEEESST!!

[@nuzongvang7034]

Hi Jamie! Can you please make a video of how to find the right officiant, what to look for, the cost, etc? Thank you! It would be so helpful!

[@iluvzurara2]

Thank you for this video!! Music is soooo personal!! Maybe to an extent I feel weird for like trusting someone with that responsibility! Plus of course the other responsibilities of anDJ! I never thought about telling a DJ what NOT to play but omg I cannot have that sweet Caroline song lolllll AND can you tell the DJ how to introduce the couple?? Like I know it’s popular to say Mr and Mrs (guys full name) and that’s a hard no for me lol I’d like for them to say both of our full names! Or even just “the newlyweds!”

[@26Bluegb]

I've been to many weddings where they have asked to not have the traditional way, but be sure to ask the specific DJ when looking for a vendor. They are your employee for the day, so they shouldn't have objections, but best to make sure before you sign that contract!

[@iluvzurara2]

@@26Bluegb thank you!

[@claire.elizabeth__]

please please can you do a video that goes though the pros/cons and how to do it right: holding a wedding it your house (assuming it is a big house) !!

[@kathyklarfeld2971]

Thanks

[@Lylesca]

I just found this Video... and I laughed so hard at dj tasting... picturing some Karen licking the dj😂 omg... in Germany we call it Kopfkino (head movie)...

[@katelynnthompson8356]

Love this! I hate the WORST DJ. I wish I would have spent more money on the DJ so that my wedding wouldn’t have been ruined in so many ways lol

[@daniellewoods197]

I've got someone DJ-ing for our wedding who has done every family event in the 15years for us and I've said pick some of these, some of these, party dances and no Kylie Minogue or Kanye West. Me and my FH are having disagreements about Kpop/no kpop (i want it, he don't) :( that's about it

[@lindsaymarie6087]

Jamie! Can you do a video on a covid wedding timeline for the recently engaged? We got engaged 2 months ago and have quickly realized that the average 1 year planning period just isnt possible with venues and vendors being booked so far out because of Covid cancellations. We basically have no choice except a 2 year planning period with a 2022 date but I have NO IDEA when to book anything now. Covid fiances need you! #SendHelp

[@SweetJennieRose1]

YES

[@Nu_Tella_Live]

I’m considering like a brunch wedding cause dancing rlly isn’t my thing. Is it bad to not have dancing ?

[@Ms.blu3]

Do whatever works for you... It's your wedding day, no one else's.

[@jenjenroxmysox]

im thinking of having a brunch wedding too, most of people invited are family (boomers) and would appreciate going home early.

My family hates to dance, so will have a typical wedding and a DJ, but no traditional dances, but some of our friends and my husband’s family loves to dance. There just won’t be any traditional dances

[@shanaecamille]

Omg! Dj is so important to me. I had experience bad Djs and omg! Never again!

[@jennifermcdaniel3910]

I 100% do NOT want anything but my Playlist that I've timed to perfection! Music is vital to me & too many people keep saying their DJ played music that was on their "Do Not" Playlist & honestly that would super piss me off! I would 100% ask to stop the song, & I don't want to be in that position, I just want to dance to the favorites that mean something! I would just use a DIY Playlist but I also want an MC! I feel really anxious about the whole music & it's the most important to me! I do not want anyone to "let the night go, at all!" I just do not hopeful about it at all! It's probably the most control I feel over any aspect & yet everyone says to just relax & let them take over & handle it! I don't want corny jokes or Uptown Funk! I don't care about almost everything else...

[@DirtRoad_Chronicles]

What’s the word on a wedding with 2 different cultures? Mexican/Country music, and some Bay Area rap to get ratchet too at the end? It’s a big hurdle I’m not sure how to tackle for my wedding so I’ll take any advice I can get.

[@ozziewolters7818]

Do you also have a video on having a band play at the wedding? TIA

[@MHSMagicLuver]

Wedding is in 2 years.. already started some of a list 😂

[@claytongriffith8323]

I feel like i would mostly want a dj because they would have good equipment

[@EytsirhcChristye]

I’ve been to several weddings where everyone sits around and talks and nobody’s dancing. I used to be a ballroom dancer. I want to dance. I I want waltzes, tangos, west coast swing, country swing… Nobody else is going to know all that…

[@staceyk2274]

I totally feel you there! at least with west coast swing you can dance to almost any genre!

[@traversatile3471]

Any advice for dealing with guests that really are not the dancing type when you really are? I want to get down at my reception but I don't want to be on the dancefloor alone...😅

[@anamazing2297]

I can't even afford Spotify, but I've got a free app "Treble" that I may use for the dancing, and my grandpa's xylophone for the fancy bits. Wish me luck! 😅👍

[@sum12sumwhere]

Any talented singers in your circle? Get a recording of them and maybe with an instrumental background? Good luck! Our dj was $475

[@thekataandlama]

You can get the free version of Spotify. You can also have friends pitch together to get you one month of Spotify and cancel it immediately following the wedding.

[@laurentarbell5001]

Question...my fiance and I (engaged on 1/2/21!) have had CDs we've made of OUR songs over the five years we've been together. Can a DJ just use those songs that we've picked out or do they do their own mix of songs, etc.? We've had ideas of what songs to enter into the reception into and leave the reception, but don't care of the order of our songs in between the reception. Will a DJ take the songs we've loved and just play those how they like? I'm kind of scared that's not how it's done.

[@justinenicole3926]

Unless the faded into each other I don't recommend using the CD. Give him the list if songs so he can mix them himself and ensure some smooth transitions.

[@elizabetha.1171]

I'm so nervous in finding a good DJ and have already looked at one that turned me off with his social media page. I'm trying to find someone in Northern California.

[@JuMusik1]

You could look into DJ Baset aka Devin Walsh. He’s on ig and from northern CA. He’s pretty dope. Good luck!

[@elizabetha.1171]

@@JuMusik1 Thank you! I really appreciate it! :)

[@adriannewright2873]

He lost me at “don’t play Rihanna at my wedding.”

[@staceyk2274]

seriously, lol. what a sad life that person must lead...

[@ashleyeliza0608]

Would love to subscribe to his channel!

[@irismadeleine]

I used to live at a wedding venue and they would seriously play "Blurred Lines" at every single wedding.

[@Ms.blu3]

Yuck. I hate how catchy that song was, the message is not so great lol

[@VioletEmerald]

@@Ms.blu3 This really makes me want control of the music so badly.

[@src4409]

What about bands? No one ever talks about a band for their wedding.

[@Lindseybaatz]

omg please start a channel

[@sarahmcclish3535]

Why throughout this video is the DJ always assumed to be a man.