Why Your DJ Shouldn't Stand Still

You might think that a DJ's place at a reception is always behind the table where his equipment is set up.

Most of the time, that's where the DJ should be.

But not ALL the time.

First, there is no way the DJ can ensure the music sounds just right -- not too loud and not too soft -- from behind his table. He needs to occasionally walk the room and check out the sound from where the guests are. Believe me, things sound much different in front of the speakers than behind them.

No, his initial sound-check before the guests arrive isn't enough. It's necessary but not sufficient. Sound travels differently in a room full of people than in an empty room.

Second, the DJ's role at a wedding is not merely to press the "play" button for the next song. He also serves as MC and behind-the-scenes coordinator.

There are times he needs to slip away from his post and touch base with the banquet captain, site manager, photographer, or even the bride and groom (or their coordinator if they've hired one). There are quite a few points throughout the reception where the DJ's checking with or giving a heads-up to someone can make the difference between a smooth-running event and a snafu.

Experienced DJs are great at instinctively knowing how much time they have before the next song -- they scoot out and quickly monitor the sound on the floor or quickly speak to the banquet manager and get back in time to start the next tune.