DJ Playlists

This blog entry doesn't really have anything to do with SAVING MONEY but it offers some good tips for your DJ Services and, if you choose the right DJ that knows how to entertain the crowd then you WILL be saving money in the long run by hiring a competent DJ who will entertain your guests and ensure they have a good time and NOT wasting money on someone who will just show up to play music... (even a 10 year old can do that!)

If you're going to make a list for your DJ to play from, make sure you don't give him/her too many of your favourites. I say this because I see it all too often where the couple will give you 50 songs to play from. For one, the songs may not be 'danceable' songs and secondly, they may do nothing for your crowd. The DJ you have chosen SHOULD be a professional DJ who knows how to 'play the crowd' and in doing so, he/she will normally make the best decision on what to play, and when. A good DJ will play the crowd and keep them dancing. Their job is NOT to play songs that will put you to sleep or bore you but to play the best songs for the crowd that is at the event he/she is performing at so what might work at one event may not necessarily work at another, depending on your crowd. Here are some general tips and advice on making your next party a success:

* Allow the DJ to play the crowd - he/she will have certain 'party hits' that work well for most crowds (ex: Cotton Eye Joe, Old Time Rock 'N Roll, Pretty Woman, We Like To Party, etc.)
* Do provide the DJ with your favourite songs but limit it to no more than 10 or 15 maximum. You must remember that the DJ will need to fit in those 'must play party hits' as well as any requests from the crowd and the special dedicated dances too.
* Remember that, on average, a DJ can only play about 50 songs in a 4-hour night - yes, only 50 songs, give or take and depending on what else is happening at your event. If you overwhelm him/her with too many songs from a list, that leaves no room for requests and hits to play. Remember, you want your dance floor to be as packed as possible all night so what you like to listen to may not be what your crowd wants to hear!
* Make sure your DJ is licensed. This is important that your DJ belong to either an association or club that allows them to play music. All DJ's generally have AVLA licensing but make sure they are current with either licensing or are playing store-bought CD's. Many DJ's play from their laptops without licensing their collections and you can have your DJ music shut down should you happen to have an inspector show up. Yes, chances of it are slim but it could happen...

Hope this information helps... Have a great event if you're planning to hire a DJ!