Did you create your own playlist rather than have a DJ?

Belle24

Did it work well? Did you need to provide or not bother with disco lights etc?

We were just going to put a playlist together rather than hire a DJ but now I'm thinking we might end up all dancing in the dark!

ceh209

I'm looking to do this aswell so would be interested to hear what people say! Neither me or OH, or most of our families, like dancing so what's the point in paying loads for a DJ or a band?

I hadn't even thought about lights, I was thinking more about hiring some decent speakers...

balmk

Hello

I've organised a number of large parties (anniversaries, birthdays and the like) and for some I was asked not to provide a DJ.

Without question, the ones where the people had just done a playlist and plugged an ipod into a PA always felt very "flat".

A DJ will do more than just play music - a good DJ will interact with the guests, and get people up and dancing; there is nothing more depressing than an empty dance floor at a party!

A good DJ will also know what are the best songs to play, so rather than subjecting everyone to your personal taste in music, they will cater for a wide range.

Plus, they will have a better sound system and lights than you would be willing to just buy for the night.

Get some recommendations and treat it as a job interview when you look to arrange them - think about asking them what they will provide, what events they have done recently, and what their personal style of DJing is.

rachiibell

It really depends on how much you like dancing. The good thing about DJs is they can work off the atmosphere in the room to get everybody up and dancing and play some wind down songs at the end of the night. My sister had a party where we just used an ipod and they just turned off the ipod when they wanted to close (it was in the back room of a bar) even though it was mid way through a song!

However I find standard "wedding DJs" can sometimes be a bit rubbish and not with the times and just play what they think should be played even when no guests are dancing!

If you go for the DJ option make sure you've seen them perform and they are to your tastes. If you use the ipod option maybe have a couple of friends keep an eye on it and fill in as a DJ occasionally?

74jax

We asked everyone to supply a couple of songs . Then by the dance floor we had a sign which said 'you have been listening to...' And we listed all the songs and who suggested them. Was great to see people shouting 'this is my song' .

Belle24

Lots of things to consider, thanks very much

minerva_windsong

74jax wrote: »

We asked everyone to supply a couple of songs . Then by the dance floor we had a sign which said 'you have been listening to...' And we listed all the songs and who suggested them. Was great to see people shouting 'this is my song' .

I might do this - we are putting a note in with our invites asking people to choose a song for the disco, but this would be a nice extra touch. Originally we planned on just having an iPod/laptop hooked up to speakers but like you OP I was worried about it looking a bit rubbish without lights etc, and it would have cost more to hire them in and get them PAT tested than it was to have a DJ. So I reckon if you can get a good DJ who is willing to take a list of requests beforehand then that would be a good compromise.

tkturner30

We get a dj included with the overall cost of the package we agreed to.

I am a dj myself (not the party kind however) so know the difference between a good one and a bad one!

I will be compiling my own playlists with loads more music than can be played in the time we have have and will simply say to play from what I give him.

I am also going to tell him to play genres in a particular order…

Northern soul and funk sounds earlier on, indie and guitar anthems later on etc etc

Sazzarella

tkturner30 wrote: »

I will be compiling my own playlists with loads more music than can be played in the time we have have and will simply say to play from what I give him.

I would enquire with the venue/DJ about this as most of the ones we looked at said you weren't allowed to pick the music and/or were allowed to choose approx 20 songs only and they would pick the rest.

tkturner30

I told the venue this would happen from my side when we booked.

I also cant see how any venue/dj can state a maximum 20 track playlist of your own sounds?
Its your day and your money paying for it!

rachiibell

tkturner30 wrote: »

I told the venue this would happen from my side when we booked.

I also cant see how any venue/dj can state a maximum 20 track playlist of your own sounds?
Its your day and your money paying for it!

Some DJs can be a bit awkward about people picking all the songs. I'm sure there was a bride on here who's DJ had a mini rant that he wouldn't be playing any songs with offensive lyrics in - she hadn't even asked for any he just thought she would because she was quite young!