Moving to the Beat
Life has a soundtrack. In the iAge it has become impossible to hold a small electronic device that doesn’t function as a sort of media player.
We recall fondest memories by humming favorite chorus lines. That in mind, special attention should be paid to the musical movements involved in our weddings. And the man or woman with their finger on our pulsing beat is the disc-jockey.
Finding and landing the right DJ isn’t so much a talent search as it is a personal audition to the bride and groom. “They have to take your interests in mind,” said proprietor of DJ Connection Jason Bailey. “The energy level the couple wants is the most important goal.” Customizing the tempo of the night is easy according to Bailey. “You can find everything from the low-key, kind of iPod DJ to a host for the night who can get Grandma to do the chicken dance. Ultimately it’s the couple’s decision.” So, country, rock n’ roll, some light jazz, or enough bass to dissolve kidney stones can all be featured in a DJ’s repertoire that will have us dancing the night away. No guarantees on the jokes, though.
Another benefit of DJ’s brings us back to modern technology. You’ll hardly find a DJ who needs anything more than an electrical outlet and maybe a table or two. “We bring everything we need with us,” said Bailey. The vast electronic libraries of music and the relative portability of speakers and soundboards, the DJ definitely beats out your brother-in-law’s band, no offense. Also, keep in mind that your brother-in-law’s band can’t swing so smoothly from “Mack the Knife” to “Sweet Child of Mine”.
What about the effect on that oh-so jumping joint, your pocketbook? Expect your bill to rise with each additional disco ball and laser light. Equipment is expensive and insurance rates aren’t cheap in these financial times.
Weddings have soundtracks. Soundtracks that have evolved from “Here Comes the Bride” into playlists containing the likes of anyone from Etta James to ZZ Top. “A DJ is going to be able to customize to your style and adhere to that from start to finish,” said Bailey. With such vast libraries spanning so many genres a DJ could be the perfect ice-breaker for two families that have just been joined in union. In the spirit of that comforting thought why don’t we all join Grandma in that chicken dance she does so well.