At some
point or another every person asks themselves “Why don’t I just hook up my Ipod
for my event?” Not all events require a DJ. Yes, you heard me right, a DJ is
not always required. I personally have been Entertaining for over 10 years, and
have been at events where I have thought to myself “I don’t know why I am here”.
There are multiple questions that you can ask yourself to figure out if you
need a DJ at your event.
1. What kind of mood do I want to have at my event?
(Laid back, Party, Mixed, Either Way…) Every event is different and can be as
exciting or boring as you want it to be. If you know the radio/satellite
station that most of your guests listen, to then you should have no problem
playing music for them and do not need a DJ. At the end of the day, it comes
down to your vision.
2. What are the top 3 songs of your guests? As I am
assured you know every word to the song in your “hot playlist” on your Ipod,
not every ones else at your event will. The guests you have coming may not have
the same feelings about those songs as you do. This question links back to the
previous, meaning if you are not concerned with your quests then all you need
is sound equipment that can be rented at any local audio/video shop for about
$300.
3. Do you want a party? Anyone can play music I.E.
an Ipod, but every event has guests from different age groups, styles, social
class, etc. There are certain songs that cater to certain people that
professional DJ’s will know that other people might not. For instance, People
from Alabama love “Sweet Home Alabama.” Where as guest from Ohio love “Hang on
Sloopy.”
4. Do you need an Emcee? Not every DJ is an Emcee,
but one thing is for certain, an Ipod cannot make announcements. If you need
announcements, such as cake cutting, first dance, presidential speech, sweet 16
car presentation, Introductions… you need a DJ. Your quests should always be
informed of the next event. Information is the key to the success to your
event.
5. Do you want people to dance? Note every event
requires people to dance. Also not everyone wants to dance depending on event,
date, and especially time. Most daytime events do not require a DJ, but some do
need an Emcee.
If you answered NO to 3 out of 5 of these questions, then
most likely you can have a successful event without a DJ. If you answered YES
to more than 2 of these questions, then you should consider hiring a
professional DJ for your event. The only true person who can answer the
question “Ipod or not to Ipod that is the question?” is you!
