As I’ve mentioned before, I went into super-organized mode while planning my wedding years ago, and as a result made several worksheets and checklists to help me get through the planning with a smile on my face. I’ve already told you about my wedding photographer worksheet and today I’d like to share another one with you. This time, I’m focusing on the wedding DJ.

When I think back to the wedding receptions I’ve attended, and I think about the dancing and the DJs, a few thoughts come to mind. I remember the obnoxious DJ who singled out (and embarrassed) the guests who weren’t dancing. I remember the fun DJ who had hats ready for guests to wear when “YMCA” was playing. I remember the fun dance songs and the weird ones, and I knew I wanted to make sure that MY wedding reception was exactly the way I wanted it… and most of all, I wanted to make sure that he would NOT be playing “The Chicken Dance”!

So I came up with a worksheet / checklist to give my DJ. Jo and I have brainstormed on a few new things to add to it, and we think it’s a pretty useful tool:

As you go through this worksheet and customize it, here are a few major points to remember:

• The most important thing you can convey to your DJ is the tone you want for your reception. Do you want him to be quiet or loud? Subtle or obnoxious? By checking which of the DJ behaviors you like or dislike in the worksheet, your DJ will get a feel for the tone you’re after.
• Don’t nitpick. Assuming you picked an experienced and reputable service, your DJ has been through this many times and knows what he or she is doing. You don’t have to list every single song you want played. Just give some firm, general guidelines to follow and let him fill in the rest.
• Be sure to list the songs you really love or really hate. For instance, I wanted to make sure my Mom’s favorite song got played during the reception (”Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger) but I also wanted to make sure “The Chicken Dance” didn’t get played. Put them on the list and your DJ will know.
• Make it clear exactly how you want the DJ to announce you to your guests when you enter the reception. There’s nothing worse than having your first introduction as husband and wife be worded in a way you don’t like (”Mr. and Mrs. John Doe” versus “John and Jane Doe”, etc).