Way back when, in the mid-1970’s, when Scott Foell and I founded Music Man Mobile DJ Service, off-the-shelf casing or consoles were not widely available for mobile disc jockeys. In order to look good, we had to design and construct our own. Having a partner who was an engineering genius didn’t hurt.
Scott designed and built a 1-piece console that he covered in black Formica. It looked stunning. It took a great deal of effort and money, but it was worth it. We always looked good.
Today, Mobile DJ’s can buy from a wide assortment of industrial-style cases, carpeted consoles, and electronic equipment designed to fit in those units. One can buy big or modular, depending on individual needs for venue access, transportation, and size of crew (1 or more people).
In spite of availability of professional, clean looking disc jockey equipment, I am thoroughly amazed and perplexed that many disc jockey entertainment services have an incredibly weak presentation (click on the image to show it larger). Here are some of the deficiencies I see again and again (not necessarily just in this case).
Loose, unconcealed wires: From the customer’s point of view, it’s a mess. A guest should never be looking into the a jungle of wires.- Use of venue banquet tables, typically draped in white, for the purpose of placing a DJ console on it. COMMENT: To me, a DJ service should arrive self-contained. If they require a table to place equipment upon, they should bring it. And, it should be consistent in look to what is placed on it. At a minimum, it should be skirted in black or fold-open facing should screen out the gear. The only requirements a DJ should have are: 1) A place to set up console and speakers. 2) Electricity.
Browsing the internet, I found a couple of photos explain the possibilities quite well. Grundorf, manufactures a hinged-DJ facade that wraps around gear that is not permanently mounted. It magically ‘cleans up the clutter’ to the casual guest.
As well as facades there entire 1-piece consoles, stacked consoles (full width or podium width). Any of those manner of presentation give the DJ a more permanent and polished look. There is no one right answer, as different disc jockeys service different sizes and types of events. Their individual needs, for the local market and their clients will dictate what gear they choose to use, and how it’s organized.
In the photo on the right, DJ Astrid Monroe (Musique Nonstop) shows off a custom white-covered podium-style console. You can see a white speaker in the right side of the photo. The company has beautifully 
constructed charcoal grey covered booths, and features the ‘white system’ as an upgrade, for an even more elegant presentation.
THIS SYNDROME IS NOT LIMITED TO DJ’s: There are plenty of photographers who need to carry lots of gear, and must keep it in a reception room for security. Yet, many never really address a clean way to stow it, in plain view. Videographers have some of the same challenges. Even vendors who don’t participate in the reception, such as florists and bakers, must deliver and set up in a professional manner.
The 1-piece console featured (lower right) belongs to Alan Franco of DJ Connection. His 1-piece unit displays at a comfortable height, showing the top portion of his laptop computer, and the microphone, well above it, on a gooseneck. It’s 
really quite an elegant presentation that is going to ’show well’ in any situation.
Moral: It’s not enough to sound good and perform well it you want to earn top dollar and be referred at the highest possible rate. You must look good, too. When the wedding pictures come back and the set up looks like a cobbled together set of roadcases on a banquet table, you are not at your best. Brides and grooms are often oblivious to many things that go on around them at a wedding. That’s no excuse. They will see it in the wedding pictures. Guests and family will see it at the event.
Don’t kid yourself: People do care about how you look. And you’ll never know how many referrals you’ll lose, because you’ll never hear about them.
PS: If you’re a DJ with a particularly great looking booth, email it to blogger at weddingmarketing.net and we might just post it, with a link back to your website.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Related posts:
- Some Disc Jockeys can’t handle the truth On Tuesday morning, my post on the importance of DJ...
- Canadian Online Disc Jockey Association Now Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association Source: Mobile Beat Magazine - Ryan Burger Toronto, Ontario -...
- Database spring cleaning assignment for wedding marketers My friend, KC (Spinnin' Discs), not to be confused with...
- Ebon wows Mobile Beat Chicagoland Conference It was eleven years ago, 1997, when Andy Ebon gave...
- Strong Association Presence at Wedding MBA Conference Each association or networking may have different reasons for being...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
2 Pings to “DJ’s make an impression by cleaning up their appearance”
72 Responses to “DJ’s make an impression by cleaning up their appearance”
-
1. Jennifer Gloss Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:04 amI CONCUR! (Marriott)
-
2. Georgia Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:08 amIf you want to hire your cousin to be a DJ, then great, but if you are paying top dollar you should expect professionalism and that includes appearance. Image is everything.
-
3. Virginia Schawacker Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:08 amYou are absolutely correct. It’s not just how you sound, it’s also how you look that is important. And the pictures will be there long after the sound of the event has passed on into oblivion.
Keep up the good image!!
-
4. Dionicia Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:12 am100% Correct!!!!! I don’t book any vendors who do not fade into the background but still accomplish their job at the highest of quality. The event is about the guests and the client and the aesthetics are so important, it is a shame so many have gotten away from this.
Wonderful point. Hopefully it will effect a change.
-
5. Eileen Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:15 amTotally Agree….Now take it one step further. ALWAYS be professionally dressed and groomed!!
-
6. Maya Harman Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:15 amAbsoulutely! I will not hire a band or DJ that does not meet our standards, there is nothing worse than to work very hard to transform a ballroom into the most elegant wedding or dinner reception venue, and have it all ruined by the look of the DJ or band’s equipment looking tacky,or having them wearing the wrong attire, ultimately all eyes will be on them during the reception.
-
7. Carol Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:16 amI will not put a DJ on my preferred vendor list unless he dresses to fit the occasion!
-
8. Bernie Kaye Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:18 amI agree with you 100%. As an agent and also an owner of a DJ operation I always look at new talent. My first impression is the one that lasts. If a setup looks like crap, the DJ usually does exactly that kind of a job. If the DJ is not proud of his and his equipments appearance why should I be as his potential booker. First impressions make a lasting impression. You are right about what the bride sees at her event and what the photos show later on.
-
9. Jenny Giallanza Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:18 amI completely agree. In fact, I have photos of “crappy DJ set ups” that I regularly show my clients. Exposed wires, wrinkled table coverings and tired DJ equipment is how I prove why hiring a “professional” is worth it.
I even offer a room rental discount if a DJ from my preferred vendors list is hired. That way I know what I’m offering my guests is the best. -
10. Barnes Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:18 amI agree wholeheartedly!! Appearance is everything in the entertainment and service business.
-
11. Kara Kinghorn Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:18 amI think it is very important for the DJ to look his very best at an event. It shows a professional, caring appearance. Take care to make the bride feel like you know her day is important.
-
12. Tom Kostoff Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:18 amThe only satisfactory photo (and, thus, acceptable presentation) of the three shown is that of the Bose set-up. But busted: in front of an exit door?
Couple of things that have irked me in the past:
- overt advertising. Just have a bowl to the side with your business cards. If they like you, they will come…
- any DJ who does not dress suited to the occasion
- who is truly the star of this show? Alas, and to the dismay of some DJs I have encountered, my vote always goes to the Bride and Groom
-
13. John Sechrist Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:20 amI agree, I still work with D.J’s who have not upgraded to the items mentioned and/or still practice the things outlined like taping down wires etc.. Great stuff in this article.
-
14. Dabney Bradley Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:21 amThat is 110% on the mark the DJ can set the tone of any event and the look of the room. From the staff to the Dj everyone must have a professinal appearance.What happen to our industry wanting more from our vendors? Because any vendor that we work with reflect our standards.
-
15. Shirley Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:21 amI Agree 100% and to add to that they are getting paid well and they are employees for the night just like us but they feel they can go threw threw the buffet line like there guest and some expect private room, food and drinks, who do they think they are there already getting paid good why can’t they eat before they get there, sorry to vent I don’t mind giving a room and refreshments they just go to far.
Shirley Cotrone
-
16. Tina Maier Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:23 amI agree 100%. In addition, I can’t stress enough the importance of being ON TIME and ready well before any guests arrive. Communicate with the catering contact at the property. Ask for and follow the loading dock directions. If you have not been to the venue before then take an extra trip to walk the loading dock and event space so you know what to expect on the day of the event. This should be part of the professional package. Be courteous and professional to the venue staff.
-
17. Marc McIntosh Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:25 amI owned a DJ service for 17 years and have been a producer of bridal shows for the last 15. Aesthetics are important in your marketing materials, your booth at a bridal show AND your appearance at a wedding or other event. Anyone who thinks that their talent or music speaks for itself, and that they don’t need a professional look or image, is kidding themselves. In addition to not using the hall’s banquet table, you should not be seen by the guests in anything other than dress attire and you should not be seen eating or drinking while you are working. Good impressions result in tomorrow’s jobs!
-
18. Larry Rice Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:28 amI have worked with both the above mentioned styles and professional is always best. I myself will always let the folks that I work with or for know of ways to improve as that is what I want from them. Let’s not be afraid to help each other out.
-
19. Tommy Austein Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:29 amYou could not be more correct. I have found that my competitors have literally driven business to me due to their lack of professional appearance. Facility co-ordinators appreciate a clean, non-detracting appearance as well and they refer us in many cases because we do not detract from the facilities’ decor.
-
20. Phil Schuver Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:33 amI agree with all that you said.
It all starts with how you look.
If you look bad how can you expect to get top dollar for services?Photographers can be the worst, when they show up with beat up bags of equipment that they just drop any where against a wall.
I know we all have horror stories, thanks for the post.
-
21. Virginia Santa Ines Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:33 amThe DJ should consider them as an Ambassador for the Hotel / venue. We depend on the DJ to know the timeline and Emcee the event along with our assistance.
If a DJ does not bring their own cart or know the timeline and etc… this is does not impress the hotel at all.
On the flip side I have worked with DJ’s that go above and beyond they will actually light candles, greet guests at the pre function, escort guests to their seats. These are the DJ’s that I will recommend.
-
22. Melissa Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:34 amI agree that everything said in this article is worthwhile for DJ’s to take as advice. As a reception hall venue, we do not hire the DJ, but usually provide a white skirted table only because we do not have black skirting. If the DJ comes prepared to blend in I agree that they need to have the material to do so.
-
23. Roger Cunningham Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:35 amAs the owner of a catering company I more often then not see the DJ getting to the event site at the last minute and rushing to setup. If I do not know who the DJ is I encourage the hall to put them in an out of the way place so that they are not a focal point. We don’t mind feeding the DJ or other vendors working the event, just please wait until the guests have finished. After all we are onsite for them.
-
24. Ann Cuellar Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:36 amI completely agree. Looks and appearance do matter, and it’s a direct reflection on us, as the venue, when things are inappropriate.
-
25. Geri Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:37 amI am in TOTAL agreement! While I am not in the wedding market, I do book DJs for corporate events, and my short list only includes those who I know will present themselves professionally, and this includes how their equipment, as well as they, are dressed.
-
26. Jon Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:44 amThis is a no brainer! When clients are paying thousands of dollars for entertainment at their event - appearance does matter.
-
27. Doug LaVine Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:45 amYou are right. Most “DJs” don’t get it. Even many of the full-timers don’t. And most never will.
It takes extra effort on the part of the true professionals to overcome the perceptions of a bad DJ. Many times that starts with the first impression.
Presentation is Everything. It makes a complete package — Complete!
The looks of our custom-built consoles are extremely nice looking and we are proud to show them. And they blend in rather than become an eye-sore.
We also dress most appropriately, well-groomed and always look our best.
NEVER should there be a sign with the DJ’s company name. Ever! Business cards should also be out of sight unless someone asks for them.
Professionals are recognized immediately as such from every aspect of their presentation.
-
28. Caren Murphy Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:45 amI agree and would add that the banquet staff/decorators & event planners work hard to make sure that the venue/event look is what the client has requested and one thing out of place can throw it off.
There are good & bad out there that is why I provide my clients with a preferred vendor list and if they choose to go with someone not on the list I ask to have a meeting prior to the event to discuss set etc. & even with that something can happen. Even though I have been doing this for years I consider each event a new lesson learned & most are good!!
-
29. Leslie Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:50 amDJ’s rushing onsite, disheveled, unprepared, being abrasive….unfortunately I have encountered all of the forementioned. None of them are on our preferred vendor list. Timely, organized, well groomed, pleasant, well presented DJ’s are a joy to recommend with confidence. The best DJ’s I have worked with through the years are in tune with their audience enough to almost become one with the event. As a caterer, a DJ that will work with us, even through the occasional electrical challenge is a treasure!
-
30. Annie Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:54 amI firmly believe that wedding DJs most effectiveness is to keep a wedding timeline on course. If the bride and groom’s purpose is to have “live entertainment”, they would have, could have and SHOULD have hired a live band. Don’t get me wrong, a DJ needs to be engaging and charismatic, but their sole purpose is for the bride and groom, not to promote their business or acting career!
Oh yes…and the asthestics are extremely important. The set up (including the attire of the DJ) should always reflect the nature of the event.
-
31. Joel Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:55 amI agree. Although I do not know how much it matters. Banquet people say they care and do not recommend anyone who does not look good, yet in the second and third photo, there is a table. I am sure the location set it up before hand because so many of the Dj’s use them. I am amazed at how many facilities tell me the Dj’s always use a table.
For 22 years, I have always been “self contained”.
-
32. Doug Harmon Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 10:58 amTrying to look great takes effort when working with other vendors too. Even after you have a great looking system and a organized work area..
Photographers and videographers commonly want to place their bags of equipment around and behind you. Many times those bags also get opened, shuffled and unorganized. We encourage them to place their bags in a corner or elsewhere out of sight of our area, especially when there are photos of us in the background.
It takes a constant effort all night long to be sure your own work area is always clean, neat and tidy.
-
33. Bob Rinker Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:03 amI completely agree. At least DJs have figured out how to dress appropriately. I’d like to extend this advice to the photographer’s market. How many times have you seen photographers at your events completely inappropriately dressed, with the same mish mash of wires and tables?
-
34. Elizabeth Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:16 amAppearance absolutely counts!! As venues are judged by their appearance as much as the quality of their catering so are the professionals who help us execute successful events.
I will not recommend a vendor that I am not confident will arrive well dressed and present themselves in a visually professional manner. Their appearance contributes just as much to the overall impact of the event as anything else in the room.
Hopefully your article will not just be “preaching to the choir”. However, it has been my experience that the ones who care enough to read trade publications are the ones who already get it.
-
35. Niki Hernandez Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:16 amYour article came at a perfect time.
Our staff was just talking about how important that the DJ equipment looks like it belongs in this era and not back in the day…
The DJ plays such an important role when they have the responsibility to keep the event moving that not only sounding professional but dressing appropriately is equally important.
-
36. Susie Burns Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:17 amI agree - it should not be difficult to come to your job dressed professionally, on time and prepared for your shift. I would even go one further: I often encounter DJs from lesser companies who insist on being the first through a buffet line or wind their way to the front of the bar line. I have angered more than a few DJs in my career by explaining to them that they are not as important to me as the bride and groom, therefore they will not be enjoying food and beverages before the bride and groom do. I eat before my shift, I suggest they do, too.
-
37. J Spin Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:17 amThe clean and neat wires are a given.
However, I 100% disagree with you about the need of a DJ “booth”.
While some companies use these booths as a way to increase their profit margins, I believe they look cheesy and create a disconnection from the guests. They are generally not custom built for each event, and therefore, it may be inappropriately spaced for some venues. These booths are an inexpensive, cheap replacement for adding lighting and/or video screens to enhance the presence of the DJ. I personally feel a table with a matching table cloth is a much more sophisticated look.
Some venues offer a very low charge for use of their tables, other’s don’t charge anything. We ask for electricity and an 8 foot table from our clients. There is something to be said about bringing your own table but the cost factor on the client or facility is so low that I’ve never had an issue.
Frankly, if you feel bringing your own table will make your set up more high end in some way, I think you are greatly mistaken. Bringing your own table will not make the talent any better, not make the guests more excited, nor in any way effect the flow of events.
I would strongly recommend more attention be paid to the details that seem to matter….
-
38. Pat Discianno Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:19 amCompliments to you, Andy, for broaching a topic that is seldom addressed.
All vendors, but especially disc jockeys, should take this to heart, as it will improve their image, enhance their professionalism, and increase their marketability!
-
39. Dena Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:19 amIn my Wedding Planning days, I always said that a DJ can make or break your reception. There are so many aspects to that comment, but I absolutely agree. DJ’s are a dime a dozen, but a quality DJ is priceless.
-
40. Marty Glassman Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:26 amI completely disagree.
Our DJ systems sit upon four cinder blocks that we custom paint to fit the clients color scheme, along with their choice of bib overalls we are to wear.Seriously, it really is amazing to me (23 years in the event biz) that “professional” DJs still have no clue how critical your appearance is at any event you’re hired to do. The phrase “image is everything” absolutely applies to us DJs.
-
41. Gian Carlo Carattini, LES, CMP Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:29 amI agree with your assessment and with the serious nature with which you address the topic.
DJs and their equipment should look sharp, appropriate and professional: No wrinkles, over-the-top hair-dos, unshaven faces, exposed cords, faulty equipment or tardiness.
Our hotel company will not endorse an endorse a vendor that does not respresent us or our clients well.
-
42. Carolann Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:51 amI agree that looks are important, but I disagree that use of a provided table looks unprofessional. When I plan events, we often use specialty linens and have a specific color palette we are using for decor. Nothing kills the look of a beautiful ivory-and-gold room layout quite like a giant black monstrosity of a DJ setup.
I encourage any DJs working with us to use a tabletop setup and use the table (and flowers, when appropriate) we provide. Event designers are paid to create a certain ambiance in a room, and when one of the vendors decides that they know better, then the ambiance suffers for it. Looking the part is important, but so is being part of a team of vendors.
I can see why people seem to like the look of these Bose speakers, but does anyone not see the wires running on the floor behind them? I always ask the DJ to make sure that (whenever possible) no wires are even visible. It looks tacky. It’s much better if they can place their speakers right next to their table and hide everything, which looks somewhat impossible with these Bose speakers, correct?
-
43. Wendy Krispin Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 11:51 amLooking good is important.
-
44. Phil Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 12:14 pmI agrre that a Dj should look his/her best and have equipment that sounds good and looks clean(not worn).I disagree about the table. I have seen all types of set ups for Dj’s in my 25 years as a Professional Dj and none of them look like they belong with the rest of the tables and chairs. So, I see nothing wrong with a facility providing the table and skirting for my equipment which is just as important as the brocoli on the food table (That probably cost more than the Dj).
-
45. James Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 12:18 pmYou’re right on the money!
-
46. Wesley Flint Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 12:27 pmHello. I’m a DJ and a NACE member in the Memphis, TN market. Most of what has been posted I concur with, with the exception of the table. While I do offer a draped and skirted table, it is at an additional cost to my clients.
If my clients would rather not pay my price (most don’t), then they have a requirement via my contract to provide me with a table. Most of the venues around here have no problem with this (that I’m aware of). In fact, they can then skirt the table in matching theme colors which looks much better than plain ole black or white. Now, as for the equipment. You can only do so much. Putting a dress on a pig doesn’t hide the fact that it’s still a pig. Speakers are speakers. And they are ugly.
I do agree that a clean looking set-up is very important when working a wedding. Heres a link to my set up. Do you think this is a clean enough set-up?
April 15th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
[...] DJ’s make an impression by cleaning up their appearance [...]
October 11th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
[...] DJ’s make an impression by cleaning up their appearance [...]