2014 Wedding Entertainment Trends
By Marc Sense, Integral DJs
In any industry, innovation and evolution are key.
As a wedding DJ, it’s simply a matter of keeping in touch with couples’ needs and pro-actively seeking out ways to improve their experience. Both skill development and new product implementation play an equally important role in ensuring you have an incredible time.
Wondering what 2014 has in store for the latest wedding entertainment trends?
Here’s what’s in:
- New School – The best DJs in the world use instruments like a turntable, CDJ, or a controller that allows them to manually mix songs together. This allows for maximum creativity and a consistent flow throughout the event. If your prospective DJ plays their music strictly from a computer, that’s a sign that they’re not thinking outside of the box.
- LED uplighting – This is one of the most popular ways to affordably enhance the look of a venue. A rather drab hotel ballroom can transform into a space with bright energetic colors that catch the eye and add character. The price has gone down significantly since the introduction of LED technology, which has long-lasting bulbs that emit a very minimal amount of heat. Some are event battery operate which eliminates unnecessary cords.
- Untraditional ceremony music –the Bridal Chorus aka Here Comes The Bride is on it’s way out. Couples are choosing everything from John Legend to Ray Lamontagne for their processional and recessional. And both The Piano Guys and Vitamin String Quartet put a classic touch with covers of modern music.
Here’s what’s out:
- Song databases – If a wedding DJ asks you solely to pick songs from a database, chances are you’re wedding will sound exactly like Joe Schmoe’s did 3 weeks ago. In the digital age you can find an mp3 of almost any song, including your most obscure favorites. A DJ that understands your music tastes will allow you to have as much influence over the playlist, then fill in the gaps using their knowledge.
- “Entertainers” – A DJ that stays on the mic all evening takes away from the focal point of the event – the newlyweds. I’ve heard stories about “DJs” that literally will sing along to a song on the microphone or dance overaggressively with female guests – don’t let THAT guy ruin your wedding!
The best DJs take action, but also listen well. Use these elements as a litmus test to see if your prospective hire is either a leader or simply left behind.
Marc Sense is the founder of Integral DJs based in Seattle, WA and Washington, DC. He has over 10+ years of experience performing at clubs across the country and concerts featuring the likes of Snoop Dogg, The Roots, and Macklemore.
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