We are going to break down the key differences between a professional wedding DJ vs an experienced corporate DJ to help you find the best fit for your event.
About Us:
Hey Mister DJ is an award winning DJ & event production company based in Los Angeles.
With attractions like The Los Angeles Convention Center, LA Live, Hollywood, Malibu, Beverly Hills, movie studios back lots like Paramount, Universal, Sony, and Warner Brothers…LA is a massive draw for destination weddings and tons of corporate events. So, most event venues in Los Angeles book for both weddings and corporate events. Most venues also have a preferred vendor list where you can find DJs & Audiovisual companies familiar with the space.
If you prefer video format, check out our Youtube video on this topic below:
First, let's explore what skill sets are similar between a corporate DJ & wedding DJ
Main similarities you'll find with an experienced, professional wedding or corporates DJ:
APPEARANCE & FIRST IMPRESSIONS-
A professional DJ will always have a polished look. From how they are dressed and their body language to the gear and DJ booth presentation. This is one of the first things guests may notice when they enter a room. The moment guests enter a room, music guides them and makes statements about what type of night they can expect. This is usually much more immediately apparent with a wedding because the room tends to be smaller, but even with a large corporate event, if the DJ is on stage or highlighted as a focal point, then their appearance and presentation must fit the event concept. This also applies to the music that is played during guest entry to set the tone for the night. When guests enter the DJ should be playing a welcome set that is exciting, engaging, and making statements about what kind of party guests can expect later.
WORKING WITH A TIMELINE & EVENT PLANNER-
Professional Wedding & Corporate Event Planners in Southern California are typically very experienced. A DJ or MC with years under their belt will understand how to interface cohesively and take direction well to help execute the timeline correctly. This also means knowing how to pace and control the timing of dance sets based on when a formality will occur so that guests are not constantly frustrated by starting/stopping of the floor.
Good event planners know how to trust their DJ and understand that it is a team effort to balance logistics and flow. A good DJ for either corporate or weddings will be a team player (with no ego) and willing to take direction from the planner.
MICROPONE & EMCEE ABILITY-
A corporate event that wants interaction is going to depend on a DJ to be able to fire up the crowd, pull people out on the dance floor and possibly do some ice breakers or lead guests in group dances etc.
Many corporate events, fundraisers, fashion shows and product launches need a DJ who can introduce speakers to stage, run raffles, auctions and other general housekeeping announcements.
In both situations, it’s crucial that the DJ has discipline and knows when and where to jump in with a mic and when to pull back and let a room unfold organically. Many corporate parties have a cocktail mixer vibe and prefer good background music without interruption. So keep in mind that a DJ/MC driven by ego or insecurity will speak too much and come across as abrasive, cheesy, and possibly alienating the crowd.
BACKUP EQUIPMENT-
A seasoned DJ knows that Murphy’s Law often applies in the world of events: “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” That’s why they never leave things to chance and always bring backup equipment to every gig. Whether it’s a malfunctioning mixer, a faulty cable, or a sudden power outage, having spare gear on hand ensures the show can go on without missing a beat.
It’s a professional commitment to reliability and preparedness, ensuring that they can deliver an uninterrupted experience for their clients and guests, no matter what unexpected challenges may arise.
So there you have some similarities between a wedding DJ and corporate event DJ.
Now lets explore the differences you'll find between a professional wedding and corporate event DJ:
DJs should always bring backup equipment
A professional DJ will always have a polished look. From how they are dressed and their body language to the gear and DJ booth presentation. This is one of the first things guests may notice when they enter a room. The moment guests enter a room, music guides them and makes statements about what type of night they can expect. This is usually much more immediately apparent with a wedding because the room tends to be smaller, but even with a large corporate event, if the DJ is on stage or highlighted as a focal point, then their appearance and presentation must fit the event concept. This also applies to the music that is played during guest entry to set the tone for the night. When guests enter the DJ should be playing a welcome set that is exciting, engaging, and making statements about what kind of party guests can expect later. z