Article of the month January/February 2003 Upbeat or low key DJ? The Big Question by Mike Fernino In my 19 years in the DJ business, I have seen many trends. I have worked with over 5000 brides, and hopefully helped them find, and create the " perfect wedding reception." It's not easy. What kind of DJ do we have? The big question. The latest trend I have noticed is a gravitation back to low key DJs at receptions. Back in the late 90's, it seemed as though every client I had walk through my door wanted a "High Energy" DJ with props, line dances, and lighting. I honored every request, as Music In Motion is a custom DJ service and wishes to work with the bride and groom to make their wedding exactly what they want. Recently, I have seen a drastic shift in the overall way of thinking out there. Now in 2003, about half of my clients are asking for NO interaction from the DJ or just partial, " Toned down " presentations. Party novelties or " Props " as we refer to them, are used only half the time, as compared to about 80% in 1999. When I ask my clients what brought them to their way of thinking, almost everytime the answer is thesame. " We saw a tacky, obnoxious DJ that ruined my friends wedding! He was constantly talking, did too many line dances, one after the other, and got in the guests face. He thought it was his show, and not the bride and grooms wedding! We don't want that for our wedding! " Now here is just a thought to ponder. You are afraid of a DJ ruining your reception by being too much, " in your face," so you get a DJ that just stands there and plays music. He says very little and is not involved at all. So what happens in this case scenario? Think about it.........The DJ just plays music and the wedding is low key with very little dancing and NO energy or enthusiasm. Is this really FUN? Did you really save the wedding, or ruin it in a different way? How will your guests perceive your wedding? Fun or boring?Think about it that way. You can't cancel out one negative with and equal and proportional negative. If you are a bride and groom that always wanted a low key reception, and that is how you wish to represent your event and theme, then having your entertainer be in the back ground, low key and reserved is the right choice for you. But...........If you want to hold back the DJ just because you had the life scared out of you from a bad DJ experience at a friends wedding, that may be a mistake. Not all DJs are the same, and not all DJs have the same talent level as the DJs on my staff. I know this from 19 years in the business. Talent and experience make the difference every time! Save yourself the empty feeling you may experience on your wedding day for not getting the perfect reception that fits you like a glove. Get a DJ that will custom produce your wedding for you and by you.Music In Motion is a " CUSTOM " wedding DJ service. Every bride and groom get a one-on-one sit down pre-wedding planning session with their DJ. I personally oversee each couple in setting up the planning and staging of their special day. We can get you the wedding you want, without the fear of what happened at your friends wedding. NEVER be influenced by a bad DJ experience. Be influenced by a professional service that wishes to make your wedding day, a smashing success! High energy, or low key??? The choice is yours with Music In Motion, and I am confident we will help you find the perfect solution!