wblair
What do you wear when DJing a wedding reception?
I live in the midwest and wear dark dress pants and a polo shirt... I try and match the shirt color to the wedding color chosen by the bride/groom.
In a meeting, I tell the bride/groom what I will be wearing and if its ok. Only once in 5 years has a request been made and that was to wear a long sleeve dress shirt and a tie... no problem. The wedding party is all dressed up and is and should be the focal point of the evening as far as attire goes. I've seen DJ's wearing a tux/suit and you couldn't tell then apart from the guests. When I walk around, I want people to know that I am the DJ and not part of the wedding party or a wedding guest. Kinda like you dont wear a certain color of blue shirt when shopping at Best Buy unless you want people asking you do you work here and can you help them.. LOL.
I am part roadie and part performer... setup, perform, teardown. I also may have to go under the table or up on a chair/ladder to fix something and wearing dress pants and a polo shirt is sure a hell of a lot easier to work in than wearing a tux/suit. If all I had to do was show up and say and few things and look good doing it then I wouldn't mind getting all dressed up.... look at the awards shows on TV. The MC's on stage don't have to do any work, just look good and say a few things. I work hard and put in a lot of hours at these events.
I have been reading on some other DJ websites where the DJ's that work for them are now wearing dress pants/polo shirts instead of a tux/suit when DJing a reception.... maybe even putting a company monogram on the front. This is due to the demands of the job.
I still see some DJ sites where they somewhat brag/talk up about how their DJ's wear a tux to your event and that this is the only way to go and if you are looking for a DJ for your event then make sure that they are all dressed up.... I just think that due to all the demands of a DJ that that is going somewhat overboard, just as the dj showing up wearing blue jeans and t-shirt would be under dressed.
What are your thoughts.
Dale
I live in the midwest and wear dark dress pants and a polo shirt... I try and match the shirt color to the wedding color chosen by the bride/groom.
In a meeting, I tell the bride/groom what I will be wearing and if its ok. Only once in 5 years has a request been made and that was to wear a long sleeve dress shirt and a tie... no problem. The wedding party is all dressed up and is and should be the focal point of the evening as far as attire goes. I've seen DJ's wearing a tux/suit and you couldn't tell then apart from the guests. When I walk around, I want people to know that I am the DJ and not part of the wedding party or a wedding guest. Kinda like you dont wear a certain color of blue shirt when shopping at Best Buy unless you want people asking you do you work here and can you help them.. LOL.
I am part roadie and part performer... setup, perform, teardown. I also may have to go under the table or up on a chair/ladder to fix something and wearing dress pants and a polo shirt is sure a hell of a lot easier to work in than wearing a tux/suit. If all I had to do was show up and say and few things and look good doing it then I wouldn't mind getting all dressed up.... look at the awards shows on TV. The MC's on stage don't have to do any work, just look good and say a few things. I work hard and put in a lot of hours at these events.
I have been reading on some other DJ websites where the DJ's that work for them are now wearing dress pants/polo shirts instead of a tux/suit when DJing a reception.... maybe even putting a company monogram on the front. This is due to the demands of the job.
I still see some DJ sites where they somewhat brag/talk up about how their DJ's wear a tux to your event and that this is the only way to go and if you are looking for a DJ for your event then make sure that they are all dressed up.... I just think that due to all the demands of a DJ that that is going somewhat overboard, just as the dj showing up wearing blue jeans and t-shirt would be under dressed.
What are your thoughts.
Dale
Posted Wed 05 Dec 12 @ 7:51 am
dizzyrocks2001
Tuxedos are a bit over the top, but a polo shirt? Really??? I think the DJ should wear at least dress pants, a dress shirt and a I tie. Wearing a suit and a tie is not going to take away from the wedding party any more than any other guest wearing a suit and a tie, but wearing a polo shirt WILL because you'll stick out like a sore thumb by being dressed too casually. And why are you so concerned about people thinking you're a guest? Besides, I think they'll figure out pretty quickly that you're the DJ when they see you behind the DJ table. I understand your need for comfort while setting up and tearing down, but at least change shirts for the reception. How much hard labour are you doing once the reception starts that would make wearing a dress shirt constrictive? Once everything is set up all you're doing is DJing, not moving cinder blocks lol. Most guys I know dress casual during setup when nobody's around and then change clothes before the reception. I think the reason no one has said anything to you up until now is that wearing a polo shirt is not disastrous so most people wouldn't say anything, but that doesn't mean it's appropriate. I think they just don't have the heart to tell you that you're underdressed. Maybe in your area weddings are more casual but where I'm from the DJs always wear at least a dress shirt and tie, or a suit. If we want to be taken seriously as professionals then we have to look the part.
Posted Wed 05 Dec 12 @ 11:34 am
andytaylor125
I got for suit and shirt, but no tie. If it's warm then no suit jacket so just smart trousers and shirt. When I see a photographer wearing a T-shirt I think it looks a little strange, hell, even the bar staff in most venues wear shirts!
To be honest, i don't think many people care, you're just the DJ after all. When the party gets going you do become a bit more of a focal point and I don't think I'd really feel in the party mood to party if I was wearing a polo shirt.
To be honest, i don't think many people care, you're just the DJ after all. When the party gets going you do become a bit more of a focal point and I don't think I'd really feel in the party mood to party if I was wearing a polo shirt.
Posted Wed 05 Dec 12 @ 11:52 am
wblair
Good ideas about wearing a dress shirt and tie.
I could see myself wearing a blue, red, green,etc dress shirt and tie to match the wedding colors. Just no white shirt! LOL
This area is casual and a jacket or tux might be a bit too much. Frequently the receptions are at someplace like the American legion and guests are wearing cut-off blue jean shorts or t-shirts.
I agree about the photographer, they frequently make me feel overdressed. LOL
Thanks for the input,
Dale
I could see myself wearing a blue, red, green,etc dress shirt and tie to match the wedding colors. Just no white shirt! LOL
This area is casual and a jacket or tux might be a bit too much. Frequently the receptions are at someplace like the American legion and guests are wearing cut-off blue jean shorts or t-shirts.
I agree about the photographer, they frequently make me feel overdressed. LOL
Thanks for the input,
Dale
Posted Wed 05 Dec 12 @ 12:07 pm
dizzyrocks2001
Guests wear cut-off jeans or tshirts?? In that case a polo shirt is fine. I assumed guests at these receptions were dressed more formally.
Posted Wed 05 Dec 12 @ 12:34 pm
mm1218
Kinda depends on theme as well. Here in Tampa, I get a lot of Buffett-themed or country-themed wedding receptions. So, I dress the part. Standard wedding equals long-sleeve shirt, dress slacks, and (for me) boots because, well, they're my trademark. I always have a t-shirt under the dress shirt or off to the side, because once the liquor is flowing it becomes a regular party (after all the traditional bullshit is outta the way), and I wanna be comfortable. Just my2-cents
Posted Wed 05 Dec 12 @ 1:15 pm
Tear Em 'Up
Depends on the venue and the theme of said wedding. I worked one wedding reception where the bride and groom encouraged the guests to wear their favorite baseball team jersey. That was a huge hit! Lot's of fun that one. If the venue is a yacht club/country club/high end banquet hall, I wear dress slacks and a long sleeved dress shirt and tie. If the venue is a boat club (much less pretentious version of a yacht club) I wear khakis and a long sleeved shirt and tie. It the venue is in a park or someones back yard, khakis and a polo with my company logo on it.
Posted Wed 05 Dec 12 @ 5:08 pm
Timmyg1978
I wear pretty much the same to all gigs, weddings included, black slacks, white dress shirt, tie, Stetson hat and all black Nikes. I like to look nice even at the most casual events, though I could see myself changing it up for certain themes.
Posted Wed 05 Dec 12 @ 5:31 pm
JimmyL-DJ
I've tried it all. The suit, the tux, casual.
I'll set up equipment in t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Then go change in the men's room or locker room. If it's a country club, and I have time, I'll take a quick shower. I pack all in a garment bag along with a towel.
Currently I've settled on a nice open collar dress shirt with dress pants and nice shoes. I wear an undershirt to keep sweat under control. And I take along extra underwear & socks in case it's really hot and I get soaked.
And then on top of all a DJ vest. I picked one up at the DJ Expo in Atlantic City one year. It's classy nice with sparkle musical notes on the front. It glitters in the lights.
After the show it's back to the grubbies. Most times I'll bring an extra t-shirt because the other one is usually damp. I load and unload a lot of stuff and it's a workout for sure.
Good luck.
I'll set up equipment in t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Then go change in the men's room or locker room. If it's a country club, and I have time, I'll take a quick shower. I pack all in a garment bag along with a towel.
Currently I've settled on a nice open collar dress shirt with dress pants and nice shoes. I wear an undershirt to keep sweat under control. And I take along extra underwear & socks in case it's really hot and I get soaked.
And then on top of all a DJ vest. I picked one up at the DJ Expo in Atlantic City one year. It's classy nice with sparkle musical notes on the front. It glitters in the lights.
After the show it's back to the grubbies. Most times I'll bring an extra t-shirt because the other one is usually damp. I load and unload a lot of stuff and it's a workout for sure.
Good luck.
Posted Wed 05 Dec 12 @ 10:52 pm