What I've Learned DJing Weddings for 20 Years

After DJing weddings for 20 years, one thing has become very clear.

No two weddings are ever the same.

Venues change, guests change, timelines change, and plans almost always shift slightly on the day. The weddings that feel effortless are not the ones where everything goes perfectly on paper. They are the ones where someone is quietly adapting in the background.

Here are a few things I have learned along the way.

Music Is Only Part of the Job

Most people think a wedding DJ's main job is music.

In reality, music is only one part of what makes a reception work.

A large part of the job is:

• Reading people, not playlists
• Anticipating moments before they happen
• Knowing when to step in and when to stay out of the way
• Keeping things moving without it feeling managed

When this is done well, people notice how much of a difference a great DJ actually makes.

Timing Matters More Than Perfection

Perfect timelines rarely survive contact with real life.

Over time, I have learned that flexibility matters far more than precision. A good DJ adjusts the energy to match the moment rather than forcing the moment to match the schedule.

When timing is handled well, no one feels rushed and no one feels bored.

Reading a Dancefloor Is Learned Over Time

Crowd awareness is not about guessing. It is about paying attention.

It is noticing when energy is building and knowing when to lean into it.
It is seeing when guests are tiring and allowing space for the room to reset.
It is recognising when different age groups naturally take over as the night progresses.

This is not something you get from a playlist. It comes from years of watching how real people respond in real rooms.

Sound Quality Is Never Optional

Clear sound is one of the fastest ways to make a wedding feel polished, or unintentionally chaotic.

Guests will forgive almost anything except not being able to hear.

That means planning for:

• Venues with challenging acoustics
• Outdoor ceremonies affected by wind
• Clear, balanced sound during speeches
• Reliable microphones and backup equipment

Experience teaches you to plan for these things before they become problems.

The Best Compliment Is Often Peace of Mind

Some of the most meaningful feedback I receive sounds like this:

That is always the goal.

A wedding DJ should never be the centre of attention. They should be the reason the night feels relaxed, natural, and well run, without anyone needing to think about why.

Experience Shows Up in the Small Moments

After 20 years, I have learned that the moments that matter most are rarely the obvious ones.

It is the smooth handover of a microphone.
Knowing exactly when to change direction, or when to let a moment breathe before moving on.
Choosing not to play a request at the wrong time.
Remaining calm and in control when something unexpected happens.

These are the moments you cannot plan for in advance. They only come with experience.

Why Experience Still Matters

Every wedding has music.

What makes the difference is how the night feels.

Experience is not about doing things louder, faster, or bigger. It is about understanding the moment, respecting it, and guiding it quietly in the right direction.

That is what 20 years behind the decks has taught me.