Dj Don't List
Prior to having a party or even planning an event the idea of who you are going to invite and whether or not they share the same vision and preferences as you is paramount. If you are having a sweet 16 and request a litany of theatre music and “phantom of the opera” type songs I would like to assume that your friends not only like that genre of music but we’ll dance heartedly when it is played. Catering to your own preferences musically while alienating your guests and making your Dj look like he can’t mix or entertain well isn’t particularly ideal for anyone.
Personally, I understand that generally liked music such as top 40 hits never hits home for everyone in the party in regard to favoritism and is probably not what you listen to in your headphones or while your working out. Relying on your Dj to create the ideal musical environment that everyone can enjoy is likely preferential to playing music that just your table will like. In addition, when you book a Dj part of the understood job description is creating your own playlist that people will enjoy without any request.
Many Dj’s get caught in between attempting to play the music selection that were requested by the client while simultaneously ensuring that all of the participants are entertained enough that they don’t fall into a sitting and texting session. Many Djs use the request list as a skeleton of the entire playlist or a go-to list for critical moments when the party is going well. Forcing a Dj to play all of the clients requests is far within your realm of possibilities but handcuffing your entertainer may cause a lack of comfortable and confidence for the event that will lead nowhere.
P.S. Whatever number of people you invite make sure you assume 1/4 of them may not be able to attend the day of. A sweet sixteen with eighteen people in it isn’t a problem but maybe that party could have taken place at home or be designed more so as a intimate gathering with preferential song selections and games tailored towards the guests that you know they will enjoy.
