How To Handle An Event Nightmare
Let’s face it… shit happens. And even for the most experienced professional DJ, failure is inevitable. We fall so we can learn to pick ourselves back up again.
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The event industry has always been a personal passion because no two events are ever the same. The inconsistencies requires the wedding DJ or the bar/bat mitzvah DJ to constantly think on our feet and always be “on.” Sometimes, weddings can be unscripted and changes make events interesting. However, every now and then, surprises can become a challenge that might be difficult for even the most experienced wedding DJ.
To start off, here are 10 things to plan the perfect event. This should help guide you in the right direction, no matter what type of party you are planning.
Now… here are five things to consider ways an event can go wrong and how to avoid embarrassment.
1. Participation
Weddings, mitzvahs, Sweet 16s and any other event, ultimately have one thing in common - guests who you invite and the method of inviting them.
One reason for people to not attend events is simply poor promoting. They likely either don’t know or don’t care about your party. As an example, it takes time to promote a mitzvah in NJ or a wedding in NYC. If you don’t take the time to promote the event, you are at risk of people not wanting to take the time to attend.
How do you deal with poorly attended events?
As a DJ, we are charged with creating an emotion and moving the party along. Regardless of how many guests attend, that charge does not change. It is more personal and allows us to engage directly.
Music has always been a passion for me. All else fails, nothing helps more than the perfect soundtrack.
2. Poorly organised entertainment
You’ve managed to promote your event and everyone came! YAY… but, uh oh… no one is having any fun. Either your entertainment bailed or it turns out to be less than enticing. There is a plethora of wedding DJ entertainment in NYC, NJ mitzvah entertainment, or entertainment for New Jersey Sweet 16s and it can be difficult to find the perfect music match for your party.
Do not worry… a simple flip of the switch is sometimes all it takes to go from zero to hero.
Plan B - Link up your phone to your Bluetooth and play one of these mixes.
Hosting events practically every weekend means we are always ready with a Plan B. The weddings in Jersey City have produced a wide range of recorded mixes for any type of event.
3. Venue cancellation
You never think that your venue would cancel on you, but it can and does happen. There are hundreds of venues within the Tristate area for a wedding in NJ, mitzvah in NYC, or Sweet 16 on Long Island. Some have been around for ages and can undergo required renovations.
During your venue search, it is imperative to inquire if they ever had to cancel. Fortunately, your research has introduced you to a few contacts which might lead to a blessing in disguise if your first venue falls through.
Having a backup plan has helped one of my couples land their original dream venue.
4. Security risk
There are venues with enough rooms to hold multiple events. This is great for the venue, but can be a security risk for your party.
Imagine you are in the middle of your wedding and a graduation party from down the hall finishes up. Their guests make their way into your room and are now standing in line at your bar, eating your dessert, using your photobooth, and even dancing with some of your guests.
You now have a pair of wedding crashers on your hands!
The best thing to do is to not panic. Then talk to your venue and/or catering manager or perhaps even your bartender/s. Additionally, your wedding DJ’s job is to maintain the flow of the party. If that flow gets disturbed, by a wedding crasher, then the DJ should feel somewhat obligated to take care of the situation.
In the past, we have had to handle wedding party crashers and have no issues about maintaining composure during this and any other potential security situation. You should feel comfortable knowing that your reliable vendor choices have no issues about putting up with security risks at your wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, sweet 16, fundraiser, or corporate event.
5. Technical issues
The dreaded “blue screen of death,” “404 not found,” “the voicebox is full.” All are unexpected, unwelcome, and the last thing you want to get from your wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, sweet 16, or any other event vendor. Regardless, it happens… the only thing that matters now, is how the issue is handled.
For wedding DJs in NJ or mitzvah DJs in NY, your DJ professional has a backup plan. We use a backup battery that can maintain music for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, if power were ever to cut off.
For most wedding venues in NJ and event venues in NYC, the worst thing that can happen is typically a power failure. Always confirm with your vendors about their contingency plan.
What NOT to do during an event nightmare
It’s simple… No matter the issue, DON’T PANIC! Always remember that everything happens for a reason and sometimes, it might not be anyone’s fault.
Make sure you are ready for when the worst happens:
Test equipment twice
Have a clear Plan B
Hire the right staff, trained for unexpected conditions
Get everything down in writing
If you have prepared and followed this guide, then you should be ready for anything.
Learn more about how DJ Demby can help prevent an event nightmare from happening to you!