Attire for Wedding DJs

[rth_discos]

Rather than pull the other post off thread (which itself came off the back of another thread that had gone off topic!), it seems sensible to create a new thread surrounding attire for wedding DJs.

I appreciate there will be differences between those who do evening only and those who are all day DJs (and hosts/MCs)

It's an area I've spent time considering, and to a degree struggling with.

I've always been of the opinion that I'm a performer, and not a guest, and should stand out as such. Equally, I don't want to look like one of the waiting staff/venue staff.

The whole "black tie" look has never been my thing, it just doesn't suit me. And I'm a firm believer that you've got to be comfortable in what you're wearing, otherwise it'll affect your performance. For the last 12 months, I've been wearing a dark grey suit with either a silvery shirt or white shirt (but a very nice one with trim), and with cuff-links.

I don't feel comfortable with a tie, and my guests have chosen me to host as they don't want a formal "toastmaster".

For the evening I tend to lose the jacket and drop to shirt and trousers - and when I'm doing evening only, then it's shirt and trousers.

I have purchased a "black sparkly" jacket for corporate events. It's a bit too much for weddings, but I think will work well at Christmas Parties.

This is one of those topics where I don't think there's a "right or wrong". It's all about what works for us personally. Each bride and groom has different tastes, so it's important that what we wear reflects our personality. After all, a band often turns up looking "funky" rather than smart, and I imagine David Guetta would also turn up to perform at a wedding looking like a celeb, and not in a smart suit!

So what do you wear (daytime / evening)...

[Excalibur]

I've always been of the opinion that I'm a performer, and not a guest, and should stand out as such.

Spread the word Brother, spread the word I say. You are 100% absolutely correct. I long for the days when my wedding attire was a green velvet suit, frilled shirt, and bow tie. Classy.

[DJWilson]

Smart shirt and trousers with black shoes.

Jeans and smart polo for other events.

[Imagine]

Depends on where I'm working if I'm honest.

Mostly I roll like this ;)

18391

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Most of the time it is trousers and a shirt. I want to feel comfortable when I am stood behind the set up.

[funkymook]

As I’m usually covering the ceremony music as well so I’ll wear a suit and tie, then later, like most of the guests, I’ll lose the jacket and tie.

The tog at a recent wedding (actually my friends daughters, I was a guest during the day and DJ’d the party in the evening as a present for them) looked totally out of place in the church in his scruffy trainers, baggy trousers and a polo shirt - it was noticed and mentioned by a few people.

[Benny Smyth]

Regardless as to the event, whenever I am setting up and taking down it's a purple branded polo shirt, a branded jacket for the colder days, jeans and safety shoes. I think that in those situations, I am essentially a techy and those guys building rigs at the NEC for that glitzy corporate event aren't doing so in a suit, so I don't see why I should either.

Beyond the setup, it depends on the event. Hosting an all day wedding or handing out some gongs at a corporate, it's a suit. Maybe with a tie, maybe without - depends on how I'm feeling that day. There have been occasions where I've gone for a more 'photographer' look with a waistcoat and rolled up shirt sleeves (especially if I'm all-daying at a barn venue). If I'm doing an evening function only, then I just stick to the stuff I'm wearing while I'm setting up and taking down (which, to be honest, is about 99% of my events).

I think that unless I'm front and centre, nobody gives a toss what I look like. The only thing I have been conscious of recently is that since I started building my sleeve, I wear my jacket until later on in the evening. In 2017, tattoos are as normal as a nose on somebody's face, but I worked a Freemasons event recently and they demanded on the night (not even in advance) that any member of staff who had tattoos were not to be allowed into the function room. I had my jacket on, so I was able to get away with it but I did feel disappointed that the venue just bent over and complied with this demand. Maybe it's my nature, but if I was the duty manager on the night and was given that demand, I'd reply with "Sure. Just so you know, we've also got some black people and homosexual folk on staff - do you want me to keep them out too?" Then, if my sarcasm went over their heads, I'd tell them no.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I was going to mention the whole tattoo thing in my previous reply to this thread. I have 2 full sleeves but keep them covered up whether the people booking me like it or not. Benny mentioned them being the norm' now and I'd agree and that's probably why I keep mine covered whilst working as I have never been or want to be part of the norm'.... I did the same with piercings.... Over the years I had 36 of them all over the place. As I got older I started taking a lot of them out and now just have 3 (you can't see one of them anyway....ooer!). Nobody bats an eyelid, unlike years ago when some of us were referred to as 'weirdos'....(I guess that means everybody is a 'weirdo' now does it?).

Most of the time, when I get to a venue to set up, it is usually an hour or so before the function starts. I'll wear the same clothes, it doesn't bother me unless it is stupidly hot. If that's the case I'll take another shirt with me. If I do set up in advance, take tomorrow for example.... I'll set up in whatever I want to wear. Most of the time it will be a jeans and fred perry. Most of the time it will be in an empty room. If the organiser of the function ever commented on my attire whilst I was setting up in an empty room, I'd have something to say about it.....and it wouldn't be nice.

Since I have been living up here (Norfolk), I have DJ'd around 10 times. I've been here a year and have been doing other things. The events I have DJ'd at have seen me wearing jeans and fred perry's with my tattoos on show. I've done 2 weddings where I covered up. On both occasions it was stupidly hot and on both occasions the Bride asked "Aren't you hot?"..... I told them I was covering up because I was big on first impressions and their reply was "You wear whatever you like" so I rolled my sleeves up and undid my top button and again, nobody batted an eye lid.

I would never EVER think of turning up at a wedding or corporate event or a high class booking or whatever, wearing jeans, trainers and a t-shirt. I have seen it before with other DJ's and yes, it doesn't look right BUT..... smart black jeans, smart jeans and a smart shirt is acceptable in my opinion. If someone has a problem with that then they can tell me and they'll soon get a surprising reply, I don't care who it is. Apologies if that comes across as attitude but I have seen people wearing suits and still look scruffy! I am not a fan of waistcoats and you wouldn't see me in one....ever.

Lastly, on the tattoo thing again.... Although too many, it is the norm' now.....there are still people out there that dislike them.
Before I moved away, I went out for a night out with some friends to say goodbye and we went to a posh hotel during the afternoon. There were 8 of us and the other guys thought they'd 'dress up' for the day so were suited and booted. I had a pair of smart jeans on, my loafers and a Ben Sherman shirt. Again, it was a hot afternoon so I rolled my sleeves up. I was stood at the bar with my arms on the bar, waiting to be served and the snotty nosed little twerp behind the bar gave me one of the dirtiest looks. Me being me and not in work mode (where I remain polite wherever possible), I asked him what his problem was.... He didn't say anything but I guess he thought I looked out of place or something because the majority were all wearing suits etc....
I bought it up when we returned to our table and I mentioned that I had a £200.00 pair of loafers on, a £150.00 pair of jeans and a £110.00 shirt yet that still wasn't good enough? I may as well have walked in there in jogging bottoms and a vest and I'd have gotten the same reaction...... Thing is, I don't own either!! Never have, never will...

[yourdj]

This is my best DJ attire.

18393

[ppentertainments]

I wear suit, shirt, tie if doing all-day weddings (which is most of my work) loosing the Jacket and Tie after the first dance.

Evening only is generally Shirt and Trousers - but often as relaxed as black jeans and a polo shirt.

Funnily enough I had a complaint a few weeks ago which really escalated - the complaint started because the DJ did not turn up wearing a suit (as in turn up to carry the equipment up a flight of stairs and setup in a suit). So much so, I received a phone call on the night before the disco had even started to complain about it - the DJ was wearing trousers and a polo shirt and changed afterwards.

This escalated beyond belief with the bride then picking up on anything she could to complain about - even though I have an enquiry from one of her bridesmaids for her own wedding lol.

Still have no intention of setting up in a suit though :muppet::muppet:;);):muppet::muppet:

[rth_discos]

the complaint started because the DJ did not turn up wearing a suit (as in turn up to carry the equipment up a flight of stairs and setup in a suit).

A quick response including 'health and safety reasons' should quickly put an end to that. But of course, there are always some customers that won't like any answer!


Regardless as to the event, whenever I am setting up and taking down it's a purple branded polo shirt, a branded jacket for the colder days, jeans and safety shoes. I think that in those situations, I am essentially a techy and those guys building rigs at the NEC for that glitzy corporate event aren't doing so in a suit, so I don't see why I should either.

I'm the same - 'work wear' for setting up and taking down. Safety shoes in particular, not only for the risk of dropping an item on my foot, but also to reduce the slip hazard whilst carrying in equipment. Any risk assessment and method statement would soon highlight that performance attire is not suitable for rigging a mobile disco.

[DJColsie]

Originally posted in wrong thread - whoops

Just a personal thing, but I dress as if I were a guest, so as not to stand out. I do tend to wear branded polo shirt to set up in.

So for parties generally shirt, trousers and shoes.

Weddings and Xmas parties lounge suit with open necked shirt.

Black tie affairs, dress suit and bow tie.

[Daryll]

long flowing evening dress , high hee............................damm , wrong forum....:Laugh:

But as a rule , black shoes , black trousers , white/pale shirt , jacket ( either black or cream) during first dance ( if asked)

Daryll

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I wear suit, shirt, tie if doing all-day weddings (which is most of my work) loosing the Jacket and Tie after the first dance.

Evening only is generally Shirt and Trousers - but often as relaxed as black jeans and a polo shirt.

Funnily enough I had a complaint a few weeks ago which really escalated - the complaint started because the DJ did not turn up wearing a suit (as in turn up to carry the equipment up a flight of stairs and setup in a suit). So much so, I received a phone call on the night before the disco had even started to complain about it - the DJ was wearing trousers and a polo shirt and changed afterwards.

This escalated beyond belief with the bride then picking up on anything she could to complain about - even though I have an enquiry from one of her bridesmaids for her own wedding lol.

Still have no intention of setting up in a suit though :muppet::muppet:;);):muppet::muppet:

You mean your not going to refund her for her stupid and frivolous complaints? :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've changed my attitude probably because the general public are a lot more casual. Up until about 6-7 years ago, I always wore dinner suit for weddings, then suit and tie, then suit and shirt, then trousers and shirt and now I wear black jeans, shirt and shoes.

I think people only really notice if you are very smart or very scruffy.

[Shaun]

Suit and shirt (no tie), but generally take off the suit jacket once I'm in the venue.

[Excalibur]

I've changed my attitude probably because the general public are a lot more casual. Up until about 6-7 years ago, I always wore dinner suit for weddings, then suit and tie, then suit and shirt, then trousers and shirt and now I wear black jeans, shirt and shoes.

I think people only really notice if you are very smart or very scruffy.

Hello Darren, wondered when you'd pop up on this one. :)

Facetious answer: Your downward slide in the sartorial elegance department has been noted and lamented. :(

Serious answer: I think your last line sums it up exactly. The dress code is changing immensely, and anywhere in the area of smart casual is acceptable. One member on here insists on his DJs wearing a branded shirt, to identify theDJ as such. Works just fine for him. ( And me. Got a free shirt out of the deal :D )
However, as you might expect from an Old Git like me, I still feel wrong at a wedding unless I start the day/Night in a suit and tie. Guests and other DJs may not, but I do.

[ppentertainments]

One member on here insists on his DJs wearing a branded shirt, to identify theDJ as such. Works just fine for him. ( And me. Got a free shirt out of the deal :D )


That is the route I am going down from next year too :D:D

[mattydj50]

Likewise. I have branded black polo shirts for loading in and setting up andthen change to a plain coloured (white or pale colour as the mood takes me) and black or dark navy trousers for the rest of the night. The nature of my work is wedding evening only and I like to think that the formalness of the daytime is over and the evening it time to party. Guests by then are much more relaxed and I feel my attire complements that. I've never had any adverse comments and when you see some of the get ups that photographers, sweet cart, photobooth and other ancilliary beings turn up wearing, its no great surprise.

[yourdj]

I mentioned that I had a £200.00 pair of loafers on, a £150.00 pair of jeans and a £110.00 shirt yet that still

Who knows, but one of my biggest hang ups is being misjudged, I hate it when someone thinks something of me that is just not true, especially when its something not very nice. i just love life and all the experiences that come with the journey. :)

i dont tend to care if someone thinks I am too posh or too common for anything really and don't try too hard to fit in either. In fact standing out has many advantages at times, especially when you combine it with a bit of mystique. Thanks to MCing weddings as you have to get on with everyone so come up across all sorts, which has its benefits.

Dress is a very important thing, but judgment based on clothes and body stuff (I don't get the point of tattoos (especially if everyone has them), sorry :) ) is also very subjective and based on the individual, their upbringing and past experiences with similar people who may dress, talk or behave like that, even down to the slightest micro expression on a subconscious level. It may have been something your guests did and not you at all? Being snooty if the guest is being well behaved and more importantly paying his wages is out of order. Depending on the person I think I may have also got a bit annoyed and may have had a quiet word with the manager at the end rather than mentioning how much your clothes cost. :)

5 star hotels attract very well trained employees whom regard their job as a profession rather than most the other hotels (in my area at least) whom just work there to earn a bit of money. They have engrained them selves in that environment from a teenager, so can be very set in their ways. Also the venue may have a dress and behaviour policy on this that may also be very dated to come in line with the older or more 'refined' guests. I don't want to target anything in particular, but some nations are worse than others with this.

In terms of dress, I used to know some property developer 'rich' people in Southampton (plus ran a wine bar frequented by footballers) and they always had all the most expensive designer stuff on. They did not have (in my opinion) much class between them despite being very colourful characters. They did however have a lot of cash to spend and did not cause much trouble. I doubt anyone would judge someone just on a tattoo (although its depends on the tattoo and what it says). It is however very noticeable at weddings when someone is trying to be someone they are not. It would be the same for a toff down the local pub, trying to painfully fit with his builders after they have finished extending his 7 bedroom house down the road.

[rth_discos]

In terms of dress, I used to know some property developer 'rich' people in Southampton (plus ran a wine bar frequented by footballers) and they always had all the most expensive designer stuff on.

My experience has shown that the mega rich don't look rich - in fact, they're the ones most likely to turn up in a pair of jeans and t-shirt.

It's the 'wealthy' (not millionaires) who always try and 'look' rich, and will pull out the suits and designer shoes.

I've met many multi millionaire and wealthy people over the past 5 years and have lots of stories!! But there's definitely a difference between the very rich and the wealthy.

[DJWilson]

My experience has shown that the mega rich don't look rich - in fact, they're the ones most likely to turn up in a pair of jeans and t-shirt.

It's the 'wealthy' (not millionaires) who always try and 'look' rich, and will pull out the suits and designer shoes.

I've met many multi millionaire and wealthy people over the past 5 years and have lots of stories!! But there's definitely a difference between the very rich and the wealthy.

The whole tech industry is like that. Zuckerberg, Jobs etc. Nothing to prove to anyone or big themselves up for an ego.

[Steven]

After setting up on Saturday in a Logo'd T shirt. i had a few hours spare an hour away from home so i sat in a pub updating my website for a bit,

anyway, walked back to the venue (an amazing Treehouse in Northumberland) and got changed into the 3 piece suit while the guests ate.

Sat talking to the photobooth guys on the decking and the waiters brought 2 beautiful fillet steaks out to them both.

i sat thinking well maybe they will bring one out for me in a second... oh here he comes, holding 2 pints of coke for them too.
i ask them if they paid for them or if the bride and groom had, nope.

collar the waiter much later and jokingly ask him about it

he says "were you sitting outside with them before"
i say "Yes"
he says "oh sorry i thought you were a guest"

maybe ill wear jeans and a vest to the next one...

[ppentertainments]

After setting up on Saturday in a Logo'd T shirt. i had a few hours spare an hour away from home so i sat in a pub updating my website for a bit,

anyway, walked back to the venue (an amazing Treehouse in Northumberland) and got changed into the 3 piece suit while the guests ate.

Sat talking to the photobooth guys on the decking and the waiters brought 2 beautiful fillet steaks out to them both.

i sat thinking well maybe they will bring one out for me in a second... oh here he comes, holding 2 pints of coke for them too.
i ask them if they paid for them or if the bride and groom had, nope.

collar the waiter much later and jokingly ask him about it

he says "were you sitting outside with them before"
i say "Yes"
he says "oh sorry i thought you were a guest"

maybe ill wear jeans and a vest to the next one...

Aye, but one of the photobooth guys has been taught well about getting fed at venues, learnt from the Master ;););)
Although when I was there, I only got a chicken dinner (albeit a 3 course meal) but no fillet steaks on offer :mad:

[Imagine]

OK - not a "wedding DJ" last night but...

I was doing a 50th birthday in a very posh wedding venue (no lie...the party must have cost in excess of £10k...with at least £3k spent on the venue hire itself not including the food). I stood outside with a cigar talking to a highly respected local pathologist (yes...a guy that knows about death was smoking and drinking...heavily).

I turned up as I normally would for a party that isn't a wedding: black, open necked logo'd shirt, smart black trousers and black boots.
What I hadn't been told is that it was a black-tie event...EEK!

For these things, I'd normally go the whole hog. It's a bit late once I've arrived though :o

Luckily, I have a selection of C&A ties (you have to be a certain age to remember those so that excludes Benny and Toby ;) ) in the van, and hastily put one on (as much as I hate ties).

I spoke to the client and mentioned that I felt "under-dressed" for the occasion.

Was she worried? Was she hell!

As far as she was concerned I was there to do a job and if that meant wearing a "uniform" (her words) then so-be-it. On the night I was easily identifiable as NOT being a guest and people knew that I was the DJ. It really didn't affect the party!

To be fair, the venue staff were in black polo shirts, as is the case in most of the high-end venues I work in.

Did my attire affect the quality of the party? Absolutely not.

I'm starting to think that as DJs we're well and truly over thinking this whole dress-code malarky. Whilst I'll always ask a client if there's a dress code I need to adhere to (and I'm normally happy to oblige), I really don't think they care too much so long as we're doing the job we've been hired to do without any fuss and don't look like we spend our nights sleeping on the streets.

[Excalibur]

As Mr Zimmerman said all those years ago- "The times they are a changing ". :)

Wayne, there was a time when much of my attire would come from C&A. There is a lot in your post I don't disagree with. Doesn't mean I embrace it gleefully though. :(

More later perhaps.

[Imagine]

As Mr Zimmerman said all those years ago- "The times they are a changing ". :)

Wayne, there was a time when much of my attire would come from C&A. There is a lot in your post I don't disagree with. Doesn't mean I embrace it gleefully though. :(

More later perhaps.

Are we related? I'm an "honorary" Yorkshireman (I don't like spending money ;). ).

Why aren't you sitting in a certain Golden Arches car-park with a coffee at this time of night? :o

[ukpartydj]

I wear a suit / shirt and trousers (no tie). I personally enjoy looking smart and believe people respect (subconsciously) people wearing suits more so than those who do not.

When setting up its often jeans and polo, I reckon I should get branded dark polos as my current polo collection is quite colourful!

I agree with the rich vs wealthy. If you're clever enough to be rich you're also clever enough to realise you don't need to be a knob about it.

[rth_discos]

As far as she was concerned I was there to do a job and if that meant wearing a "uniform" (her words) then so-be-it. On the night I was easily identifiable as NOT being a guest and people knew that I was the DJ. It really didn't affect the party!

I've found in general there are different 'stages' for how you get treated:

Budget event - they show no interest in you, you're just supplier
Mid range event - the client almost becomes friends with you, you feel part of the party and your input is valued
High end event - they show not interest in you, you're just a supplier

Has anyone else found this?

[yourdj]

(no lie...the party must have cost in excess of £10k

Luckily, I have a selection of C&A ties

Thats pocket change for some of the events I have don'e in peoples back gardens. I don't know how much they cost but it must be at least £50k for some of them (especially when good marques are involved). Unbelievable that they consider that much money justified for one nights celebrations, but its all relative really and you just get used to it.

I am only 10 years younger than you, i remember C&A very well. :)



Budget event - they show no interest in you, you're just supplier
Mid range event - the client almost becomes friends with you, you feel part of the party and your input is valued
High end event - they show not interest in you, you're just a supplier


Yes totally although this is a vast generalisation. The posher ones do give you the time of day, but expect you to be in the shadows and get on with the job at hand a lot of the time. Fine by me, but I prefer the middle range ones and attract 90% of this work (i.e. 4 star hotel, £10-20k weddings) as you have a much better relationship with the client and guests (great for the all day weddings).

I have done my fair share of cheaper events in social clubs and pubs in the past and quite enjoyed them a lot. Not sure I would feel the same these days, especially with deluded and rude people, but you can get them in all three categories really. :)

[Benny Smyth]

Luckily, I have a selection of C&A ties (you have to be a certain age to remember those so that excludes Benny and Toby ;) ) in the van, and hastily put one on (as much as I hate ties).

I remember the old joke about C&A being labels so the wife can wear her underwear the correct way round...


I've found in general there are different 'stages' for how you get treated:

Budget event - they show no interest in you, you're just supplier
Mid range event - the client almost becomes friends with you, you feel part of the party and your input is valued
High end event - they show not interest in you, you're just a supplier

Has anyone else found this?


Yes totally although this is a vast generalisation.

Are you worried about gimmick infringement, Toby? :p

[yourdj]

Are you worried about gimmick infringement, Toby? :p

I would have been shot for a comment like that so thought I would make the most of it. :o :o

Just backing myself up for my comments after that, mainly for people that have less of an ability to read between the lines of speculation or light hearted, (and at times highly amusing) off the cuff non serious comments. ;)

[Excalibur]

My experience has shown that the mega rich don't look rich - in fact, they're the ones most likely to turn up in a pair of jeans and t-shirt.

It's the 'wealthy' (not millionaires) who always try and 'look' rich, and will pull out the suits and designer shoes.

I've met many multi millionaire and wealthy people over the past 5 years and have lots of stories!! But there's definitely a difference between the very rich and the wealthy.
It's the difference between " old " money and " new " money. In general, old money has better manners. ;)


Are we related? I'm an "honorary" Yorkshireman (I don't like spending money ;). ).

Why aren't you sitting in a certain Golden Arches car-park with a coffee at this time of night?

How do you think I posted this for free, having had no WiFi all night? And guess what? I didn't have to pay for my coffee either. The lad said would I like a large loyalty one at no extra cost. Do bears live in the woods? :D


I've found in general there are different 'stages' for how you get treated:

Budget event - they show no interest in you, you're just supplier
Mid range event - the client almost becomes friends with you, you feel part of the party and your input is valued
High end event - they show not interest in you, you're just a supplier

Has anyone else found this?
Budget event- they can't do enough for you, keep you fed and watered all night.
Mid range- Often ignore you.
High end- keep you fed and watered, appreciate your input.

That's tongue in cheek, i've been treated superlatively well, and ridiculously badly by all classes, believe me, and can't generalise with any degree of accuracy.




I have done my fair share of cheaper events in social clubs and pubs in the past and quite enjoyed them a lot. Not sure I would feel the same these days, especially with deluded and rude people, but you can get them in all three categories really. :)

Toby, stop it immediately. You're beginning to talk sense, and it's very unnerving. :no:

If I'm being honest, I often dread higher end gigs, as the Hooray Henrys and Henriettas often have no respect for the kit at all. I think the worst behaviour I've seen has been at such events.

Inverted snob? Me? :whistle: Much as it may surprise folk, I actually have more characteristics of a true snob.

[yourdj]

Toby, stop it immediately. You're beginning to talk sense, and it's very unnerving. :no:

I always have, I am just grossly miss-interpreted at times. ;)

[Excalibur]

I always have, I am just grossly miss-interpreted at times. ;)

Don't tell me, you're actually trans gender! :Laugh:

Two " s" is a young female, one "s" is someone hard to comprehend. I'm fairly sure you only fit one category. :)