Fig is on a mission to redefine the role of the DJ at weddings. When you mention "wedding DJ" most people immediately get a picture in their heads of the guy in a cheesy tuxedo (complete with sequin vest) at the helm of cheap lights and exploding smoke machines. His cordless microphone allows him to roam the room getting everyone excited (or annoyed) about the notorious "Chicken Dance" or "Electric Slide". fig is out to deconstruct this stereotype.

Our vision, however, is not simply reacting to the status quo. Our objective is to take DJ services to a higher level of creativity and collaboration. When we first meet with potential wedding clients, we spend a great deal of time interviewing them. We ask lots of questions to get them talking and generating ideas about their vision for their event. We talk about the concerns, the aspirations, and the overall feelings associated with weddings. The more we understand from where our clients are coming and what they are trying to accomplish through their wedding, the better we can serve them and work as a team toward a successful event.

After we have gone to contract, we will want to get song lists from our clients approximately two months before the wedding. We actually are looking for three lists:

The Lists Are:
MUST PLAY - We try to limit this to about 15 songs. Think of the songs that you have to hear or that will have a big impact on your guests. Maybe they are your 15 favorite, maybe they are personal favorites of family, friends, colleagues, etc. We limit this list because if you give us too many "must" plays, there might not be enough time in the actual event to play all of them. Also, if you program the music too much, then you defeat the purpose of hiring a DJ.

DO NOT PLAY - this is where you list the stuff you can't stand. There is no limit, but you have to be reasonable. If you have a list that basically says you hate everything but 80s industrial dance and you are planning a retirement party for your grandma, we will step in and tell you that you need to rethink your plan (unless your grandma loves 80s industrial dance!).

GENERAL LIKES - this is a broader list of music preferences. It could be songs, artists, and/or genres. It's the stuff you don't have to hear, but you wouldn't mind hearing it if the DJ plays it. This is also a great place to put suggestions from your friends and family.


song list

It would be impossible to list every song we have in the fig library. We are acquiring new music almost everyday. Plus, each DJ has their own collection and it's hard to keep a current record of their acquisitions. However, these lists represent a good chunk of the most requested songs and, hopefully, the wide range of styles we can offer. Use it to generate your own lists and to get you thinking about other songs you like (and dislike). And if we don't have something listed, we can almost always find a solution.

Click the corresponding category to view a sample of our song list.

Artist

Title

genre

We will then consult with you about how your music selections will fit with your overall vision of the event. For example, if you have 200 guests who don't know each other very well and you want them all to dance, then that will require a more diverse musical approach. On the other hand, if you have a small party where music is serving to establish atmosphere, then a more narrowly focused approach can work. Presumably we have more wedding DJ experience than most of our clients, so this is our opportunity to share our creative talents and knowledge to advise you how your music will (and sometimes won't) augment your vision. Once we have collaborated with you around your song lists and better understand your vision, we pick a DJ who knows your music and who will collaborate well with you. Use the two months to get comfortable with our choice. At the very least, we require that our clients sit down with their DJ about a week before the wedding to discuss the event in detail.

On the day of the wedding, the DJ will typically arrive at the venue one hour before the official start. This is enough time to set up the equipment and test it, and also to change into his suit. We are completely comfortable acting as MCs during the reception, but we actually encourage our clients to find a friend or family member to do the MC duties. It adds a personal touch to the event and often guests listen more closely to that person. Moreover, it is our policy to use the microphone only to deliver information or tend to the party. If we are providing music for the ceremony or cocktails or dinner, the DJ and the client will agree ahead of time what music will be played for each part. For dancing the DJ will be working off your lists, taking requests, and using his skills at reading a crowd. Often we cater to the older crowd first, and then move onto more modern music for the younger guests who stay late. We try to play three songs in a particular genre before switching to another, so that we don't linger too long and yet give your guests enough of a taste to satisfy. Slow sets are at the DJ's discretion when he feels they are needed. In the end, though, each party is different and will require some spontaneity.

Finally, at the end of the night, thank your DJ profusely if he has done a good job, give him a standing ovation, and tip him generously!

To learn more about fig DJ services and our processes, please contact us. We will be happy to meet with you to answer your questions.