Where should I put my DJ?  We understand that decisions regarding placement of the DJ are often made for aesthetic reasons (obviously having us set up in front of a wall of windows obstructing a breathtaking view of the ocean is not a good idea).  However, audio concerns should be taken into consideration as well.  A DJ’s setup includes a rack of equipment which sits on a 6’ table provided by the venue, party rental or catering company, and two speakers placed on stands set up on ether side of the table.  Based on our experience, and for a number of reasons, our most important advice is to set the table up adjacent to the dance floor.

If the DJ is not set up adjacent to the dance floor, dining tables have to be placed between the speakers and the dance floor, which not recommended.  On rare occasions, it may be possible to set the table up in the corner, and run the speakers up to the edge of the dance floor.  However, the speaker wires should never be run across a doorway or through a heavily trafficked area of the room.

Long rooms
The ideal placement of a DJ in an elongated, more rectangular room is at the center of one of the long walls.  A common thought is to place the DJ in one of the corners.  This is less than ideal, because it is difficult for the sound to travel all the way across the length of the room.  If the DJ is more centrally located, guests could hear introductions, announcements, and toasts much more clearly.  It also makes the dance floor more inviting to guests if it is in the center of the room.

What about wireless speakers?
The short answer is, no, they don’t exist.  Over the years, many companies have attempted to manufacture and sell wireless speakers.  A few have succeeded for home stereo systems, which average about 10 watts, but a much greater amount of power is required to address a crowd of 100 or more people (let alone pump enough volume to get people dancing).

When all else fails…
If you have explored all options, and have no choice but to set the DJ up in a corner with tables between the speakers and the dance floor, be sure not to seat older guests (parents age and above) at those tables.  I always recommend seating the younger guests you know will be up and dancing or mingling all night.  A consider amount of volume is needed for dancing, and if someone is sitting right in front of the speakers all night, they will not be happy.  And you want everyone to be happy at your wedding or party, right?