As a DJ, people often don't believe me when I say that weddings can be some of the most challenging but rewarding experiences I am a part of. One of the trickiest aspects of pulling off a successful wedding is integrating the interests of everyone in attendance; young and old, male and female, locals and travelers. While everyone attending shares a common bond - celebrating you and your fiance - the other aspects of their life (such as their taste in music) are likely wildly different. Silent disco, which allows for multiple music mixes and a direct connection to your guests, is the answer to this problem.
Silent Disco: A Brief Explanation
Before I get into the "why" of silent disco, here's a quick description of exactly what it is. In silent disco, guests put on wireless stereo headphones synced to the mix of one, two, or more DJs. Each guest has the ability to adjust the volume of their personal mix without disturbing their neighbors. When 2 or more DJs are mixing music at the event, guests can also switch their music channel seamlessly between the different mixes, allowing them to change up the vibe instantly. People can party to what speaks to them most in the moment and then, by simply removing the headphones, have a normal conversation with the person beside them.
A Recent Experience
The inspiration for this post was a recent couple I had the pleasure of working with. Like many couples, the bride and groom came from different and unique backgrounds, with families as diverse as they were. They were interested in having an epic party, of course, but their families' tastes in music were wildly different. Some had as strong interest in latin music, wishing to dance the night away to cumbia with their aunts, uncles, siblings, and grandparents. Many of the younger guests, however, leaned more in the direction of the newest EDM (electronic dance music) hits. Until recently, I would be forced to make a decision with their couples on finding themselves at this crossroads - do I spend the night alternating between these very different music genres, potentially alienating half of the crowd off and on throughout the night?
Thankfully, I had recently purchased a very large supply of silent disco headphones. The bride and groom were elated when I proposed the idea to them and so, for the last hour and a half of their reception, their guests put on their headphones and partied! The connection that this couple was able to feel with their friends and family was palpable. Latin songs that were significant to the crowd generated loud singalongs and cheers of joy, while the EDM crowd felt immersed in the music like they were attending their favorite festival.
Headphones Are Useful For More Than The Reception
While silent disco headphones shine on the dancefloor, their usefulness goes beyond partying. For bilingual and multicultural weddings, silent disco headsets are perfect for translation services. Using headsets during the ceremony allows all guests to enjoy the proceedings without the need to interrupt each sentence with its translation, which can lead to a stuttering and awkward flow. During the reception all guests can feel engaged and involved when announcements are made and speeches are given. When translation services are performed by someone close to the couple, a relative or friend perhaps, the connection is even more significant.
Silent Disco Can Enhance Your Special Day
At the end of the day, silent disco offers a multitude of benefits for your wedding reception. During the ceremony and dinner, headphones allow guests who need interpretation to feel involved and connected to the couple. When it comes time to party, silent disco lets brides and grooms to each share their unique musical tastes and incorporate the dances and songs that are significant to their families and other loved ones. Silent disco excites almost everyone who tries it, and over and over I've seen it completely enhance a wedding's atmosphere.
