When you hire the DJ – keep in mind your grandmother will be in attendance

Know your audience.  Words to live by.  And words to share with your disc jockey. 

We had a wedding and reception of a couple that came from a very strict religious background.  Their families, as it turned out, were also very strict with their religion.  There were several things that have become somewhat ‘normal’ in today’s culture, which will never be normal in certain religious cultures – i.e. living together, premarital sex, etc.  One should be extremely careful when assuming what is acceptable and appropriate in each family.

The DJ seemed to be holding his own.  Music was playing, people were dancing, it appeared that a good time was being had by all.  Then he grabbed the microphone and asked all of the girls who were holding keys to come to the dance floor (he had handed keys to several single girls prior to this request and told them he would call them up later).  He went into a big charade about all of the single girls’ hearts that were breaking and they all needed to return his apartment keys – he was off the market now; a married man. 

(Insert the sound of crickets…)

The ‘joke’ was totally lost on this crowd.  Their religious culture was very specific as to no premarital anything.  Offspring lived with their parents until they were married.  Couples entered into their marriage covenants pure.  (Novel idea – I know…, but truly it still exists.  This I assure you.)

So… back to the DJ… Instead of realizing that he had blown this particular joke and moving on, he made a meager attempt at explaining the joke.  (Insert the sound of more crickets…)  I ran to his aid and suggested that he keep the music on and the microphone off.  It was the awkward moment of all awkward moments and the bride’s face was red the entire evening – she was concerned what her grandmother had thought of her. 

Still on the topic of DJs, but onto different events – be aware that your grandmother (mother, aunt, church lady) will be in attendance.  Just because you downloaded the explicit version of your favorite song on your iPod, does not make it appropriate for public consumption.  I’ve been placed in the difficult position several times of the grandmother (mother, aunt, church lady) leaning over to me and saying, “WHAT did he just say?”  Some lyrics are rated MA (mature audience).  Even some of our most mature guests don’t appreciate the art of some music.  Please play accordingly. 

My response when they ask?  “Oh… I’m not sure.  I don’t listen to this stuff.”  Even if it’s downloaded on my own iPod.