Vendors I Love: NON-TRADITIONAL WEDDING DJs
I met Ben at a super special wedding a few years ago. There was a quiet care with the ceremony and it’s music. Since then we’ve run into each other a bunch at different industry events and I’ve gotten to know him a little better. I really appreciate how Ben and his team view the musical elements of all parts of a wedding and how passionate they are. And they make it easy for couples to work with them. Without further ado, I’m excited to shine a light onto BEN BOYLAN from NON-TRADITIONAL WEDDING DJs!
What was the path that led you to become a DJ?
When I was in high school and college I was known to have a big music collection. Because of that, I got invited to parties I wouldn't otherwise have been invited to. One time when I was carrying in my music, someone said "the DJ's here." And that's how it started. Later, I got good at it and really enjoyed it.
What excites you about weddings?
I love getting a chance to DJ. It's my life’s work. With young children, I can't DJ in clubs anymore. So weddings are one of the main ways I get to have fun. They are an outlet for me. If I could DJ a wedding every day, I would. I also love the hug at the end of the wedding.
What do you look for in a couple?
Now that I run a DJ company, I speak to a lot of couples. Sometimes more than a dozen per week. We love couples who are excited about planning music. When a couple tells us that they have made several playlists already, I know we are going to be a good fit. We also work with couples who don't listen to music that much but are really excited about throwing a party for their closest friends and family. It's the enthusiasm that does it for me. Wedding planning can be so stressful. Often couples tell me that planning the music was the most (or only) fun part. It's really a great business to be in.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
From couples: Some couples have invited my wife and I out to dinner once their wedding is done and they return from their honeymoon. I've become friends with many. I keep in touch with them on social media. Just the other day, I texted a couple I worked with because one of their favorite artists just released a new song. The fact that these couples wanted to keep in touch with me and be my friend after their wedding is a great compliment to me!
From other DJs: Great DJs (some whom I have known for a long time) have asked to work for me. Some have asked me for help, and even to become their mentor. I never imagined that would happen.
What do you desire for the business?
We have three main goals. 1. Happy client. 2. Be different. 3. Repair the rep.
The first two are pretty self explanatory. We care so much about our couples. We will do anything we can for them. And as long as they will be happy with it, we want to be different and creative. We will try something cool at your wedding - and play something within your style and taste you might be happily surprised by.
But let me explain the third one, "Repair the rep." Wedding DJs have a terrible reputation. We are on the same level as a used car salesman or personal injury attorney. And some DJs deserve that reputation. But some don't. Some really don't. Especially in NYC. The DJs in our company work in a way that is different. We don't focus on MCing, crowd participation, or the way we dress. Nor do we focus on lighting, smoke machines or C02 cannons. We are music nerds who play music. That's it. And as we grow, and people learn more about us, I think they will realize that a lot of wedding DJs don't deserve a bad reputation.
What are you grateful for?
I'm grateful for this amazing career that is so fun and rewarding. I have met many couples, vendors, and DJs who have taught me so much. Everything is going well and it's a blessing.
Any recent cause for celebration?
Everything. We have 4 DJs, one trainee, two assistants, two photo booths, and our calendars for this year and the next are filling up. And personally I am celebrating my son Julian's 3rd birthday this month.
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