DJ's and Alcohol Consumption

That being said, my mind keeps going back to that accusation and wondering how truthful it is. It has also got me wondering what to expect in terms of vendors and alcohol. I have been to plenty of weddings where I have seen DJ's or band members drinking. And I don't necessarily have any issue with it, providing they don't over do it or act unprofessionally in any way. So my questions are, did anyone address this subject with their DJ before their wedding day? If so, how did you go about it? And...in the case of this particular DJ I was talking to, do you suggest I outright ask about that particular review? Thanks for your thoughts!

My venue doesn't serve alcohol to vendors and that seemed like the norm when I was looking at venues. Talk to your bartender/caterer/venue, whoever is serving the alcohol, and ask if they serve to vendors and if they do, then request that they don't. Vendors shouldn't expect to drink on the clock, IMO.

I hadn't even thought of a situation like this...agree with PP that I don't think the vendors should be drinking. You're paying them (probably a good amount of money!) for their professional services.

I've never seen a dj, or any other vendor for that matter, drink at a wedding. I don't drink at my job, and I wouldn't be pleased with my vendors if they drank at theirs. No.

Our contract with DJ, photo, and video specifically says they will not accept alcoholic drinks while working your event.

Hi Laura. It doesn't matter if there's one or 20 comments made about a vendor having an adult beverage at their hired event. One is too many. In no way should anyone be drinking on the job. An office job, a civil engineering/road construction job, or an event/wedding venue job. The venue/location does not make a difference. The access to adult beverages does not make a difference. Working and drinking while on the job is unacceptable at anytime. Couples should not hesitate bringing it up in conversation especially if it's mentioned in a public forum/review.

I have seen weddings vendors drinking and working ... it makes me cringe. Not OK.

ETA : I very much like my beer and wine. I'm not against alcohol at all. But you do NOT drink on the job.

Thanks everyone! You are all right. I am paying them to do a job, and from that perspective it wouldn't be acceptable for them to be drinking. I will ask about the review (maybe the DJ is no longer employed as teach7 suggested). And regardless who I end up hiring I will make sure it is stated in the contract. Talking to the bartender is also a must. I didn't even think of that. Thanks PushingButtons for that suggestion!

I have a problem with bartenders drinking on the job. I'd be so upset if my DJ or photographer or whoever else that's there doing a paid service is drinking. I doubt my venue coordinator or the wait staff will let that happen though.

Keep looking-- surely there's more than one DJ in your area and price range you like. Why take chances?

I would definitely ask about the review. I'm pretty sure they know that it is up there. Inquiring minds need to know especially when you are paying for professionalism

Your vendor meals typically cost less because they do not include alcohol.

Ask the DJ about the review. If it is about him, tell him that you don't want him drinking on your day.

No drinking on the job- it's just like anyone else working any job, period.

As for the review- is there a vendor response/answer? Is it for the specific DJ you are speaking to? If it is- ask him directly about it. If there was misunderstanding, he will not have a problem addressing it.

This is a whole 'nother subject- but ANY review should be for the specific DJ you are considering- NOT a review of a DJ "company" that has multiple DJs. Think about it... what good is a ton of reviews- for a company that has 10-15 DJs? Make sure the reviews you consider mention YOUR DJ by name, or else it's pointless.

Vendors should not be drinking. When we were working out meals with the caterer at first they told us they did not do vendor meals because the vendors will be using the bar so they charge all meals the same....I politely told them none of my vendors will be consuming alcohol at the wedding and we got our vendor meals...

A friend had it put in her contract that vendors would not drink during the time they were working. I mean most jobs don't let you drink so she didn't really feel bad. This solved her whole issue with that. The servers were also made aware not to serve any vendors incase there was a bad egg. I would ask the dj company though. They might have fired the guy by now so it might not even be a concern!

If the band/DJ set was something you enjoyed, and you wish to hire them for your own wedding, ask the band/DJ what THEY need to make YOUR night special. They are providing YOU a service. If you find the act of drinking unsightly, or unprofessional, make sure that is discussed before hiring entertainers. Everyone has different standards/values, ask yourself if you would really care if the people responsible for the party aspect of your wedding had a few beverages with your guests. Allow the Talent the opportunity to prepare themselves. If you want to prohibit your band/DJ's alcohol consumption while "on the clock" (lol imagine equating your wedding day to a job you punch in for... that mentality REALLY creates an environment for fun and creativity!) be upfront about your expectations.

Think critically about what matters to you personally. Have conversations with the entertainment. Most entertainers want to work with people and and will be happy to discuss important details of your wedding, including alcohol consumption. That conversation isn't taboo, don't feel embarrassed to bring it up if it matters to you! Entertainers will not judge you, especially if you both want to create a special night and send people home happy!

The majority of this particular weddingwire.com forum seems to be full of people taking time out of their day to talk about service workers they know nothing about based on one review they did not read, about a wedding they did not attend. Heeding advice from these people will likely not bode well for a good time at your wedding.