Unfiltered: What Your Wedding DJ Really Wants You to Know – Brendan from Advantage DJs on Run Sheets, MCs & Vibe Control
Brendan from Advantage DJs Spills the Wedding Tea – Unfiltered Advice from a DJ/MC
Welcome to the “Unfiltered” mini-series - where I chat with some of the best in the wedding biz to bring you the honest, behind-the-scenes advice you actually need.
Today, I'm hanging out with Brendan from Advantage DJs - a deadset legend on the decks and behind the mic, who knows how to keep a party flowing and a dancefloor full.
Let’s Talk Loud (Run Sheets, MC Fails, and Dancefloor Vibes)
Brendan from Advantage DJs dishes on what actually makes a reception flow - and why your funny mate probably shouldn’t be holding the mic.
1. What’s one thing you wish more couples knew before working with a DJ and/or MC?
A big one for me is the run sheet. I love it when my couples ask for my advice. Small changes can make a HUGE difference.
These days, I always ask for the “draft” or “template” run sheet before it’s locked in.
Charlotte’s Take: The run sheet isn’t just admin - it’s the backbone of the whole vibe. Get your DJ involved early. A few tweaks can be the difference between a flowy, feel-good night and a choppy, awkward one.
2. What’s a small decision couples often overlook - but that makes a big impact on the day?
Being the MC is a job.
This requires preparation, arriving early to meet the vendors, sound check, running through the schedule and housekeeping with the venue, coordinating with multiple vendors and the venue throughout the night, timekeeping, prepping people for speeches, practising at home, collaborating on the runsheet, etc.
This also means they can’t party/relax with the guests.
Most of us know someone from uni or school who’s really funny. But the reality is, this is a very small part of the job.
Charlotte’s Take: Yes, your cousin is hilarious. No, that doesn’t mean they should MC your wedding. Let your mates party. Let the pros keep things on track.
3. Is there a myth or trend in your corner of the wedding industry that drives you a little nuts?
Some weddings are completely bloated, excessive and wasteful.
Don’t lose sight of what your wedding is about: celebrating your marriage with each other, and your favourite people. It’s not about impressing strangers on social media.
Charlotte’s Take: Honestly, preach. If it doesn’t feel good or true to you - cut it. The best weddings are the ones that feel like the couple, not a show and tell for everyone online.
4. What makes working with a dream vendor team so important?
Some photographers have no vibe. They look bored, depressed and disinterested. Like they can’t wait to go home. (Definitely not you, you’re fun!)
You need to pick someone who gels with you. When your guests are dancing, do you want some sad sack of shit taking your photos? Or someone who loves their job, has a smile on their face and is vibing with the music?
I usually recommend photographers, not agencies or studios.
This means you know who you’re getting. Otherwise, you’ll just have a “subbie”. And this can be very risky.
Charlotte’s Take: This is a big one. A lot of couples don’t realise they’re booking a studio, not a specific person - until someone completely different rocks up on the day.
And look, studios aren’t all bad… but if connection and comfort matter to you (hint: they really do), make sure you’re actually meeting and booking the human who’ll be behind the camera.
Ask who’s shooting your wedding. Stalk their work. Make sure it’s not a lucky dip situation. And if you're not sure if they are a studio, just ask.
5. One piece of advice you’d give every couple planning right now?
Comfort. For yourselves and your guests.
Will your ceremony be in direct sunlight? If this can’t be avoided, how can you make people comfortable? (e.g. water, umbrellas, short ceremony, etc).
Minimise the time between your ceremony and reception. Don’t have a 3-hour gap and tell your guests they have “free time”.
Can you imagine spending the entire day and night in your outfit? Is there a more comfortable option? Or could you change into something during your reception?
Going to someone’s wedding is a big ask. Always think about how you can make people happy, relaxed and comfortable. This will keep the energy reserves high and the vibes positive.
Charlotte’s Take: This one’s gold. The most memorable weddings? They’re the ones where everyone’s having a good time - not just you. Comfortable guests = full dancefloors.
Brendan’s insight is a reminder that good music and great vibes don’t just happen - they’re designed. From run sheets that actually work to choosing the right MC (spoiler: it’s probably not your funniest mate), he’s all about helping couples create a day that flows, feels good, and gets everyone up on that dancefloor.
We recently worked together at Taylor & Matt’s wedding at Pasadena Sydney, and let me tell you - Brendan nailed it. He wasn’t on MC duties that day, but his DJ set had me wishing I could ditch the camera and stay on the dancefloor all night. That wedding? It felt like a party, and so much of that came down to the music.
Where to find Advantage DJs?
📍 Find Brendan’s website HERE
📸 Find Brendan on Instagram HERE
Stay tuned for more Unfiltered chats dropping weekly. Because weddings aren’t just about pretty details - they’re about the people behind the party, and the legends who know how to keep the night pumping.