First, this issue, like many others, depends on the wishes of our clients and how much control they want to exercise over the music. Some clients allow us to play virtually any requests their guests make. Other clients allow us to play requests as long as it is not on their “Do Not Play” list they have given us ahead of time. Some clients prohibit us from playing any requests from their guests. We have even encountered situations where we were told not to take requests from certain guests. The real point here is to communicate to us what is acceptable and what is not for your event.
Second, when we are at a function and are able to take requests, we try to be as honest as possible to the person making a request. Consequently, we strive to do the following when requested to play a song/artist:
a) We will let the person know if we have the song/artist with us.
b) We will let the person know if we can play the song/artist, based on your (the client’s) wishes.
c) We will try to indicate when we can play the song/artist, if the song/artist is not appropriate at the time of the request. As an example, during a meal or cocktail hour, we may receive requests to play upbeat dance music. In this situation, we would tell the requestor that song/artist would be more suitable when the dancing segment starts (say, after dinner).
d) If a guest is adamant that a particular song be played (or be played immediately), and it goes against the wishes of you or against “common sense” (as in the example in “C” above), we will try to contact you at the function to explain the matter, or send the requestor themselves to get “clearance”. This way, you (the host) can make an informed and final decision in the matter, as you are the one paying for our services.