To make a long story short(ish), my DJ has been a little sketchy (incommunicative) the whole time, but he was recommended by my venue and the venue manager reassured me several times that he would be there. I just got an email (through his account) from a guy who is apparently subbing for him because he will be "on a trip" this weekend. And, it is obvious from the email that this sub didn't pay attention to our music preferences, didn't try to obtain the songs he didn't already have, etc. Also, the one bad review I read about the original DJ was about how he didn't show and sent a sub that was horrible. It's pretty much not an option for us to use the sub, and even if the original DJ decided he could come after all, I wouldn't want to use him at this point.
Did I mention that my wedding is in 64 hours?
We haven't put a deposit in, because of the way the venue contract works. I'm not looking for advice about how to deal with the originally scheduled DJ - I have voiced concerns multiple times, so the venue manager will just be out the deposit he put down for the DJ.
But what do we do? The venue has a sound system, so we could just hook up the iPod. FI would love the excuse to buy some new CDs. And if we need any MCing, I think my brother-in-law could step in (to announce us, etc.). Hell, I don't mind getting on the mike and letting people know the buffet is open, or thanking everyone for coming then just passing off the mike for toasts. But we'll have at 3-4 hours of dance party, with traditional wedding reception elements mixed in, and I was counting on a DJ to run that.
Any suggestions? Anyone else ever experience this? AAAAHHHHHHH!
Cliff Notes: DJ sucks, have had communication problems for months now, and he backed out at the last minute and tried to send a shitty substitute. We're not having it, but not sure what else to do. Advice/sympathy/encouragement needed!!!!