It’s time to pick a DJ!
Your choice of a DJ is a very important element to a fun reception, especially if you want your guests to rave about it even years after your wedding. You want your reception to be the one they can’t stop talking about and that’s what a professional wedding DJ will do for you.
The best qualities to look for in a DJ, without having heard them play before, are how well they present themselves – what is their personality? Your DJ will set the tone of the evening and a boring DJ means a boring reception. Other factors to consider when selecting a DJ include:
- Review of his web site to see how serious he is about his business. A good web site that’s complete with lots of helpful information is a good first sign.
- Consider the knowledge base of this potential DJ regarding different styles of music.
- Is this DJ outgoing, well spoken – and is he able to read the crowd. Ask others references who have hired him, to learn these details.
- Does this DJ have professional grade equipment?
- Does this DJ have a large selection of purchased music?
- Does this DJ’s music style closely match your own?
- Is this DJ/Company insured?
- How many weddings have they played?
- What sets them apart from their competition?
It just takes experience for a DJ to build up a collection of music that works for all ages. There are certain patterns a DJ can follow, such as five fast songs, two slow songs, or also using three songs from a genre at a time. It’s just a matter of feeling out the crowd and figuring out what type of music the majority of the people are into, and also picking the most popular songs from different genres and singers.
The most important thing for a DJ at a wedding is to keep the music upbeat and keep the crowd interested. The second factor, besides music, is how well he can also MC. Good communication skills are super important. Not only with the crowd, but with other vendors – such as the photographer. For example, he needs to keep the photographer informed when cake cutting is about to occur. And finally, a good DJ need to adapt on the fly – things don’t always happen on time.
Some additional tips:
- Don’t automatically go with some you know who “plays” music. Check them out as we suggested above.
- Your venue may be a good source for recommendations. Entertainment companies that are referred by venues have an excellent reputation.
- Ask questions! The flow of your reception depends on being prepared in advance. You should discuss details like the introduction of your wedding party and creation of a personal timeline of events for your reception — such as when will like your first dance, what other “special” dances you want, when you cut the cake, etc.
- Discuss any SPECIAL activities that will occur. Some couples bring in other entertainment like belly dancers, or magicians to entertain.
- Ask what he typically will wear. Having the wrong attire can make for an awkward event. Showing up in blue jeans for a formal affair is not cool.
- How do you handle song requests?
- What to you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing?
- What genres can you cover?
- Do you provide wireless mics for ceremony/speeches?
- Do you bring backup equipment?
- When do you arrive and when will you depart?
Additionally – your DJ might be able to provide other services like:
- Up lighting & other custom lighting
- Photobooths
If you are considering these additional options, make sure you understand exactly that they are. There are so many different types and qualities of photo booths and custom lighting these days.
And finally, you might ask to hear samples of their work. This could be a video from a previous wedding, a mixtape, or sample playlists.
As with all vendors, make sure and get a contract that spells out everything in writing. The price tag between DJs can vary – you need to find out exactly what that price includes. Also check out the following:
- Is breakdown and set up included in the cost?
- Are there additional fees that could accrue?
- If the ceremony and cocktail hour included in your price?
- How much of a deposit do you need?
- What is the charge to play overtime?
- What is their cancellation policy?
- When do they need the final payment?
- Is there anything we should know, that we have not talked about?
Your wedding entertainment is one way that you can make sure your guests have a great time. It also an opportunity to add your own personal touch to the event. If you want them to stick around for an after-party, negotiate this into your contract.
Plan to book your DJ about six to eight months before your wedding to avoid trouble finding a good DJ for your wedding. Give yourself enough time.
The choice of a DJ really matters!
SOME ADVICE for AFTER you Choose your DJ
Communicate your desires! Not voicing your requests, specific songs, style of music, or how you’d like your special day to flow, can lead to a DJ having to just “wing it”. By talking about your vision and desires, this gives your DJ an opportunity to acquire any additional unique songs and prepare for your event.
In addition, be sure to find out WHAT information they NEED from you before the wedding day.
Couples should select no more than five or ten “MUST PLAY” songs, as well as create a “DO NOT PLAY” list. An experienced DJ can always get better results, when he has the freedom to react to the requests of your guests. A standard wedding reception will fit about 75 songs for the dance portion of the night, so requests tend to fill up pretty quickly.
All these same questions should be asked if you decide on a live band or other performers. In addition, you need to determine how many performers will be there – and their space or other special requirements.
We hope this information helps and guides you to an absolutely incredible wedding! CLICK HERE to get a checklist to use when interviewing your DJs and/or other musical choice.