What A Bride and Groom Should Look For When Hiring A Wedding DJ

As a newly engaged couple, you're probably very excited to get started looking for your wedding DJ--you know, the one vendor who can literally make or break your reception.  Think about it:  No one ever says, "Man, I thought this wedding was going to be awesome, but I left early because the flowers were obnoxious!"  Or, "The food was simply so-so, so...I left early."  Now, replace those words in bold with wedding DJ's and you can see what I'm getting at.  Before pulling the trigger on your entertainment, here are three serious considerations.

First:  Ask Your Wedding DJ The Right Questions

Over the years, I have found that most couples searching for wedding entertainment are doing so for the first time…They aren’t sure what to expect from their DJ.  Please be sure to ask your 3 or so potential entertainment companies the following questions.  Listen to their answers & their attitude.  Take notes.  Choose wisely.  And good luck!

1.  Can you show me video of what your most recent clients are saying about your services?

Thank you notes are one thing, but when a couple will talk about what a great job their DJ did at the end of their wedding, you know you've found someone who has taken great care of their clients.  Kind of like this video:

2.  Will you offer a 100% refund if (dj’s name) does not personally perform at my entire event?

Many times, the person you meet with is not the person who will handle your special day.  Some DJ’s even promise they will be “at your event” and only “make an appearance.”  Then, they leave your wedding day in the hands of a subordinate who is a complete stranger.

3.  What type of events do you specialize in?

 If they tell you corporate events, birthdays, holiday parties, bar mitzvahs,  school dances, & weddings, you know they can't possibly "specialize" in weddings!

4.  Will you get my guests involved in the reception?  If so, tell me three of your ideas.

The last thing most couples want is a “cheesy” performance from their entertainment. It is crucial that the person you hire is motivated enough to create and share his unique ideas with you.  Finally, are they willing to listen to your ideas as well or do what they do every weekend?  Your wedding DJ should get to know you and your guests--it's the only way they will be able to pack your dance floor.

5.  Do you personalize my reception?  If so, tell me how.

If your DJ won't take the time to meet with you and get to know you (and what you want for your wedding), how can they possibly deliver the best performance tailored specifically for you?  The truth is, they can't.

And finally, is your DJ focusing on “extras” like disco lights, projectors, up-lighting & equipment?  If so, they may be trying to use these items to make up for their lack of ability.  In other words, they somehow personalize your reception & get your guests involved using…lights.

This is it…your one & only wedding day…use these questions.  You’ll be happy you did!

Second:  Don't Go Cheap

So many people put thousands into a wedding reception, then spend as little as possible on the one key component to make your wedding awesome.  You don't have to sell your car to afford a great wedding disc jockey, but paying a professional fee means you'll most likely get a professional!

The old standby saying is "You Get What You Pay For" and this is most certainly true with your DJ.

A good rule of thumb...

• A low priced DJ typically delivers low quality services.
• A mid-priced DJ typically delivers middle of the road quality services.
• A higher priced DJ typically delivers the highest quality services.

Now, I'm not saying you should break the bank, but by doing some serious research, you can find someone who is perfect for you in quality and in price.

How To Hire A Wedding DJ

1. Find out what your average DJ costs in your area.  DJ's in this price range will be "average."  If you're okay with that, shop at this price. 
2. If you prefer higher quality services, look for DJ's that charge above average fees.  This way you'll be comparing apples to apples.  It is unfair to you (and your potential DJ) to compare a $500 one to a $2000 one...there's really no comparison.
3. Meet with your potential DJ's in person to see who fits with your style and personality.  
4. Hire them before they aren't available for you wedding date!

Third: Do They DJ and MC and Coordinate?

The MC or Master of Ceremonies

A very serious issue that couples run into is when the DJ doesn't MC.  Or he barely makes an announcement or two.  And if he or she does make an announcement, it's almost as if they could care less.

Anybody can buy equipment and music and call themselves a wedding disc jockey.  If they don't have the skills to make announcements, bring your guests to laughter, and call you by your names and not just "the bride and groom" you could have some serious issues with your celebration actually being a "celebration." 

But it's all about great music, isn't it?  

If it's all about music, save yourself a lot of money and don't hire a DJ.  Rent a jukebox instead.  Or spend a couple hundred bucks on some awesome dance mixes.  Either way, your wedding will be lacking in energy, excitement, and especially direction.

The Coordination or Event Direction

I'm not saying your DJ needs to be a full-on coordinator--there are professionals who specialize in that.  But they do need to be your event director. Here are some particulars your wedding DJ needs to handle:

•  Making sure your reception and the events are flowing smoothly without lulls and gaps, with guests waiting for something--anything--to happen before they fall asleep.
• Briefing the people who are toasting about mic use and making sure they are ready to go at the right moment instead of handing the mic to the person toasting, only to have them point it at the speaker to cause ear-splitting feedback.
• Locating the bride's father before the announcement of the father daughter dance so someone doesn't have to run to the men's restroom to find him as all the guests uncomfortably wait for him to return.
• Starting the garter toss with the groom in the room and not when he's outside having a cigar, then repeatedly saying over the mic, "Where's the groom?  Is the groom here?  It's garter toss time.  Is the groom around?  Anyone seen the groom?  Can we get the groom in here?  What they hell, man?  Let's go!  He should be here for this!"

Yep.  These are all things I've actually seen happen at someone's wedding.  And it could happen at yours, unless you hire not just a wedding DJ, but a professional one.  Here's a good example of a DJ's "To Do" list...and all of this is done BEFORE the reception even starts!

If you're DJ doesn't organize and orchestrate your celebration, it could fall completely flat...with guests leaving early because it is dragging along and/or they have no idea what's coming up. Or they just embarrass the hell out of you--on your wedding day.

Finally, think about this:  If your DJ doesn't handle the above, who will?

Now You Know What To Look For When Hiring A Wedding DJ!

By following the above advice, you should be able to find a high quality person to handle your reception,  Remember, This is your one and only wedding day!  If it isn't AWESOME, you can't try again next weekend.  Take the time to use the above information and find a truly professional wedding DJ who will make your wedding day even better than expected!