How To Hire A DJ For Your Wedding

 

Prepare yourself before you meet with DJ’s. Basic knowledge and reliable references will provide you with peace of mind and assurance that the entertainment for your wedding will be a success!

 

1.                   BEFORE YOU MEET ANYONE - Ask your family and friends; get references from the venues you will visit to choose the location for your reception; research on the Internet for professional entertainment company listings; talk to newlyweds and wedding vendors for references. Try to eliminate the hobbyists from the professionals. This will save you time and aggravation. 

  

2.                   When meeting with the DJ or entertainment company representative request to view videos of their performances. Multi-system operations in some cases will let you pick the DJ, subject to availability, or will pick the DJ for you based on your needs. In any case, remember, the final decision should be yours.

 

3.                   Ask to meet with the DJ chosen. Ask for references of the particular DJ and call couples who have used his or her services.

 

4.                   Inquire about equipment. Some DJ’s still use vinyl records, most use CD’s, and the newer generation DJ’s use massive hard drives loaded with music. In any case make sure the equipment is of professional quality. Some of the best brands include: Bose, JBL, Denon, Stanton, Gemini, Mackie, Crown, Numark, Pionner, Rane, Cerwin Vega, Crest Audio, etc. Be sure the DJ brings enough sound for the number of gests expected.

 

5.                   Ask if music selection covers all the genres you like and will need to satisfy the different age groups. Also be sure you can request music specifically for your taste.

 

6.                   Does the DJ interact with the gests, or only plays music? The need for interaction will depend on the type of gests. A DJ should be able and willing to do both if desired and/or necessary.

 

7.                   Will the DJ be dressed appropriately? Formal means tuxedo or dress. Semi-formal means dress pants, shirt and tie or slacks and blouse. Casual means polo style or company shirt.

 

8.                   What is the DJ’s fee? How much is overtime? Is travel and setup time extra? What does the basic service provide? Will there be an extra charge for lighting? Do they offer props and how much will it cost? On average most brides spend about 5% on a DJ, but numerous articles in bridal magazines and the internet stated that most brides said that if they could do it all over again they would have spent probably 10% to 15% of their wedding budget on a better DJ. So the price shouldn’t be your only factor in choosing a DJ.

 

9.                   Will a written contract be executed? This is a must! It will protect both parties. All details, terms and conditions must be stipulated in writing and the contract should be signed and dated by both parties.

 

Stay in contact with your DJ, keep him/her informed, and this way you’ll both be on the same page for your special day.