It’s the event of your lifetime. The service was perfect, all of your family and friends are at the reception with you, and the table settings are wonderful and picturesque. Your wedding DJ, however, isn’t prepared, isn’t professional, and plays music that does everything but entertain your guests. That one piece, the wedding DJ, can make your wedding a time of fond memories or a nightmare..
Choosing a wedding DJ that’s right for you can not be taken lightly. Sure, you can have your nephew who has some equipment play at your wedding but keep in mind that the old adage of “you get what you pay for” certainly applies when you choose your DJ.
When choosing a DJ, personality is important. You want a DJ who is outgoing while at the same time professional. This is key if your DJ is also the Master of Ceremonies. The DJ must keep the flow of the guests going, keeping them entertained, having a great time, and on the dance floor! This is a celebration after all!
Your DJ should also be a reflection of your event. If your wedding is formal, your DJ should also be dressed formal. If your DJ is wearing jeans and a t-shirt, that would make for an awkward eye sore. On the flip side, if you’re having an informal wedding, you won’t want your DJ to be dressed formal.
Below are some questions to prepare when meeting with your DJ. Some answers to these questions could be a deal breaker for you while others may not be such a big deal.
Questions to consider when meeting with a DJ:
1) How long have you been a DJ?
2) Do you DJ full-time or part-time?
3) What is your style of music?
4) Are you flexible when it comes to the itinerary? Do you adjust well?
5) What is your attire when DJing a formal event?
6) Do you emcee as well?
7) Do you use lighting or any special effects?
8) What other services do you offer?
9) Do you have any packages for the services you offer?
10) Will you be the one to DJ or do you have other DJs and one of those may DJ our event?
11) If another DJ will do our event, can we set-up a meeting with them?
12) How early will you need to be at the venue to set-up?
13) Will you need anything from us or the venue?
14) Have you been to our venue? If not, do you do a “recon” before the day of the event?
15) How much space will you need?
16) Do you have a “Plan B” if something goes wrong with your equipment?
17) Do you have a website or social media where we can see videos where you’re DJing?
18) Will you accept song requests from guests?
19) Will you follow a play list?
20) Will you follow a “do not play” list?
21) Will you do special dance songs? For example: father-daughter, mother-son dances?
22) What type of music do you play for dinner/cocktail?
23) What is your price for 4-5 hours?
24) What is your overtime price?
25) How much of a deposit do you need?
26) When is the balance due?
27) What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Review their contract. Meet with them more than once. Be sure about your decision. It’s a really good idea to meet with more than one DJ just to be sure. You want a DJ that is the right fit for you and your event.
-Amped Entertainment