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Useful articles for hiring a Wedding DJ


 

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These articles have been compiled from respected wedding planners regarding hiring a Wedding DJ. 

 

These are posted to offer some insights into the selection process.

 

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Article 5

Article 6

Article 7

Article 8

Article 9

Article 10

 

 

Article 1:

 

Since we perform at hundreds of weddings each year we speak to a lot of people each and every day who are searching for the right entertainment for their wedding. Most of our potential customers have never hired a DJ before and don’t know where to start. Unfortunately with this lack of experience the main question we typically get is “how much do you charge?” I understand why people ask this question as a wedding is a major investment (and you do have to set a budget for any type of event) but the one thing I advise all couples on is although cost is an important factor, it should not be the determining factor in choosing a DJ, as a DJ can either make or break a reception.

 

Although budgets will vary, the average cost of a wedding in California is over $30,000. When you look at the big picture a Disc Jockey usually only accounts for about 5% of your wedding budget (which is small compared to how important the entertainment is for a wedding reception). In addition the DJ is one of your less expensive wedding vendors (yes it is nice to arrive in a $1500 Hummer but it won’t have any impact on the success of your reception). Most people would agree two things most guests remember about a wedding is did we have fun? And did we have a good meal? Give it 5 years and most guests won’t even remember what they ate at your reception but they WILL remember if they had a good time or not. So here are some facts to think about when choosing one of the most important vendors for your wedding reception.  

Many DJ's charge less because they do not have the same level of experience to offer, which in many cases could result in disastrous outcomes. Others use inexpensive equipment and/or charge extra for so-called "options" that are really needed for a wedding reception. Other companies usually quote a low price for 4 hours, and at the end of the evening when additional needed time is added, the cost goes way up. Keep in mind most DJ’s in the market are smaller, part time companies and although their packages might appear similar, the service itself is not the same. Most do not carry the same quality of equipment (and although they say they have a digital system, using their Laptop they also use for School is not professional). In addition most do not carry the essential back up equipment, and although it is rarely needed, if your wedding is the exception it is good to know your wedding will not be ruined because of this. The same is true with a back up DJ. Most less expensive DJ companies do not have a member from their staff who is a paid, on site, back up DJ (outside of possibly having an arrangement with another DJ company that can hopefully help them out in a jam) but if the DJ you hire is sick or there is a last minute emergency and they do not have a solid back up plan you could be out of luck (and believe me this happens much more than one might think in the wedding industry). These are just some things to keep an eye out for in choosing a DJ. It is always important to go with a reputable, full time wedding business to handle such an important event.

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 Article 2:

 

Music is the backbone of any party and good or bad music can either make or break the evening. Couples on the threshold of a brand new life together are already jittery enough over everything that needs doing to make the day perfect.

But how can you decide whether to choose a live band or wedding DJ for your reception party? Before we begin talking about music, bands and DJs, remember it’s your day; do what pleases you and forget about traditions and what other people think.

The general consensus is that live bands are more expensive than a DJ and prices vary according to the reputation, demand and quality of the DJ. If you are planning a really long evening with dancing the night away on your agenda, it will require a lot of music being played. Will the DJ be able to last all night long is the question?

What sort of wedding venue have you decided upon? Are there restrictions on the kinds of music to be played? These are some of the questions you will need to consider before deciding on your DJ.

Formal weddings with all the trappings of age old traditions and live bands make a perfect match. On the other hand, a DJ may be better suited to a semi formal or casual wedding style. If your choice of music is going to be traditional and dignified, then by all means a live band will better suit the occasion. DJs are cool for casual wedding style receptions.

You need to inquire about the music repertoire of the DJs collection of music. With the varied crowd one expects at wedding receptions, a plentiful mix of music spanning the decades is important to get the crowd going. Will the DJ be able to accommodate song requests from your guests? For example, if you have guests who want songs from the 60s and guests who want songs that are current favorites, can they do both?

The downside to a live band is the price and also finding a band that can play the wide eclectic mix of music you are planning for your guests.

DJs are the cheaper option for your wedding reception music and they generally have a wider collection of music to offer.

You need to decide what you want and make a booking well in advance if you want the best for your reception. 

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Article 3:

Hiring a wedding disk jockey is an important part of any wedding. You may not have a lot of experience hiring or working with a "DJ". If you've attended a wedding recently where a wedding disk jockey did a great job you may not remember why it was great. Usually we only remember when the DJ screws up.

You should talk with / interview several before you hire anyone. Just because a DJ did a good job for a friend or someone you know doesn't mean they are what you're looking for your wedding.

During this interview process you should have predetermined what you would like to have happen during your wedding and reception and how you want them to interact. But before you tell the DJ what you want or expect let them explain what they will do for you.

Most wedding disk jockeys will follow a pretty set pattern. They introduce the bride and groom. They will introduce and start the dance numbers including the bride and groom dance, the father's and mother's dance, the grandparents dance...those kinds of things.

But if that's all they talk about and tell you they do then be careful.

You want much more than a wedding DJ, you want an "Entertainment Director". You want someone who will actively keep things moving, someone with a personality, someone who really knows how to get a crowd of people involved and having a good time.

Anyone can sit behind a stack of speakers and equipment and "spin music" and play tunes. Big deal you can do that on your iPod. You can rent speakers and a microphone and have your brother-in-law say "Hi" to the guest and start the songs playing.

You actually want a wedding DJ...an Entertainment Director who will help guarantee that everyone at your wedding and reception will have a great time. An even they'll remember as special because it featured you and your spouse but was fun for all.

Look for a wedding DJ who fits this criteria and you'll have an Entertainment Director to remember.

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Article 4:

 

Aside from the food and drink, the most important part of your wedding is the music. In the United States it has become very common to use a DJ to provide the music and emcee at weddings. Finding the right DJ is essential to having a great wedding, hire the wrong one and it can ruin your whole day! Herein we will bring to limelight as to how to choose the right DJ, what to expect and ask for from them.

In fact your best resource in finding your wedding DJ is people you know. Talk to recent newlyweds, ask your wedding venue, they may have a list of preferred vendors for you to call, wedding DJs whom they trust

A good idea is to always pre-interview your prospective DJ over the phone and then when you think you've found the right one, you set up a meeting in person to make sure they really are the right DJ for you.

Questions To Ask Your Prospective Wedding DJ

Will this wedding DJ play CD's, mp3's or patch in iPod or other "smart" devices that you provide?

Some wedding disc jockeys have a list of songs they play and except for the bride and groom first dance, do not give you much choice. Your wedding disc jockey should be flexible with a wide selection, so requests from your wedding guests can be fulfilled. Don't try to give the DJ a CD or a list of 100% of the songs to play for the night. Your musical taste is not the same as 120 people at your wedding. Let your DJ do their job and keep your wedding guests happy.

 

Is the DJ familiar with your wedding venue?

Your wedding disc jockey may also be better prepared to deal with known issues or caveats with the wedding venue. It does not mean you should reject the DJ if they have not been there before, but it's a nod in their favor.

What problems has the DJ encountered at weddings and how did they solve them?

You want a wedding DJ who is resilient, able to respond quickly to unforeseen mishaps that can mar your wedding. You can bet that many weddings look smooth, but had issues that were quickly seamlessly patched behind the scenes by DJs, caterers, and other vendors.

A very important thing to look for in choosing your DJ is their equipment. Ask about the quality and condition of the equipment your DJ will be using and make sure it is professional quality and in good working condition. The bottom line in deciding on your DJ, and the single most determining factor, should be experience, experience, experience!

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Article 5:

So you’re getting married soon and you and your future spouse decide it’s time to start planning for the big day.  Besides the venue, the caterer, photographer, wedding gown, rings, cake, flowers, and more, you have to get a DJ or a band for your musical entertainment. Let’s say you decide to choose a DJ over a band.  A lot of top-notch professional wedding DJs get booked anywhere from 6 months to 18 months in advance, so start looking early especially if your wedding date is in May or June. 

Now that you know when to start looking for a DJ you need to know where to find them. You can find DJs from a variety of sources, friends, family, the internet, print ads, from other vendors, etc.  A common mistake by most people is that they tend to believe that all DJs are pretty much the same, which couldn’t be further from the truth.  Just about every DJ has their own unique style and level of professionalism which they bring to the table. When looking for a DJ, look for one that specializes in weddings. If they do other types of events to, that’s fine as long as they have substantial experience performing at weddings (At least 100 weddings) Also, a large variety of music is important, everybody has different tastes, and more than likely so will your guests. 

Now that you know where to find a DJ, and the basics of what to look for, it’s time to start contacting DJs and start making appointments for interviewing. Keep in mind you want a professional for your wedding, not a hobbyist, this is your wedding day, and you only get one chance to do it right. As soon as you start to contact DJs you’ll know very soon which are professionals, and which are just “weekend warriors”. If no one answers the phone when you call, or they don’t return your inquiry promptly (no later than 24 hours) move on to the next one. Why? If a DJ can’t return your phone call or e-mail promptly, that shows a lack of reliability and professionalism. If they’re too busy to return your inquiry, more than likely they may be too busy for you when you have questions, plans, or issues which will arise.  Now you have to look at your budget, what percentage of your wedding budget should go towards your musical entertainment? 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%-15% of their wedding budget on a better DJ. So the price of a DJ shouldn’t
be your only factor in choosing a DJ. 

Make sure that the DJ has references, is willing to meet with you, see the venue, has quality equipment, and probably most important, has a written contract.  I receive about 5 phone calls a year from brides whose DJs never showed up, or cancelled at last minute, and the bride never had a contract with the DJ to begin with. Before signing a contract, discuss any overtime fees, your plans for your wedding, special songs, their back-up plans for personnel, transportation, and equipment, etc. After signing a contract with any DJ, the key to a successful wedding reception (and sometimes the ceremony) is communication. I can’t stress this enough,  don’t wait until the last minute to inform your DJ of exactly what and how you want something done. Most professional wedding DJs do much more than just play music, some are pretty much the wedding coordinators also. They make sure that everything goes smoothly and all your “wedding events” such as the cake cutting, toasts, garter and bouquet toss, special dances, etc get done in a reasonable time frame. So stay in contact with you DJ, keep him/her informed, and this way you’ll both be on the same page for your special day.

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Article 6:

You pretty much have most of the vendors chosen for your wedding, but now onto the wedding DJ pricing. So how much does a wedding DJ cost? You will see many different wedding DJ prices, keep these points in mind and you will find the right one.

Cheap Wedding DJ Prices

These prices will usually be in the ranges of 100.00 an hour or less. Many of these wedding DJs are part time hobbyists. They might have no idea how to coordinate and deliver what you want at your wedding. Just call these companies and you will notice a huge difference with their customer service skills. This might be a risky deal because they might show up with low grade equipment (if they even show up at all). There is a possibility that you can spend $200-$600 on your wedding DJ and be happy, but you have to understand what cheap wedding DJ prices really mean.

My Recommendation: Never hire a wedding DJ that costs less than your veggie tray.

Average Wedding DJ Pricing

So your biggest criteria was your budget, and you went way overboard. So instead, you and your finance decided to hire someone to “Just Play Music”. Do you want the good news or bad news first? Okay straight to the good news, you just save 100 bucks! Unfortunately your decision might cost you thousands down the road. This category of wedding DJs is priced all over the place. Usually many are larger wedding DJ companies that subcontract 15-25 wedding DJs every weekend. They improve their profit margin this way (more DJs=smaller profit margin) to support advertisements and overhead. There are many good DJs that are subcontracted by these companies. However, they might be so big that you might not know who will your wedding DJ until the week of.

My Recommendation: Let the buyer Beware.

Expensive Wedding DJ Prices

These people may charge anywhere from $1500-$4500. There may be added value, such as an additional DJ/wedding coordinator, lighting, staging, dancers, or props. Other times, this price is determined by an owner with an overinflated ego. If their wedding DJ cost is expensive, then this does not mean that they have instant credibility. This price might be marked up since they do not have enough word of mouth referrals yet. You should not have to take out a second mortgage to pay for your wedding DJ cost. If this sounds like fun to you, then by all means go for it. You will have a BLAST.

My Recommendation: Get everything in writing, and question anything that might be overkill.

How Much Does a Wedding DJ Cost

So, how much does a wedding DJ cost? This depends on how comfortable you are with the lighting, experience, equipment, music, and fun options. You should try unique things because your wedding is far from ordinary. This does not mean you need to break the bank with wedding DJ prices, but see what options are really worth the cost. The typical wedding DJ cost will vary between $800 to $1500.  In the short term the wedding DJ price will be a factor in your budget, and long term 80% of the success of your wedding is based on the entertainment. If you want to have a great time, you will interview multiple companies.

My Recommendation: Stay away from the cheapest, don’t go with the most expensive and do not hire anyone that is average.

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Article 7:

In this era of Disc Jockey entertainment, chances are you've heard horror stories about "a terrible DJ" that performed for a party or reception. Now that it's your turn to hire a DJ, you can avoid making the wrong decision. Hiring a mediocre or bad DJ can be avoided if you ask the right questions and take the correct steps. Read this article all the way through; then go back and take notes on the points most important to you.

From California to the East Coast, DJ's come in 3 varieties: bad, average, and outstanding. For every 10 Disc Jockeys - 4 are bad - 5 are average – and 1 is outstanding. This is why the Disc Jockey field is proliferated by hundreds of horror stories. There are simply more average and mediocre DJ's than outstanding ones. They may seem great to certain people who don't party very much, but when compared to the performance of an outstanding DJ, the differences are embarrassing.

MUSIC CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR WEDDING! Everyone's heard that famous saying before, but when it comes down to decision time, how many brides actually throw their common sense out the window to save a couple of hundred bucks? Brides seldom hear complaints about the terrible or "cheap DJ" they hired...simply because her friends and relatives don't want to insult her or be rude.

Before you begin DJ shopping, you need to be honest with yourself. Do you want to IMPRESS your guests? Or, just give them a human jukebox? In most cases, YOU WILL GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Never look at your purchase of a DJ like the purchase of a tangible item like food or the rental cost of a hall. When it comes to quality entertainment, there is little room for bargain shopping. Surveys show that 2 out of 3 guests agree that music can make or break the event.

Although you usually get what you pay for, this rule doesn't always apply. Bad DJ's can use slick telemarketing tactics and "sweet talk" you into paying a premium rate. On the other hand, not all the "outstanding" DJ's are the best salesmen. The average cost for DJ's for prime time Saturdays in larger population areas is about $900 to $1,500 for a four-hour period (overtime going for $150-$300 per hour.) In smaller population centers or rural areas, this price range will be more like $500 to $800.

HINT: It doesn't hurt to ask for a discount if your event is on any other day than Saturday. Most entertainers' calendars are more flexible during this time and will tend to discount their rates.

Don't get sidetracked into a discussion of hourly rates. DJ's should be booked as a package ... just like live bands. EXAMPLE: Plumbers charge by the hour because they can easily fill their day with appointments making quick house calls. They grab a toolbox, jump in the truck and off they go! DJ's don't have this flexibility with all the equipment they have to lug around and the set-up time requirement. If a DJ charges for only 2 hours, then how will they make up the 3-hour difference in income for that same day? Most brides book weddings for at least 4 hours. DJ's know they can base their cost and profit on this average.

So, unlike a plumber making a quick service call, the DJ faces a much higher level of equipment logistics. Considering this fact, it just isn't feasible to discount loading time, labor costs and other operating costs since the costs are always fixed.

The conclusion: DJ's that offer hourly rates are often times "newcomers" who are less knowledgeable about the economics of operating an entertainment business. They drastically cut their overhead and use cheaper equipment (among other shortcuts) that will be embarrassingly obvious.

What are the main differences between pros and part-time weekend hobbyists? Several points should be considered. Use the guide below when screening a DJ. Be careful not to come off sounding like an interrogator. Instead, ask the following questions in a friendly and relaxed, easy-going manner...

In order of importance:

THE VOICE! How do you make announcements?

Somewhere along the line, people often forget one of the first requirements to ask the DJ: Do they have a trained announcer's voice? While speaking to your DJ on the phone or in person, do you feel confident that your guests will be impressed with your choice of DJ? He or she will be your official representative when making announcements! Is their VOICE rich and resonate ...enunciating clearly and commanding attention? Or, does their voice sound average...sounding like anyone else? Try a flash quiz on your DJ candidate: "Let me hear how you would ask our guests to be seated." Or ask them, "How will you announce our grand entrance coming into the reception hall?"

Will you be the DJ who performs, or will it be someone else?

Always talk directly to the actual DJ you are contracting. An agent or office representative is okay for booking, but don't sign anything until you have talked to your actual DJ. Be wary of major "bluff" tactics or stalling techniques to change the subject at this point. If the DJ you originally wanted is not available, BEWARE! A great DJ can always refer a bad DJ if the booking commission or "kick-back" is the right price.

How many shows have you performed and for how many years?

If you are dubious of the DJ's answer, politely request if the DJ has documentation to back up his claims. If the DJ balks at your request or puts up a smoke screen...pass. There are other DJ's out there with more integrity and experience.

Unfortunately, there is a growing trend of professionals who get paid "finder's fees" or kick-back commissions for referrals. Ask them point blank if they do. If so, avoid them immediately! They have no objectivity. Move on to another vendor/reference from the same field (photography, videographer, etc.) who does the SAME thing. Chances are slim that any enterprising DJ will have "sweetheart deals" with every photographer in town!

4 ways to rate a DJ:

1) DJ's personality, 2) promptness, 3) attitude, 4) crowd-pleasing ability.
In your questioning use these four categories to ask questions.

What does your equipment consist of?  What does it look like?

Basics should include: (1) digital music players (Computer software/hardware, CD players, or MiniDisc players), (2) high-quality stereo amplifier(s), (3) a mixer for microphone and music, (4) at least 2 speakers capable of filling a room without distorting, (5) 2 microphones (one should be a high-quality wireless mic for toasts, etc.). Be suspicious of the professional caliber of anyone still using turntables and records in today's world! (unless you want of rap, techno, rave or alternative music).

Can you send us a songlist so we can view your overall music selection? Can we make requests? How many? Can we specify what you SHOULD NOT play?

Ask to review the DJ's library - again without sounding testy or like an interrogator. Contemporary DJ's have computerized lists of their song library. 15,000 songs is a good indicator of the DJ has a good variety of music. A confusing or disorganized song library is a bad omen, so steer clear of that DJ, no matter what their excuse is. Smart DJ's categorize their music by decades, then the style of music within each of those decades. Ironically, some DJ's try to force their musical tastes onto their audiences. Like the jerk playing loud, blasting rap music waiting at the traffic light. You won't need that ego and attitude forcing their favorite brand of music at your event.

Can I control the volume?

No DJ should ever have any problems with this minor request.

Does your price include lighting? What kind?

Conservative is better for weddings. Wild crazy lights and effects are good for certain types of parties. It's all according to your taste.

Do you arrive self-contained, or do we need to provide anything?

Pros arrive self-contained and don't need a thing except a space to set up and a 110-volt, 20 amp electrical outlet. Note the cosmetic appearance of the equipment. Some DJs are tasteful and creative and have a clean, modern look. Many average DJ's still use 6 or 8 foot banquet tables to set equipment on. Their equipment can look more sloppy and will probably have tacky cords hanging everywhere. Plus those big tables eat up too much space.

How long does it take you to set up?

30-60 minutes is average. Some DJs use an assistant for this. If so, verify what this assistant will wear and where they will be during the reception. Do you want the assistant to eat food and dance with your guests? Clarify with the DJ what the assistant's total role will be. Lastly, under no circumstances should you have to pay a DJ for the labor in setting-up their equipment or travel time under an hour! (Would you charge your boss for the time it takes you in the morning to "prep" for work? OR, how would your boss feel about paying you for your commute time driving to work everyday?)

Can you go overtime if everything is going well?

Discuss this in advance. If so, how much is the cost and who gives the official "OKAY" to keep going. When does the money get paid, by whom?

Will you let us use an extra microphone?

For toasts, singer, or announcements.

What type of background music do you play for cocktails or dinner?

Besides announcements, how much do you talk? What type of things do you say?

(DJ should know when to talk and when to SHUT UP!).

Can you give me some examples of how your experience helped you "ad-lib" when an emergency arose?

This might tell you how experienced and professional your DJ is.

Do you charge for travel time or mileage?

What will you wear? Formal wear?

Happy hunting! I hope all of this information helps you on your "Disc Jockey Quest"!

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Article 8:

Choosing entertainment for your wedding reception can be a simple task if you know what to look for in a professional disc jockey. A professional wedding DJ will act as master of ceremonies, music programmer and reception coordinator. Since your DJ will represent you in front of your guests, you should be able to communicate well with him or her. The following questions will help you hire a professional disc jockey.

Do you use professional audio equipment, including a wireless microphone?

The ability to mix music properly comes with the use of professional audio gear. Once your guests begin to dance, it is important that your DJ knows how to mix well enough to build momentum.

Some DJs claim their personality will get them through an event without having professional CD Players (or related equipment). Although a good personality is important, it is also important to have a DJ that knows how to mix well; they don't have to be a club remixer but should know how to create energy.

A wireless microphone will allow anyone doing a toast the ability to speak at the bridal table which will help your photographer get much better photographs than if toasts are spoken near the DJ or dance floor because of a wired microphone limitation.

Do you Carry Back-up equipment?

Since your event is once-in-a-lifetime, the AADJA feels it is important for your DJ to have a back-up amplifier, music player and cables for emergencies. Although rare, don't let equipment failure bring your party to an end prematurely; you've invested too much time and money.

Are you a member of any trade organizations?

There are numerous trade organizations for disc jockeys. If your prospective DJ is active in an association, it may mean they attend monthly meetings, visit DJ conventions and network with their peers. Involved DJ's tend to keep up with musical trends, improve their public speaking skills, learn how to become better entertainers and grow as business professionals.

Will you play requests?

A good DJ will take requests from you and your guests. If a DJ starts to limit your ability to ask for music, it may mean they have a limited selection of music or they have a lack of music knowledge. Ask about the policy for accepting song lists and audience requests. If you are not concerned with dancing but want to create a specific atmosphere, make sure your DJ understands what you have in mind.

Do you have experience with weddings?

It is important that you choose a DJ that understands wedding protocol. Your emcee should have the ability to communicate effectively. Your initial phone conversation may already give you clues; pay attention.

There is also a belief that "radio" personalities or famous club jocks are superior to mobile disc jockeys. This is a fallacy. Many club and radio DJ's simply lack the experience of coordinating a wedding reception and communicating to a live audience face-to-face; wedding experience counts.

How will you be dressed?

Formal attire is standard at most weddings. It is a good idea to tell your DJ what type of attire you expect them to wear.

How early will you arrive?

The standard set-up time for most DJs is at least one hour prior to the guests' arrival? If you have live music for the first part of the reception, pay your DJ to arrive early. Introductions, toasts, and other announcements are usually required within the first 60 to 90 minutes of the reception.

Remember, the DJ will be working behind the scenes to keep your event organized while the band is playing. It also looks much nicer to have the DJ set-up instead of having them move equipment through your guests.

Are we guaranteed the DJ of our choice and will you provide us with a written contract?

Always get a written agreement which clearly indicates the specific entertainer you have chosen. Remember to read any agreement carefully before signing it. Understand cancellation policies, payment procedures and company stipulations since they vary greatly.

If you have the time, meet with your prospective entertainer to get to know who will be representing you on your big day. A meeting will give you information to help you decide whether you are comfortable with your prospective.

The professional fee for a full-time disc jockey ranges from $800 to $3000, with the average rate being $1200. You should expect a professional sound system, emcee services, music programming, event pre-planning, coordination services, and at least four hours of music and entertainment.

Rates will vary based on location, popularity, talent, music knowledge, organizational skills, mixing ability, and professionalism. Most DJs offer additional options that include: effect lighting, party novelties, enhanced sound systems, two-person shows, dancers, and additional PA (Public Address Sound System) systems or sound systems when necessary. The AADJA hope these tips will help make your wedding day unforgettable.

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Article 9:

A bad Wedding DJ can be hard to identify beforehand and can ruin an otherwise amazing and memorable wedding reception. 

Keep yourself from being burned by a newbie or unscrupulous business owner. In this article, we will take time to consider a few factors that will indicate both the experience and professionalism that you can expect from your prospective DJ. From these indicators, we can hope to weed out potential mistakes that can turn your very special occasion into an unforgettable disaster.

The most critical things to look for are experience, commitment, and professionalism.

Using your internet access and telephone, you can begin to scout potential DJs. In each step, ask yourself the questions listed and use the answers to develop your standards in selecting an appropriate wedding DJ.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

·         Internet access

·         Telephone

·         Pen & Paper

 

  1. 1) It may sound strange but Commitment is the number one factor to look for. Without it, your DJ could show up late or not at all. Commitment goes further than the day of the event as well. Does the DJ answer the phone during business hours?  Is he/she willing to work with you on song requests? Does he a have clear set of driving directions to your event? How much more is he willing to do besides DJ and collect your money?

2.    

2) Analysis of the DJ's website is also an important task. Look for elements such as booking procedures, past event articles, performance contracts, and photos. Where has this person or company booked events? How recently? These web elements give you an idea of the DJ's experience. The DJ doesn't have a website? It's probably a good idea to look elsewhere. This is a huge indicator that the DJ lacks experience, commitment, and professionalism.

 

.     3) Professionalism plays a part before, during, and after the event. DJs who do not work under a contract lack experience that would otherwise have convinced them to do so already. Contracts should be designed to protect both parties. Don't be afraid to have the DJ revise a contract to suit your requirements. Is the contract in plain view and accessible before booking the event? Are they willing to meet with you personally to negotiate your terms and requests as well?

4.    

      4) Experience plays the most important role during the event ceremony. This factor is often indicated by the DJ's past event roster and current bookings. Is this person doing one or two weddings a month or is it a full time job? Working with audio and electronic equipment demands the knowledge and skills to set up, operate, and diagnose problems on the fly. Speak to potential DJs but let them do most of the talking. Ask them about their experience directly.

 

5.    5) Knowing the answers to these questions will arm you with the knowledge to make better DJ booking decisions. Take the time to do things right and also realize that your wedding reception is not the time to realize the "get what you paid for" lesson. Good luck!

 

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Article 10:

Mobile wedding DJ's have all but completely replaced band for wedding receptions. While there are a variety of historical reasons for this, let's focus on how avoid some common mistakes. Choosing a DJ is much different than choosing a band, it is a newer industry, and most new brides have little or no experience making this decision.

DJ's are independent contractors and are not usually an employee of a big conglomerate. Knowing some of the fundamental questions to ask is vital. Listed below are a some questions you should be asking your wedding DJ:

1. Do they bring back up equipment to the site? 
2. What do they do to prepare for your reception in advance? 
3. What will the DJ wear at the reception? 
4. How interactive will the DJ be with your guests? 
5. Who will be your actual DJ at your reception? 
6. Can they provide a few referrals of past wedding reception clients? 
7. Do they have a website you can review? 
8. Can they provide any any unedited videos of past performances? 
9. Do they offer any online tools to help you plan your reception?

Planning

Quality wedding DJ's are booked in advance. Brides tend to focus on the florist, photographer, and caterer; you need to start your search early for your wedding entertainment. The earlier you choose and book, the more your DJ will match your needs and the better they will be able to perform on your wedding day. Typically, they are booked six to eighteen months in advance.

Written Time-line or Agenda

While this might seem overly detailed, you want to know what the DJ is going to do. You want no surprises. A list of special songs, in the sequence to be played, and when the cake will be cut are two obvious items to have on the written agenda. Your wedding will dictate the final agenda. Do not forget to leave some room for spontaneity; and for your DJ's creative ability to entertain your guest!

Happy brides consistently say that the DJ was responsible for their wedding reception's success; with the average importance of the DJ being 80%, according to brides. People might remember your fabulous wedding dress or the sumptuous food or the beautiful cake; but, everyone remembers when they have an enjoyable time.

Do not forget to plan well in advance for your wedding entertainment. are booked in advance. Brides tend to focus on the florist, photographer, and caterer; you need to start your search early for your wedding entertainment. The earlier you choose and book, the more your DJ will match your needs and the better they will be able to perform on your wedding day. Typically, they are booked six to eighteen months in advance.

I hope these suggestions help you find the right wedding DJ for your special day!

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