Since the wedding day is often viewed as one of the most important days in a person's life, it should come as no surprise that choosing the entertainment is also very important.
Jockeys -- each with their own style and objectives. The key is determining the right one for you.
So what's the easiest and most effective way to determine the DJ that you would be happy with at your wedding reception?
Advanced Planning: The more elaborate the celebration, the further in advance you should plan. Based on the Weddings that I did recently, I found most brides and grooms were able to secure their first choice of DJ at least a year and a half in advance. The popularity of the month and day of the week that you choose is a factor. The popular months of May through October, may be tougher than the slower months of November through April.
If you are flexible with dates and times of your reception, chances are increased that your prospective DJ will be available. This is especially true if you are open to a Friday night or Sunday reception. Keep in mind that it is perfectly acceptable to inquire if the DJ you want
is available for your desired dates, BEFORE committing yourself to a specified time at a reception location. (This will also allow more choices for other services as well).
Know Your Needs and Wants: Choosing a DJ based on your needs and expectations will help ensure satisfaction. Consider these factors;
- What qualities are you looking for from your DJ?
- Is there one DJ service that has a reputation for a certain style or professionalism you like?
- Do they offer you the opportunity to meet with your DJ in person before the event, or before booking?
- Do they have a wide variety of music in a particular category you want?
- Does the DJ fit your budget? Or maybe you're looking for a DJ service with certain side services, such as live entertainment, music for the ceremony, or dance giveaway packages, etc
Forming your foundation creates process of elimination.
The Selection Process: After determining what you are looking for from a DJ service, let the shopping begin. The best way to book your DJ is based on "word of mouth." Ask friends and relatives. It is always helpful to get ideas from people you know and trust. Also, Bridal Guides, Web sites, and Bridal shows can be useful tools.
Here are some key questions to ask:
- Do they specialize in weddings? If they do wedding receptions, what is their experience? (This is a very easy way to limit your DJ selection, since one DJ service may only play at bars and nightclubs, while another may do private parties.)
- Find out WHO your DJ would be if you decided upon their service. I have heard of brides and grooms who were disappointed when an employee or contractor showed up for their wedding reception.
- Get CURRENT wedding references from that DJ. Don't be afraid to call these references! This is the best shopping tool if you are not familiar with the service.
- Make sure your DJ or DJ's dress in tuxedos when appropriate.
- Ask about back up equipment in case the system in use fails. Also inquire about back up DJ's in case an emergency situation prevents your entertainer to be present on your special day.
- Look for the little things that set them apart from others: Does the DJ present him/herself in a professional manner by phone? Are they returning your phone calls or e-mails promptly? How impressive is the literature that they send to you? Are they willing to meet with you upon your request before booking? If you do meet with them, how was their overall presentation?
Helpful Hints: Some of you may want to see your prospective DJ at a wedding reception before committing. This is understandable. However, it is important to respect a DJ service that declines to offer this opportunity. This would be imposing on someone else’s private celebration. In addition, no two celebrations are exactly the same. The DJ may be tailoring the function you are previewing to a format requested for that particular party. This may not be the same requests and style you would have at your party. However, if this is important to you, ask to listen behind closed doors at a wedding reception if possible. This may help to determine sound quality, or to hear how the DJ projects himself or herself on the microphone.
A great alternative to this approach is also inquiring if a DJ can provide video footage of past weddings. Whether it's a demo video or an entire footage of an entire wedding reception, it will provide a visual idea, along with sound, for you to review. Of course, you do need to expect that
any DJ service offering this tool will be selecting what they feel is their best footage.
In closing, your selection should be based on what DJ you feel completely comfortable with, from the polices and attributes they have to offer, to their personal character. A DJ's services name can represent a certain image that you are looking for, but remember that it will be the
actual individual or individuals that will determine the outcome of your special celebration. Thus the slogan lives, "the DJ can make or break a party!"
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