What Questions Do I Need To Ask?
Your wedding reception DJ determines whether your reception is a hit or a miss!
One of the most confusing things you will notice is the great disparity of pricing from one DJ service
to the next. You should ask about pricing, but I would suggest making it your last question.
First, you need to find out what makes the DJ worth their fee and what kind of service they provide.
Entertainment is a talent based service and each DJ entertainer will bring a different level of talent,
quality of service, experience, and expertise to your wedding day.
Your entertainment can make or break a reception, and remember there is no second chance to get
it right. Most people make the mistake thinking, "It's just music, all DJ's are the same," and that a
cheaper DJ is the better value.
While it may be attractive to shop for a DJ based on price, just as with every other wedding vendor,
price alone is not the definitive factor in this decision. All DJ services are NOT equal.
Here are some of the important questions you should ask before hiring your DJ (plus a few tips!):
Are you available for my date? - Better check this first! If they are not available, A true pro
will help you find a qualified professional DJ that is.
You are encouraged to book your disc jockey at least 6 to 9 months in advance.
Can you provide ceremony music? - Most professional wedding DJ's can provide ceremony music
service at the reception site. Sometimes a separate sound system is used since the ceremony
location may be a distance from the reception.
Ceremony services may include appropriate music during the seating of guests, wedding party
processional, lighting of the unity candle or sand ceremony and the recessional. A wireless lapel
microphone is usually provided for the ceremony minister.
Do you coordinate with the minister? - It is important for the DJ to be familiar with the order of the
ceremony.
Are you the DJ who will be at the reception? - Keep in mind that some DJ companies subcontract
their services and they may always indicate that they are available. Will he guarantee in writing that
they will be the DJ at your event? Be sure the DJ you interview will be your DJ.
How many weddings have hired you as the entertainer? - Can he meet with you at your convenience,
even if it's during the day? Is he a full-time DJ professional? Never hire a "newbie" or cousin Jimmy
to be your disc jockey. They mean well, but to have a memorable event you need a pro! Knowing your
DJ is available full-time without additional costs to you is comforting.
Do you provide a written contract? - Get everything in writing! If your DJ is not willing to provide you
with a written commitment, walk away.
May we contact your references? - When you ask for references make sure you get previous
clients and venues at which the DJ has performed.
Will you go over the wedding planning with us? - How will he handle the details of the introductions,
first dance, toast, blessing, cake cutting, bouquet & garter toss and special requested dances? What
will they do at your reception that makes their service unique?
Do you take requests? - An professional DJ blends requests with songs that will get your guests up
and dancing. The art of a DJ is timing, and this takes years of experience. A versatile Disc Jockey will
be willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list.
Will you also make announcements and emcee the reception? - Does he have the ability and
willingness to "read" and motivate the crowd to get on the dance floor to get the party started?
The seasoned professional will also know how to introduce interactivity into the night in a tasteful
and energetic manner. Will he keep your guests' attention where it belongs - on you?
How large is your music collection? - Will he provide any special music you require at your
reception? Your wedding will most likely require music to satisfy all ages and musical tastes so ask
about variety. Can he show you a "song list?"
Do you use professional equipment? - A friend's stereo might sound great in the friend's basement,
but, it may be barely heard when put into a banquet hall of 200 or more guests. A DJ should have
professional sound equipment. If lighting is important to you, ask about these special effects.
Do you bring backup equipment? - If a speaker blows or the microphone stops working, does he
have the replacements with him? (Extra CD player, amplifier, mixer, etc.)
Do you belong to any professional associations? - Is the DJ a member of ADJA (American Disc
Jockey Association) or any other DJ organization which carefully screens their members? What are
they currently doing to improve their entertainment skills?
Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or
professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the DJ's willingness to network, learn and grow.
How early do you arrive to set up? - Punctuality is an absolute. Setup should be complete before
the stated contract time. Sound checks need to be performed.
Are you insured? - This is a good sign of professionalism. A professional disc jockey will carry
business liability insurance to respond to any claims resulting from his services.
How will you be dressed? - Is he well groomed? Formal attire or coat and tie are the most popular
forms of attire.
What is included in your price? - Get all the details. Is a gratuity included in the price?
Are there any hidden charges? - In addition to the base price, is there a set-up fee? Are there
charges for additional meetings, tear down, or travel time?
What are the reasons you think we should hire you? - Listen to his answer! Is he selling
you on just his equipment?
References are the best way to start your search. Some great resources to start with are other
wedding professionals. Photographers, catering managers, ministers, and wedding coordinators
work sise-by-side with disc jockeys. An experienced DJ will be able to handle unforeseen
circumstances and work in concert with the other vendors.
He should provide a planner, a tentative time line, the music you want, and more. A professional DJ
should provide advance preparation as part of his service. A pro aways returns your phone calls
promptly.
A reception should reflect the personalities of the bride and groom but there should also be some
flexibility allotted to the DJ to appeal to all of your guest's varied tastes. This may include a few songs
that you are not particularly fond of. A good question to ask yourself is, "Can I trust the DJ I hired to
use all the music at his disposal to ensure everyone has fun?"
You should be able to meet with your prospective DJ first before any commitment is made. A
professional DJ will know music, communicate in a friendly and helpful manner, and should be
genuinely interested in what you and your guests want. He should entertain with style, microphone
presence and proper volume.
The best weddings are classy yet fun, well planned and well run. Above all, you want your wedding
reception to be memorable, fun, worry-free and a good time for your family and guests.
A full-service, professional disc jockey will normally invest 12 to 30 hours in your special event
although it may appear that you are only paying for "4 or 5 hours." Face-to-face consultations, music
purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related
endeavors add up to the overall success of your very special day.
If there is one area of your reception where you shouldn't try to cut corners, it's your entertainment.
Hire a DJ who is an entertainer. Remember, there is a lot of prep work that should be done prior to
your wedding by the DJ. He should be able to explain what he will do for you in advance to ensure
the success of your big day.
Not surprisingly, most professional, reputable DJs charge more for their services than a hobby DJ
who is just looking to make a few extra bucks on the side. Cutting corners on entertainment is a
recipe for disaster. No one will remember if the meal was overly cooked, or how nice the reception
hall was decorated, but everyone will remember if they had a great time at the reception because of
DJ's ability to entertain.
Be prepared to pay for quality, just like any other goods and services. Reception DJ's only have one
opportunity to get it right once! The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low
price is forgotten.
One final suggestion is for you to carefully listen to not only what an event professional says when
you ask questions, but how they say it. Do they speak with knowledge, passion, and a desire to truly
help you create a successful event?