Most people only hire a DJ once in their life and most often it’s for their Wedding Reception.
Too often I hear horror stories about how a DJ ruined a reception and in this case, once is too many! As DJ’s, we only have one chance to get it right! Some of the complaints I hear or read (many in “Talk About Weddings”) are:

. The DJ showed up late or didn’t show at all

• They didn’t play what I wanted or played music that I specifically asked them not to play
• The DJ I hired wasn’t the DJ that showed up.The equipment was nothing more than a home stereo system and a few CD’s

Unfortunately I could go on and on. Professional DJ’s have a not-so-nice name for the DJ’s that fall into this category... "Bottom Feeders".

Contrary to popular belief, DJ’s are not all cut from the same fabric! In most instances, you really get what you pay for. If there is one area of your reception where you shouldn’t try to cut corners, it’s your entertainment. Notice, I didn’t say DJ, I said entertainment. The same would hold true for a band, a harpist or a pianist if you decided to hire their particular service to be part of your special day.

Brides and Grooms are willing to spend thousands of dollars on food, drink and the banquet hall but try to cut corners on entertainment. This could be a recipe for disaster. No one will remember if the London Broil was overly cooked, or how nice the hall was decorated,
but most will remember if they had a great time because of great entertainment.

I’ll concentrate more on DJ’s since that’s where my expertise is.

Here are some of the things that separate “Professional” DJ’s from the “Bottom Feeders”:

Professional DJ’s use professional equipment, not a home stereo.

Professional DJ’s will meet with you and help you plan your reception.

Professional DJ’s will have many references available for you to talk to.

Professional DJ’s WILL NOT subcontract out your event unless they tell you at the time of contract signing.

Professional DJ’s will be set up on time and ready by the time your first guest arrives.

Professional DJ’s abide by your wishes and not just play what “they” like to hear.

Professional DJ’s will have liability insurance.

Professional DJ’s will not drink alcoholic beverages on the job.

Professional DJ’s will not try to be the life of the party. The Bride and Groom should never share the limelight.

Professional DJ’s will not invite potential clients to watch them perform at your event. A DJ cannot give your event 100% attention if they’re trying to sell to others.

Professional DJ’s will use contracts, to protect both them and you.

This is not an all-inclusive list but just some of the major discriminators that should help you secure the services of a Professional DJ. I’m not saying that the higher the price a DJ charges, the more professional they are.

You have to ask yourself though, if the average price for a DJ in your market is $500 and a DJ will undercut or quote you $300 for the job, why is he willing to charge so much less. We’re not all created equal! Use the list to help you identify the professional DJ service and save yourself the heartache of a bad DJ.

Wedding professionals agree that good entertainment is the key to having a successful wedding. The best way to hire a great DJ is to pick one that you have seen and heard before or one that is recommended by friends. However, this is not always possible.

1. Once you have a list of DJ’s talk to them. Pay attention to their professionalism on the phone
and ask for literature and referrals.

2. Your wedding will most likely require music to satisfy all ages and musical tastes so ask about
variety and the policy on requests.

3. Find out about equipment. A DJ should have professional sound equipment - not "home
consumer" gear. If lighting is important to you, ask about these special effects.

4. A good DJ will take the time to explain how they will handle the details of the introductions,
first dance, toast, blessing, cake cutting, bouquet & garter and special requested dances. They
will be able to communicate well with you and should be willing to listen to your ideas and meet
any special needs.

5. Your DJ should be familiar with most of the music you want and should know how to organize the reception within your guidelines. Try to determine if your DJ has the ability and willingness to "read" and motivate the crowd.

6. Most reputable DJ's will be willing to provide you materials, song lists and informational
planning sheets.

7. Some will be willing to meet with you. Take advantage of those opportunities as it will give
you a chance to share your ideas, get suggestions and meet the DJ in person.

8. If a video is available, request to see it. Also be sure to check references and recommendations. Auditioning a DJ at a stranger's wedding in not usually practical. Remember, a good wedding is an individually customized event lasting 4 hours or more. To properly
observe a DJ's show you need to stay for the entire time.

The DJ may be providing activities and music as requested by the bride and groom and this may
not be of the style or type that you require. Also, a good DJ is busy during a reception and usually cannot take time out to explain what is going on and why. Some DJ's also consider it tacky to invite strangers to a wedding just to solicit new business. You wouldn't want that at your wedding.

The perfect DJ will be affordable, experienced and have good references. He or she will know music, communicate in a friendly and helpful manner, and should be interested in what you and your guests want.

A professional DJ will be will attired, will mix music types well and blend motivational dances & special activities with your requests. Your DJ should do it all with style, microphone presence and proper volume.
The best weddings are classy yet fun, well organized 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.