Have you heard enough of overly played classics like “Macarena,” “YMCA,” and “Love Shack?” If you don’t want your Disc Jockey to spin “Joy to the World,” and other certain songs at your wedding, then you may want to make sure you schedule a point-by-point consultation with the DJ that you are considering hiring.
Discuss the music ahead of time Your once in a lifetime wedding is a special day in which you bring family and friends of all ages together. You will want to make sure everyone, young and old alike, has a wonderful, memorable time. Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is an essential decision for the success of your wedding reception. Come to know that a versatile wedding DJ will be open to your suggestions. However, Disc Jockeys cannot know what your musical preferences are without your communication. A professional DJ will play from your desired song list, be willing to play requests and give you feedback for your wedding reception. Once your wedding reception is under way, the last thing you want to do is complain to the disc jockey! Consulting with your DJ ahead of time will save you a lot of frustration when you and your guests are ready to dance the night away.
Is your heart set on having the greatest time of your life? Then make your wedding an affair to remember! When interviewing a disc jockey for your wedding, ask your prospective DJ what type of music he or she typically plays at a wedding reception. Before hiring the DJ, see if the DJ is willing to play musical choices that go with your mood, tastes and style. When DJs are willing to work with you, they will accept a Play List and a Don’t Play list. This will guarantee that the music selections that you want to hear will definitely be played and the songs you don’t want played, won’t be. Once a DJ understands your preferences, he or she will be able to personalize your wedding and give you suggestions that will create a unique musical selection just for your perfect wedding.
Since your wedding is one of the most important days in your life, one of your questions will be, “Which wedding DJ can I trust to entertain my guests? Hiring a truly talented, experienced DJ will make all the difference in creating a great wedding atmosphere. Something to consider is whether or not your DJ is a trained professional that will absolutely guide your wedding event flawlessly from beginning to end. Inquire if your DJ is talented in music knowledge, and in their blending and mixing skills. Maybe you can see your DJ in action at a party event beforehand. Also decide what style of DJ you desire. Decide whether you want a DJ whose personality is enthusiastic and really knows how to keep the party going. Decide if you want your DJ’s MC style to talk, joke between the songs and include group participation or if you want your DJ to smoothly and quietly run the reception.
Another important question to ask is whether your Disc Jockey uses professional audio equipment. Not only do you want a DJ to play your favorite tunes, you definitely want the music to sound professional and not just off an iPod. Although professional gear does not guarantee a Disc Jockey’s talent, it definitely makes a big difference when they are using professional-grade sound gear. In addition, ask the DJ if he or she provides backup equipment in case of an unexpected emergency.
More Important Things to Consider
Find out who will be the actual DJ who will be spinning the discs at your wedding. This is crucial. You would hate to spend an hour interviewing your wedding DJ, only to have another DJ show up! Make absolutely certain your contract spells out exactly who will be your DJ on your wedding day. If you want the owner and not their employee, make sure it is written in the contract. The contract should also state what time and place the DJ is supposed to be. All verbal promises made by your DJ should be documented in writing on your contract. For chances are, your DJ won’t remember months from now what they verbally promised you today.
Inquire about DJ overtime, and other unexpected or hidden fees. Your contract should clearly specify all costs including any assistant disc jockeys they will have with them, as well as special equipment lighting packages, or other fees that they pass on to you the client. Be wary of vendors who give you low ball quotes, but only give you 3 hours of time! If your reception runs longer, you may be surprised to find out, “It’s another $200 per hour or we walk out right now”. You must also plan for overtime in case the reception runs longer than your contract specifies. Your contract should clearly spell out how much extra it will cost you to have your DJ for an extra hour or 2. Do not accept verbal promises stating they will work extra hours for free. Put it in writing in the contract, or the DJ may not do it. Don’t be blindsided like many brides and grooms are when their wedding event runs overtime. You don’t want surprises. Your wedding DJ contract should cover all bases so you know exactly how much your DJ will cost you.
Ask what attire your disc jockey will be wearing at your wedding. This may sound like a no brainer, but you usually want your DJ to wear formal attire, like a tuxedo, unless you are having a themed event. You don’t want your DJ showing up to your affair wearing jeans!
Finally, as mentioned earlier, it is a good idea to have your booking confirmed in a written contract. The traditional initial payment for DJ services is 50%. Current rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest many hours in your special event even though it appears that you are only paying for four hours. A Disc Jockey should arrive at least one hour prior to the start time of your wedding. Your DJ should ideally be set up and ready to spin before your wedding guests start walking through the door. Come to realize that the lowest priced DJ is not always your best deal, especially when you are planning a wedding. In hindsight, most wedding couples would have spent more money on their Disc Jockey if they had made their entertainment a priority.
So use these helpful tips for the overall success of your special occasion, and make your wedding day that much more special and enjoyable with the confidence that you have selected a great DJ!
May you begin a lifetime of love and happiness!
Rev. Diane Cuesta
Owner of BestWeddingNJ.com
For more wedding tips and a free wedding planner and wedding vows, visit http://www.bestweddingnj.com/
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