Hiring a Wedding DJ Pt. II

(Looking for part one?)

In our post written roughly a week ago, we talked about how to hire a wedding DJ. Today, we're going to build on that post by talking a little bit about what to look for in your wedding disc jockey. You can't be too careful, after all, when you're hiring the guy (or gal) who will set the tone for your reception!

Experience counts
When you decide to hire a wedding DJ, you're going to have some questions. First and foremost on your mind should be how much experience the DJs you like have. You should look for a DJ who has experience working weddings. As much as you like the dance club DJ who was spinning at the party you attended last weekend, that disc jockey won't necessarily have what it takes to do weddings.

Ask yourself: Is the DJ familiar with wedding protocols and conventions, and does he (or she) understand the sanctity and sentimentality of the event? This is especially important if you expect the DJ to take on the role of MC!

Try to meet any prospective disk jockeys in person so you can lay out your requirements for the wedding reception. Watch videos of their performances if they have any. Most experienced and professional DJs will have some available, either on a DVD or on YouTube. This is a very useful way of pre-screening a prospective DJ. Then check his CD collection and see if it suits your taste. A large, diverse collection is best, but most disc jockeys will be able to find the music you'd most like to hear played.

Passion Is Key
Your wedding DJ should love what he or she does for a living! Most disc jockeys are music afficiandos and enjoy a good party. If you're hiring from a company, it will usually have a number of DJs on the payroll and those disc jockeys may not be as motivated as solo DJs. No matter who you ultimately hire, always get a written contract that details the DJ's responsibilities and your rights. It's there to protect both of you! Finally, it may be useful to choose a wedding disc jockey who is a member of a national DJ association like the ADJA or NAME. The DJs who take the time to join these organizations will usually be responsible professionals.

Ask yourself: Does the prospective DJ simply churn out music dispassionately or does he (or she) actively motivate the guests to dance and have fun? Or, if you prefer a more serene party atmosphere, does the disc jockey play the appropriate tunes? Make sure the DJ is open to requests and does not impose his own tastes on the event. Does your disc jockey include a package of other goodies such as backup equipment and lighting? Does the hiring cost include all the equipment? Is the equipment of good quality and suitable for the venue and occasion?

Time to Negotiate
Definitely try to negotiate the fees for a win-win deal. Never assume that the price listed is set in stone -- the worst a DJ can say is no! Keep in mind that well-known wedding disc jockeys will cost more than newbies, but that isn't necessarily an indicator of quality. Let your gut be your guide, and never choose a wedding DJ who rubs you the wrong way. Some DJs charge more to work on holidays and during the popular wedding months, i.e., June, July, and August. Lastly, make sure the price you are quoted includes everything -- hidden charges are bad news.

And remember, wedding DJs, like almost all wedding vendors, tend to get booked up well in advance, so start looking for yours as early as you can!


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/