Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of making decisions and choosing vendors. It's a busy time, but don't let that stop you from asking potential DJs the following questions:
1. Can I choose my own music?
Your wedding DJ should have a song list that you can choose from. If your song is not on the list, ask the DJ if he can get it or if you can provide it for him to play. He should be open to playing your special songs. By the same token, if there is a song you absolutely despise, you'll need to make this known to the wedding DJ as well. If you hate the Chicken Dance or anything in the country genre, your DJ should steer clear of this type of music.
2. Can you suggest songs?
You'll probably have some favorite songs you'll want played at your reception, which your wedding DJ should be eager to play. The DJ should also be able to make suggestions for music you're not sure about. Perhaps you've known for years what song you'll want to hear during the father/daughter dance, but what about when the cake is being cut? Your wedding DJ can help you make appropriate and clever selections.
3. What is the cost of your services and what do they include?
Find out exactly what you are getting for your money. Are there any hidden fees or taxes not included in the base price? While a few wedding DJs simply play a bit of music in between smoke breaks, you'll probably want a wedding DJ that acts as an emcee, warming up your guests and keeping the events of the day moving. The emcee, also known as the master of ceremonies or M.C., can keep the party moving along by adhering to a schedule of events.
4. What contingencies do you have if a piece of equipment fails?
While you want your day to be perfect in every way, there's a chance that something could go wrong. It could be something small like a missing corsage, or something a much bigger. There's an old saying that, "If you plan for the worse, the best will happen." If the wedding DJs equipment fails, does he have a contingency plan?
5. What happens when you're on break?
Chances are, your wedding DJ will be working for at least four hours. He may take a break. Find out what your guests will be listening to if the DJ needs to take a quick break. Silence may not be golden. Ask if he can put automatic music on during breaks. And be sure to have this in the contract.
6. What will you wear?
If your wedding is a black tie event, you might not want the wedding DJ showing up in cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Clarify the dress code in advance.
7. When do you arrive to set up?
This will be based on when the venue is available, but the DJ should be there between one and two hours beforehand. There should be time for the DJ to become familiar with the venue, set-up, perform a sound check, and to work out any last minute kinks.
8. Do you provide a contract?
A contract protects both you and the wedding DJ. Everything should be spelled out in the contract including total price, dates for deposit and payments, and the number of hours the DJ will provide music at your event. It should spell out exactly how the event will be handled by the DJ.
9. Do you provide references?
You should be able to speak with someone who has used the wedding DJ in the past, and if possible see his work. While a good DJ won't allow you to crash a wedding he's working just to see him "in action," perhaps he'll be working at a public event you can attend.
10. Are you insured?
The wedding DJ should have business liability insurance. Your venue may require it. It protects you if your DJ should damage property or if one of your guests is injured due to contact with the DJ or his equipment.
11. What happens if you are unable to perform DJ duties on the day of my event?
Your wedding DJ should have a replacement on call if an emergency prohibits him from working your event. He should have a contingency plan in place.
A good, professional wedding DJ should not have a problem with you asking plenty of questions. Be sure to do so before you put down your deposit and sign the contract.
A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/
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As wedding DJs ourselves, we feel we are uniquely qualified to help brides and grooms choose the best wedding reception entertainment possible. Hiring wedding vendors is usually a new experience for couples, and wedding disc jockeys are some of the most influential wedding vendors out there. After all, they are the ones who set the tone for your entire reception!