Get the Party Started, Right
Cristina Velocci
The one thing wedding guests are likely to remember long after the reception has ended is the music and entertainment. Music sets the tone for the event, and if done right it will invigorate your guests and heighten romance.
Since you’d rather see your guests twist and shout on the dance floor than yawn and pout over beef bourguignon, it’s worth making the investment in a professional DJ. A good DJ with a charismatic stage presence can read the crowd and get the party going. Here are tips that will help you choose an experienced, skilled, and polished pro.
Keep your ears open
Begin with firsthand knowledge. Think back to the weddings you’ve been to recently. If the DJ kept you on your feet all night and left the guests smiling, get their name and contact information. Alternatively, ask around – ask your family and friends, especially recently married friends if they’ve been to an event with great music or loved the DJ at their own reception.
Put your feet in motion
Choosing a DJ will likely be one of the first decisions you make when planning your reception. Since DJs are in high-demand during wedding season- particularly good ones- it's best to decide on one early on. DJs in demand can be booked up to a year in advance, so sooner you make arrangements, the better your chances of landing the perfect one.
Do a Sound Check
Ask for a demo or catch the DJ in action to get a feel for his style, and see if it fits with what you're looking for. You'll want to gauge the way he dresses, improvises, and works the crowd. If that isn't a possibility, request a sample play list and see if you recognize songs you know and love. If the DJ doesn't own a particular song you're dying to hear at your wedding, and is unwilling to get it, move onto the next prospect. A true professional should be open to your likes and dislikes and be eager to accomodate you.
Take note
As always, first impressions matter. Before making a final decision, it’s imperative to meet with the DJ in person to see if you are both on the same wavelength. Meeting face-to-face will provide you with contextual clues as to whether this is someone you want involved in the production of your wedding.
In addition to interviewing the DJ about his music selection and enthusiasm during a performance, take stock of his general appearance. If he shows up poorly dressed, seems disorganized, or is unreceptive to your suggestions, consider these warning signs. The effort put into that initial consultation will likely forecast the time, attention, and care (or lack thereof) the DJ will invest in your reception.
Get the back beat
Request that the DJ provide you with referrals from the last few weddings they’ve played. Learn what their past clients have to say about them, both the positives and negatives.
Set the record straight
Once you decide on your DJ, it’s important to clarify a few points and iron out some details before you sign on the dotted line. For one, make sure the DJ you heard or saw perform is the same one who will play at your reception, and specify this in writing.
In advance, ask them what they plan to wear to ensure a uniform, polished look. Specify a time for your DJ to set up the equipment before your reception – you don’t want them trampling through your cocktail hour with heavy speakers and equipment.
Remember, there are no rules dictating what music you must include during the event. If you don’t want to look up and see your family doing a line dance, say so in the contract. Just let the DJ know in advance exactly what you want. You can give them a few of your favorite and least-favorite songs to help guide them, but otherwise let your DJ come up with the perfect play list for your wedding.
Fine tune your budget
Since music ultimately sets the mood of your party, this is not the place to cut corners – quality entertainment costs money. Budget about $2,000 towards your DJ and MC (maybe even more if the music is a top priority for your wedding). Anything less and you risk hiring an unprofessional DJ or one you and your guests won’t be happy with.
Deal directly with a professional company that focuses solely on entertainment and music, rather than being tempted by the convenience of a package deal that bundles a DJ with other wedding services. Look for a DJ company experienced in performing at weddings. It will ensure they understand the level of sophistication and professionalism you require for your special day.
Though DJs are typically contracted for four- or five-hour intervals, you may want to consider negotiating a fixed rate for the whole event or booking them for more time up front. If you spontaneously decide to have them stay longer, you could face overtime fees. But in that case, if you’ve done your research and found the DJ that will make you wish your wedding would never end, it’s a small price to pay.