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How To Hire A DJ For Your
Wedding
Summary: Know what questions to
ask before hiring a DJ for the most important day of your life, your wedding.
Hiring music entertainment can
arguably be the most important booking made for your wedding. Guests remember
whether or not they had fun at your wedding. What you pay for is what you get
is a good rule of thumb. However, I would like to educate the consumer, future
brides and grooms, of how to hire a DJ and things to consider. The following
are 9 important factors to consider when hiring a disc jockey before you sign
the contract.
Who would be the DJ for your
occasion? Many DJ companies are a multi-system operation. Be sure to have in
writing of who your DJ will be at your event. I would recommend meeting your DJ
before hiring the company at a neutral place, like a restaurant.
How many years experience does
your DJ have with your type of function? Anyone can pretend to be a DJ. If you
are having a formal event, does your DJ know how to organize a wedding reception
or a grand entrance? The DJ should perform the type of show that you want!
Does the DJ get everyone
involved dancing or do they just play music? You have to ask yourself if
you want a DJ that will get everyone dancing? For example, will the DJ involve
guests by playing and conducting motivational dances like the Chicken Dance,
Hokey Pokey, and Cha Cha Slide or just play music?
Will the DJ be dressed
appropriately? Formal means tuxedo or dress. Semi-formal means dress pants,
shirt & tie or slacks and blouse. Casual means polo shirt or company
shirt. Be sure the DJ is dressed appropriately during set-up and takedown of
equipment. Some guests do arrive early and stay late.
What is the DJ's fee? How much
is overtime? Is a tip included in the fee? Will there be an extra charge for
lighting-what does the lighting include? How much is travel to your location?
Are you ONLY paying for the time the DJ performs?
Does the DJ include a contract?
Be sure to have all details of your function in writing. The DJ must know
the date, place, and time! You must know each other's names and phone numbers
including the DAY of the occasion.
Is the DJ company
professional? This may sound silly, but does the DJ have insurance?
Accidents do happen. It's better to be prepared. Also, is the DJ a member of a
national DJ association like ADJA or NAME? If they are, then they care about
what they do and are a better chance of being professional.
What kind of equipment does the
DJ use? Typically, if a DJ is using a brand of equipment you can buy at your
local retail store, then that's what you will get. Excellent brand names
include: JBL, Community, Gemini, QSC, Crown, etc. Always, and I mean always,
ask if the DJ has back-up equipment WITH them for your function. Also, be sure the
DJ brings the right amount of sound for the number of guests expected.
What music do you play? How many
music selections will the DJ have WITH them? Be sure your DJ takes requests
before and during your function. Also, give them a guideline of what you want
played. However, this is what the DJ is paid to do. Don't limit the DJ by
saying you want all of one kind of music or a list of 100 songs they must play.
The best scenario is to play any type of music that gets people dancing and
having fun. By the way, it should be understood the DJ does not play any
offensive music.
About The
Author: ã Matt Campbell is the owner and
Webmaster for WeddingMuseum.com. WeddingMuseum.com is a place to plan, book
and rate your wedding day. You can email him at matt@weddingmuseum.com or visit http://www.WeddingMuseum.com.
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