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Is the DJ familiar with your wedding reception venue?
Although it is not essential that the DJ knows the venue, it can certainly help. They will know how to get there, know where to normally setup, and be familiar with the room layout.
I routinely like to start setting up early and I always work with the venue staff. Many times I start setting up the night before. I test, test, and re-test everything, as there are always issues with how the venue offers electricity.
Who will actually be at my event?
It is possible that the person you are speaking with may not actually be the one performing at your wedding. Some DJ’s work solo and therefore the person you speak with is the person at your wedding. Other DJ’s are what the industry calls “Multi-ops”, as they have multiple DJ’s who work for them.
I am a sole operator. What you see is what you get.
What will the DJ wear?
You need to make sure that the DJ is going to fit in with the theme of your event. A professional DJ should wear appropriate attire.
I always appropriately match the occasion. Due to the physicality of what I do, I can't wear a dress. However, I will wear something that matches the theme. For weddings, I wear a formal suit but I like to match what I wear to the colors of the wedding. For example, I will wear a red shirt with my suit for a wedding that has a red theme.
What music will the DJ play?
The main reason the DJ is there is to play music. Find out if you are able to select the songs the DJ will play, or if the DJ chooses them all. Be sure to find a DJ who will let you have as much input as you would like. Also, keep in mind that a professional DJ will have a lot of experience and you should try to take advantage of this. Give them a guide as to the music you want, but allow them some freedom to play what they know will work well.
I have an extensive library of wedding music and dance music across a wide range of genres. I try to play music for everyone in the room so it is not unusual for me to switch from Big Band to Hip-Hop to Latin to Rock to Country. Switching genres requires expertise with blending music and how to properly transition from one song to the next.
How much should I pay for a good DJ?
By shopping around, you will find DJs will quote anywhere between $500 and $5000 for a wedding. You will find many high quality DJs in the $1000+ range who will do more than just play music. It is not unusual for couples to pay $2000+ for a complete wedding entertainment, custom lighting and a theme package.
With most DJs, “you get what you paid for”. Cheaper DJs tend to have cheaper equipment, less experience, less skills and lower quality music. Sticking to your budget is important, but so is the success of your event. 99% of the DJ horror stories that you hear are caused because people went with whoever was the cheapest.
There are exceptions, however, when a more expensive DJ may not be better. Being a DJ is a full-time job for some and with any full-time job, the focus is on earning enough money. Sometimes, too many years on the job can show.
I am a DJ because I love to DJ. I am fortunate to have a main job that I like so I am free to accept the events that are the best fit for my services. Just because I am a part-time DJ, it does not mean that I am not a professional. Being a DJ is not just a "hobby" for me; it is my passion that I take very seriously.
I am a rare DJ. Not only am I less expensive; I am also better. I am usually a fraction of the cost of other area DJs AND I also make sure that everyone has a good time.
When I DJ, people dance and have a great time. It's that simple. When everyone is dancing, then you know that your event is successful.
What is the DJ’s back-up plan?
Some DJs will not have a backup plan in case something goes wrong at your wedding. Your DJ MUST have a backup plan in case their is any type of equipment malfunction. You do not want your wedding ruined due to your DJ’s lack of planning.
I work in technology so I know how often it can fail. I always have backup speakers and different configurations for when something fails or when the weather gets bad. I also have a PA speaker that runs on a battery so if the power goes out, we will still have music and a microphone.
Why can't I just use Spotify or Pandora?
You cannot rely on Spotify or Pandora to be the DJ. Spotify and Pandora are meant to be listened to in your car, your home or office, but not at your wedding. The audio quality is not designed for large audiences.
You should trust your special event to a person, not a playlist. Weddings usually have guests that are a vast range of ages. A playlist also cannot see your guests, hear their requests or anticipate what people might want to hear to next.
I pride myself on being observant with noticing the small details. I gather clues on what to play from the guests- their ages, their attire, etc. Every event is different; I never play the same set of songs.
What equipment does the DJ offer?
The appearance of the DJ and their equipment is something you should definitely consider. Any quality DJ will be able to show you some pictures or video which will give you an idea of what their equipment will look like. Not all DJ setups look the same.
The equipment also has to be adaptable for the occasion and to the setting. Most speakers should be at ear level height; not towering over your head. Some speakers, like the Mackie Thump 15 that I use, work better when they are placed lower to the ground.
I have gradually built from my sound system from the ground up, carefully researching everything that I use.
Can the DJ also act as the (MC) emcee for the reception?
Not all DJ's will act as the emcee (MC) and some might charge extra for this service.
I assume that I am also the emcee (MC) for the evening and it is automatically included as part of my service. I have years of public speaking experience. With my energetic and dynamic speaking style, I am able to speak to different groups of people and can motivate even to the most reluctant people to get out onto the floor and dance.
How much room will the DJ need?
Some DJ’s will also promote their business with a banner across the front of their equipment. Others will predominately display their brochures and/or business cards. It is up to you to decide if this is acceptable or not at your wedding.
I have learned to work in small spaces; usually no more than 6' by 9'. I never promote myself with larges signs or brochures, etc. I have business cards for people who request them. My job is to serve your event and not to advertise. My performance as your DJ is my best advertising.
Can the DJ provide lighting?
Some DJs will offer lighting fixtures which are older than you are, while others will offer cutting edge lighting displays incorporating lasers and LED effects. Whatever the DJ has to offer, make sure you can see some pictures or video of what it will look like. Will it be too overpowering for your reception, or fit in nicely.
I have a variety of different styles of LED lighting, including uplighting. However, I am not a lighting professional. I focus on the music. If you want a specific type of lighting that I do not have, I can refer you to a lighting professional.
Here is lighting for a wedding at the Shaker Museum in Enfield, NH.
What music will the DJ provide?
Before you start selecting music, you should make sure that your DJ has a good range of music to choose from. You should ask what their policy is for music that they don’t have that you would like played. Most will be happy to play a song if you supply it, however the best DJs will do all they can to purchase the song to make sure that you don’t need to worry about it. A good music selection also means they will be able to cater to your guests requests if you allow requests at your wedding.
You should also inform the DJ of any songs you DO NOT want to hear. Some people love the Chicken Dance, and some people cringe when they hear it. Some people love Justin Bieber, while others would rather have their teeth pulled. Providing your DJ with this information before the day will help them do a better job for you.
I have thousands of popular songs and songs in almost every genre. However, if I don't have the music that you want, I can get it. That is why I gather input on the music that you would want and expect to hear. All songs that I play have been digitally remastered for the best quality sound for live events.
Can the DJ also provide photography?
There are some DJ outfits that offer both music and photography and they do a good job as they usually have one person who is the photographer and the other person who plays the music. My personal preference is to keep these specialties separated. You do not want me to take any important pictures. I am not a photographer.
I focus on music which is what I do best. However, I have created videos and use visual effects whenever I can. I can use my DJ stand as a screen for videos. I can also bring a portable screen.
Can the DJ provide other equipment?
You should know in advance what equipment the DJ will provide. Do not just assume that the DJ will provide 4 cordless microphones for your bridal party to sing with or that karaoke will be available. If you have specific requirements, you should make sure they can include them for you. Some will add additional fees if they are not provided as standard. Most DJ’s have a sound knowledge of their equipment and are capable of explaining what you will need based on what you have asked them to be able to do.
The DJ should also know how many people will be at your event. There is a huge difference in the amount of equipment needed for a typical 80-100 person event compared to a wedding with 400+ guests. Keep in mind that additional equipment may cost more.
I have a portable speaker for outdoor ceremonies and wireless microphones. My main speakers have over 2,000 watts of sound capacity which will easily accommodate an event up to 200 people. I have additional speakers for larger venues.
Should the DJ offer a contract?
All professional DJs will use some type of contract. If they don’t, your alarm bells should be ringing. Entering into a contract will protect you as much as it does them. Be sure to read the contract in full and ask them if you need clarification on any items. Be aware of that their cancellation policy is and also what their obligations are.
It is important that you make a fully informed decision when selecting a DJ.
My aim is to create experiences that you and your guests will talk about not just the next day or the next week, but for months and years to come.
I would love to hear more about your special event and hopefully these tips come in handy for you.
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