Tips for hiring and working with a professional wedding DJ!
As I talk to brides and grooms, it’s clear that often they don’t know what to ask when shopping for a DJ. Chances are they have never done this before. I have put together a list of tips and frequently asked questions to help future brides and grooms shop for, hire, and work with their DJ to plan their perfect event. Of course, I would love to work with you and be that DJ, but even if I am not, I want your reception to go off perfectly! Hopefully, these tips can help you do that.
In the age of digital music, anyone can slap some simple sound equipment together and call themselves a DJ. So how do you separate the amateurs from the professionals? Do your homework. Do they have a professional web site? Do they have references? Are they willing to meet you in person to answer questions before you book? Is that meeting conducted in an office or in a random coffee shop? Do they participate in bridal shows? Who do they ask you make your check out to – a company or an individual? Do they have a professional contract? It’s true that none of these things ensure that a DJ is good at what they do, but making sure your DJ ticks off these boxes is a good start.
There are a lot of companies that hire part-time DJs; their full-time staff do all the work planning your event and then turn the paperwork over to a part-time employee who’s the one to show up at your event. This kind of model should alarm any bride or groom. You’re spending your hard-earned dollars on this service, and you should get to know your DJ before you book, not meet them an hour before your event starts. That’s why I have kept my company small and intimate. I DJ every wedding – you always know who you’re getting. It’s simple: You book with me, you plan with me, and I show up at your reception. That’s peace of mind you can’t get with bigger companies.
If you know which DJ you want, book them as soon as you lock down your wedding date and reception venue. I regularly book up to two years in advance. The sooner you book, the longer you have to work with your DJ to plan the
perfect event.
If you don’t have a specific DJ in mind ahead of time, a good rule of thumb is to select one 6-8 months out, but keep in mind that DJs are often booked long before that for spring, summer, and fall weddings. Don’t get stuck with a lesser-quality DJ because you waited too long to book!
Do you have experience with weddings?
Do you have back-up equipment?
Do you use professional equipment?
Are you insured?
What is included for the price?
Are there any hidden or surprise costs?
What if we want to go past our end time?
What kind of deposit do you require?
When is the balance due?
Have you played this reception hall before?
When do you set up your equipment?
Do we pay for the set-up and tear down time?
Do you have references?
What information should my DJ ask for when planning the event? Your DJ should ask for basic information (start and end times, location, etc.), the names of all the important people in your wedding (you and your fiance, the members of your wedding party, your parents, etc.), and the approximate number of expected guests. Your DJ also needs to ask which special dances you want, rather than making assumptions. At Now That’s Entertainment, I ask you to work through either a paper wedding planner or a convenient online version. When you’re done, we go through it together to fill in any blanks you may still have and to ensure I understand what you’re looking for. This last part is a VERY important step and one that your DJ should insist on.
- Be on time.
- Set up the system as it was promised to you
- Be clean and professional dressed
- Follow the plan you worked out with them
- Work with your other vendors as a team to make the night go as smooth as possible
- M/C your event (and do it well)
- Help coordinate the key elements of your event, including the cake cutting, toasts, and special dances
- Be good at getting your guests out on the dance floor (which isn’t always as simple as it seems!
A tip should never be considered mandatory. Do you feel the DJ went above and beyond in his/her service to you? If you feel that the DJ earned a tip, then it is a great compliment to that DJ to receive one. It tells the DJ that you recognize that they did an excellent job for you and you want to reward them for that. When I receive a tip, it’s validation for all of the work I put into each event. I know my clients expect nothing but the best from me. Going above and beyond is something I try to do for each and every client. It is my norm, not my exception.
Please feel free to give me a call 608-333-2451. I’m always happy to answer questions from brides- and grooms-to-be, even if they aren’t clients!
Now That’s Entertainment: What a fitting name! Thank you for providing us with such great music and entertainment on our wedding. Andy and I were surprised with the games and the extra dances! They were great ideas to get our guests involved! Everybody had fun! Also, thank you for the Memory CDs. They will allow us to remember that special night forever! Thank you for everything! If you need references, please let us know!
Andy & Ashley Webb