Finding the right DJ (disc jockey) for your wedding can set the tone for a night of fun and partying or a disastrous night of horrors and mishaps. The major benefit of hiring a DJ as opposed to hiring a band is the cost. Whereas a band could set you back at least a few thousand dollars, hiring a competent DJ who can work for a few hours is less expensive and can yield rewarding results. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when hiring a DJ for your wedding.
Know Your DJ:
Begin the scouting process early. If you’ve been invited to other weddings or functions in the past, take note of the DJs at those events and see how well they performed. You can always ask the host of the party or speak to the DJ personally if they impressed you with their skills. You can also hire one from a local radio station especially if you’re a big fan of their style. Do not hesitate to ask as some of these DJs do extra work like weddings and parties when not on air. However, do not limit yourself to just one DJ. Try to interview as many as three or five so you get a good range of their different personalities and skill levels.
Do Not Be Afraid to Ask Questions:
Has the DJ ever done weddings? How many years of experience does he or she have? Is he or she familiar with wedding settings or scenarios and can they adapt to unforeseen situations or incidents? Are they comfortable with large crowds or do they work best in small venues? Are they familiar with the location of the wedding? Will they be the actual DJs showing up at the venue on that day? This is especially important as some DJs are known to send replacements at the last minute. You might want to avoid that problem during the interview process. What kind of equipment do they use? How much space will they require for all the equipment? Are they familiar with your songs of choice? Do they take requests from guests? Do they like to be fed during the event?
Establish a Contract:
When setting up a contract with the DJ, make sure you cover all bases and this includes any assistants they may bring with them, costs for extra lighting or other hidden fees. Be wary of verbal contracts especially if the DJ promises to perform for a certain number of hours with no extra pay, but decides to change his or her mind at the last minute.
Things to Avoid:
Do not allow your DJ to display his business card for all to see. Most DJs are notorious for doing this and it can become distracting to the guests. Make sure your DJ has enough music selection to keep the guests happy. Nothing is worse than having a DJ with few CDs in his possession. It shows incompetence – something you’d rather not have to deal with.
