One of the more daunting challenges a bride and groom must face is the hiring of their entertainment. If you have (for whatever reason) decided to book a DJ over a band, there are a few things you really should consider before hiring anyone.While contacting various DJs, getting their prices, meeting with potential disc jockeys/wedding entertainment directors, and comparing the notes you take on each one can be a bit of a hassle, it is important to remember the lasting impression a bad DJ can make.

Doing a bit of homework and keeping these tips in mind will help you make a well-educated decision; the kind that allows you to walk into your reception feeling comfortable and confident.

Thinking That All DJs Are The Same

Every DJ has their own style, skill level, methods, and vary a lot in their equipment quality and music library.

An amateur DJ lacks the experience and knowledge required to execute a flawless reception. The last thing a bride wants to do on her wedding is remind the DJ it is time to cut the cake or dance with her father and get the reply, “Oh…. Yeah… Right…”

A professional entertainer knows how to get your guests on the dance floor. Asking a DJ how they get people dancing will often get you an odd answer.

Also, if a DJ only has one genre of music, they sincerely lack in versatility. Your favorite DJ that spins Modern Rock music all night may be perfect for the bar, but more than likely your grandmother doesn’t want hear Maroon 5 all night at your reception.

Hiring The Cheapest DJ You Can Find

The phrase “you get what you pay for”  holds a lot of water in the case of hiring a DJ, especially for a wedding.

There are DJs which can cost as little as $300 or as much as $5,000, for a five hour wedding. Is the DJ that is only charging $300 no good at all? Who knows, they might do a decent job, but there is one thing that is certain: Either the DJ doesn’t have a lot of experience or they are the worst businessperson ever.

Any DJ that has performed for numerous weddings (at least 100 or more) knows that there is far too much involved in presenting wedding entertainment to only charge peanuts. The average wedding usually has around 25-30 hours invested from start to finish.

Because the entertainment for your reception is what you, your family, and your friends will likely remember the most, isn’t it worth more than the cost of invitations? Your entertainment is an investment that you your guests will enjoy from start to finish, not just the first half of the night. If half of your guests leave after dinner because loud music was playing during the main course, the venue isn’t going to give you a refund.

Not Having A Written Contract

I am genuinely stunned that any business is able to stay alive without any form of contract, committing them to your event.

I have spoken with NUMEROUS brides, one week before their wedding day, telling me their DJ has booked a prom (higher $$$) and would not being coming to the reception. This goes hand-in hand with my final tip…

Not Making Sure The DJ You Want is “Guaranteed” To Be Your DJ

This is probably the biggest complaint from brides all over the country about DJs. You went to a DJ company that has more than one DJ, you requested a specific DJ, and another DJ shows up in his/her place. Any time you deal with a big DJ company, make sure you get in writing that the DJ you want is the one that will show up.

There is one company, in this area, that tells brides “We don’t schedule the DJ until the week before the wedding” and “We let you pick three DJs AFTER you sign the contract. If they’re available, they might do your wedding, they might not, no guarantees.”.

Does that sound like a company that has your best interests in mind or one that is trying to run a company with limited accountability?

Imagine you’re going to buy your first “dream car”. How would you feel if the dealer said, “Pick three you like, sign this contract, pay your money, and maybe you’ll get one, maybe not…”?

Hopefully, these tips can assist you in making a good decision when it comes to your entertainment. No one likes to walk into their wedding reception filled with anxiety, not knowing what or whom to expect. Spend some time on your choice, making the final call with your fiance, and don’t let anyone bully you into making a snap judgement based on sales tricks and high-pressure tactics.

Ask specific questions.
Dress attire?

       Cordless Mic?

       Back up Equipment ?

       Setup – Teardown fees  – (YOU SHOULD NEVER PAY FOR THIS)

       Force Fed Vendor Advertising – Do not let them do this at all. It is your Wedding. They shouldn’t be advertising on your dime. Don’t let the DJ set up one of those Wrinkled Banners advertising their company and web site. Nor should ANY of your wedding vendors be advertising on your Big Day. Business Cards KEPT in their pocket should be the only advertising you see at your wedding.
Past client referrals – Get emails of some of their past clients and talk to them personally. This will help out with the questions and concerns you will have. If a company will not let you chat with past brides I recommend that you move on. Why? It’s my belief that they are not comfortable enough in their service. . . and don’t want to give up that “middle man” to stop anything bad from getting back to you.
Music Selection – If you don’t like the style of music they play, tell them. It is your day, the music should be what you want, not what they want to play. From the cocktail / dinner music to the dancing at the end of the night. Make sure you enjoy all the music that is played.
Speaking on the Mic – How often do they talk on the mic. Are they going to be a “Radio Personality” at your wedding?  Are they going to announce every song that is played. I hope not . . . . .

        Company Insurance – Every wedding professional should have liability insurance for that “just in case” situation.

I always recommend talking with your photographer or venue coordinator to find a DJ they would put their name behind and recommend. 

Live, Laugh, Love and Dance,

Jeremy Ganss – Elegant Weddings