How To Hire A DJ For 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.

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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, Cha Cha Slide or just play music?

4. 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.

5. 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?

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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, Denon, 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.

9. 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.

I hope this helps!

About the Author: Matt Campbell owned and operated DJ Express in Montana and now is the owner of WeddingMuseum.com. WeddingMuseum.com helps future brides and grooms plan, book and rate their wedding day. Come see us at http://www.weddingmuseum.com or email Matt, matt@weddingmuseum.com ©WeddingMuseum.com 2004







Related News



Man Forced to Decide Between Marriage or Job - WEAU-TV 13

Man Forced to Decide Between Marriage or Job
WEAU-TV 13, WI -10 hours ago
The leader of a Wisconsin Salvation Army group is faced with a touch decision; he must either cancel his wedding or loose his job. ...

An ugly attack on Mormons - Chicago Tribune

Advocate.com

An ugly attack on Mormons
Chicago Tribune, United States -Dec 4, 2008
The Mormon zealots yank the couple's wedding rings from their fingers and then tear up their marriage license. As the thugs leave, one says to the other, ...
California's Prop. 8 Defeat: A Bungled CampaignThe Santa Barbara Independent
When marriage debate turns ugly, no one winsGrand Junction Free Press
all 27 news articles

Governor Talks Politics, Marriage - Tampa Tribune

Governor Talks Politics, Marriage
Tampa Tribune, FL -Dec 3, 2008
By CATHERINE DOLINSKI Gay rights activists are planning to demonstrate outside your wedding and reception to protest the gay marriage ban that passed in ...

Census survey shows average marrying age is increasing - Kansas.com

Census survey shows average marrying age is increasing
Kansas.com, KS -3 hours ago
They started dating in 2005 and lived together more than a year before planning their wedding. "About a year into it, we knew we were going to be together. ...

Ask the Wedding Goddess: Are Wedding Jitters Normal? - Wedlok.com

Ask the Wedding Goddess: Are Wedding Jitters Normal?
Wedlok.com, NV -16 hours ago
If your first marriage is over, then there is no going back. Even if you still have love for your ex, that does not mean you are still in love with him. ...

Spencer Pratt defends marriage to Heidi Montag - Newsday

E! Online

Spencer Pratt defends marriage to Heidi Montag
Newsday, NY -3 hours ago
The newly betrothed Pratts - that is, Heidi and Spencer - are laughing off suggestions by Heidi's mom that Spencer may have drugged her daughter to get her ...
Did Spencer Pratt 'drug' Heidi Montag for wedding? Ask Mom!Los Angeles Times
Spencer Pratt Defends Marriage to Heidi MontagPeople Magazine
Spencer Pratt Still Prattling On About MarriageActress Archives
TheCelebrityCafe.com - E! Online
all 186 news articles

Fate Worse Than Marriage to Britney? Hubby No. 1 Locked Up in LA - E! Online

E! Online

Fate Worse Than Marriage to Britney? Hubby No. 1 Locked Up in LA
E! Online -21 hours ago
Too bad his quickie wedding to Britney Spears didn't last as long as his current stint in the slammer. Authorities in Los Angeles have locked up Jason ...

Punjab sets new rules for wedding functions - Sify

Sify

Punjab sets new rules for wedding functions
Sify, India -Dec 4, 2008
The state has nearly 1000 marriage palaces and banquet halls. These are used not only by Punjab residents but also a large number of Non-Resident Indians ...
Punjab sets new rules for weddingsDaily News & Analysis
all 8 news articles

Encourage boyfriend to face marriage fears - Seattle Post Intelligencer

Encourage boyfriend to face marriage fears
Seattle Post Intelligencer -18 hours ago
Why does he see marriage as an agent of doom, where (presumably) he sees cohabitation as safe? Is it about the wedding itself, the forbidding escape route, ...


Flowers: Good for Your Wedding, Good for Your Home - Examiner.com

Examiner.com

Flowers: Good for Your Wedding, Good for Your Home
Examiner.com -4 hours ago
by Ann Keeler Evans, Philadelphia Marriage Examiner I contacted Susan Fogwell of Blue Thistle Floral because I want to do an article about her wonderful ...