Hiring a DJ

Thinking That All DJs Are The Same

Many folks can pay the money for really nice
equipment and are capable of plugging in and playing some tunes,
but very few who have enough experience in entertaining an audience
Moreover, organizing the smooth flow of reception to fill the thimble. This is
where you must be very tough-minded and ask your prospective DJ
Where the experience comes from. It is a mistake to think that a person
who has only “club” or “corporate” experience can get through a wedding
reception.hiring a DJ

An inexperienced DJ may be able to get through a simple birthday party
alternatively, backyard gathering, but where they really can wreak havoc is at a
wedding reception where timing, organization, and flow are vitally
important. Be sure to obtain a list of wedding reception specific
references. The best advice I can give you is that whatever DJ or
the company you hire, you better be sure that there is someone there who
has a strong track record and fundamentals of performing wedding
receptions.

THINKING YOUR ENTERTAINMENT IS JUST “MUSIC”

Your DJ is entirely responsible for the smooth flow of your reception.
The DJ will be your “Entertainment Director,” who will create & execute
The schedule for the entire evening. This role is primarily amplified if you
are not using the services of a wedding consultant.

You will benefit from the experience of a wedding entertainment DJ
professional. They will be able to guide you through all formalities, and
Give you suggestions to make your day unique and unforgettable. An
Suggestions entertainer will use their expertise to incorporate your ideas
for the program. However, don’t just hire a “yes” man. Be sure
that the entertainer gives you the real scoop and not just telling you
what he thinks you want to hear.

THINKING ALL WEDDINGS ARE THE SAME

No two wedding receptions should be alike. Your reception
represents the first time you and your spouse are throwing
A gathering as husband and wife. It should be an extension
Of your personality and style. A big mistake is allowing an
entertainer to do their usual “shtick,” making your day a
carbon copy of every other year’s wedding.

How are you sure the DJ will make your day unique? Simply
See if they ask you what you are looking for. Be wary
of the DJ that touts his music list, equipment, and
achievements. See if they ask you what you are looking for
first and then offer you the right solutions to make your day
special.

WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SECURE YOUR DATE

Every year I get some calls from brides in “panic.” For one
reason or another, they cannot find a DJ entertainer available for
Their date. Even worse, I have heard more than a few brides say
that the DJ they got “through a friend: has disappeared and left
Them in the lurch. This is even scarier because
their choices have gone from “who is the best DJ for them” to
being forced to hire whoever may be available.
With no time left to research and with so many other details
hanging over them, finding the right DJ will be more about random
Luck than an educated decision. Don’t let this happen to you.

The truth is, the best, most popular DJ entertainers will be booked
more than six to twelve months in advance, in some cases up to 2
Alternatively, three years. If you begin your entertainment research early enough
and you discover a great entertainer, don’t think that he will be
Available if you call weeks later. It  is hard enough to find that
perfect entertainer-the one who makes you comfortable, someone
You like, and who understands your tastes. It only makes sense that
You secure your date right away with a written agreement. In most
cases, DJs see their calendar as their “inventory” and cannot hold a
date without a written contract and a retainer.

THINKING A LONGER RECEPTION IS BETTER

There is a common misconception that the longer the party
Is, the more fun it is. Many brides get carried away in thinking
that they should party till they drop, but I want to point out
the reality: In many cases, if your guests have attended your
ceremony and will be with you all day; it is a more extended day than
You might think. Your special day will be infinitely more
memorable if you end on a high note, as opposed to stretching
it until only a few guests remain standing.

Setting up the perfect final song with everyone on the dance
the floor will result in cheering guests, a proper send-off, and raving
Reviews from your loved ones. Extending only conjures up visions
of the last call at the bar, with only the hardcore partiers stumbling
Their way out the door. A perfect time frame for a wedding
reception not including the ceremony is 3 to 4 hours for an afternoon
reception and no more than 5 to 6 hours for an evening reception
That includes cocktail hour. Friday and Sunday receptions should
Lean towards the shorter side. Bottom line: The decision to extend
The party is best judged on-site. Plan a reasonable end time and discuss
the ability to add time as an option.

USING PRICE ALONE AS A DECIDING FACTOR

Wow! this is a biggie. Of course, the price is a factor when hiring your DJ,
but don’t let it be the single deciding factor. Is the highest-priced
performer always the best? Not necessarily, but on the other hand,
hiring the least expensive entertainer is rarely the way to go either.
Inexperienced brides often mistakenly think of DJs as a “dime a dozen.”
or a commodity.

The fact is that each DJ entertainer is unique. Like every profession,
some are great, others mediocre, and others should
Never be allowed to perform! It would help if you decided on the performer that
is most qualified to accomplish your reception, that you are comfortable with
(since the DJ will be representing you and your family), and that has the
Good experience and credentials. Understand that DJs should not be
hired by price alone and BEWARE of “suspiciously cheap” DJs; there
may be a reason.

Instead, decide on a price range that you can afford. Check out a few in
That range, and choose the best performer. Professional DJ rates are all
Over the board. They range from under $1,000 to over $3,500 for a
complete reception and are based on DJs’ popularity, demand, and
availability. Because the DJ is responsible for over 80%
of the success of your wedding reception, I recommend setting a range
between 5% and 20% of your entire budget for your entertainment.

AUDITIONING A DJ AT SOMEONE ELSE’s WEDDING

Auditioning a DJ at another bride’s wedding has been a
Controversial subject. I will put it in a logical perspective
Here, and give you the real scoop. Only ask yourself if
you would want strangers walking into your reception
(often in street clothes) to see one of
Your vendors? It is not the proper time or place to audition
A DJ. There are several reasons why it is not even useful for
anyone involved.

First, it is an uncomfortable position for both.
The wedding party and the visiting party. Uninvited guests stand
out like a sore thumb and are an unwelcome distraction.
Second, unless the prospect sees the entire reception, they
Don’t get any value out of the visit. Also, they are seeing
someone else’s unique wedding, and unless the DJ is of the
“cookie-cutter” variety, the prospect again will get no value
Without knowing what is unique. Third and most importantly,
it creates “split loyalty” from the DJ. The DJ may do things
out of place to show off for their prospect when focusing 100% on the appropriate timing for their
current client.

There are better ways to audition your DJ. The right time
It should be one on one for a private consultation. A
professional wedding DJ should be able to show you weddings
they have performed on video while they are right beside you
To explain every detail. This also allows you to see
all the different formalities and unique elements of their
performance without crashing someone else’s wedding and
holding up walls for 5 hours.