Looking for the perfect wedding DJ? Here are the questions you should ask any prospective wedding DJ before signing on the dotted line...
How long have they been a DJ & how many events have they performed?
A professional experienced Disc Jockey will be able to plan and smoothly guide your celebration from start to finish allowing you to relax and enjoy the party.
What type of music do they provide and will they play requests?
It's your party! You want someone who takes an interest in what YOU want. You want a DJ who is flexible so that any request from your guests can be fulfilled, providing it meets your acceptable music criteria. A professional will concentrate on the quality of the sound, not quantity and will spend time on the night ensuring that your seated guests can talk comfortably while others are dancing.
What is their appearance like?
Will they wear a formal dinner suit (tuxedo), tidy-casual, or a T-shirt, jeans and trainers? Find out ahead of time and make your preferences known!
What kind of equipment do they use?
You are paying money for a professional and they should have brand-new-looking, quality equipment and know how it operates. Make sure it's all professional equipment, not home stereo or consumer grade. There is a difference!
Do they have Public Liability Insurance?
Many venues now insist that all entertainers have their own insurance. Accidents are extremely rare but for peace of mind, it’s worth checking that the entertainment you book does have the necessary cover - or you could be liable if damage or injury is caused by the DJ you have hired. Many hotels now have a policy of refusing entertainment if they cannot produce evidence of suitable insurance (check the small print of your venue hire documents).
Do they have back-up equipment on hand in case of an emergency?
Even professional equipment can fail on occasion. Usually, only the top-notch pros invest the extra money to ensure that everything works and backup systems are in place. Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your event.
Will they personally be the DJ for your reception?
Some DJ's will book your event and then pass it on to another DJ to play your night. Some (almost always the cheap ones) don't even bother to turn up if a more lucrative booking comes along! Make sure you get what you are paying for.
Do they require a deposit and a written agreement?
If not, why not? If a DJ is serious about his business, he will want an agreement and a deposit. The agreement should offer a guarantee that he will show up on the day and will perform for the times you have decided on. If there's no deposit and no agreement, there's nothing to bind him to your event. A professional DJ will insist on a deposit to confirm your date and a booking agreement, fair to both parties, is your protection.
My Venue Is Providing The DJ - What Should I Ask Them?
Ideally, ask (insist) that you have contact with the DJ before the day so that you can let them know your ideas and plans. You need to be sure that the DJ the venue chooses for you is suitable and able to provide what you want. Use the same principles as above.
How Much Will a Professional DJ Cost?
There are a number of factors involved in pricing each individual event and, not surprisingly, most professional, reputable DJ's charge more for their services than a hobby DJ who is just looking to make a few extra pounds on the side. Question a company that is low in cost... there's a good chance you will be putting the success of your event at risk in order to save a few pounds. Also, keep in mind all the time and money you already have committed to your event and the impact the DJ has on how everything turns out. When you consider your evenings' entertainment will account for about one third of your whole day and you can normally secure the services of a Professional Wedding DJ for under 5% of your total budget, then this represents great value for money.
This advice has been compiled by Paul Smith, Administrator of The Wedding DJ Association info@weddingdja.co.uk a non-profit organisation committed to helping discerning clients find the right DJ for their wedding reception.
To find wedding DJs in your area, take a look here.