How to Pick the Perfect Wedding DJ

A bad Wedding DJ can be hard to identify beforehand and can ruin an otherwise amazing and memorable wedding reception. Keep yourself from being burned by a newbie or unscrupulous business owner. In this article, we will take time to consider a few factors that will indicate both the experience and professionalism that you can expect from your prospective DJ. From these indicators, we can hope to weed out potential mistakes that can turn your very special occasion into an unforgettable disaster. The most critical things to look for are experience, commitment, and professionalism. Using your internet access and telephone, you can begin to scout potential DJs. In each step, ask yourself the questions listed and use the answers to develop your standards in selecting an appropriate wedding DJ.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Telephone
• Pen & Paper

1. It may sound strange but Commitment is the number one factor to look for. Without it, your DJ could show up late or not at all. Commitment goes further than the day of the event as well. Does the DJ answer the phone during business hours? Is he/she willing to work with you on song requests? Does he a have clear set of driving directions to your event? How much more is he willing to do besides DJ and collect your money?
2. Analysis of the DJ’s website is also an important task. Look for elements such as booking procedures, past event articles, performance contracts, and photos. Where has this person or company booked events? How recently? These web elements give you an idea of the DJ’s experience. The DJ doesn’t have a website? It’s probably a good idea to look elsewhere. This is a huge indicator that the DJ lacks experience, commitment, and professionalism.
3. Professionalism plays a part before, during, and after the event. DJs who do not work under a contract lack experience that would otherwise have convinced them to do so already. Contracts should be designed to protect both parties. Don’t be afraid to have the DJ revise a contract to suit your requirements. Is the contract in plain view and accessible before booking the event? Are they willing to meet with you personally to negotiate your terms and requests as well?
4. Experience plays the most important role during the event ceremony. This factor is often indicated by the DJ’s past event roster and current bookings. Is this person doing one or two weddings a month or is it a full time job? Working with audio and electronic equipment demands the knowledge and skills to set up, operate, and diagnose problems on the fly. Speak to potential DJs but let them do most of the talking. Ask them about their experience directly. What were their most recent events like? When was the last wedding they performed?
5. Knowing the answers to these questions will arm you with the knowledge to make better DJ booking decisions. Take the time to do things right and also realize that your wedding reception is not the time to realize the "get what you paid for" lesson. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• A DJ's best publicity tool is his website. Use it to evaluate them.
• Ask direct questions about your DJ's experience
• Shop around - you may find more than you knew to look for!
• Don't book a DJ without a contract
• Don't book a DJ without a website
• Don't book a DJ who won't call back