How do I find a DJ for my wedding?

What Are the Characteristics of a Professional Wedding DJ?

To be a DJ is about much more than just pressing the "play" button on an iPad. In this article, we will discuss three characteristics that set an excellent wedding DJ apart from the rest of the pack.

Personality

This is the one piece of advice we can provide you. The mood for the night will be determined by your DJ. A wedding with a dull DJ is a dull wedding.

The DJ's character will provide you the most useful information. You should get together with your DJ in person to discuss the ambience, needs, and prefered music for your event rather than depending on emails and SMS. This will give you a good idea of whether or not they can provide the kind of vibe you want for your party.

Communication

Throughout your premarital education, you and your future spouse have undoubtedly heard the need of open lines of communication emphasised. So it goes with being a DJ, right?

A DJ's duties extend beyond just playing music. One side of the conversation is having a conversation. Professional wedding DJs are excellent communicators, and it shows in their work. From coordinating the "do not play" list to coordinating with the photographer to get the perfect shot of the cake cutting, a wedding DJ's communication skills are put to the test.

For this reason, having a DJ who can also act as master of ceremonies is essential. Your DJ is the only person at your wedding who can keep the party going except the planner.

Flexibility

Any DJ worth their salt knows they'll be working a lot of weddings, so it's important for them to be well-organized. These strategies need to be adaptable, though, for when things inevitably go awry.

A well-prepared DJ will have a written outline of the evening's schedule. However, in the event that the bride and groom are running late, the event planners should be prepared to make adjustments on the fly to ensure that you and your guests have a wonderful time and have plenty of time to cut a rug.

What to Ask Your DJ Before Hiring Them

Is This What You Do Full-Time? Do You Mostly Deal With Weddings? In Addition to Weddings, Do You Also Perform for Clubs, Lounges, and Corporate Clients?

Find out if they are a seasoned performer who can adapt to your needs and the event's atmosphere. You should check the DJ's background to make sure he or she isn't just a hobbyist, but rather a professional entertainer who has played for a wide range of audiences. DJ performs at well over 100 weddings per year, so it's fine if they're their primary emphasis, as long as they make time for other types of celebrations as well.

Be wary of any DJ that speaks ill of their former clientele, whether they be businesses, brides, or other DJs.

How Do You Customize the Music Experience for Each Couple? Can You Help With Song Lists and Provide Suggestions?

Hire a DJ to spin tunes at your reception that reflect your personal taste and the vibe you want to set. There is no "one size fits all" solution, so if you want a mosh pit at your wedding (or anything else), you have to make it happen.

No matter how big or short your must-play and don't-play lists are, a good DJ will embrace them with enthusiasm. The brides should tell the DJ ahead of time that they have final say over the music selection and scheduling of the event, and that they will need to set aside time to coordinate with him.

An adaptable and receptive performer is essential for all of the above to occur. It's not hard to think of a playlist full of upbeat dance tunes, but it might be tricky to figure out where to play each song throughout different events (such the cake cutting and bouquet toss) and how to incorporate them into your own personal wedding theme.

How Do You Get the Crowd Pumped?

DJs utilise a variety of techniques to get people on the dance floor, such as playing a sentimental flashback song from the bridesmaids' college days or asking couples to join the newlyweds for a good-luck dance.

Get a sense of how they will connect with your guests by listening to song recordings or watching wedding performances, and don't forget to ask them for advice on how to get the crowd worked up! Having a prospective DJ in for an interview is a good first step, but hearing them play is what will really sell you on hiring them.

Make sure your DJ has excellent crowd-reading skills and knows how to get the party started and keep the momentum going. Your DJ should be versatile and able to mix genres to keep the party going nonstop.

How Do You Handle Song Requests?

It's possible that the client's instructions will conflict with the wishes of the guests. The competence and experience of a DJ is measured by how well he or she finds a balance between the couple's wishes and those of the guests.

DJs that have the wedding couple's blessing may warn guests that they must adhere to the set playlist, but they will do their best to play requests. To avoid having the DJ interrupt the newlyweds in the middle of a dance, some couples choose to have a bridesmaid or other family member filter song choices.

Can I Hear Some Examples of Mixing and Blending Different Tracks?

In a well-mixed piece, you may not even notice it. The DJ's ability to seamlessly transition between songs is crucial; you don't want your guests to get bored after listening to the same Queen song for 10 minutes straight. You will be able to tell right away, though, if this approach is being used wrongly. It's the same as your iPod; when music aren't blended or mixed together, there is an uncomfortable pause.

What Sound Equipment Do You Utilize? Do You Have Backup Equipment?

DJ gear is on par with traditional musical instruments in terms of importance. DJs can rapidly and directly change the music they play thanks to the turntables. The volume, tempo, and tone may all be modulated with a single touch.

Inquire as to whether or not your DJ has the proper certification and is familiar with the ins and outs of setting up a sound system. When guests begin to complain that our equipment is too loud, we know that we haven't overdriven it to the point where the sound is muffled. At a wedding reception while I am performing, attendees will be able to converse comfortably at their tables even as others show off their dance talents on the dance floor.

DJs also need to carry a "flat spare," or an extra piece of equipment in case something breaks. It's important to know how long it will take them to set up and how soon before the reception they plan to arrive.

Have You Played At Our Chosen Wedding Venue Before? If Not, Can You Make a Site Visit Beforehand?

Your reception space will have a significant impact on the quality of the sound. One must not undervalue the value of a site visit. My wedding reception's lighting technician warned me that inexperienced DJs can quickly derail the festivities. The technician's earpiece was filled with jumbled instructions since the microphones' sound quality was so bad.

We advise brides to enquire with prospective DJs about the possibility of scheduling in-person meetings at such venues. This gives us the chance to meet the new team members, familiarise ourselves with the vendor policies, and make sure we have all the necessary tools for the acoustic and lighting designs.

We also offer to supply these businesses with current corporate information and insurance documents. We have shown our seriousness with these actions. Check out our exclusive list of Wedding DJ’s to help you celebrate your special night.

Do We Have Our Choice of Djs to Select From, or Is One Automatically Assigned to Us Depending on Date Availability? What Happens in Case of an Emergency?

Because no two weddings are the same, we think the option is crucial. You should be able to pick from several highly-regarded DJs who are a good fit for your wedding's theme, vibe, and overall vibe.

What Other Services Do You Offer e.g. Lighting, HD Video Screens?

Add-ons like smart lighting and video screens are sometimes included with DJ packages. Video screens are the second most sought amenity after lighting. The best way to understand it is to think of it as tailoring your day to you: Picture yourself dancing with your partner while displays flash images from past celebrations. The parent dances will be even better with the addition of a few images.

Make sure everything is spelt out in the contract. Don't sign up for optional upgrades if you don't think you'll use them. When we notified a DJ that our venue had smart lighting, he said they still needed their lights to create a "club-like" atmosphere. Next!

Why Should I Choose You as My Wedding DJ?

We like to give them a curveball now and then to determine what they value most; is it their cutting-edge audio technology? Because of their positive, go-getter attitude? Or perhaps it's the fact that they take your wedding seriously and work hard to ensure its success. All of the above, we hope!

How to Find the Perfect Wedding DJ

Know What to Look For and Where

A DJ whose main line of work is weddings is usually the best choice. These DJs have experience with weddings and may also be effective as the event's emcee, guiding the festivities and announcing special guests. Make use of standard internet search methods in addition to referrals from other businesses to locate one of these.

Hire a DJ from the area's club scene if pumping dance tunes is a top priority. These DJs may have lower prices, but their lack of wedding experience could spell disaster. You may get the ball rolling by asking at local businesses like restaurants and pubs.

If you want to go all out with the music, look for a club DJ that has plenty of wedding expertise or a wedding DJ who is known for their excellent song selection. These choices can be excellent, but you should be aware that they may not be free. A skilled wedding DJ will likely have a solid reputation in your community. You need only enquire with the sellers.

Ask to Hear Samples of the Wedding Dj’s Work

When you've narrowed your search for a wedding DJ down to one or two candidates, it's time to request samples of their previous work. Live performance videos, mixtapes, and playlist examples all fit under this category. More thorough auditions are warranted if musical quality is very crucial to your decision-making process.

Give the DJ Your Playlist and Your "Do Not Play" List

Talk to the DJs about your planned playlist and make sure they are willing to play it. You might also build and distribute a "do not play" list to shield yourself from potential disappointments.

Ask How They Get the Crowd Going

Make sure to enquire about the DJ's crowd-pleasing techniques if you'd like them to help make your reception enjoyable. Here are some vital inquiries to make:

• What should the DJ do if nobody seems interested in dancing?
• When guests make a request, will they honour it?
• Is the DJ also up for hosting and making announcements?

Get a Contract

You need a contract, just like with any other supplier. If they can't supply one, you shouldn't cooperate with them. Our hiring wedding vendors guide has comprehensive advice on how to locate, evaluate, and evaluate contracts with prospective wedding service providers. Check out our post on What questions should I ask a DJ for a wedding?

DIY Is Possible, but You Might Need Some Assistance

Having music or even a dance party is not something that requires a professional DJ. When the reception begins, you can start setting up the sound system and playing the music. Ensure that there is no break in the music by crossfading between tracks. In case of any musical mishaps, you should also assign someone else to keep an eye on things. This individual can handle any problems that occur and discourage intrusive visitors, not that you'll have any of those. Now that the tunes are being watched over by a reliable friend, you can let loose and really get down to business on the dance floor.

One choice that has a significant effect on a wedding is the selection of a DJ. There is a great deal riding on the ambience of your wedding day, from the ceremony through the celebration. The wrong DJ's song choices, poorly delivered lines, or lost opportunities can quickly derail the mood.

If you try to save money by hiring a cheap DJ for your wedding, you will be quite disappointed. One only gets married once, so it's important to make it count. You should do it standing up.

Conclusion

If you want your wedding reception to be a lively celebration or a calm celebration, hiring a DJ is a great idea. In addition to playing the music your guests want to hear, a DJ can seamlessly transition between songs to ensure there is no awkward quiet. It's crucial to have a DJ that can also function as host or emcee. The night's events should be planned out in advance, and a good DJ will carry a copy of the plan with them. A skilled DJ will accept your play and no play lists, regardless of how long or short they are.

All of the foregoing depends on the performer being open and adaptive. For continual dance floor action, you'll need a DJ that can seamlessly switch between musical genres. It's a good idea to invite a potential DJ in for an interview, but hearing them play is what will seal the deal. DJ equipment is just as crucial as other types of musical instruments. Thanks to the turntables, DJs can instantly and seamlessly switch between tracks.

Knowing how long it will take them to set up and how early they plan to arrive before the reception is crucial. See certain the contract is complete in every detail. You shouldn't pay for extra features you won't utilise. After lights, video displays are the second most requested feature. A reliable local DJ for weddings will have earned a stellar reputation.

If you want the guests to have a good time at your reception, it's a good idea to find out how the DJ plans to keep them entertained. Obtain live performance videos, mixtapes, and playlist examples of their earlier work. To protect oneself against disappointment, you may create and circulate a "do not play" list.

Content Summary

• Getting a DJ is a fantastic plan for a wedding reception, whether you want to encourage dancing or provide soothing tunes in the background.
• The type of music you want and the tastes of your guests will play a major role in determining which DJ you should choose.
• To be a DJ is about much more than just pressing the "play" button on an iPad.
• In this article, we will discuss three characteristics that set an excellent wedding DJ apart from the rest of the pack.
• The mood for the night will be determined by your DJ.
• For this reason, having a DJ who can also act as master of ceremonies is essential.
• Your DJ is the only person at your wedding who can keep the party going except the planner.
• A well-prepared DJ will have a written outline of the evening's schedule.
• However, in the event that the bride and groom are running late, the event planners should be prepared to make adjustments on the fly to ensure that you and your guests have a wonderful time and have plenty of time to cut a rug.
• There is no "one size fits all" solution, so if you want a mosh pit at your wedding, you have to make it happen.
• The brides should tell the DJ ahead of time that they have final say over the music selection and scheduling of the event, and that they will need to set aside time to coordinate with him.
• Get a sense of how they will connect with your guests by listening to song recordings or watching wedding performances, and don't forget to ask them for advice on how to get the crowd worked up!
• Having a prospective DJ in for an interview is a good first step, but hearing them play is what will really sell you on hiring them.
• Make sure your DJ has excellent crowd-reading skills and knows how to get the party started and keep the momentum going.
• Your DJ should be versatile and able to mix genres to keep the party going nonstop.
• The competence and experience of a DJ is measured by how well he or she finds a balance between the couple's wishes and those of the guests.
• The DJ's ability to seamlessly transition between songs is crucial; you don't want your guests to get bored after listening to the same Queen song for 10 minutes straight.
• It's the same as your iPod; when music isn't blended or mixed together, there is an uncomfortable pause.
• DJ gear is on par with traditional musical instruments in terms of importance.
• Inquire as to whether or not your DJ has the proper certification and is familiar with the ins and outs of setting up a sound system.
• It's important to know how long it will take them to set up and how soon before the reception they plan to arrive.
• Your reception space will have a significant impact on the quality of the sound.
• One must not undervalue the value of a site visit.
• My wedding reception's lighting technician warned me that inexperienced DJs can quickly derail the festivities.
• Check out our exclusive list of Wedding DJ's to help you celebrate your special night.
• Add-ons like smart lighting and video screens are sometimes included with DJ packages.
• Make sure everything is spelt out in the contract.
• Hire a DJ from the area's club scene if pumping dance tunes is a top priority.
• If you want to go all out with the music, look for a club DJ that has plenty of wedding expertise or a wedding DJ who is known for their excellent song selection.
• When you've narrowed your search for a wedding DJ down to one or two candidates, it's time to request samples of their previous work.
• Make sure to enquire about the DJ's crowd-pleasing techniques if you'd like them to help make your reception enjoyable.
• You need a contract, just like with any other supplier.
• When the reception begins, you can start setting up the sound system and playing the music.
• One choice that has a significant effect on a wedding is the selection of a DJ.