The ManicaPost
YOUR wedding entertainment is one way you can make sure your guests have a blast. It can also be another way of adding your own personal touch to the event.
Your wedding is a party, after all! You want to make it a kick-ass party that your guests won’t soon forget. Whether your goal is to get people moving on the dance floor or to just have some great music accompanying the reception, hiring a wedding DJ can be a great option.
Unlike a live band, a DJ can play the actual recordings that your guests love and crossfade them so there’s no awkward silence between songs. Which DJ you hire will depend in great part on what kind of music you want and what your guests will be excited to hear. If you want a dance party, you’ll find plenty of DJs who can give you one. You can also find DJs who will customize a playlist for you, whatever your tastes. Here are some tips to keep in mind when hiring a wedding DJ.
- Know what to look for and where
The most common option is to go with a DJ whose primary business is weddings. These wedding DJs know the ins and outs of wedding receptions and may even be great at serving as an emcee to make announcements. To find one of these, do the usual web searching and asking for referrals from other vendors.
If your focus is on having great dance music, you may consider a DJ from the local club scene. These DJs may actually charge cheaper rates, but they won’t necessarily be experienced with weddings. To find one you can start by asking at local clubs.
If you really want to go all-out on music, you may be able to find a wedding DJ who is also renowned for their great music or a club DJ who has lots of wedding experience. These can be ideal options, but be aware that they may cost you. A professional wedding DJ of this variety will probably be well known in your area. Just ask vendors.
- Ask to hear samples of the wedding DJ’s work
Once you’ve found a DJ or two that seems right for your wedding, ask to see examples of their work. This could be a video of a live performance, a mixtape, or sample playlists. The more important to you the quality of the music is, the more you should see and hear before hiring.
- Give the DJ your playlist and your “do not play” list
If you’re already set on a playlist, discuss it with DJs and make sure they are willing to follow it. You may also want to create a “do not play” list and share it to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Ask how they get the crowd going
If you want your DJ to be really involved in making your reception fun, make sure to ask about how they engage a crowd. Some important questions to ask:
How does the DJ get people dancing if they seem reluctant?
Will they accept requests from guests?
Is the DJ willing to also act as an emcee and make announcements?
- Get a contract
As with all vendors, you should get a contract. Don’t work with someone who won’t provide one!
Signing the DJ: The contract
You’ll want to make sure all the wedding day deliverables are listed out on your contract. For example, will he or she be the master of ceremonies at your event? What are the overtime charges? How many hours are included in the package? Will they do the setup of equipment? Is there lighting or enhancements that are part of the package? Cancellation and refund policy? Food and drink for vendors? Wireless microphones and additional equipment or speakers should all be included in the contract as well.
- You can DIY, but you may need help
Of course, you don’t need a professional DJ to have music, or even a dance party! You can set up the sound equipment and have your playlist ready when the reception begins. Just remember to crossfade the songs so there’s no pause in the music. You’ll also want to put someone else in charge of watching over the music, just in case. This person can respond to any issues that arise and keep meddlesome guests away (not that you’ll have any of those). With someone you trust safeguarding the music, you’ll be free to dance like crazy!
Meeting the DJ: Questions to ask
When meeting with prospective wedding DJ’s, we prepared a handy list of important questions, below:
- Are you a full-time DJ, or is this a side gig? You want to make sure you have his or her full attention the week of your wedding.
- Do you have examples of your work? This is the time where he or she will attempt to impress you with what they’ve done. Make sure to keep your ears open to see how songs are transitioned from one to another. You want to ensure there’s no break in music between tracks and that one song goes smoothly into the other one.
- Have you played at our venue before? It’s best to choose vendors that have worked at your venue before (this goes for everything). If the wedding DJ has, they’ll know how to work around the room’s acoustics, and your sound will be perfect on your wedding day. If the DJ hasn’t worked the venue before, see if they wouldn’t mind doing a site visit prior to your wedding so they’re prepared the day of.
- What are your favourite artists and songs to play at weddings? Though they’ll likely have a playlist they change around for each wedding, the base song list should include a majority of songs you (and your guests) will enjoy.
Be it 90’s hits or today’s Top 100, you should choose a DJ that matches your music taste and personality.
- Do you take song requests? We’re not a bar here, so your guests shouldn’t be shouting song requests at the musicians. But if guests do come to the DJ for a request, ask in advance how he or she may handle this. Note: You can ask they stick to the playlist, if that’s your preference.
