Choosing the DJ for Your Reception
By Shawn Hall
Owner of Mobile Music Unlimited Disc Jockey Service
Planning a wedding can be an incredibly daunting task, but choosing the entertainment for the reception doesn’t have to be. Most brides spend months trying to find the perfect dress, reception site, wedding cake, photographer, invitations, flowers, and maybe even an ice sculpture, but seem to forget the one aspect of the reception that can make or break the entire event: the ENTERTAINMENT. Six months after your wedding, no one will remember whether you chose to serve the beef or the chicken; however, everyone will remember the terrific time they had dancing the night away at your reception! The DJ you choose will determine whether your guests leave your party saying, “Wow! I have never had so much fun in my life!” or “This is boring…let’s get out of here!”
There are dozens of DJs in the Coastal Empire, so how do you select the one that is right for you? Prepare a list of questions to ask each DJ service, then pick up the phone and start calling. The following are a few questions to ask that should help you find a disc jockey to trust with your most Special Day:
· Are you available on the date that I have chosen for my wedding? If he is not available, ask him if he could recommend another disc jockey that is.
· What is your experience level? Will my wedding reception be your first or your 500th? Virtually anyone can hit the “play” button on a CD player, but a truly professional disc jockey knows just what to play and just when to play it. Find out how long he has been a professional DJ. Unless you want your reception to be the equivalent of a fraternity party, you might not want to choose a DJ whose only experience is playing music on a karaoke machine in a dingy bar.
· Do you work well with photographers, caterers, videographers, and other wedding professionals? An experienced wedding DJ will be able to function as your Master of Ceremonies at your reception and ensure that each one of your special dances and formal activities is performed exactly as you want it to be.
· Can you help me plan my reception? Wedding DJs should have planning forms available to help you decide exactly what you want done at your reception.
· What type of music do you play? Most DJs should have song libraries spanning several decades, but make sure that he has the type of music that you want played at your party.
· Will you play requests? He should have enough music variety to be able to take requests from your guests.
· Will you play songs that I may want to provide? Remember, it’s YOUR party; he should play what YOU want.
· What type of equipment do you have? Make sure that he is bringing professional sound equipment, not an old home stereo system with an 8-track tape player.
· Will you be providing the entertainment at my wedding, or will you be sending someone else to do the work? Make sure you plan your reception with the person who is actually going to do the job.
· Do you have any references? Talk to brides and grooms that chose this DJ before and see how they felt about his work.
· What will you wear to my reception? This may sound like an odd question, but you will be surprised how few disc jockeys will show up to your wedding reception wearing a tuxedo. Just make sure that he wears attire that is appropriate for the atmosphere that you want to create at your party.
· How much do you charge? The price for a DJ to perform for 4 hours can range from $200 to $2000. Currently, the national average spent on wedding reception entertainment is $971.00. Generally, the more experienced disc jockeys tend to be the more expensive. Only you know what your budget permits, but do not choose a DJ based on price alone. Sometimes you do get what you pay for.
The answers to these questions should give you a feel for the personality and professionalism of each DJ with whom you speak. Choose the one who makes you feel the most comfortable. Remember, the entertainment makes the event! Pick your perfect DJ, plan your party, and then get ready to celebrate one of the most important days of your life!
