Finding A Quality DJ For Your Wedding: A Checklist
Candy B Photography
Finding A Quality DJ For Your Wedding: A Checklist
You have your planner: check!
You have your florist: check!
You have a caterer who meets all the dietary and craving obsession needs: triple check!
Now you’re looking for that perfect vendor that will meet your vision for your wedding entertainment. But where do you even begin to look for the perfect DJ/Emcee that checks all the boxes? Wedding DJs can vary vastly in both professionalism and experience. Plus, your DJ essentially runs the reception, coordinates many details, and interacts with all of your guests so it’s even more important to find a quality DJ that can perfectly juggle all of these tasks.
The entertainment you book for your wedding is an important decision, but it doesn’t need to be a confusing one or something you brush off. It is possible to find the right, perfect DJ for your event! Here are the top important questions every bride and groom should consider when they are researching and choosing a vendor for their wedding entertainment!
Is the DJ communicative and responsive?
How does the DJ reach out to you after you have sent in contact information indicating your interest? How do they talk to you about your wedding day and how often do you hear from them during the planning season of your wedding day? It is important to understand that your photographer and your DJ are the two vendors you will talk with the most on your wedding day and leading up to your wedding day.
When you are looking for a DJ/Emcee for your reception, you want someone who calls you within a few days of receiving your event details and chats with you about services, yet puts your ideas and needs at the center of the conversation.
Does the DJ have a personable and engaging personality?
Hiring a personable and engaging DJ, someone with a dynamic personality and friendly persona, will say a lot about how your wedding reception will go. You will want to be sure the DJ you are looking to hire is someone you genuinely get along with and someone you can tell genuinely gets along with others, too!
Jessica Yahn Photography
Do the right keywords pop up in their online reviews?
Obviously we all look through reviews when choosing a new restaurant, hair salon or even the perfect venue. It’s equally important to do so for your entertainment vendor! You will want to look at a few reputable review sites such as The Knot, WeddingWire, Google or Facebook for reviews and keep an eye out for specific keywords and phrases such as:
“Our DJ made everyone feel included”
“We had an incredible time with the games they provided”
“My family and friends can’t stop talking about...”
“The DJ took such good care of me and my family”
“Our guests danced all night long”
These phrases show us that the DJ not only plays great music, but they are in tune to each audience no matter if the night was a chill “cake and punch” kind of wedding or if it was a non-stop dance party the minute the bride and groom entered the reception.
Does your DJ seem invested in your vision?
When describing to your DJ your vision for your big day, do they seem engaged? Do they make comments on what ideas seem totally “you” and what ideas they can take even further for you? Part of your DJ checklist should include whether or not you feel heard, understood and included in the planning process.
Is the DJ experienced and professional?
Don’t be shy when asking your DJ questions and getting to know them! Anyone can claim to be a DJ and play music for a crowd. Ask how long they have been in the business, how many weddings they have worked in the last year, if they have professional equipment, and more importantly, WHY they are a DJ. Asking these questions will help you infer whether or not the DJ you are looking into hiring for your big day is experienced and professional.
Jessica Yahn Photography
Can the DJ meet your energy level expectations for your wedding reception?
Your wedding day should be amazing and unforgettable, whether you’re looking for a chill and relaxed wedding reception or an all-out rager! Ask the DJ these questions to find out if they can meet your expectations of the energy level you’re looking for during your wedding reception:
“What tactics do you use to grab the attention of the audience when you’re wanting to fill the dance floor?”
“What games do you usually play for a crowd that is older or more reserved?”
“What games do you usually play for a crowd that is younger and ready to party?”
“What sort of songs are your go-to songs to keep the dance floor filled?”
Your perfect DJ will acknowledge that your energy level expectations for your wedding day are perfect for YOU and they will meet them with ease!
What extra services does the DJ provide?
If you’re looking for more than just a human standing behind a table pressing play on a Top 40s list, you’re probably curious as to what other entertainment services their company has to offer. Ask about their upgrades or extra services like uplighting, instrumentalists/live band options, games, ceremony add-ons, etc. This will ensure that the DJ has multiple ways they can boost and elevate your big day!