10 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Hire An Amateur DJ
Sheri Holloway Photography
10 Reasons Why You Should Not Hire An Amateur DJ
You’re right in the middle of planning your big event and you start looking at all of the options out there for your DJ. Your first instinct is to go with one of the professional DJ companies that have 5 star reviews, amazing client testimonials, and a great reputation in the industry. But then you notice there are DJs that are offering reception packages for an insanely low price, but they don’t seem to have a lot of experience. Or maybe your super sweet cousin who’s in high school offers to play music at your wedding for free. It may seem extremely appealing to go down these routes, but is it worth the risk?
If you book a professional DJ, you may have to invest a bit more of your budget, but trust us when we say it will be worth not having to deal with the stress-inducing issues that come with hiring an amateur. Here are the 10 biggest reasons why you should not hire an amateur DJ for your wedding or special event.
An amateur DJ may not take the occasion seriously.
Amateur DJs typically see this as their fun weekend gig and a way to make some extra cash. So if something goes wrong at your event, they may not see it as a big deal. Professional DJs have a reputation to uphold so they take every event seriously. They’re more committed and invested in their craft and they constantly look for ways to improve their performance. True professional event hosts will go above and beyond for their clients and are dedicated to providing a flawless, stand-out experience every time.
It’s harder for an amateur DJ to read the crowd and keep energy levels high.
A knowledgable, experienced DJ knows how to expertly read the room and make sure every guest feels fully engaged in the event experience. They know how to perfectly manage the energy level in the room, keeping spirits high and the dance floor rocking. They can pick up on the smallest cues and responses from guests, quickly shifting gears to keep the momentum going while avoiding awkward pauses. The ability to read the room is a valuable and critical skill that is carefully honed by professional DJs through years of practice that amateur DJs do not always possess.
An amateur DJ may not know how to seamlessly manage the flow of your event.
Your DJ is responsible for maintaining the flow of the event, managing the timeline, coordinating with other vendors, directing the attention of your guests, and keeping everything on schedule. It takes a lot of skill to smoothly transition from one activity to the next. An inexperienced DJ may only be comfortable hitting play on a music playlist and nothing else. They may easily become lost with coordinating so many details all at once, while a professional DJ will be extremely familiar and adept at managing timelines.
An amateur DJ may not have training as an emcee.
The person who’s on the mic at your event has one of the BIGGEST impacts on how your event will go, for better or for worse. He or she has total and complete control over the mood and flow of your event. It is crucial that your DJ knows how to speak correctly and appropriately when addressing your guests throughout the event. Professional DJ/Emcees practice often so that they’re able to optimize their performance on the mic. They know how to entertain while remaining professional. They know how to crack a tasteful joke while keeping things classy. An obnoxious, unprofessional emcee can be a huge damper on the mood of your event and may find it hard to connect with your annoyed guests.
Amateur DJs may invest less in their sound equipment.
Because amateur DJs usually see their job as a side hustle, they may not adequately invest in high-quality speakers and audio equipment, which means that you run the risk of extremely poor sound quality and performance at your special event. There’s also a much higher possibility for equipment failure at your event, and if they do not own a back-up system, then you will not have any music for your reception and dance floor. Make sure you book a DJ that invests in his equipment, so that you can clearly hear speeches, toasts, your first dance song, and all your favorite tracks.
An amateur DJ may not have an extensive music library.
Professional DJs have an extensive library of (clean) songs from different genres, ranging from R&B to country. They’ll know when to play the classics and when to bust out some top hits. They also understand the value and importance of obtaining their music legally, which guarantees that the music will sound and play as expected.
An amateur DJ may not be able to take on special requests.
Your wedding day is unique because you and your partner’s relationship is unique. You may have some special traditions, games, details or dances that you want the DJ to incorporate into your event to reflect your distinct style and personality. Unfortunately, an amateur DJ may not have the experience or more importantly, the passion and excitement, to take on your special requests. They may even have a hard time accommodating impromptu song requests from your guests. Most professional DJs will work closely with you to make sure your unique vision for your event comes to life.
An amateur DJ may not have proper liability insurance.
Insurance doesn’t sound all that fun, but it is essential in making sure you are protected from liability at your event. Accidents happen so you want to make sure your DJ has the proper insurance and coverage to handle issues. Not every DJ has great liability insurance - or any insurance for that matter - so it is absolutely imperative to vet your DJ and make sure they have proof of insurance and that it meets your venue’s requirements.
Most amateur DJs do not offer other entertainment needs.
Like most other couples, you are probably interested in getting some stunning uplighting and other entertainment solutions for your event. Most professional DJs can provide beautiful uplighting, display screens, and other entertainment solutions on top of the DJ package, making things extremely convenient and stress-free for you.
An amateur DJ may not be able to give you peace of mind.
On your wedding day, you deserve to focus on celebrating with friends and family. Find a DJ that is passionate about giving you peace of mind on your wedding day or big celebration. A first-rate DJ will make sure you and your guests are taken care of. They’ll be there to come up with smart solutions if issues arise. They’ll be ultra attentive to your needs throughout the event. They’ll effortlessly coordinate with your vendors to make sure everything goes according to plan. Don’t be afraid to invest in hiring a professional DJ. You’ll look back on your event and realize that they did everything they could to make sure your event was stress-free and unforgettable.