How To Choose Your Wedding DJ

…and It Has Nothing To Do With The Music

 By: Chris Foster, MCs Professional DJ Services

 Choosing the right wedding DJ can be tricky and some times overwhelming. If you’re like most brides, you’ve never hired a DJ before, let alone planned an entire wedding. Tapping into my two decades of experience, let me share with you some of things to look for when hiring the right company to DJ your wedding reception.

When should you begin to look? The simple answer is ASAP! Most quality DJs get booked up six to twelve months in advance; especially if your wedding falls on a Saturday evening during wedding season (Apr-Oct). Just be sure to have the date and place nailed down prior to your search. Nothing can be as frustrating to a DJ as to have a bride that is waffling on the exact date of her wedding.

Where do you look? A personal referral is always the best place to start. Or better yet, are you planning on going to a wedding soon? Instead of heading straight for the bar the instant you arrive at the reception, bring a pad and take notes on everything around you; especially the DJ. Are they friendly? Are they well groomed? Did they arrive on time? Keep notes and grab their card. They could be first on your call list.

Secondly, if you are lacking good referral sources, put down the yellow pages and get online and Google or Yahoo for your DJ! For example, type in “wedding DJ, Flint.” This will direct you to several different wedding vendor sites giving you the opportunity to shop for DJs from the comfort of your own home. Although any DJ could put together a flattering website, most of them don’t. It’s your job to sift through the BS and the cheese and find a DJ that’s put sufficient time and energy into the look and feel of their website. This usually reflects on how much time and energy they’ll be putting into your big day. 

From the above guidelines, shorten your list to no more than three DJs and start making phone calls. Judge the companies by whether or not they answer the phone or at least how quickly they respond to your voicemail. Avoid emails. You’ll get a better feel from a voice conversation. For instance, is the DJ talking more about him or is he asking questions about you and your wishes? This is the “it’s all about me” syndrome that many low-quality DJs possess. If you get a bad vibe, thank him for his time and move down the list. Avoid the big agencies that have several DJs on staff. Agencies are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get! Insist on speaking to the actual person that‘s going to DJ your reception.

Whenever geographically possible, meet with your potential DJ face-to-face. There’s nothing that reveals more about a person’s personality than a live interview. Remember, you are the boss and he’s interviewing you for the job. This is the time to ask him about his experience. Be sure he has at least five years of wedding reception experience, not working at the night club down the street. Club DJs rarely ever make for good wedding DJs. Ask for testimonials and references; a good DJ will have these available.

 During the interview have a simple conversation with him; ask him questions. Remember, he’s applying for the job. Go with your gut feeling. Is he enthusiastic, but not cheesy? Is he professional not pushy? Is he committed to making your day about YOU or is it all about him? Ask him if he’s prepared to help you coordinate all the elements of your reception?  You should be looking for balance. You want someone that will take charge but won’t be obnoxious.

 Have you noticed that I have yet to mention music or price?  The reason for this is simple: If you use the above guidelines, the superior, top-quality DJ to whom you’ve narrowed your search, will have access to an unlimited array of music and they’ll be worth every penny that they charge for their services.

 Don’t get me wrong, I understand that the economy is tough and times are tight. But in regards to your wedding budget, I invite you to skimp on the frills but urge you to spend generously on the memory makers. Examples of the frills are limos, center pieces, favors, veggie trays and cakes. Memory makers are food, photographer and the entertainment. You, your husband and your entire family will look at your wedding photos for a lifetime and your guests will likely remember the quality of the food and whether or not the DJ kept them dancing. The DJ is the last thing your guests will remember, what will they be saying about yours?

 Do your homework and good luck with your search. I welcome you to visit my website www.MCsDJservices.com for more info on choosing the right DJ. And to make your day unforgettable, call me, Chris Foster at 248.933.MC.DJ.

MCs Professional DJ Services, “Where the Bottom Line is Fun!”