Have you ever been to a reception where the DJ was a lot of fun, the evening seemed to flow effortlessly and you were a little disappointed when the party came to an end? Have you ever been to a reception where the DJ was an embarrassment, the flow was more of a train-wreck and guests filed out the doors shortly after the cake was served? All DJs are not the same, but most people begin shopping for their reception's music & entertainment by calling a Dj or entertainment company and asking about price first. This is natural because most people have never hired a dj before and are unsure where to begin.
Let me recommend that you leave the "how much?" question as your last question. After all, comparing services is free. Most Dj companies are only a few hundred dollars apart from one another when it comes to the rates they charge. What they offer is often miles apart. Figure out what is important to you first, then see if they can provide it or not. More about that in a minute.
I own a dj company and it is my sole occupation. Therefore, I have a bias as to what is the most important element to your party: The entertainment! Parties by their very nature are an entertaining event. But your party may have a different focus. The location may be the key ingredient to your dream reception. The food may be what is most important. The invitations, linens and table setting may be what separates your party from all others. What do you think your guests will remember when the party is over?
Most people have to plan a budget for their wedding, and that budget rarely comes in at less than expected. Corners sometimes need to be cut and it is often the entertainment that gets looked at first. Look at what the focus of YOUR party will be when factoring in budget cuts.
The following is an article I wrote for a bridal newspaper. I hope you find it helpful when thinking about what is important to you when shopping for the entertainment on the biggest day of your new life together.
Finding a Quality Disc Jockey Company
As published in the July/August 1998 issue of The Bridal Coordinator
The name Titanic now conjures up two images. One, a disaster of the worst kind and two, the biggest blockbuster of all time. You, of course, are hoping to have your wedding reception fall into the latter category, and with the proper planning that dream will become a reality. Long after that trip to the theater, you may not be able to remember where you saw the film, how good the popcorn was; what the theater looked like and all the other details; what you will remember is the entertainment. Like movies, the qualities of disc jockey companies are not the same. The following are some tips on how to preview your entertainment.
Disc jockey companies will be providing you with both service and product and it is important to look at both.
Service:
When choosing a DJ, the service you receive from the very beginning may very well reflect what to expect on your wedding day.
A full time company will most likely have someone available to answer your calls immediately or at least return your call quickly if you reach their voice mail. Other DJ's may work at another job and not be able to reply to a message you leave until evening.
When you talk to either the owner or representative of the company, have a list of questions ready and explain what you are expecting of the DJ. The answers you receive and the way services are explained will help clarify the wide range of price quotes you can expect.
Some questions to ask are:
Are you available on my date? If the answer is no, ask them if there is a company they would recommend.
What sets your company apart from your competition?
Besides playing music what other services do you perform at the reception?
Tell me about the DJ who will be at my event
What policies do you have regarding dress, setup, cancellation, travel, etc.?
Explain the type of reception you are hoping for whether it be very formal or centered on getting the crowd dancing and having fun, or a combination of the two. You may ask how they would make the transition.
Ask if they can meet with you before you sign a contract, and for any information they can provide including references to help with your decision.
Product:
The product side of the coin also has a lot to do with what a DJ will charge. Some DJ's have invested heavily in their sound and light equipment and library of music and some have not. Equipment ranges from home stereo components and speakers to professional sound systems that rival dance clubs. Reliability and playing capabilities as well as the sound quality of the music will justify the expense a good DJ will make to serve the client. The amount and range of music vary widely companies. Some DJ's carry practically everything that has ever been recorded; some carry only most popularly requested songs. Be sure to ask about the range of music they offer. A play list may best represent how well your DJ can accommodate your music requests.
Finding a Quality Disc Jockey Company
How do you find a quality disc jockey company?
Ask your friends and coworkers if they were impressed with the DJ's performance at an event they attended.
Request information from wedding photographers who work closely with DJ's.
Ask for recommendations from a bridal consultant or other wedding professionals.
Inquire for references from the personnel at your banquet facility.
Finally, make sure you can meet with your disc jockey prior to the reception to discuss how your event will be organized. The introductions of the bride and groom as well and toasts, the bouquet and garter toss and the ceremonial dances should all be discussed with your DJ so that questions won't distract you away from the fun of your own reception on your Wedding Day.
Experience may be a DJ's biggest asset. Time invested in their profession will give a DJ confidence to handle any Situation. Look for confidence, friendliness, politeness and overall integrity in your DJ. The personality of your DJ is just as important as the music.
A great soundtrack will set the theme for your blockbuster reception--
and we wish you wonderful reviews.
Mark Beecher
Grapevine Productions
Phone (317) 852-3353
