Request Newsletter | Bridal Online Website | Return To Main Page

Marriage & Wedding Information


How To Hire A DJ For Your Wedding


Hiring music entertainment can arguably be the most important booking made for your wedding. Guests remember whether or not they had fun at your wedding. What you pay for is what you get is a good rule of thumb. However, I would like to educate the consumer, future brides and grooms, of how to hire a DJ and things to consider. The following are 9 important factors to consider when hiring a disc jockey BEFORE you sign the contract.

1. Who would be the DJ for your occasion? Many DJ companies are a multi-system operation. Be sure to have in writing of who your DJ will be at your event. I would recommend meeting your DJ before hiring the company at a neutral place, like a restaurant.

2. How many years experience does your DJ have with your type of function? Anyone can pretend to be a DJ. If you are having a formal event, does your DJ know how to organize a wedding reception or a grand entrance? The DJ should perform the type of show that you want!

3. Does the DJ get everyone involved dancing or do they just play music? You have to ask yourself if you want a DJ that will get everyone dancing? For example, will the DJ involve guests by playing and conducting motivational dances like the Chicken Dance, Hokey Pokey, Cha Cha Slide or just play music?

4. Will the DJ be dressed appropriately? Formal means tuxedo or dress. Semi-formal means dress pants, shirt & tie or slacks and blouse. Casual means polo shirt or company shirt. Be sure the DJ is dressed appropriately during set-up and takedown of equipment. Some guests do arrive early and stay late.

5. What is the DJ's fee? How much is overtime? Is a tip included in the fee? Will there be an extra charge for lighting-what does the lighting include? How much is travel to your location? Are you ONLY paying for the time the DJ performs?

6. Does the DJ include a contract? Be sure to have all details of your function in writing. The DJ must know the date, place, and time! You must know each other's names and phone numbers including the DAY of the occasion.

7. Is the DJ company professional? This may sound silly, but does the DJ have insurance? Accidents do happen. It's better to be prepared. Also, is the DJ a member of a national DJ association like ADJA or NAME? If they are, then they care about what they do and are a better chance of being professional.

8. What kind of equipment does the DJ use? Typically, if a DJ is using a brand of equipment you can buy at your local retail store, then that's what you will get. Excellent brand names include: JBL, Community, Denon, Gemini, QSC, Crown, etc. Always, and I mean always, ask if the DJ has back-up equipment WITH them for your function. Also, be sure the DJ brings the right amount of sound for the number of guests expected.

9. What music do you play? How many music selections will the DJ have WITH them? Be sure your DJ takes requests before and during your function. Also, give them a guideline of what you want played. However, this is what the DJ is paid to do. Don't limit the DJ by saying you want all of one kind of music or a list of 100 songs they must play. The best scenario is to play any type of music that gets people dancing and having fun. By the way, it should be understood the DJ does not play any offensive music.

I hope this helps!

About the Author: Matt Campbell owned and operated DJ Express in Montana and now is the owner of WeddingMuseum.com. WeddingMuseum.com helps future brides and grooms plan, book and rate their wedding day. Come see us at http://www.weddingmuseum.com or email Matt, matt@weddingmuseum.com ©WeddingMuseum.com 2004


MORE RESOURCES:

Mirror.co.uk

Price 'bans pink' from second wedding
Ireland Online
A source said: “It's set to be as star-studded as her first wedding. The marquee should be filled with English country garden-style flowers including calla ...
Jordan, Alex Reid planning second weddingOneindia
Jordan banishes pink from summer wedding to Alex ReidMirror.co.uk
Katie Price and Alex Reid plan second wedding for the summerWedding News
Entertainmentwise -Musicrooms.net -Digital Spy
all 46 news articles »


Boston Globe

Hard to hate calculated 'Wedding'
Sunday Paper
Aimed at two niche demographics, “Our Family Wedding” is “Father of the Bride” for African-American and Mexican-American audiences, especially those ...
Our Family WeddingNew York Times
Movie Review: 'Our Family Wedding' -- I give this marriage 50 minutes, topsWashington Post
'Our Family Wedding': Finally a romatic comedy worth watchingNew York Daily News
Los Angeles Times -Detroit Free Press -USA Today
all 475 news articles »


Mirror.co.uk

Simon Cowell gets a makeover as fiancée Mezhgan helps him to pick out some new ...
Daily Mail
Asked whether they would marry this summer, Cowell said only that he wanted a wedding 'in the next ten years'. Cowell refused to disclose on an American ...
Simon Cowell and Mezghan Hussainy: Los Angeles LoversThe Gossip Girls (blog)
Sinitta 'not surprised by Cowell wedding'Digital Spy
Celebrity commentary: Simon Cowell's engagementHelium
Musicrooms.net -stv.tv -The Sun
all 137 news articles »


Living Well, Living Green: Best of 2010 Eco-Wedding Essentials
Savings.com (blog)
After all, the typical US wedding is not just an occasion for opulence and elegance--it's also an occasion for excessive resource use, ...
Weddings say 'I do' to the environmentMother Nature Network
Green couples tie the recycled knotNew Zealand Herald
New Line of Eco-friendly Invitations Unveiled at PM Custom WeddingsEarthtimes (press release)

all 5 news articles »


Dex One Corporation Launches First Vertical Market Solution with Introduction ...
MarketWatch (press release)
DexKnows Weddings is designed to directly connect consumers and local businesses by providing a single source for wedding-related information. ...

and more »


Gender issue cancels couple's Reno wedding plans
Reno Gazette Journal
Reed High School graduate Rebecca Love and her partner were denied a marriage license March 6 by county ...

and more »


St. Paul Conservatory To Hold Wedding Showcase
WCCO
The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Wedding Showcase will be held at the conservatory Sunday from 5-8 pm The free event allows vistors to see the ...

and more »


Poptimal.com

Our Family Wedding Review: Cancel Your RSVP
Poptimal.com
When watching the previews for Our Family Wedding, I was reminds a lot of Guess Who, so I'm not sure why I was expecting any less buffoonery than Ashton and ...
Dads from 'Wedding' band togetherBoston Herald
Forest Whitaker has some tough acts to followPhiladelphia Metro
Meet Forest, the family manEdmonton Journal

all 7 news articles »


Wedding photographer's adventures capturing romance take her across the globe ...
Appleton Post Crescent
But wedding gigs slow way down during winter in Wisconsin, partly because of the recession and partly because of the weather. "(Couples) just don't know how ...

and more »


June wedding planned
Hometownlife.com
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Thompson of Livonia announce the engagement of their daughter, Lisa Marie, to Eric Michael Finn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Finn of ...
July wedding plannedHometownlife.com

all 2 news articles »

Google News

home | site map

Site Map | Site Map | Links

© 2006