| Most brides assume that a DJ/Master of Ceremonies | | | | atmosphere at your reception, so it's important that |
| (MC) main job is music. But that's not true. Not with an | | | | you check him or her out in person. Did they dress |
| experienced DJ/MC who knows his role as MC and | | | | nicely for this first meeting? Were they on time? Did |
| even, event coordinator, are as important as his | | | | they seem professional, personable and friendly? You |
| responsibilities DJ'ing. DJ'ing represents about 15% of | | | | can even ask them to make an announcement. Do |
| what I do at an event. It's my duties as MC and event | | | | you like their voice? Do they have energy? Do they |
| coordinator that take up most of my time. How is this | | | | present themselves well? |
| possible? Most of my work as a DJ is done before | | | | 3) Check recent referrals. |
| the event; meeting with the bride and groom, putting | | | | Any professional DJ/MC should be able to provide you |
| together the play list, determining the events that will | | | | with a list of recent referrals; not just one or two, but |
| happen at the ceremony and reception, as well as any | | | | seven to ten. Call those referrals. You should get |
| special requests. This allows me to focus more on my | | | | similar feedback from each of them. Ask if the DJ/MC |
| duties as an MC and event coordinator at the event. | | | | went above the call of duty in any way and how they |
| Given this, how should a bride pick a DJ for her event? | | | | helped make your event a success. For example, at |
| Here's what I suggest: | | | | one of my events, the event coordinator at the facility |
| 1) Find out what each DJ will be responsible for at your | | | | became ill right before the reception started. I quietly |
| event. | | | | filled in and took over unbeknownst to the bride and |
| Some DJs want to stay behind their equipment and | | | | groom, who had no idea what had happened until after |
| just play music. Others will gladly serve as MC, | | | | the event was over. |
| coordinating all the events of your reception, such as | | | | 4) Ask for ideas. |
| the garter/bouquet toss, dinner, first dance, etc. This | | | | A great DJ/MC has done hundreds of events and has |
| includes communicating with all of your other vendors | | | | seen many different types of weddings. Share your |
| at the reception, such as the videographer and | | | | wedding ideas with them and see what kind of input |
| photographer, to ensure that they are in the right place | | | | they have for you. The DJ/MC can help you turn your |
| at the right time to capture these special events. | | | | ideas into a reality and add details that you never |
| This will help you compare your DJs and their rates. | | | | thought of. Use their experience to make your event |
| One may be less expensive, but do much less than | | | | better. |
| another. Whoever you sign with, get the details in a | | | | For example, I use my knowledge of technology and |
| written, signed contract with a set price. | | | | lighting to help couples create visual presentations and |
| 2) Meet all the DJs you're interviewing in person. | | | | effects that can turn first dances and even the garter |
| A DJ/MC is one of the most important vendors at | | | | removal into unforgettable events. |
| your event. Personality matters and first impressions | | | | 5) Make sure they are accessible. |
| are crucial. A DJ/MC helps to create the tone and | | | | |