| Many brides struggle with trying to find the perfect | | | | So we know that going with the cheapest might cost |
| entertainment for their big day. This is a very important | | | | you the most stress, but the most expensive does not |
| decision, because the entertainment can make or | | | | mean the best either. Sometimes you are charged for |
| break the entire evening. So how do you hire a | | | | setup and teardown, online planning, travel, and the list |
| wedding DJ? I have laid out 7 helpful tips below that will | | | | goes on. It is best to work with a company that can |
| help you select the right company for your special day. | | | | compromise with your budget. A company that does |
| 1.) Friends don't let friends DJ their wedding | | | | not have any hidden costs and gives you the most |
| Before we get into pricing, I just wanted to let | | | | bang for your buck This typical price range will usually |
| everybody know that friends do not let their friends DJ | | | | fall between $795-$1295. Sometimes pricing can go |
| their wedding. Instead, you should have your friend | | | | over this range if you factor in custom options including |
| attend the wedding as a guest or even in the bridal | | | | Wall Accent Lighting, custom name monogram, and |
| party. Just because they are your friend does not | | | | remote sound. |
| mean that you have to let them DJ your wedding. | | | | 5.) References References References! |
| They may give you a killer deal on the DJ package, | | | | By far one of the most important areas to spend your |
| but are they really professional DJ material? I am sure | | | | time when figuring out how to hire a wedding DJ is |
| there are many people who know pro wedding DJs | | | | feedback and testimonials. References should be |
| out there that would be the perfect match for your | | | | recent, from within the past 6-12 months, and you |
| wedding. However, I have heard the stories many | | | | should be given an adequate amount of them for the |
| times where brides wished they would have spent | | | | type of event you are considering (EX. you should not |
| $300.00 more instead of having their cousins friend ruin | | | | be given a list of corporate referrals for a wedding |
| the reception with blowup guitars, rap, and cheesy | | | | reception they are completely different). If you are |
| announcements. A professional wedding DJ company | | | | given a list of over 15 satisfaction surveys, contact 3 |
| will go over all the details with you ahead of time, so | | | | or 4 random brides and really listen to what they say. |
| that there are no surprises. | | | | Ask them why they hired the DJ company, how the |
| 2.) See Your DJ in Action | | | | wedding DJ did at their wedding, and their overall |
| Honestly, most wedding DJ companies that you might | | | | impression. Any wedding DJ that is serious about your |
| consider hiring will not allow you to attend a private | | | | business will have nothing to hide and will provide |
| function such as a wedding reception. When you really | | | | references upon request. |
| think about it, would like to have some guest come | | | | 6.) Talk with Several Companies |
| uninvited to your wedding just to get free drinks and | | | | So you talked with one wedding DJ company now |
| eat your appetizers? A reputable company will focus | | | | guess what? Talk with another and another. The best |
| all their attention on the client for that day instead of | | | | piece of advice is to consult with several wedding DJs |
| the next one being booked. To fix this problem online | | | | before making a decision on which one to hire. This will |
| video demos come in handy. You can see event | | | | also give you a better understand of what you are |
| highlights of your DJ in action, and get a feel for how | | | | looking for immediately! You will be surprised at the |
| they will coordinate your wedding day while working | | | | way some entertainers carry themselves. Just imagine |
| with your vendors. | | | | how they will handle your ONE wedding! Keep notes |
| 3.) Type of DJ/Personality | | | | of all conversations and prices quoted for your |
| This will make or break the DJ company that you hire | | | | wedding. Narrow your selection down to 2 or 3 ideal |
| for your wedding. No two DJs are the same and with | | | | companies and make your decision from there. |
| that said not every DJ is created equally. Some DJs | | | | 7.) What about the contract and payments |
| will do any and every type of event, while others | | | | Finally after you have your sights on a particular |
| specialize in weddings. When you first talk to the DJ | | | | wedding DJ, enforce what you want with a contract. |
| over the phone, get a feel for how they present | | | | All the stipulations should be discussed before hand |
| themselves during the conversation. Are they | | | | and all the important details should be included (location, |
| energetic? Are they passionate? This is what you can | | | | date, time, # of guests, names, and phone number). |
| expect from them on your wedding day. Some DJs | | | | When going over the contract, also talk about how are |
| spend 30 seconds on the phone while others take the | | | | payments made. Most wedding DJ companies accept |
| time to understand what you are looking for so they | | | | a 50% retainer at the time the contract is signed to |
| meet your expectations. When you hire a wedding DJ | | | | reserve your date. Usually the outstanding balance is |
| you are also hiring the master of ceremonies. They will | | | | due the night off. Majority of the time, payments can |
| be your spokesperson for the evening representing | | | | be made in advance if you are more comfortable with |
| both of your families. It is a wise idea to go with a | | | | that. Will your DJ accept a personal check, if so who is |
| company that has good chemistry with you and your | | | | it made out to? Small things like this will tell you how |
| fiancé. | | | | flexible a wedding DJ is, (this is a biggie when it comes |
| 4.) What Does Price Really Mean | | | | to weddings). At most weddings the timeline will jump |
| Every couple wants their wedding day to be perfect, | | | | around plus or minus 10-15 minutes. Your wedding DJ |
| and they also want to save as much money as | | | | will have to adjust to these changes without hesitation. |
| possible. So what does price really mean when hiring a | | | | How do You Hire the Right Wedding DJ |
| wedding DJ? I am sure you have heard the old saying | | | | This all depends on how you take the advice from this |
| you get what you pay for, but quality entertainment | | | | article. Every bride and groom is different and this |
| does not cost it pays. If you skimp a couple of hundred | | | | means that they are looking for different qualities in a |
| dollars on the entertainment your guests might not stay | | | | wedding DJ. The best approach to take when |
| long enough to get your moneys worth from the hall, | | | | interviewing wedding DJs is to get a vibe of how they |
| your photographer might not take above average | | | | view you as a person and a client. Wedding receptions |
| photos, and that late night snack tray might go to | | | | should not be done in a cookie cutter fashion. When |
| waste as well. When guests look back on your | | | | weddings are personalized to what the bride and |
| wedding day 10, 15, even 20 years from now, do you | | | | groom want, then this means that they hired the best |
| know what they will remember... if they had fun or not! | | | | wedding DJ available. |