How to Hire a DJ for your Wedding

Posted on 25. Oct, 2010 by admin in Wedding Music

Gone are the days where live bands were your only option for wedding entertainment. Now you can hire a DJ to play all of your favorite songs. Aswith almost everything, however, price is not the only factor in choosing the best entertainment for your wedding.

1) Find some DJs in your area — ask friends, family and coworkers, check the phone book and ask local clubs and radio stations for contacts. Visiting local wedding fairs or checking out regional bridal magazines can also point you in the right direction.

2) Start interviewing prospective DJs. Quality DJs can be booked up to a year in advance, so start interviewing as soon as you have a date. Ask about experience, attire and needs. Talk about the venue requirements and restrictions and lighting. Check the DJ’s music collection for variety and music you like. Make sure you see a live performance or video, and pay attention to how he conducts himself and interacts with the crowd. Listen to his voice and speech patterns — he’ll be speaking at your wedding.

3) Call the DJ’s references. Ask about his performance. References of other couples whose weddings he’s done are the best.

4) Negotiate a price. Weekends and busy seasons are more expensive.

5) Write up a contract. Include his name, date, time and location of the reception, performance schedule and breaks, dress code and food, rate and overtime fees, equipment responsibilities, and cancellation and refund policies.

Your wedding is supposed to be a fun, celebratory event. The DJ is there to guide the event along and entertain the crowd, and can ultimately make or break the reception. Choose your entertainment wisely and you’ll have a fun party that everyone will remember.

Tags: DJ, Wedding