Book a Good DJ – A General Guide
How to book a Good DJ requires time speaking with various DJ’s over the phone, or on social media. This is the best way to gauge a good DJ company for your wedding.
But you must ask the right questions…..
- How interested are they about your taste in music.
- How dose each DJ select the music they play?
- Do they accommodate request lists?
- Do they use professional equipment?
- Why you shouldn’t book a hotel package DJ.
Your music taste?
During your conversation drop a few comments about the music genre’s you would like played at your wedding. Their answers should reflect a genuine knowledge of the music on their part. You may find some DJs are out of their depth or comfort zone already!
How to organise and select the music?
This is important, because poor music flow can easily kill the dance floor atmosphere.
Ask how they would include verbal requests given on the night with those from your playlists. Their answer should make sense.
Ask about various music genres. Perhaps name 4 or 5 song titles, then ask the order in which they would be played to maintain a full dance floor.
A good wedding DJ would not directly play a Ballad and follow it with Rock & Roll, or likewise from Indie Rock to Folk music.
Verbal Requests
Playlists provide the opportunity to tailor the music to you and your guests, but there are drawbacks:
Playlists Given On The Night – This is a poor idea, because if your DJ does not have the songs he/she will start searching the internet or music apps, this swill hinder their ability to engage and maintain the dance floor atmosphere.
Prior E-mail Playlists – We had a client do this recently, and over three days they had sent four, and subsequently about 15 songs were missing.
On-line Planning Tools – Many professional DJs opt for this method. This type of service allows you to quickly make bespoke playlists in one central area. You know instantly if your tunes are available, and if not, you can add them to a custom list.
Then save your requests for continued progress at a later date.
Do they use professional equipment?
Ask about their equipment, and always ask to see photos.
Can I see you in action?
When choosing a good wedding DJ it’s a good idea to see the DJ in action before you book.
This may frighten a few DJ’s, so be on the lookout for excuses.
Look for the visual wow factor from the lighting, clarity of their speech, and music quality, Does the DJ actually communicate verbally with his/her audience? Or do they just the play music?
If the venue holder introduces the evening. This is a good indication the DJ does not have experience.
Also notice if the DJ is drinking. A professional DJ will never drink alcohol while working. There are also legal implications if they are driving.
A few tips to book a good DJ
Never book a DJ on the advice of a hotel wedding coordinator. In most cases the coordinator will finish work well before the entertainment arrives, therefore many never see the DJ in action.
Should I book a hotel package DJ?
Many venues rely on the cheapest local DJ they can source. This may result in you getting a very poor DJ with little or no experience. They also do not have the know-how to maintain a full dance floor.
Hotel package DJ
Before you book:
- Find out what is and is not included.
- Ask for a breakdown of all costs.
- Ask if you can have your own DJ. And if not, why not?
- Ask who their DJ is. Go and see them. (Ask lots of questions.)
- Ask to see photos or videos of them in action.
After all your evening reception and DJ will be a major part of your day, with your family and friends in attendance.