There are plenty of people out there marketing themselves as wedding disc jockeys. Some of them moonlight; others DJ as a full time job. Many do excellent work, while others don't. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to tell a real professional wedding DJ from a counterfeit.
Choosing the Best Wedding Reception DJ
There's a lot to ask before hiring a wedding DJ – everything from the music selection to equipment and from past experience to pricing. For the basic questions to ask a wedding reception DJ before ever considering hiring, see How to Choose a Wedding DJ.
Then there are the more elusive qualities of a good DJ – the same as any good entertainer. The best wedding disc jockeys are punctual, respectful, lively and entertaining, and have a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that makes them great entertainers and allows them to assess the crowd and play to the party you want.
What Sets a Professional Wedding DJ Apart?
But what exactly sets a professional wedding DJ apart from an amateur? Some of the following might sound like obvious things to ask about, but rest assured that there are DJs out there who have broken all the following common sense "rules":
- Preparation: Does the DJ ask questions to get to know the bride and groom and to understand what they want? A real professional gets input in order to deliver the wedding reception the couple wants, rather than a cookie cutter formula.
- Attire: What will the disc jockey be wearing at the reception? A professional will be wearing a tux, or at the least a good suit.
- Sound System: What kind of sound system does the wedding disc jockey have? A pro will have his or her own equipment and will be able to use that equipment to work with the acoustics in the room. At the very least, a pro will always schedule time before the reception to set up and sound check their equipment.
- Schedule and Announcements: A good DJ is able to get guests on the dance floor and keep the room upbeat and energized. A professional wedding DJ knows how to work with the location, the caterer, and the photographer in a synchronized team to keep everyone aware of what's happening and directs the flow of events during the reception. A pro plans the reception ahead of time, with the bride and groom, rather than relying on chance or someone else to keep things moving.
- Food: Will the wedding disc jockey expect to be fed during the event? If so, it's best to plan ahead with the caterer and know when in the schedule the DJ will expect to take a break.
There are other questions that may be appropriate to ask, depending on the details of the wedding in question. Don't be afraid to pester the DJ with queries – it's only fair to want to know as much as possible well in advance.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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