Hiring a Disc Jockey


First of all, do yourself a favor and please don't hire a family member, uncle, or friend as the DJ for your reception unless this person is in the professional disc jockey business. Your reception is too important to trust it to non-professionals. Many times when brides, grooms or family members are working with a limited budget they will cut corners with their entertainment. They get one of the people mentioned above to provide the music and in most cases this is the ingredient for disaster.

Most family members and friends have a few selections of music and less knowledge of the formalities that occur at receptions. A few selections of music just are not enough for a professional reception. The average professional disc jockey will bring from 2000-10000 different songs to the reception. The reason the professional DJ will bring that much music is because of the variety of music that often must be played at most receptions. Allow family members and friends the opportunity to help you celebrate your special day.

Most disc jockeys will work with brides and grooms that are working with a limited budget. By the way, it is far better to spend an extra $75 to $100 to make sure you get a professional. Most quality, professional disc jockeys will charge from $75 to $100 dollars per hour. The average reception is 3-4 hours. Don't let price be the deciding factor as to the person you hire to provide the music for your reception

Hiring a Disc Jockey : Part II


Many disc jockeys have little knowledge as to the formalities that occur at the reception. Ask the DJ the following questions:
    1. How long have you been in business?, 4 years as a professional business, 14 years experience with weddings
    2. What kind of music can you play? Any type you like except rap, and I can play it, I just don’t have much of it. I carry over 10000 songs with me to the event, however, my selection of ballroom music is quite limited at this time. Mostly Rock & Country, from the 50’s to current.
    3. Will you send us a FREE packet of information? Yes, if you request it I will get it to you.
    4. How many receptions have you provided music for? Over 100
    5. Will you introduce the bridal party if we want them introduced into the hall? Yes
    6. Have you ever introduced a bridal party at a reception? Yes
    7. Will you get us in the proper order to be introduced into the hall? I will get you a planning sheet, and you fill it in the order you like, with the most common way suggested on the paper.
    8. Can you give us references about your experience? Yes, I have done many local receptions, and I am sure any one of them can give you a reference.
    9. Will you introduce the following?

If the DJ has difficulty answering questions 1-9, call another DJ until you get a satisfactory answer to these questions. When it is time to go through the formalities it is the job of the maid of honor, matron of honor or best man to communicate with the DJ, who will get everyone's attention and make the announcements.

The bride and groom should be able to relax and enjoy their special day. Some brides and grooms have a director for their receptions. At receptions where there is a director, he will make most of the announcements.

Hiring a Disc Jockey : Part III


There are a couple more questions you might want to ask the DJ:
    1. What kind of DJ equipment do you use? Altec-Lansing speakers and amps, Pioneer cd players, Realistic Mixer, American DJ Lights
    2. How do you dress for the reception? In black slacks and black dress shirt.

The equipment question is quite important because the professional DJ will use professional grade DJ equipment. Stay away from the DJ who uses home equipment. This is not to say that home equipment will not hold up for the duration of the reception, but when the DJ uses home equipment this is an indicator that the DJ business is a hobby for them. You should ask the DJ how he/she would dress for the reception.
One note here…This DJ business is a hobby for me, I do work full time with computers. However, it is a hobby I love to do, and I feel that since it is something I like, then I can do just as good of a job or better than somebody that is hired by a larger company to go out and play music with somebody elses equipment.

I once saw a DJ arrive at a reception wearing a pair of blue jeans and an open shirt. Everyone was embarrassed except this amateur DJ. You DJ should dress appropriately for the occasion.

In closing, it is better to ask the DJ the right questions and spend a few more dollars than to have your reception damaged by a non-professional!

Congratulations on you're wedding and have fun!