When it’s time to start planning your wedding, there are suddenly about a million things to do. From the dress or suit, food, invitations, venue, and coordinating with all your guests, you might not even think about the music for the evening. But no one wants a wedding in silence. To help keep the music going and create a fun and engaging evening, many couples hire a professional wedding DJ for their music needs.
As such a popular music choice for weddings and other big events, you’ll most likely have a ton of options when it comes to selecting a wedding DJ. So, you’re probably asking yourself: how do I find the perfect wedding for my big day? When on the search, it’s most important that you find a wedding DJ who fits your particular needs.
Research and referrals can prove invaluable, and of course, calling the DJ directly to ask more questions is an effective way to learn more. Here, we’re taking a closer look into the world of wedding entertainment and offering some tips to help you find the perfect wedding DJ.
What Does a Wedding DJ Do?
We all can assume that a wedding DJ is in charge of the music for the big day, but in reality, that’s only the beginning. A professional wedding DJ can keep your guests entertained throughout the evening and help you organize and transition throughout the day. For example, a wedding DJ can make announcements to alert guests when the cocktail hour is over or play a high-energy song to send the signal that it’s time to dance. You’d be amazed at what a simple song can do when it comes to setting the mood.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding DJ
Now that we know more about what a wedding DJ actually can do, it’s time to help you select the perfect entertainer for your big day. No two wedding DJs are the exact same. Each wedding DJ will have its own style, selection of music, and specialties. Some will come equipped with video equipment while some stick to audio. There is no “perfect” wedding DJ out there, but rather, there is one suited to your needs. What’s important is that you do your research early to know what type of DJ you’ll be working with.
Here are some practical tips to help you find that perfect wedding DJ:
1. Talk to your venue
Depending on your wedding venue, the venue itself may be able to offer suggestions on wedding DJs and other entertainment options. Since they host so many weddings, they usually have connections and may even be able to offer you a discount on your wedding DJ services.
2. Ask your friends and family
Did you recently attend a wedding that just had amazing music and energy? Why not ask that couple who their wedding DJ was? Not only will they be able to provide you with information, but they’ll also be able to give you an honest look into what working with that DJ was like. A referral and a review—all in one phone call.
3. Search online
Like any other service these days, heading over to Google is an excellent way to track down the right wedding DJ. Here you’ll find the most options and a good website should tell you almost all you need to know about your potential DJ. With an email or a quick call, you can also reach out to fill in any gaps and learn more. You can also check out local wedding forums online. These digital spaces are filled with invaluable advice, and even possibly wedding DJ referrals, from couples who are getting married or who recently tied the knot.
4. Ask a lot of questions
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few potential DJs, the interview process begins. Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need. Some common questions to ask your wedding DJ include:
· Can you work the entire day?
· What kind of equipment do you have?
· Do you feel comfortable as an emcee as well?
· What’s your music style?
· Do you take requests?
· Do you include video or lighting equipment?
· What are your rates?
Why Not Just Have a Friend DJ?
For budget-conscious couples, it may seem like it makes more sense to simply have a friend or family member handle the music. Sure, this is certainly a viable option, but it’s a risky one, too. Professional wedding DJs have the experience and equipment to transform the entertainment for your wedding. They’ll have a whole catalog of popular wedding songs and they know when to switch it up to control the mood of the room. Additionally, they know their equipment better than anyone else. If a technical problem arises, will your little brother know what to do to fix the problem?
Conclusion – Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding DJ
When it comes to playing the music for your wedding, you don’t want to leave this major responsibility in the hands of a friend or cousin with a laptop. The music that’s played at your wedding will be remembered long after the big day—so you want to make it count. One of the best ways to ensure that you have the best songs playing to keep your guests engaged is by hiring a professional wedding DJ. Not only will they spin the tunes, but they can also help with the overall entertainment and organization of the event. They can help you transition between parts of your wedding and make announcements as needed. The best wedding DJs use both their music equipment and personalities to keep the crowd entertained and on their feet.
But it isn’t always easy to find the perfect wedding DJ. How do you even know where to begin? When on the hunt for the perfect wedding DJ, make sure you learn as much as you can about them before making the hire. Having a plan when choosing the perfect wedding DJ will save you time, and money, and ensure that it’s truly a night to remember.