You’ve got your band, now it’s time to get your DJ.  

I’m not talking about a 5 piece band.  It’s your engagement ring.  Saying “I Will” opens a Pandora of other issues.  When do you get married.  In a church or outside on a beach?  Will your reception be at a big hotel or small bed & breakfast?  No matter what the answers above are, you still need to find entertainment for your wedding reception.  More than 9 out of 10 weddings now include a disc jockey v. band  (This was exactly opposite back 10 years ago when bands performed at the majority of weddings).  Exactly how do you go about choosing one DJ v. another?  How can you weed out the “weekend wanna-be’s” from the true professional disc jockeys?  The success or failure of your reception lies in that decision.

There are some key items that you need to know when interviewing your disc jockey.  In the interview process, you should be able to meet your DJ (not a salesperson) so that you can make sure that the three of you mesh.   Here is a list of items that you need to ask your DJ: 

1. Do they have complete backup gear on-hand (it does no good back at the office if something goes wrong at your wedding)?  Do they have qualified backup DJs available in case of sickness or other reason?  There have been too many occasions where a DJ cancels on a wedding client only days or weeks before their wedding date – No backup.  You do not want to be days away from your big day and not have any entertainment.
2. Do they have a written agreement or contract?  If it’s not in writing – it doesn’t count.  Make sure their contract protects you and your rights as well as theirs.
3. What form of music do they use?  Vinyl?  CD?  MP3?  If they are using CDs – make sure they are professional anti-skip cd players.  This will guarantee that your music will not be interrupted.  If they are using MP3’s, make sure they have a backup computer or CD backups.  We all know too well that computers can crash.  The middle of your first dance is no time to be waiting for a reboot.
4. How up-to-date is their music?  Professional disc jockeys belong to DJ subscription services (monthly or weekly releases) – they do not download their music for free off of the internet and they do not rely on buying a couple CDs at the local music store to stay in tune with what is coming out.    Ask to see their latest cd’s and verify the release date.
5. Do they have voice mail, a toll free number, website. email and fax number?  Do they respond to your calls and emails in a timely fashion.  There is nothing worse than doing business with someone that doesn’t return your calls promptly.  A professional business person should be responding to you either the same day or at worst, within 24 hours.  If you have a question or concern, you cannot wait for days without response.
6. Have they performed at the facility you are having your reception at?  Although this is not necessary, the more familiar they are with the layout/staff, the better.  If they have not played there before, will they meet you at the facility ahead of your wedding date to do a walk through with you?
7. How much do they have invested in equipment  (not music – just equipment)?  They can have $1,000 invested in equipment and say that they are a DJ.  A true professional will have $7,000 - $15,000 or more invested in just the equipment that they bring into your event.  What is the difference?  It’s kind of comparing the sound quality of listening to a typical FM radio station and the same song on CD.  The CD has so much more depth and clarity compared to the muddy compressed feel of a radio station.  You could ask about the brand of equipment that they own (Brands such as American Audio, American DJ, Gemini, Peavey are typical entry level brands and are an indication that your potential DJ’s equipment is not up to par) 
8. How many speakers do they typically use?  For the standard 125 person wedding, a true professional DJ will bring in 3 or 4 speakers minimum.  There should be a subwoofer or pair of speakers on the ground for bass response.  The second pair should be up on stands to provide clarity in the high end frequencies (anything spoken on microphone).  Bringing in a single pair of speakers and leaving them  on the ground gives you a very muffled sound and guests will not hear announcements, toasts clearly.  Using just a pair on stands will get you clarity, but will sound hollow and the DJ will have to raise his volume to compensate for the lack of equipment.
9. Do you have any special needs?  Outdoor cocktail hour?  Wedding ceremony in the same facility as your reception?  Make sure your disc jockey is equipped to handle your needs.
10. Probably the best advise I can give you is this – if you are uncomfortable with any of your DJ’s answers or if you just don’t hit it off with them – walk away.  You have to be absolutely confident with your entertainment choice.  There is no redo button.  Everything must be perfect.  Your DJ will not only act as DJ, but your Master of Ceremonies.  That means that they are the contact person between banquet staff, the two of you, your photographer, etc.  The DJ must coordinate everything.  If not – who will?  99% of banquet facilities will tell you that they will coordinate details on the day of your wedding, but reality is – they do not.  Once the desert is served, you’ll be hard pressed to even find them.

Remember, if the DJ and their price seems too good to be true –it probably is.  Why would a great DJ charge ½ of what the going rate is?  Let’s be serious.  We all know that you get what you pay for.  Have a great wedding – but remember that your entertainment choice will either make your reception a success or a flop.  I’ve never known an ice sculpture, picture frame favors or pretty centerpieces make your guests have a great time.  It’s all about the entertainment.

Rob Alberti

Rob Alberti is owner of After Hours DJ Service in Westfield, MA (Serving the MA/CT/RI areas).  www.afterhoursdj.net  info@afterhoursdj.net