This
is a list of things that I feel are the most important when looking for
a good DJ. Some of them are things that I have learned from the business
but many of them are just common sense. If I was looking for a DJ
for my own wedding this is what I would look for. |
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1)
Look for a DJ who is willing to meet with
you in person. If a DJ is not willing to spend an hour or so to get
to know you, how are they going to know exactly what you want at your reception?
I don't believe that you can clearly communicate your ideas and feelings
over the phone or through a song sheet that you fill out and then send
back through the mail. |
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2)
Make sure that your DJ uses a contract!
This will ensure that they are going to show up. |
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3)
Look for a DJ that carries insurance.
A DJ that carries insurance is not only a professional but they are also
covered if something should go wrong. |
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4)
If you want your wedding to be done your way,
look for a DJ that is willing to cater to your individual needs and desires.
Some DJ's have a certain way of doing things and are not willing to alter
them. |
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5)
Look for a DJ who has been strongly recommended
by a close friend or whom you have seen yourself. At a minimum, get
some references from your DJ. |
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6)
Look for a DJ who is in it for the long haul.
Everyone has to start somewhere but a DJ that has been in business
for a while will have the necessary experience to make sure things go smooth. |
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7)
Don't base your decision solely on price.
Look for the DJ's that you feel are the best, find out which ones are available,
and then see which one fits your budget. Hiring a "here today, gone
tomorrow" DJ might save you some money up front but it might leave you
wishing you had spent more on your wedding night. |
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8)
Ask your DJ if they carry backup equipment.
When it comes to electrical equipment "anything" can go wrong! A
good DJ will spend the extra money and carry backup equipment to make sure
you have music at your wedding even if things go wrong. |
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9)
Look for a DJ that keeps their business up
to date. A DJ that pockets all their earnings and never updates their
equipment or music will have a poor music selection and a higher risk of
equipment failure. |
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10)
Last but not least. Look for a DJ that
you feel comfortable with! It is important that you find a DJ that
is easy to work with and that makes you feel at ease. Your entertainment
should be the last thing you have to worry about on your wedding night. |
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I know I said that this was a top ten list. However, I just thought
of one more very important thing to ask when you are looking for a DJ. |
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11)
Are you actually going to get the DJ that
you booked? A lot of bigger DJ companies have 20 or more DJ's working
for them. You may see one DJ do a great job and book that company
only to have a different DJ show up. Some companies don't even do
the majority of their bookings. Instead they sub-contract the job
to a cheaper DJ in the area and pocket the rest of the money for doing
nothing. This question is definitely worth asking. |
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Again, these are things that I feel are very important when selecting a
DJ for a wedding. For many people it is one of the most exciting
times in their lives. Special occasions like a wedding reception
should not be left to chance. |
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