Feeling a bit overwhelmed about booking a wedding DJ?
Many couples find booking a DJ daunting and leave it until the end of the planning process.
A recent survey of couples by Hitched saw 76% place entertainment and guest satisfaction as the most important thing about their day. They know booking a good DJ is crucial to the success of an evening but it’s usually something they have little experience with.
While many don’t know where to start, most have a very clear idea of what they DON’T want.
They’ve been to weddings where the floor has been empty and the music off point.
So how can you find a DJ who will deliver what you want?
This blog provides a few things to consider, informed from the DJs perspective and designed to help you find one who will deliver a brilliant night for you and your guests.
We hope you find our tips for how to book a wedding DJ helpful.
Tips On How To Book A Wedding DJ
The best place to start is by identifying exactly what you want.
Do you want games, lots of interaction and personality or just brilliant music and a full dance floor?
Once you’ve got a clear idea we suggest you jump online and read reviews.
You might wish to ignore sponsored posts on search engines as anyone can spend money to get to the top of the rankings.
Be aware of web content from DJs who claim to have worked at the venue but have just found a few images online. Many are national agencies in disguise who outsource to any local DJs they can find.
Look for a local DJ who has clearly been to your venue and has good reviews.
They will have a reputation to protect and will take accountability.
When you find one you like, ask to meet for a chat either in person or online.
This provides the opportunity to ask questions and view examples of recent playlists.
These will give an indication of what the DJs do and most importantly don’t play.
Pick out any songs not to your taste and ask if it was a request or something they always play.
This will help you judge whether their music is going to be in line with your expectations.
You can tell if the majority of the music has been mixed because most of the tempos (BPM) will be relatively consistent or increase/decrease consecutively.
Most good DJs will decline to email a playlist because they will want to protect their intellectual property.
Asking for a video of their work is not always a reliable source of reassurance.
These are usually a subjective snapshot of their work and not a true representation of their work.
Make Booking A DJ Your Priority
DJs provide entertainment for approximately 40-50% of your day.
In a recent survey, 62% of couples planning their day rated entertainment as their most important consideration and it’s one of the things guests remember most about a wedding.
So entertainment should be higher up your list of priorities when planning.
Once you’ve secured the venue, registrar and photographer you need to think about entertainment.
Most DJs only ask for a small deposit so when find one you like we advise you secure them for your date.
Good reputable DJs are booked in advance so the earlier you book the more choice you will have.
Look Beyond Preferred Suppliers
There are many reasons why venues recommend DJs and these might be completely at odds with what you’re looking for.
It can simply be a case of “better the devil you know” for hotels in particular.
It’s a good idea to ask venues why they recommend their suppliers and check their reasons against your priorities.
If music is important and you do not feel confident their preferred suppliers will deliver, ask under what circumstances you can bring in your own.
You will probably be spending a lot of money with them, so you have the right to choose.
Photographers are another great source of referrals for DJs.
They see them in action and will be able to vouch for their professionalism and results.
Facebook can also be a good place for referrals but be aware it can often be the partner of a supplier responding so specifically ask other couples for their recommendations.
The Right Way To Ask For Requests
Couples want their guests to have a good time so asking for requests is a logical place to start.
But not everyone is interested in music.
As a general rule only 20% of people are comfortable with music and will make credible suggestions.
The other 80% are less engaged with music and can feel pressure.
So the secret to getting good responses is to make it optional rather than compulsory.
Asking for suggestions the DJ “might” play rather than “will” also gives you the option to veto anything you don’t like.
Remember to make sure the DJ is fully aware of anything you have banned so it doesn’t accidentally make it into the party on the night.
We often hear stories of couples who provided a list of requests in advance but the DJ didn’t play any.
If the DJ is stuck in a comfort zone they might not know how to play these songs in their set.
Or in some cases they just can’t be bothered.
Seeking assurances the DJ will source the songs you ask for in advance isn’t always a guarantee they will be played so book someone who cares about their reputation and will be accountable.
Give Guidance
Most DJs have years of experience but ultimately music is subjective.
If they don’t have an indication of your tastes it will be harder for them on the night.
It is important to set time aside to select music when you are in the right headspace.
You will chose different songs on a Friday night over a glass of wine than sober at 10am on a Monday.
We always advise you give your DJ some flexibility to have input too.
They will be able to take your suggestions and add songs which will make the evening flow.
Remember, if a DJ is well reviewed you can trust them to deliver because they care what their customers think.
Cost vs Value
The cost of a DJ can vary widely.
Wedding planning websites can set unrealistic expectations for what you should expect to pay.
Lower priced DJs usually do it part time, as a second job or hobby.
There is a risk they might let people down for an extra £50 somewhere else.
Higher priced suppliers do this as a career and are usually VAT registered.
The have invested in quality equipment, top level public liability insurance, keep their library up to date and across music trends.
Experienced DJs understand the psychology of an evening which will make a huge contribution to the success of your night.
As with most things, you should expect to pay more for a higher quality product, reassurance and peace of mind.
The Hampshire Event DJ Team LOVE talking about wedding entertainment.
We recently advised the team at Hitched about things your DJ wants you to know and we’re always happy to chat music with prospective clients.
Click on the orange button and arrange an online consultation.
All the images in this article are by Tom Langford and the venue featured is Wickham Estate.