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 80% of couples 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, having been to weddings where the dance 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
Identify 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.
DJs with good/many reviews have a reputation to protect and take accountability for their work.
Ignore sponsored posts on search engines as anyone can spend money to get to the top of the rankings.
Also be aware of web content from DJs who claim to have worked at a venue but have used images found online. These are often national agencies who outsource bookings to any local DJs they can find.
Look for a local DJ who has obviously been to your venue and has solid reviews.
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 so you can see what the DJ usually includes in their set.
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.
DJs usually 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 can be very subjective and not a true representation of their work.
Make Booking A DJ A Priority
If you find a supplier you like lock in your date.
An evening DJ provides entertainment for approximately 40% of your day.
In a recent survey, 62% of couples rated entertainment as their most important consideration when planning and it’s one of the things a guest will remember most about a wedding.
So entertainment should be high on 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
Think carefully about preferred suppliers.
There are many reasons why a venue will recommend suppliers and these might be at odds with what you’re looking for. For many it’s a case of “better the devil you know.”
Always ask why they recommend 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 are spending a lot of money with them, so ultimately you should have the right to choose.
Photographers are a great source of referrals for DJs.
They see DJs work and will be able to vouch for their professionalism and results more than almost any other supplier.
Facebook can also be a good place for referrals but always ask for couples for their recommendations and why they were good.
You Get What You Pay For
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 are generally career DJs 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.