Choosing your wedding DJ can feel like a big leap – especially when you’re worried the music might not quite hit the mark on the night. You’re not alone in that.
Many couples put it off until the last minute, hoping they’ll see a DJ they love at another wedding first. The trouble is, by then the best DJs are often already booked, leaving you with fewer options.
The good news? With the right approach, you can feel confident your dance floor will be exactly how you want it.
Here are some points to consider when thinking about how to book a wedding DJ.
Tips On How To Book A Wedding DJ
Start with online reviews.
Look for a local DJ with lots of reviews on a trusted site like Google.
When you find a potential DJ arrange to meet for a chat online.
Ask to see examples of playlists to 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 what you want.
You’ll be able to tell if the music has been mixed because most of the tempos (BPM) will be relatively consistent or increase/decrease consecutively.
Do not be offended if they decline to email a playlist, they are just protecting their intellectual property.
It’s also important to ask if they have contingency plans in case of illness.
Make Booking A DJ A Priority
Once you find a supplier you like lock in your date.
We recently discovered some couples book suppliers in the order they need them on the day.
This is another reason why they leave the DJ to last.
The longer you leave it, the less choice you will have so waiting 6 months until your day may lead to disappointment.
Your party is one of the things guests will remember most about your day and many will be really looking forward to it, so you should place entertainment higher 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.
For couples using a recommended supplier can be one less choice to make.
However there are many reasons why your venue might promote them and these may be at odds with your needs.
Ultimately if you do not feel confident their preferred suppliers will match the vibe you want to create, ask the venue under what circumstances you could bring in your own.
You can always seek a second opinion from other suppliers.
Photographers are a great source of referrals because they see them at work and will be able to give an honest view on their professionalism.
Social media can be a good place for referrals but we suggest you ask specifically for couples to leave recommendations, otherwise it can just be well meaning friends or family members cheerleading.
You Get What You Pay For
Wedding planning websites sometimes set unrealistic expectations for what you should expect to pay.
Lower priced DJs usually perform part time as a second job or hobby.
If you book via an agency the price you pay will not always be what the DJ is receiving.
Facebook groups are often full of last minute DJ requests because the ones booked have taken another booking for a little bit more money.
Higher priced suppliers are generally career DJs and usually VAT registered because of the demand for their services.
They will have invested in quality equipment, reliable people, top level public liability insurance and keep across music trends.
Experienced DJs understand the psychology of an evening, which will make a huge impact on the success of your night.
As with many 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 are 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.