Selecting your wedding DJ is a task that requires more than just the screening of their quote. There are a lot of factors that needs to be taken into consideration. After all - if your DJ is inexperienced and guests aren't breaking it down on the dance floor, you won't either. With all your planning, preparation and sometimes stress you deserve a great DJ company to represent you on the wedding dance floor. Here are a few great tips to take into consideration before paying your deposit.
1. Always ask for a copy of the DJ's SAMRO License. If they can't provide you with one, run! It also ensures that the artists who created your awesome dance tunes for the night gets compensated behind the scenes for their hard work.
2. Don't ever skimp on a DJ or the music for the night! There is always a reason why they might offer a better price than the previous quote you just received. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is. If there is one thing your guests will remember it is the music. People dancing from the get-go until a Covid curfew sends them packing is exactly what you and your guests will remember.
3. Ask the DJ company how they go to work: Do they make use of playlists or do they actually DJ with the crowd in mind? AT-The-Bar-DJ's love this playlist-concept, trust us, you won't.
4. Always meet up with your DJ/DJ-company before giving them your hard earned cash deposit. It is unfortunate that our thoughts even have to go there... But there could be a few snakes in the grass or should I rather say "scratched records on the decks"...
5. Always ask your DJ how long he or she has been in the business. A minimum of five years of actual wedding DJ experience should get the crowd moving. More experience on the decks would usually translate to more guests breaking it down on the dance floor.
6. Always ask what the DJ or DJ-company's over-time charges are. It wouldn't be ideal to have to cut down on those lovely Honeymoon-Margaritas once the post wedding-bill arrives.
7. Ask your DJ how long before the start of your ceremony he or she is going to arrive. Anything under two hours of setup-time is cutting it close. You don't need that extra stress.
8. Ask your DJ how many sound systems they are bringing to the party. If they are only providing you with one system, schedule some time for them to move the system between the Ceremony, Canapés and the Reception. More than one sound system would definitely be ideal as your guests wouldn't be without music for a single minute. This would also eliminate tech guys running up and down the lawn in front of your guests. A second sound system could also double as a backup should a rare technological failure try its luck.
9. Always ask for references from previous clients and follow them up.
10. Ask your DJ Company if they have a backup plan in case of a power or equipment failure. Do they have their music backed up? Do they have a Backup Battery System or a generator? How many ready-to-go laptops do they have on standby?
11. Ask the DJ or Company if and how they tolerate song requests on the day. A good answer to this question would be: “We will definitely fit your music in during the course of the evening as every song has its exact time and place". One wrong request or judgment on a song could send your crowd straight to the bar. You decide whether that is good or bad :)
12. Ask the DJ what type of microphones they have available. It would be a good sign if they can provide you with a choice of handheld, headset and or lapel microphones. Lapel microphones aren't the best choice for weddings as wedding venue's are usually smaller and this type microphone could make you and your DJ blush - SQUEEEEEEEKKK!!! (Especially if they aren’t knowledgeable enough). Still ask them about it, at least you look like you have some audio equipment knowledge :)
13. Ask if your prospective DJ/Company has Apple Music, Spotify or Google Play accounts? Trust me; YouTube is the last place you want to find your music. A nice and loud advertisement during your first dance might just sell whatever it is they are trying to :) Not on your time!
14. Direct and open communication between you and your DJ is very important. If you are struggling to get hold of them, stay away!
15. Visit the Company's website. If you are reading this don't actually go to theirs. You've found what you are looking for :)
16. Make sure the DJ or company has high valued sound systems. Bigger and louder isn’t always better.
DJ's and DJ companies are everywhere and easily found, ready to make that quick buck to pay off a student debt or even to disappear with your deposit. Finding the right DJ is a different story. Follow these quick and easy tips and you should be insured with a great party at your wedding.
Author:
DJ and Musician Gerrit van Heerden at ThrowbackThursday (Pty) Ltd.
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