I have been trying to be consistent in offering Brides and Grooms quality information on hiring their Wedding DJ to make more intelligent decisions. This has lead to me to constantly scan the Internet for Wedding DJ Companies around the world to find different opinions on what makes a good Wedding DJ and how to distinguish one from the other. it is not easy and I hope these articles help. This one comes from a Wedding DJ and Event Company in the Buffalo area of Upstate New York named Phenomenon Events and Productions. I do not support the ideas of this particular article completely but still think it is worth reading and discussing.
10 Dirty Secrets You Should Know About The Wedding DJ Before You Hire Them!
1. Beware of the DJ Company who tries to beat everyone’s price or offers you a dirt cheap price. Why? In the industry he is referred to as a bottom feeder. He can not book weddings based on his performance so therefore he has to offer you the cheapest price in order to lure you in. Usually, you will get sub-standard services. Remember the old cliché; you get what you pay for. Why trust your wedding or event to someone who is a bottom feeder?
Price is an important component in making quality decisions for hiring your Wedding DJ, but not the only important factor.
2. Watch out for hidden fees. Ask about fees for lighting, wireless microphones, extra music, planning sessions etc. You may be lured in by a low price and then of course you want all those extras. Next thing you know, you are paying a lot more than you initially thought. Even more importantly, a lot of companies charge travel fees or even charge you for the time period where the DJ is setting up. Be sure that everything is clear before you sign anything.
Hidden fees can really add-up. Ask your Wedding DJ specifically about each item you want for your Wedding.
3. Beware of hiring a friend of the family or a DJ who does not give you a contract. Quite often they do not reserve your date or something else comes up and you are left searching for a DJ or Sound System a week before your wedding. Not to mention, you probably won’t get the professionalism and experience your night deserves. As you may trust your friend/family, you do not want to take any chances on your special day.
An excellent professional Wedding DJ makes all the difference at your Wedding, please take your time and choose carefully. You do not get a redo…
4. Does your Wedding DJ just talk about his equipment? What is this equipment going to do for you in terms of making your reception or event, a dream come true? Most people will not notice the clarity of the speakers so if he tells you that his equipment is better because he has “X speakers”, more than likely you would not notice the difference from another type of professional speakers. The main thing is that most professional Wedding DJ equipment is great and it really depends on the Wedding DJ to get your event going.
Good quality equipment is essential, high quality Wedding DJ skills and experience are far more critical to creating a spectacular Wedding for you.
5. Avoid the Wedding DJ that talks about himself too much and has poor hygiene. Why? If he talks about himself too much then he will try to be the main focus at your reception. The main focus at a reception should be the Bride and Groom or Guest(s) of Honor. Most unprofessional DJ’s do not even own suits. Can you imagine a gorgeous reception that you have invested thousands of dollars and it is ruined by an unprofessional, poorly dressed MC and DJ. If he does not care about his appearance then more than likely, he will not care about the quality of your reception or can come unprepared. Sloppy!
You are the main attraction and all the spotlight should shine on you. With that said, who wants a Wedding DJ that looks awful in all your Wedding Photos?
6. Can you imagine a Master of Ceremonies that does not have a good command of the English Language? You have sophisticated guests and your Wedding DJ is using slang or continues to be embarrassing or inappropriate on the microphone. Not only will that affect you, but the Wedding DJ and entertainment is what sets the mood of the night. Do you want your wedding to be remembered as the one with the embarrassing DJ? You have the right to be picky about whom you choose as your Wedding DJ.
A good professional, experienced Wedding MC adds life, energy and elegance, not to mention fun to your Wedding. Listen to how he or she speaks from the minute you first speak with them. Do they meet your standards for an enjoyable and exciting voice?
7. DJs who say they use iPods or iTunes to DJ your wedding reception may not be the smartest choice. As nice as an iPod may be, it’s not meant for professional use. Did you know consumer reports, reported that 3 out of every 4 iPods will randomly lock up or freeze! This would be horrible especially during the first dance!
There is no place for an iPod at Wedding, except as an emergency back-up. Hire a Wedding DJ that has top level DJ software, CDs or vinyl for a smooth, quality sound.
8. What about the Disc Jockey that stands behind the DJ booth and acts bored. He does nothing to get the guests motivated. He could be playing the best music but unless he reflects motivation and action, it will affect your guests. You want to choose a Wedding DJ with personality and energy, that will make all the guests enjoy and remember your wedding.
A fun, excited Wedding DJ shares that excitement and energy throughout your Wedding. If they are not interested, why would your friends and family be?
9. Most Bottom Feeders are not licensed nor are they insured. Most banquet facilities require the DJ Company to have liability insurance. You may hire him and then find out weeks before your reception that he does not have liability insurance and then you are not allowed to use him. This leaves you searching for a Wedding DJ within days of your reception.
You never know what can happen at any event. Please hire a Wedding DJ with insurance.
10. Here is the most important item: Does your facility require you to use the house DJ. With a House DJ most often you do not know who you will be doing your wedding or will he play what you like. You may not know what DJ you will get from that company until a few days before your wedding. It would be in your best interest if the banquet hall would let YOU decide who will be in charge of creating your Dream Day! You should be able to make your own choices and choose quality entertainment. Some companies install speakers in a banquet facility so the hall will only refer one sound company. Ask to see those DJs in person and hear the quality of that sound system before you book!
I invite you to be smart and not let someone else choose your Wedding DJ for you. Your Wedding is too important.
via 10 Dirty Secrets of a Wedding DJ – Phenomenon Events & Productions.
As with most of these articles, they left out the two factors I consider greatest, guarantee and diversity. Does the Wedding DJ offer a guarantee that holds them accountable for their performance at your Wedding? Is your Wedding DJ experienced in performing with diverse audiences like the friends and family that will be guests at your Wedding? Do they excel with all ages, cultures, social groups and styles of music? Is your Wedding DJ a Multicultural Wedding DJ?
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