Choosing a Disc Jockey
by Maximum Music DJ Service

As you probably know (or will soon find out), planning a wedding is a big job. Many hours can be spent discussing and planning even the smallest of details. You want everything to be perfect. And it should be.

Too often when making a decision about the single longest event of a wedding day - the dance - only passing consideration is given to the disc jockey. Your wedding dance is a celebration of your special day. Take the appropriate time to ensure your choice of a disc jockey reflects its importance.

Here's a step-by-step guide for finding disc jockeys and what to look for once you've found them.

Step 1 - Getting Started
You should begin by compiling a list of reputable disc jockey services in your area. Here are a few suggestions on finding out who's good:

References - Talk to recently married couples to find out who they used. Would they recommend them? The banquet managers at hotels and convention centers are also a good source of information. They see every disc jockey in the market. Ask them who they recommend.
NOTE: When getting a referral, ask yourself if the source is someone with similar tastes as yours.

Bridal Shows - Attend one or more of these and you'll be sure to find a few reputable companies. Take the opportunity to talk with them while you're there.
Note: If you don't like a service's presentation, chances are you won't like them at your wedding.

Step 2 - What to Look for & Which Questions to Ask
Now that you've compiled a list of reputable disc jockey services, you should contact each one and begin the important task of choosing the one that's right for you. Here's a list of things to look for and questions to ask:

Contract - In order to avoid "surprises", acquire a signed contract to make sure your disc jockey is aware of all the mutually agreed upon details of your wedding dance, such as: function date and location; contact name at function location; bride and groom's name; addresses and phone numbers; services (music, lighting, etc.); fee, including for additional time and deposit; hours of service; and music requests. Ask for a sample contract before you make a decision and keep a copy.

Set-Up - Your disc jockey should arrange to set up their equipment and to do appropriate sound checks prior to your guests arriving. This will ensure a smooth transition into the wedding dance. Ask your disc jockey when they set up their equipment.

Disc Jockey - Every wedding dance deserves a disc jockey who has the experience and professionalism to handle the multiple demands of such an occasion. You should look for someone who is professional, experienced, and who plays for the crowd and not from a pre-determined play list. The DJ should also dress for the occasion, use the microphone only when and where appropriate, and use volume control to ensure that the music is loud enough to make dancing comfortable, yet not so loud as to discourage conversation. Ask your disc jockey service what their policies are on each of these issues.

Music - A wedding dance brings together the greatest range of people ever to be together in one room. The need for your DJ to have a listed selection of music, which will appeal to various musical tastes, cannot be overstated. Also remember that having all the music in the world doesn't make a good DJ. Equally important is ensuring that your DJ has the ability and experience to know which selections are appropriate. You can only find this out by checking references.

Dinner Music - Many disc jockeys play background music during dinner. Be aware that an ideal disc jockey should concentrate sound in one area (the dance floor) and minimize sound elsewhere. However, make sure that guests closer to the speakers are not overwhelmed while those farther away cannot hear what is being played.

Here is a brief list of musicians we trust:

Graham Howes Piano for ceremony (416) 251-8853
Jazz solo/duo/trio for cocktails
Piano/keyboard for dinner music

Divertimento Flute and Harp (416) 769-8685
(Marianne Carefoot) Flute and Cello

Heather Sparling and Classical Guitar and Flute (905) 501-1459
Chris McDonald for wedding ceremonies

Sandra Fann Harp (416) 466-4532

Don MacDonald (416) 964-8854
Solo Guitar classical/light pop

Carla Ouzas Vocalist (905) 643-4718
Contemporary/various genres

Requests - Every disc jockey in the world takes requests, but many just don't play them! Again, you can only find out whether or not a disc jockey plays requests by checking their references.

Equipment - Every industry has tools of the trade. In the disc jockey business, the tools are the sound and lighting equipment (in addition to music). Professional equipment, designed to meet the demands of playing night after night, is expensive but necessary. Attempt to ensure that your disc jockey has a system that will perform reliably.

Lighting - Most disc jockey services can provide a range of lighting options and dry ice. Give consideration as to whether or not you want a lighting package in addition to the music. There are times when lighting will enhance a wedding dance, but other times this is not appropriate. This is very much a personal decision, given the preferences of family and guests attending your wedding dance.

Price - Since weddings are expensive, you need to make certain you get the best possible price without sacrificing professional quality. Therefore, price and quality must be balanced. The old saying "You get what you pay for" definitely applies in the disc jockey business. Expect to pay $500 to $1,000 for a professional disc jockey service. Additional services, particularly lighting, will cost an additional $100 to $500. Furthermore, additional time can range from $50 to $100/hour.

Guarantee -If you have been clear in regards to your expectations and are still not satisfied, a professional disc jockey service will offer to refund all or part of your money.

Step 3 - Making the Decision
You must have confidence in your disc jockey's ability to provide you with the type of service you expect at your wedding. If you're not sure, keep looking. You don't need to compromise. Invest some time in finding a disc jockey service with which you are comfortable.

Use these guidelines and your wedding dance will be a resounding success. Good Luck!