Choosing a Disc Jockey
by Sound Sensation

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 the celebration of your special day. Take the appropriate time to ensure your choice of a disc jockey reflects its importance.

Here is a step by step guide for finding disc jockeys, and what to look for once you 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 and who is not:

References - Talk to recently married couples and find out who they used. Would they recommend them? The banquet managers at Hotels & Convention centers are also a good source of information. They see all the Disc Jockeys in the market. Ask them who they would recommend.

Note: If you don't like the presentation of a service at a show, chances are you won't like them at your wedding.

Internet - do a search to find out who in your area has a website. Websites are also good sources of information.

Step 2 - What to look for & what questions to ask

Now that you have compiled a list of reputable Disc Jockey services, you should contact each one and begin the important task of choosing the one that is right for you. Here's a list of things to look for and questions to ask.

Contract - You don't want any 'surprises' on your wedding day. A written and signed contract ensures that your Disc Jockey is aware of all the mutually agreed details of your wedding dance. Make certain you keep a copy for your records.

A basic contract should cover the following areas: function date and location, contact name at function location, bride and grooms name and address, phone number of all parties, services to be provided (music, lighting etc.), cost (including whether a deposit is required), hours of services, cost for additional time, and music requests.

Set-up - Your Disc Jockey should arrange to setup and do appropriate sound checks prior to your guests arriving for the reception and/or dinner. This will ensure that there is a smooth transition into the wedding dance. Ask your Disk Jockey when they setup their equipment?

Disc jockey - Every wedding reception 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 understands the importance of customer experience. This includes areas such as playing for the crowds and not from a predetermined play list, dressing for the occasion, using the microphone only when and where appropriate, and using volume control to ensure the music is loud enough to make dancing comfortable yet not so loud to discourage conversation. Ask your Disc Jockey Service where their policies are on each of these issues.

Music - A wedding reception brings together the greatest range of people you'll ever have together in a room. The need for your Disc Jockey to have a selection of music which, will appeal to the various musical tastes cannot be overstated. Ask to see a list of music to make certain they have the types of music that you want played at your wedding reception.

Having all the right music in the world doesn't make them a good Disc Jockey. Equally important is ensuring they have the ability and experience to know what to play and when to play it. You can only find this out by checking their references

Dinner music - Many Disc Jockey Services offer to play background music during your reception and dinner as part of their contract, or for an additional fee.

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 is by checking their references.

Equipment - Every industry has tools of the trade. In the Disc Jockey business, the tools are sound & lighting equipment. Professional equipment designed to meet the demands of playing night after night are expensive, but necessary. While it may be difficult to know which equipment is suitable, you should attempt to ensure that your Disc Jockey has a system that will perform reliably.

Lighting - Most Disc Jockeys can provide a wide range of lighting options and dry ice. Give consideration to whether or not you want a lighting package. Some disc jockeys include this in their packages, some will charge extra, other DJ's own there own lighting and will offer some to you at no cost. There are times when lighting will enhance a wedding reception but, other times it is not appropriate. These effects can be fun but alone will not make people dance or have a better time. This is very much a personal decision and should be made with consideration given to the preference of family and the guests attending your wedding reception.

Price - Lets face it, weddings are expensive. You need to make certain you get the best possible price for everything you buy. However, too often, professional quality is sacrificed with a low price. Price and quality must be balanced if you hope to get someone you will be pleased with. The old saying "You get what you pay for" definitely applies in the DJ business.

You should expect to pay between $400 and $1000 for a professional Disc Jockey Service. Additional services particularly lighting will cost an additional $50 to $500. Additional time can range from $50 and $100 per hour.

Guarantee - What happens if, despite your best attempts you are still not pleased with the service or the music the Disc Jockey provides? Of course you hope this won't be the case, but by posting this scenario in advance you will get some indication of the degree in which the Disc Jockey is orientated to customer service and satisfaction.

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 your not sure, keep looking. You don't need to compromise. Invest some time in finding a disc jockey service in which you are comfortable with.

Use these guide lines and your wedding reception will be a resounding success... Good Luck

Sound Sensation