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Now that you¹ve compiled a list
of reputable disc jockey services, you
should contact each one and begin the
important task of choosing the one that¹s
right for you. Here¹s a list of
things to look for and questions to
ask:
Contract - In order to avoid
³surprises², 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 groom¹s 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 doesn¹t 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.
Requests - Every disc jockey
in the world takes requests, but many
just don¹t 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 ³You get what you pay for²
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.
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Fredericton