By Isaac Lindahl, All Occasions DJ Service
Do NOT play [insert corny line dance here] at my wedding!
The amount of times I’ve received a “do not play” request from our couples is sadly not surprising. There are dozens of songs that are played-out and boring. As a full-time wedding DJ and MC, I have been asked to play songs like these more times than I care to count.
You may be asking yourself, “Then what do you play at a wedding?” or “Why should we hire a DJ when my friend has Spotify and a boom box?”
What makes a true, professional wedding DJ & MC? The answer to that question doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. However, nearly all wedding DJs worth hiring have three things in common. Here’s what to look for when choosing your wedding day entertainment:
$$$ Price $$$
The saying “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more true when it comes to hiring a wedding DJ & MC. There are hobbyist DJs who only take cash payments, are solo-operations, and don’t even have a website. These DJs cost anywhere from $500-$1000. If you’re on a budget, you can absolutely find an amazing entertainer in this price range, however you’ll have a much harder time finding a needle in a haystack.
The next tier of DJs is what I call “The Standard.” These guys and gals do a great job and won’t break the bank. They meet the bar of what our industry expects. They may not be licensed, insured, or tax-payers. Book with caution when choosing DJs who charge between $1000-$1500. The majority of these entertainers will provide a great experience for you and your guests, but don’t expect David Guetta.
ENCORE! Full-time, professional wedding DJ’s usually charge $1500+ for their great customer service, planning help, and day-of entertainment. Most of these DJs are legitimate brick-and-mortar companies. Some charge more than others, and offer more than just DJ services. Many companies offer bundle packages that can save you money, so consider adding up-lighting, a photo booth, or a slideshow production when you book your wedding DJ!
The DJs at this tier are 100% invested in what they do. They typically don’t hold a second job, which allows them to focus completely on the most important day of your life. They charge more because they’re worth it. Also, they have many overhead expenses that the hobbyist DJs don’t (professional development, equipment maintenance and upgrades, taxes, office rent, legal music licenses, insurance, online planning programs, etc.).
Find an entertainment option that fits with your budget—you do not want to start off a marriage in a bind because you spent too much on your wedding DJ. However, you also don’t want to skimp on the music and MC, and regret that your wedding day was awkward and nobody had a good time. Remember: you get what you pay for.
*** Reviews ***
Why waste your time booking with someone who hides their reviews or has none at all? Is that a risk you’re willing to take? Whether the DJ you’re looking into only has 1 review or 100, at least you’re able to see what other couples have experienced. Knowing what others said about the service is an essential part of choosing your wedding day entertainment.
While everyone in the service industry strives for perfection, nobody is perfect. Some companies have perfect 5-star reviews, but don’t let a 4.9-star rating deter you from booking an amazing wedding DJ. COVID-19 is still affecting some of the event and entertainment companies, even in 2022. There are incredible entertainers out there who will blow you away with the amazing service they provide, and they’ve weathered the storm, because they love what they do!
Do your research and find a reputable company with public reviews. If you can’t find their reviews on Facebook or Google, I would recommend looking into other options. Also, ask your friends and family members whom they hired for their wedding. Chances are they still remember their DJ, even if it was years ago (good or bad).
Impression
Last, but perhaps most importantly, go with your gut instinct. I recommend meeting with the DJ you want to book before signing a contract or making a payment. In today’s world, online transactions are commonplace and widely accepted, but this is one industry and service that should be an exception to that practice.
If you don’t meet the person who will be seen and heard by all your guests, or you book someone before saying a single word to them on the phone, how do you know they are a good fit for you? I ask anyone who inquires about my services to, at a minimum, have a phone consultation with me before they book. This allows them to at least hear my voice (the voice that will be talking over a microphone at their wedding), and allows me to get a vibe for their enthusiasm about the entertainment aspect of their wedding day.
I’ve had consultations that I refer to other DJs simply because I want them to have the best match possible, and I may not be what they’re looking for. I also get a majority of my bookings from past events—meaning that the client I’m working with has either met me or seen my work already.
If you take nothing else from this article, remember this one thing: meet your DJ before you book them! You want the person in charge of the fun and the atmosphere of your event to complement your personality and vision for your wedding. When you make your final decision, go with your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, keep looking. There are plenty of amazing performers out there. Take your time to find the right one.
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All Occasions DJ Service is a full-service entertainment company. We do weddings. We create a fun, stress-free experience for our couples and their guests. Our motto is “More Than Music”, but our tagline is “Making Memories that Last a Lifetime”!
Get a quote and see our reviews by visiting our website: www.alloccasionsdjservice.com
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