The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make When Hiring A DJ

One of the more daunting challenges a bride and groom must face is the hiring of their entertainment. If you have (for whatever reason) decided to book a DJ over a band, there are a few things you really should consider before hiring anyone.

While contacting various DJs, getting their prices, meeting with potential disc jockeys/wedding entertainment directors, and comparing the notes you take on each one can be a bit of a hassle, it is important to remember the lasting impression a bad DJ can make.

Doing a bit of homework and keeping these five tips in mind will help you make a well-educated decision; the kind that allows you to walk into your reception feeling comfortable and confident.

Not Taking "First Impressions" Into Consideration

After making your initial contact with a professional entertainment company, I always recommend a bride and groom sit down, face-to face with their candidate, and interview the DJ.

When a person applies for a job, the company will not often sign a contract with that potential employee before at least meeting them, right? Why should it be any different for you?

If you have a preliminary consultation with a DJ and find them to be professional in their dress, mannerisms, and speech, you can be sure he or she will conduct themselves that same way at your reception. Unfortunately, the opposite is true as well.

Thinking That All DJs Are The Same

Every DJ has their own style, skill level, methods, and vary a lot in their equipment quality and music library.

An amateur DJ lacks the experience and knowledge required to execute a flawless reception. The last thing a bride wants to do on her wedding is remind the DJ it is time to cut the cake or dance with her father and get the reply, "Oh.... Yeah... Right..."

A professional entertainer knows how to get your guests on the dance floor. Asking a DJ how they get people dancing will often get you an odd answer.

When I was planning my own wedding, I decided to look at other DJ companies, just to see what they offered. One DJ actually told my wife and I, "After dinner, I just crank it up real loud and it gets people bouncin'!"

Right. Your friends and family have been sitting in their seats all night, just itching for the DJ to play "The Twist", so they can knock over tables and each other, fighting their way to the dance floor... Uh huh...

Also, if a DJ only has one genre of music, they sincerely lack in versatility. Your favorite DJ that spins Modern Rock music all night may be perfect for the bar, but more than likely your grandmother doesn't want hear Maroon 5 all night at your reception.

Hiring The Cheapest DJ You Can Find

The phrase "you get what you pay for" holds a lot of water in the case of hiring a DJ, especially for a wedding.

There are DJs which can cost as little as $300 or as much as $5,000, for a five hour wedding. Is the DJ that is only charging $300 no good at all? Who knows, they might do a decent job, but there is one thing that is certain: Either the DJ doesn't have a lot of experience or they are the worst businessperson ever.

Any DJ that has performed for numerous weddings (at least 100 or more) knows that there is far too much involved in presenting wedding entertainment to only charge peanuts. On the other side, remember that just because a DJ is the most expensive in town, does not mean they're the best for you.

Because the entertainment for your reception is what you, your family, and your friends will likely remember the most, isn't it worth more than the cost of invitations? Your entertainment is an investment that you your guests will enjoy from start to finish, not just the first half of the night. If half of your guests leave after dinner because loud music was playing during the main course, the venue isn't going to give you a refund.

Not Having A Written Contract

I am genuinely stunned that any business is able to stay alive without any form of contract, committing them to your event.

I have spoken with NUMEROUS brides, one week before their wedding day, telling me their DJ has booked a prom (higher $$$) and would not being coming to the reception. This goes hand-in hand with my final tip...

Not Making Sure The DJ You Want is "Guaranteed" To Be Your DJ

This is probably the biggest complaint from brides all over the country about DJs. You went to a DJ company that has more than one DJ, you requested a specific DJ, and another DJ shows up in his/her place. Any time you deal with a big DJ company, make sure you get in writing that the DJ you want is the one that will show up.

There is one company, in this area, that tells brides "We don't schedule the DJ until the week before the wedding" and "We let you pick three DJs AFTER you sign the contract. If they're available, they might do your wedding, they might not, no guarantees.".

Does that sound like a company that has your best interests in mind or one that is trying to run a company with limited accountability?

Imagine you're going to buy your first "dream car". How would you feel if the dealer said, "Pick three you like, sign this contract, pay your money, and maybe you'll get one, maybe not..."?

Hopefully, these tips can assist you in making a good decision when it comes to your entertainment. No one likes to walk into their wedding reception filled with anxiety, not knowing what or whom to expect. Spend some time on your choice, making the final call with your fiance, and don't let anyone bully you into making a snap judgement based on sales tricks and high-pressure tactics.

Good luck!