Sizzlin' Sounds Productions

Your wedding day may take 6 months to a year to plan.  All the details that you agonized over must come together on that special day.  The right Disc Jockey providing the perfect music and atmosphere can make your wedding day surpass even your childhood dreams and bring your friends and family closer than ever imagined.

Now comes the hard part.  Finding the right D.J., one that you feel comfortable with, can take some time, but the effort is well worth it. Try calling some respected banquet facilities in your area and ask the banquet manager for some referrals. You could also ask wedding photographers or caterers.  These people see all types and styles of DJ’s.  Start booking your entertainment immediately after confirming your banquet hall and times.  Most of the best DJ’s book weddings at least 6 months to one year in advance.  

Is the price too good to be true? You should consider your DJ service an insurance policy that ensures that all of the other money you spend will not result in bad memories or a less than enjoyable occasion. Many people will pay far more for cake, flowers or food than they will for the most crucial ingredient at their reception- the music. This often leads brides and party planners to shop for the cheapest price possible because of a lack of resources. This often backfires when holding out for the lowest price. Avoid DJ services that have a rock bottom price, they will not be able to display the level of quality and attention to detail that EVERY client deserves! Remember, great entertainment is NOT cheap and cheap entertainment is NOT great!

A professional DJ is always willing to discuss your event at any time before the event starts, and should display the flexibility to accommodate changes and help you solve any problems that may arise. Meeting your DJ to plan your event is of paramount importance to a successful event such as a wedding reception.

When you meet with a D.J., make sure you interview him (or her) and ask all the questions that concern you and your fiancée.

  
Here are some important points when you

interview a DJ company:

1.) How many years has the company been in business? Make sure they are not misleading you, some DJ’s will tell you that they have been in business for several years just to make you think they have the experience. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau and other local wedding vendors.

2.) Determine their Experience- A professional disc-jockey must be a director, psychologist, motivator, host, and entertainer all at the same time. It is important to select a DJ who is mature, articulate, accommodating, and well educated in reception protocol. Check that the years of experience are consistent with the DJ's age. More importantly, you should know how many wedding receptions the DJ has performed at to be sure that their experience is relevant. Also, look for other diverse experience they can bring to your event. You want to avoid a DJ who's ability is limited by a single repetitive style. When interviewing the DJ pay attention to their ability to pick up on your ideas and offer interesting and insightful approaches to your questions and ideas.

3.) Will the DJ offer to meet with you AFTER signing the contract to plan your event?  A professional DJ is ALWAYS willing to discuss your event at any time before the event starts, and should display the flexibility to accommodate changes and help you solve problems. Meeting your DJ to plan your event is of paramount importance to a successful event such as a wedding reception.

4.) Ask about their Music Library- Do they have a viewable Music Database? This shows what music they have available. In some fashion, you the client, need to be assured that the DJ you hire not only has a sizeable collection, but has a variety of music especially for wedding receptions, where many different styles of music guests will be in the same room together. Do they use CD’s or a computer based program utilizing MP3’s. Computer based programs provide professional quality digital sound and eliminates the worries of skipping music on CD’s.

5.) Ask about the DJ’s interaction with the crowd. Does the DJ motivate the crowd? What separates them from other DJ’s? This is an important question, you don’t want a DJ who just stands behind the microphone and does not interact with the crowd. I have seen a lot of these DJ’s out there. There is nothing worse than a DJ who is afraid to talk on the microphone and get out on the dance floor with the crowd! 

6.) Do they play the guests' requests?  Do they keep requests in good taste and in the atmosphere of the event?  You do not want a DJ playing music that has foul language at your wedding reception, it is not in good taste and it may offend some of your guests and family.

7.) Is the DJ willing to meet with you and your fiancé? Will the DJ try to meet with you, or is he/she just trying to book the date sight unseen? Is their material neat and professional looking, and is their presentation organized and informative?

8.) Does the company offer a contract for services? Don’t agree to anything without a signed contract!  Without a signed contract there is no guarantee that your DJ is going to show up at your event.  A professional DJ company will provide you with a signed contract that will guarantee their services for your event.

9.) Does the DJ use professional grade equipment? If the DJ does not have pictures of his or her gear, you should ask to set up a time to see the equipment or see pictures of the DJ’s set up. Although there are many fine home stereo equipment components made, they are not suitable for commercial or repeated use and varying room conditions. The DJ should be able to tell you what he/she uses and characterize the equipment as professional grade.

10.) Again, Is the price too good to be true? It seems that the DJ is often the last service chosen, after much of the budget is expended on a venue, food and clothing. This often leads brides and party planners to shop for the cheapest price possible because of a lack of resources. This often backfires when holding out for the lowest price. However, if you have adhered to the guiding principals noted here, you will know to avoid services that have a rock bottom price because they will not be able to display the level of quality and attention to detail that EVERY client deserves!

Make sure that you and your fiancée feel comfortable and confident with your Disc Jockey.  Trust your instincts. A wedding D.J. should have the experience, knowledge and ability to run a reception from start to finish but be flexible enough to adjust to your needs.  It seems like a lot of work, but keep in mind that this is your special day, the entertainment that you chose should reflect the beauty and elegance of your wedding, just as you have always imagined.

Article Written by,

Rich Bell, Owner / DJ

Sizzlin’ Sounds Productions

Music & Sound

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