Your Wedding DJ Is What Everyone Will Remember Most
Article by Pete Chambers
Pete Chambers DJ & MC Services

There is one person you will contract for your wedding reception that by the nature of the task, will be in total control of the day's ebb and flow.  No, it's not the caterer, photographer, limo driver, videographer, florist or the function hall manager.  Those people are important, but will have far less influence on the day's outcome.  The person that I am referring to is your Disc Jockey-Master of Ceremonies. You'll trust this person - the DJ/MC - to set the tempo and provide the atmosphere you desire.  Your DJ entertainer is the person you will rely on to ensure the success of your reception from the moment the guests arrive for social hour till you say "goodbye" and dance the last song. 

For satisfactory results, the person you select for this important task should be chosen carefully based on their credentials and not hired just because of a very "sexy" rate.  As I'm sure you know, a lower price is not necessarily an indication of a better value or that you're getting more value for your money.  One of life's sad truths is that the best things usually cost more and that principle certainly couldn't be more true than when applied to the Disc Jockey profession.  Every DJ will ask for what they think they are worth.  Like selling a house, the market, not the seller usually determines the value and thus, the sale price is arrived at. 

In the "old days" the pool of available DJs was kept limited by the cost of music.  Before the advent of the MP3, a DJ had to purchase at least a thousand CDs or records to have a good variety, and the investment in music was ongoing.  Now, anyone can simply go online and download those songs for nothing (this is illegal), thus the explosion of low end, little or no experience DJs.  Having the music is essential, but is merely one aspect of being a wedding entertainer, as I will explain below.  Can owning a few thousand music files and a couple speakers earn anyone the title of "Disc Jockey"?  Would owning a hammer and a few nails allow any of us to declare ourselves "Carpenters"?  Get my point?

To find the most qualified entertainer, first determine who offers the most experience, professionalism and talent.  It's no secret that I favor Mobile DJs who have backgrounds as Professional Radio Personalities.  On the air these Disc Jockeys get to hone all of the skills they will need when they hit the road. 

Buyer beware!  Some things to watch out for / be aware of:  
 

The DJ Factory...In an effort to get sound systems on the road, some DJ companies will literally pull individuals off the street and give them "lessons" on how to do the job.  If your definition of a DJ is someone who just plays "records", this individual may meet your expectations.  The DJ profession however, is a creative, talent driven occupation, it's not like working on an assembly line where you can show someone how to perform the same repetitive motions over and over again and everyone performs the task at with pretty much the same proficiency.  Many mobile DJs are weekend part-timers.  Do you really think that anyone who dabbles on the side, will give you a performance on the same level as a fulltime pro?

The National Franchise...Some DJ companies are national franchises. The problem here is that is that DJ business isn't like "The Golden Arches".  You can't sell talent for a franchise fee.  So if the company name sounds a bit too generic ("Acme DJs of America") or you're steered to what appears to be a DJ company's national website where you click your mouse on the state where you're holding your function to find the closest DJ affiliate, you'll recognize what I am talking about. 

The Contractor...I have also found some "middlemen" masquerading as DJ outfits.  I have received calls from companies that have names that sound like they are a DJ firm, but all they do is subcontract the work out to DJs in the area that are willing to do the work at the rate offered.  In most cases, because they are "going through the phonebook" these companies are not even familiar with who they are subcontracting.  Some of these operations are merely SCAMS.  They take your money and deliver no services!  To see one that is a scam,
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Other Qualities To Look For

Finding someone who is anxious to do business with you is very important.  If your call or email is returned promptly, that's a pretty good sign.  You'll want to work with someone who is pleasant and personable too.  The DJ should be able and willing to take the time to offer some constructive ideas to help you plan the events of your day.  After all, this may be your first or second time around, while the DJ you hire should have attended hundreds of receptions and should have plenty of knowledge in this area.  Flexibility to your wishes, incorporating your ideas into the event are also important.  Look for a DJ who will work with you, not one who sets their own agenda and makes you conform to it.  Find a DJ who not only possesses a wide selection of music and pro-grade sound equipment, but also is skilled at how to employ both for the best results.  Think of it this way; owning a hammer is one thing, building a house with it is quite another.

The Personality Sets The Tone

One important aspect in the composition of a Great Mobile DJ/MC is the ability to provide your event with an entertaining personality, tempered to your taste and having the "right demeanor" as many guests have pointed out to me.  Adding personality to an event does not mean telling longwinded jokes, teasing someone in the audience or talking between every song, rather it's knowing when one needs to speak, what to say and how to say it in order to embellish the event.  A pleasant voice, polished-smooth delivery, good pronunciation skills and the ability to ad-lib without being too wordy is essential.  Hiring a Veteran DJ, one with a minimum of ten years practice on the wedding circuit (and radio broadcasting experience), is your best guarantee of getting an individual who knows how to run all of the reception formalities properly, perhaps with a little panache and creativity. 

Some couples like a DJ who has the ability to motivate the audience and get them involved with the program. He (or she) may add a dab of humor to make the occasion a bit more eventful and if requested by the sponsors of the event, conduct some special activities or dances.  Others, may prefer a very low profile DJ that mixes from one tune to the next and announces "no smoking, please" every half hour.  I find that most clients like the personality setting someplace in the middle, meaning that your Master of Ceremonies / Disc Jockey should get the party moving, yet not become the center of attention.  Most clients want to maintain a certain level of "Class".  A seasoned entertainer should be able to accommodate you here. 

The Music Selection Sets The Mood

If you hire a Professional DJ, you'll be able to trust his or her expertise at selecting the right music to fit your audience.  A well-equipped DJ is able to offer you thousands of musical selections of any era or style.  A good music library should have something for every stage of the event.  As the guests arrive, perhaps you would like to hear some stylish classic jazz from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong or Stan Getz...you could slip in a little Sade, Nora Jones or Harry Connick Jr. to give it more of a contemporary feel. When dinner is served a softer instrumental mix is nice, (classical, new age, modern jazz, soft piano, guitar, etc.) and then for dancing everything from the big band of the 30's to what's on the chart now is fair game. Musical styles will vary from one DJ to the next. Some DJs stick mainly to the basics that you hear at virtually every wedding you attend (YMCA, Chicken Dance, Macarena, etc.) while others get more creative with the mix and steer clear of those wedding standards in favor of what I refer to as "a fresher mix".  A music library on compact disc or computer hard drive is most desirable, although some still employ records or cassettes, so if you're picky about sound quality, be sure to ask. 

The Sound System Delivers The Goods

For the person with discriminating taste, a professional grade sound system is essential. The quality of sound systems can vary greatly from one DJ company to the next.  Some cut corners here with department store home stereo components or inexpensive, low-end commercial gear.  A properly outfitted DJ will invest in excess of $10,000 for a top-notch professional system, including a music library derived from compact disc.  Someone equipped as such won't be the low bidder. 

"Do you carry back-up equipment?" is a question I hear frequently. Back-up equipment isn't necessary if the DJ has invested in the good stuff to start with and if it has been maintained properly. I turn over my equipment about every year to keep the mileage low. In the 25 years I've been a Mobile DJ I have had no show stopping issues (knock on wood) so my theory must be working.  That being said, I do suggest keeping an extra MP3 Controller, Notebook or Hard Drive or maybe a CD player on hand, just in case, as the music source is the most fragile component we use. 

Neatness and presentation count!  First of all, the sound system should be fitted to the size room and audience.  Not too big please!  It should not overwhelm the hall and be an eyesore.  Some DJs will try to impress you with more woofers, tweeters and flashing lights than is necessary, not a good idea at a nicely decorated wedding location.  "Low profile" is the buzzword.  The equipment should be rack mounted in podium style cases, not stacked one component on top of the other with wires running every which way.  Unattractive scratches and blemishes caused by road abuse should not be visible on the equipment either.  Well maintained, late model equipment with that "new car smell" is desirable.  Loud promotional banners and billboard-type signs are a no-no also. 

Dress For Success

Since your entertainer is a reflection of your taste and is on display oftentimes to hundreds of guests, you should find a person who complements your reception, physically. Tuxedos are usually a must and clean-cut, good looks certainly don't offend anyone either. Ask to see photos of the performer in action.

How To Sort Them All Out

By now, any DJ who is even remotely serious about the biz has a website.  This is a great place to start.  Every website should cover the topics above and should show some photos of the DJ in action along with plenty of references. 

If the web site impresses you, then a phone conversation is the next logical step.  If you are comfortable at this point you could book the date, if not, a personal consultation just might do the trick. 
 

A Final Word

Your wedding reception is probably the most detailed and ambitious event you will ever plan. At what other time will you be the host or hostess to such a large group of people, with you at the center of their attention?

Hiring a competent entertainer will put your mind at ease, on this, the biggest day of your life.  Upgrading from a low or average quality DJ to a high caliber wedding professional may cost less than the cheese & cracker appetizers and will be remembered far longer.