You have your band (around your finger), now it's time to find your Wedding disc jockey. You search the internet for "Wedding disc jockey" and come up with a list of potential wedding disc jockey choices. Now, how do you wade through the rheteroric "Connecticut's Most Requested DJ", "The DJ of Choice", "CT DJ of the Year" and figure out who is going to make your reception a raving success v. a floundering mess.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you look for your Wedding disc jockey:
Check out their website. If it is poorly designed, lacks real information or just doesn't appeal to your style ? then they are probably not the right choice as your Wedding disc jockey. You should discount any DJ that DOES NOT HAVE A WEBSITE. If they can't be bothered to setup a website, then they probably can't be bothered with the details of your wedding.
Look for pricing. If they do not list pricing on their website ? they might be trying to hide something. Many Wedding disc jockeys will quote different pricing from one client to the next. This is a sign of a poorly run business or of hidden charges that might haunt you down the line. Your Wedding disc jockey should be upfront with their pricing and it should be printed/posted on their website and in the literature they mail you.
If you have specific music tastes ? ask your Wedding disc jockey to show you a list with that style music on it. Too many Wedding disc jockeys have promised to cater to client's musical tastes and then showed up on the day of the wedding to just play the same tired wedding music that you hear at every Wedding reception.
Ask to see photo's of their equipment and setup. If they have large self-promoting signs as part of their setup ? stay clear of this. What right does a Wedding disc jockey have in promoting themselves at YOUR wedding?
Ask your disc jockey how much money they have invested in the equipment that they bring and setup at a typical wedding. At a recent Connecticut bridal show, one Wedding disc jockey boasted about his new disc jockey setup. The main system was worth less than $500. A quality wireless microphone is worth more than $500 alone! If they have less than $5,000 in equipment (not including music value or backup equipment value) ? they are entry level wedding entertainment at best. Quality Wedding disc jockey equipment comes at a cost. Many professional Wedding disc jockeys will have over $10,000 invested in their main system alone.
The bottom line ? if your Wedding disc jockey choice gives you any concern with regards to their professionalism, they you should keep shopping for your Wedding disc jockey elsewhere. The difference between a $750 Wedding disc jockey and a quality $1500 Wedding disc jockey could mean the difference between guests gazing at their watches soon after dinner or your family & friends up and dancing the night away at your Wedding reception.
Rob Alberti
Professional Wedding Disc Jockey since 1983
After Hours DJ Service - MA/CT/RI Regions
http://www.afterhoursdj.net