How to book the very best DJ

I am going to keep this blog as far away as possibly from cliche statements, but please forgive them in advance, I DJ for a living... No one said I was a literary genius.

One of the most essential milestones of the wedding planning process is finding a DJ. You could always just make a spotify playlist, and connect the aux cable. Which is fine if you want background music.. However, if you truly want to celebrate your marriage with an amazing reception that will form a super charged core memory between not only the two of you, but everyone in attendance.. You need a rock solid DJ. Therein lies the rub. With so many options out there, how do you separate the wedding professionals from the fly by nights?

I am going to pull back the curtain and give you some inside baseball on what you need to look for in a DJ.

Any DJ can press play on a pre-made playlist, but a truly great wedding DJ has to juggle half a dozen kittens at any time. Inexperienced or ineffective DJ's will quickly get overwhelmed by how many simultaneous aspects of the ceremony and reception that they are required to manage. This is just at a base level, when you start adding requests into the mix, they really fall apart. The key to avoiding this is to find a DJ who is so technically skilled that the actual act of DJ'ing is so second nature, that they can carry on a conversation, manage a timeline/schedule, interact with guests, all the while constantly checking on the status of the bride/groom to ensure they are fully enjoying themselves. Do not be afraid to dig for the social proof that your potential DJ is proficient in what they do. You should be able to look on any vendor marketplace listing, their social media...basically.. anything associated with the DJ, should be inundated with social proof of their technical skills. I can say firsthand that my musicianship is the first thing that I like to present to potential clients. Any DJ worth their salt knows the same. You can wow clients with your personality all you want, but if you do not know your craft it is going to show.

Hopefully your DJ has the technical skills (as well as the actual equipment to perform on, and the both of you are moving onto the consult stage. Here are some Key Qualities to Look For:

Experience: Specifically, experience with weddings. Weddings are a unique little ball of nuclear energy all their own, that can explode in ways that a club set, or casual private event never could think of achieving.

Personality: Your DJ's personality should mesh well with yours and the overall vibe you envision for your wedding. Do they have a sense of humor? Is it tolerable?

Professionalism: Prompt communication, a clear contract, and a polished presentation are non-negotiables. Take a close look at their wording in their contract. Make sure it looks less chat GPT, and more licensed attorney.

2. Dig Deeper Than Online Reviews

Online reviews can be helpful, but they don't tell the whole story. Dive deeper with these strategies:

Ask for Referrals: Tap into your network for recommendations. Your venue, wedding planner, or recently married friends might have valuable insights.

Check Social Media: Get a feel for their style and personality by checking their social media presence. Look for videos of past performances and engagement with their followers.

Schedule Interviews: A face-to-face (or virtual) meeting is crucial. This allows you to assess their personality, discuss your vision, and ask important questions.

3. The Must-Ask Questions for Every Wedding DJ

If you are one of the lucky ones who gets to DJ full time as their main source of income, your weekends are typically spent performing, and your weeks are full of all of the paperwork, lead generation, client interfacing, and question answering.

You do not have to feel intimidated, or afraid to ask questions to your potential DJ. We expect questions, it would be weird if there were -no- questions. Some question ideas to help you form your own:

What is your experience with weddings of this size and style?

Can you provide a sample playlist or mix that reflects our musical tastes?

Do you take requests? How do you handle do-not-play lists?

What is your backup plan in case of equipment failure or illness?

What is included in your packages? (e.g., MC services, lighting, microphones)

Do you have liability insurance?

Share Your Vision: Discuss your musical preferences, must-play songs, and any specific genres or eras you want to feature.

Set the Mood: Talk about the overall mood you want to create for each part of the reception (cocktail hour, dinner, dancing).

Don't Forget the Logistics: Confirm key details like arrival time, setup requirements, and any special announcements or activities.

5. Seal the Deal with a Solid Contract

Once you've found "the one," protect yourself and your investment with a detailed contract.

Review Carefully: Ensure all services, fees, and timelines are clearly outlined.

Pay Attention to Cancellation Policies: Understand the terms and conditions for cancellations or postponements.

Get Everything in Writing: Avoid misunderstandings by having all agreements documented in the contract.

You have put so much work into planning your wedding.. It is essential that you pick an amazing DJ to be the soundtrack to your memory.

These are just a fraction of the things that I bring to the table as your DJ.

-Trey