There's one obvious reason to hire a great DJ for your wedding reception, but there are many not-so-obvious reasons, too. Yes, the DJ will play a lot of awesome music. And that's important, but it's actually not the most important service your DJ will provide. In addition to spinning great tunes, your professional DJ will act as a creative planner, an entertainer, a director, and as your Master-of-Ceremonies or MC.
What do these roles entail? Let's look more closely. PLANNER: your DJ will consult with you well in advance of your wedding day to help you create an original celebration. He or she will give you unique ideas to ensure that your day is like no other. ENTERTAINER: your DJ will help your guests have the time of their lives and will be a big reason why your guests are smiling so broadly in your wedding pictures. There are so many opportunities for fun before the dancing even starts! DIRECTOR: your DJ will keep your celebration moving at the right pace - not so quickly as to feel rushed, and never, ever boring. MC: your DJ will act as your spokesperson. Everything he or she says on and off the microphone will reflect back on you, your fiance, and your families. Your MC will always present his or herself as a polished professional.
What are the three keys to hiring the best DJ for your wedding? Contract, consultation, and confirmation. You should ask for a well-written contract that clearly states who will be performing at your wedding and offers you protection should problems arise. Be sure to request an in-person consultation with your DJ entertainer. This will help you get excited about the person who will play such important roles in your wedding celebration. If you aren't jazzed about what they offer, don't like the person, or especially if you don't trust them, do not make the hire! Finally, you should get visual confirmation that this is the DJ entertainer for you. The best ways to get confirmation are by attending an actual wedding worked by this entertainer (as an invited guest only, not as a DJ's party-crasher), or by viewing recent, uncut video footage from a wedding where this DJ has performed. This experience will tell you if your DJ is a good choice to hire, or to send packing! Remember, your wedding DJ is so much more than just music!
