Selecting a Disc Jockey
Kay Gerfers
Your handsome new husband sits beside you at the head table as candles flicker in the elegantly appointed room. Colorful flowers embellish the white draped tables and attentive waiters serve gourmet food. But what do you hear? Talking and laughing. Silver clinking against china. Tea splashing into a glass. But there is no music; it is the sound of silence.
Wake up. It’s only a nightmare—and music can quell that nightmare. The advantages of a choosing a disc jockey, or DJ, to serve up that music are the unlimited options at his or her fingertips. DJs can choose from a wide range of original music. Brides are also choosing DJs for ceremony music, because some organists don’t know Butterfly Kisses or the theme from The Notebook.
Disc jockeys are appropriate for all types and sizes of receptions, from large groups of three hundred to intimate groups of seventy-five. Most companies will offer packages based on length of time and location. Prices typically range from $400 to $1000. There are additional charges for overtime and special equipment. Remember that going “cheap” on your entertainment is not necessarily a good idea.
“It makes no difference what the details are,” explains Ernest Calderone of Masquerade DJ, “when the guests leave, all they will remember is if they had a good time.”
Now that you’ve decided to perk up your nightmare reception with a DJ, don’t stop there, thinking you’ll choose this vendor later. With thousands of weddings in San Antonio each year, there’s stiff competition for the best vendors—and DJs are no exception. The longer you wait the lower your chances of hiring that perfect master of ceremonies for your event. As soon as you book your reception venue, start looking for a DJ.
Start by asking for referrals. Remember, however, that a DJ for a 12-year-old’s birthday party isn’t the same as a DJ for the most important event of your life. You want a professional who specializes in weddings. Ask the director of your reception facility. Philip Chancellor of 5150 Productions suggests asking your photographer, also. These vendors see all kinds of DJs at work and can tell you which ones are the best. DJs recommended by your reception venue will be familiar with the particular needs of the location.
Find out how long the company has been in business. Newlywed Barbara Hoeben has this advice, “Talk to people who have used the services of DJs you’re considering. Get referrals from the DJ and follow up.”
If you want to see a DJ in action, Amy Beavers at Ultimate Entertainment suggests a meeting first to get your questions answered. When you preview a DJ at an event, he can’t talk to you because he’s working. Try to go to an event held in your hall with about the same number of guests. Resist judging the type of music played. It’s the DJ’s job to play what the couple requests and that may differ from what you want for your party.
You should also consider the equipment used by the DJ. Does he use a computer or CDs? There are advantages and disadvantages to each. A computer, or laptop, can store thousands of songs that are instantly available. Calderon stores 60,000 songs on a 300 gig hard drive. DJs who use CDs feel more involved in the event because they handle and mix the music, relying on memory rather than a computer.
As Beavers says, “Success is keeping the dance floor full.” If the music stops, the nightmare becomes reality. Ask your DJ about back-up equipment. He should bring enough extra equipment that if something does fail, it can be fixed quickly. Verify that there is provision in the contract in case the music does stop. Besides back-up equipment, find out what happens if the DJ gets ill or falls prey to an accident. This contingency should also be spelled out in the contract.
Chances are your DJ and his set up will appear in the background of reception photographs. Does his equipment present well? Details like taping down and corralling cords, and using a booth instead of a table reveal a professional who cares about appearance as well as safety. The DJ will be front and center throughout your event, and he should look good. Let him know how you expect him to dress. A good DJ will have a neat appearance and work with good equipment that is attractively arranged.
Many DJs also offer specialty equipment. Intelligent lighting incorporates shapes like hearts and stars that will shine on the dance floor, enhancing the romantic atmosphere of your reception. There are machines that blow bubbles and machines that manufacture fog. Some DJs supply cordless microphones so toast-makers can do their honors from anywhere in the room. Find out what is available. There may be an extra charge, but it could be just the right touch to make your party even more memorable.
Once you narrow down your choices, keep in mind that your DJ will be more than a record spinner. Whether or not you have a wedding coordinator, the DJ will set the atmosphere for your party. Chancellor believes, “Brides should be asking for quality.”
Most companies take the booking and then assign a DJ. Ask that your particular disc jockey be assigned in advance and get it in writing. Then interview him. It is important that you like the person who will be your DJ and not just the person representing the company. At her wedding reception in December 2004, Hoeben realized that the DJ was not who she thought it would be. She was anxious about it at first (sounds like the start of a nightmare). It worked out in the end, but you may not be so fortunate.
When you interview your disc jockey, you can determine if he will cater to you and your fiancé, or if your event is just another job. The DJ should be professional, courteous and thoughtful. As American DJs’ Mark Orme puts it, “It is a privilege to be at their wedding. It is about the bride and groom first and foremost.”
The DJ should use your names when making announcements and not simply “the bride and groom.” He should also honor your guests by pronouncing their names correctly. You can help by spelling names phonetically on the announcement list.
Are your dreams getting better? Good. Now it’s time to choose the music. Your DJ will provide you with a list of music selections to choose. At least thirty days in advance, let your DJ know any songs you want played for special events such as your first dance or father-daughter dance. This gives ample time to purchase music that the company doesn’t have in stock.
During the course of the evening, other events on the schedule—cutting of the cake, the bouquet and garter toss—will take time from dancing. Some of the pieces you pick may not be played. To avoid being disappointed, pick twenty songs you love and twenty songs you hate. “Success,” says Orme, “is knowing I have done everything possible to play the music they wanted.”
Your wedding is probably the first time your two families have been together—and it may be the only time they will be together. The ages of your guests will range from ninety to nine. For a successful party, at some time during the night, the music must appeal to each of these different tastes. You will be focusing only on each other. Your DJ will be focusing on the crowd. Give him leeway to play the music that let everyone have a good time. “Look for someone who knows what they’re doing,” says just-married Norah Gonzales, “and listen to them.”
A week or so before your wedding you should meet again to finalize the schedule, go over the music list, and verify the DJ has the correct pronunciation of names. A good DJ will help you think of items you missed. Share the names and phone numbers of your wedding coordinator, photographer, and reception facility director or caterer. Fronted by a good disc jockey, this team of professionals will make your party a hit.
Your handsome new husband sits beside you at the head table as candles flicker. Now what do you hear? Your disc jockey fills the air with the sound of music.
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