Choosing a DJ for a wedding reception

Choosing the right deejay for a wedding reception might not seem as important as, say, choosing the right photographer. The photographer is going to capture once in a lifetime moments that can never be repeated, so he or she must be competent, sensible and talented. Whereas your cousin’s boyfriend’s nephew can spin records, right?

You might be surprised! You don’t need the best deejay on the planet, but a bad one – or one that gets drunk and makes wisecracks – can create a memory you’ll wish everyone could forget.

Recommendations

The best way to find someone who is reliable and competent, and who has enough personality to make the reception fun, is by asking friends and family for recommendations. Even if you attended a reception at which you thought a deejay did a great job, it’s best to ask the people who paid him what they thought. Maybe he or she demanded extra payment at the last minute or in some way behaved unethically. By asking about potential deejays for your reception, you can learn through other people’s experience.

Interviews

Make some phone calls to narrow down your prospective deejays, then interview them in person. Let them know when the reception will be and what sort of music you want. Does the person seem alert and organized? Does he or she respond to your requests and suggestions, or sound like he’s trying to steer you in a direction that’s easier for him?

Working with your deejay

Once you’ve selected your deejay, give him or her ample notice so he or she can begin preparing. The deejay will need to know what type of music you like and any special song requests you have, particularly if some of the songs are intended to be paired with certain dances.

Also let the deejay know how conservative your crowd is. This will affect what he can say in between songs without offending people. If many of your guests are tea-totallers who consider “Oh, God” to be cursing, this will call for a different approach than if most of your guests are likely to be drunk by the third song and requesting Whitesnake. It may also affect song choices in some cases. Don’t assume the deejay somehow knows what sort of crowd your guests will be.

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