For most people, planning a wedding is a once in a lifetime experience. Even for those who are getting it right the second time around, it’s still pretty unusual to feel like an expert when it comes to choosing your wedding vendors. How do you know a good vendor from a not-so-good one? Sure, they’ve got testimonials on their site, but can I trust them? It can be pretty daunting to make a deposit after a short consultation, so it is important to know what to look for and what questions to ask when meeting with the people who are going to be making one of the most important days of your life a reality.
And what about picking a wedding DJ? Unlike a dressmaker or a florist, your DJ is someone who will actually be present at your wedding, so it’s especially important to find a person who you trust. Not to mention the reality that you can’t exactly drive all over Knoxville, crashing strangers’ weddings just to see a DJ in action – and if you’ve never seen a potential DJ working their magic at a real-life wedding, it can be hard to make an informed decision about who to choose to be a part of your big day.
Not to worry, though. We’ve compiled a list of what you absolutely need to know about hiring a DJ who is going to make your reception one to remember – in a good way.
Helpful Hints for Hiring the Perfect DJ
- Meet your DJ face-to-face. Your DJ is a person. When giving someone control of the music for your wedding night, you need to at least like them! Make sure you feel comfortable with your DJ – they don’t have to be your new best friend, but it is important that their personality fits yours, as well as the ‘vibe’ that you’d like to see at your reception.
- Make sure the DJ you meet is the one that will be at your event. Many large DJ companies will have a salesperson or more experienced DJ meet with you at your initial consultation, but send you whoever is available on the day of your wedding. Needless to say, you don’t want to meet your DJ for the first time when he or she is announcing your first dance.
- Have a look at their contract. If a DJ doesn’t have a contract, walk away! Run, even. Without a contract, you may not get what you thought you agreed upon in person. A DJ who is not willing to give you a contract is simply unprofessional and not to be trusted.
- Make sure they have insurance. Insurance is an absolute must-have. Enough said.
- Do your homework. The DJs you meet at bridal shows have paid a fee to be showcased, and to get your contact details. They may not be reputable or experienced, or may have given some pretty appalling customer service in the past. Seek out some reviews or references – and not just the ones on their own website!
- Ask around. You might find a good DJ at a bridal show. You’ll find a great DJ through people who have had an unforgettable night on the dance floor at another wedding in Knoxville. Great DJs get their business from past events where they have left an unforgettable impression, where people can’t help but tell others about the killer time they had on the dance floor.
- Make sure they can back their claims. For example, every DJ in Tennessee says that they’re the best Master of Ceremonies out there. What does that even mean? Some use pre-recorded introductions, some put on their loudest ‘sports announcer’ voice – do you really want to be introduced into your reception in the ‘let’s get ready to rumble!’