As a wedding photographer I know just how much work goes into planning the ceremony, but then you also have to plan a reception! That means choosing the right food, drinks, location, and entertainment. While it may seem terribly important to pick exactly the right flowers, what’s really important is that you pick the right people for the entertainment. One of the most important of these people is the DJ / Band. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind during this process .
1: Meet your DJ. No matter how well respected a DJ company is, his reputation does not guarantee success. Be sure to meet before your wedding! If you use a large company, be certain to meet with the actual DJ who will be entertaining your guests, not just the boss. No matter who you hire, be certain that the personality of the DJ is compatible with yours.
2: Consultations: Be sure that your DJ provides consultations. Get involved in the planning of the reception to whatever degree you feel comfortable. Don’t allow a DJ to bully you simply because he/she is a “professional.” Consultations should be free of charge. If a company is going to require a fee for consultations, you may end up spending much more than you originally planned.
Rule 3: Check out their music: A common mistake people make is to assume that because a DJ is affiliated with a radio station, the music they bring to a show includes all/only the music played on that station. If you love blues music, be certain that your DJ owns blues music, and if you have a passion for the newest top 40 hits, make sure that your DJ updates his/her library frequently. A DJ also should be willing to accommodate all special song requests if given advance notice.
Rule 4: What if? If you are an optimist then you can skip this section. But if you are like most of us, you’re probably nervous that everything won’t be perfect. This is normal, and why it is important to discuss such matters beforehand. Spend a few moments dreaming up worst case scenarios, and then present them to your DJ. An experienced DJ has probably already smoothed over most of your biggest fears. Also be sure that they have backup equipment in case of spontaneous combustion. You never know…
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