DJ's - how to pick 'em? - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

BJC777SRL · #1 01-16-2007, 09:01 PM

I know ZERO about DJ's and DJ companies, I'm starting to get an idea on cost, but I don't know what to look for when I meet these people to tell if they're what I want...any tips? I'm DYING!

Sh@ks18 · #2 01-16-2007, 09:34 PM

I know this isnt going to be much help, but a good bet would be to ask around and see if anyone's heard of a good DJ. Maybe ask some married people to see who they used for their wedding?

I dont know if you've posted an intro (i havent been around for a few days) but just in case i missed it, welcome to pash

BJC777SRL · #3 01-16-2007, 09:40 PM

Yeah, I'm checking the cost on my cousin's DJ, but she's really flaky and I don't know if I'll get an answer as soon as I want it.

And Thanks for the welcome (Yeah I did post an intro in the Journals Thingie)

mluvsk · #4 01-16-2007, 09:44 PM

I would say you want to find a DJ who is going to do the entertaining, someone that is going to announce you as a couple and keep the dance floor going. I found a DJ that promises that you (the bride and groom) do not have to worry about trying to entertain, b/c you should be entertained--it's your wedding! And I liked that idea. And you obviously want someone who is going to play the kind of music you want. You also, might care about the attire of the DJ, do you want the DJ to wear a tux? Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. THose are some things to ask anyway. And, like the other girl said, ask around, personal opinion is probably the most important!

NovemberGal · #5 01-16-2007, 10:26 PM

The personality is important, so if possible, try to meet with the actual DJ you'll have at the wedding (some multi-DJ companies won't guarantee that you can meet YOUR DJ ahead of time--try to have a phone interview at least). Also, think about what level of interaction you want him/her to have. Do you want him low-key, mostly introducing you/any speeches/important events ("ladies and gentlemen, please gather while the couple cuts their cake"), or do you want a real emcee, sort of an act in an of himself? I'll post a link to what I found to be a useful little discussion of this, but I have a meeting to go to until after 9, so I'll have to do it when I get home.

Kelley · #6 01-17-2007, 12:54 AM

I agree with a lot of what the other girls are saying. When I was looking for a dj I was initially looking at their personality. If I liked their personality (like if it wasn't too cheesy) then I went on to look for what I was getting for the price.
Things that were really important to me were:
Is he going to play an active role in the time schedule and the coordination of the day.
Is there a light package or lights including in the price
What system does he use to play music (CD's, Computer, ipod)
Does he have a reliable back up system
Wireless mics for the officiant
How long has he been in the business for
Does he have referals or a book of letters from past clients.
Does he have a packet of questions for you to fill out (like what songs are your "must plays", or "never plays" and places for you to write your family members names and where they are sitting)
Do they have an assistant

Just remember that the DJ is the one that most of your guest are going to remember. They are the vendor that you use that has the most interaction with your guests. So make sure that you really like their personality and you are asking them a lot of questions.
I am paying $1100 for my DJ for five hours.
Let me know if you have any more questions. I interviewed six DJ's before I decided on mine.

Marge129 · #7 01-17-2007, 02:15 AM

A photographer I interviewed actually recommended the DJ I used. When I called to speak with him, he was amazingly nice. He openly explained EVERYTHING about his business to me.

I had the numbers of other DJ's and I didn't even bother to call them.... I was just too impressed by the first guy.

My point? Ask other vendors... especially photographers. They're at the receptions, too... they know who's good and who isn't.

BJC777SRL · #8 01-17-2007, 04:33 PM

Believe it or not In all the planning stress I didn't even *think* about that. That's a really good idea.

Also, I've talked to/e-mailed a few of these guys now, one which struck me as strange asked me what my budget for a DJ was, I told him $500-$700 for 4 hours with an average amount of interaction. He replied that he could do it for that price but I'd have to book him right away so he doesn't have to increase his prices? This seemed shady to me...smell bad to any of you?

Kelley · #9 01-17-2007, 07:18 PM

I would be leery of a DJ who tells you that. Have you gone to any bridal expos. They are a great place to meet DJ's because you can get an idea of what they are like without scheduling a formal meeting with them.
Good Luck!

NovemberGal · #10 01-17-2007, 07:38 PM

I would not use a DJ who tried to pressure you with "hard-sell" tactics.

Here's the link I was thinking about from the DJ we used: http://www.musicdj.com/faq.htm

They also have a "How to Hire a DJ" section that has some useful tips.

ETA: I second Margie's idea of asking other vendors. Our photographer also suggested a DJ, and warned us off another who had bombed at a wedding he'd worked.

labeadel · #11 01-17-2007, 07:53 PM

Our hotel where we had our wedding had "suggestions" for us and thankfully we found a guy we liked. I would check with your other vendors for suggestions.

BJC777SRL · #12 01-18-2007, 12:26 AM

Well I checked today with the DJ service my caterer recommended, and they're booked on my date

I'm trying to find a new venue now (Double

) So when I get that down I'll see if they can refer me

Sapphire · #13 01-18-2007, 12:33 AM

Not sure if someone else mentioned it, but some DJ's give discounts for off days. Like I'm having a Sunday wedding, and our dj knocked off 300 dollars b/c of it! He's normally around 800, so we're getting a good deal. Bridal shows also usually have DJs that are trying to market and might give discounts for being at the show. Other than that, maybe someone they work with. I know my photographer loves working with our dj and gave us a 100 dollar coupon toward it
=]

BJC777SRL · #14 01-23-2007, 04:21 PM

Well my date is very inflexible, it's 07/07/07, which happens to be a Saturday.

We have booked a DJ now though! He was very nice, confident in his work, said he can get any song we'd like, and said he'd keep contact mostly through e-mails, so he will have all our likes, dislikes, and all of it in writing when he starts making our itinerary. And he was taking lots of notes at the meeting as well, which made me feel like he was already investing time into my reception, before we even agreed we would go with him.

Cirig · #15 01-23-2007, 04:46 PM

I don't know where you live, but my DJ was $1400 for 6 hours...

BJC777SRL · #16 01-23-2007, 04:56 PM

Yikes! That's way out of my budget! LOL

I got mine for $600 for 4 hours.

ladedah · #17 01-23-2007, 06:26 PM

For future reference.....remember that all services like that...their price is negotiable....I was referred to a DJ by our caterer...and he wanted something like $850 for six hours (dinner music included)....I told him that his biggest competitor had quoted me a price of $500 for the same thing...he instantly dropped his price to $450!! Never tell a vendor your budget for something....ask what their going rate is and then tell them your budget is below that. Unless you want a specific person for specific reasons....DJ's are a dime a dozen!!!