How To Choose A DJ For Your Wedding

Jan 8

How to choose your wedding DJ

Choosing the right DJ for your wedding is more than just a task; it's a journey into the heart of what makes your celebration unique. A DJ doesn't just play music; they set the tone, pace, and atmosphere for one of the most significant days of your life. In this article, we’ll navigate through the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect DJ for your wedding.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Your Needs: Start by envisioning the desired atmosphere of your wedding to guide your DJ selection process.

Research and Referrals: Utilize online presence, reviews, and referrals to shortlist DJs who align with your vision.

Communication and Planning: Ensure open communication with your DJ and look for those who provide planning tools or platforms for a personalized experience.

Versatility in Music: A good DJ can adapt their playlist to match the energy of the room and cater to diverse musical tastes.

Unique DJ Traits: The best DJs offer something unique, such as custom lighting designs or specialization in certain music genres, and stay updated with current music trends.

DJ Pricing: Costs vary based on location, experience, and services offered, with quality DJs justifying their price through their contribution to the event's success.

How Do I Choose the Right DJ?

When it comes to choosing the right DJ for your wedding, understanding your specific needs is crucial. Begin by envisioning the atmosphere and vibe you want to create. Do you imagine a high-energy dance floor, or a more relaxed, romantic ambiance? Once you have a clear idea, start researching DJs who specialize in creating that atmosphere.

Shortlisting DJs can seem overwhelming, but there are key steps you can follow.

Looking at their online presence and reviews.
Do they have a professional website?
Do they have an active social media presence that is both professional and positive?
Don’t forget to ask for referrals from friends or family who have had weddings recently.

Client reviews and testimonials are invaluable. They provide real-life insights into a DJ’s performance, reliability, and ability to engage the crowd. Look for reviews that speak about the DJ’s ability to cater to the couple’s preferences, their professionalism, the planning process and how they handled the dynamics of the wedding.

What Should I Look for in a Good DJ?

A good DJ is characterized by their professionalism, experience, and versatility. Professionalism is seen not just in their performance but in every interaction you have with them. They should be responsive, respectful, and clear in their communications.

Experience is another key factor. An experienced DJ has not just years under their belt, but a deep understanding of how to manage the flow of a wedding reception. They know how to handle unexpected situations and make seamless transitions between different segments of the event.

You should absolutely be in communication with your DJ. If you do not have the opportunity to speak with the DJ who will be there on your wedding day, that is a red flag. You may not need to be in constant contact with your wedding DJ all the way through the planning process, but do establish that your DJ has a process for how they wil;l communicate and work with you.

An excellent wedding DJ will have some sort of platform to assist in planning, this may be app based (my personal favorite), through a client portal or at minimum a basic planning form. You should have some homework to do. If a DJ is not asking you to fill out any information about your wedding day that should raise some concern. However, this isn’t always a red flag, just ensure that your DJ will and is providing you documentation that outlines every detail you've discussed about your wedding.

Versatility is crucial. A good DJ can read the room and adapt their playlist to keep the energy right. They should be open to your suggestions and have a vast library of music to cater to diverse tastes.

What Makes a Good Wedding DJ?

A good wedding DJ goes beyond just playing music; they create an experience. They understand the unique dynamics of weddings and can balance the needs of a diverse guest list. A good wedding DJ collaborates with the couple to understand their vision and preferences. They should offer custom playlist options and be willing to find and play specific songs that are meaningful to you.

The best and most in demand wedding DJs I know all have something that makes them unique that they are passionate about. In my case it's providing a unique and custom light design that compliments the space and music. Some of these DJs specialize in EDM weddings, live mashups, spiritual connection with their clients to name just a few.

A good wedding DJ also stays fresh! This means not only in music and performance but also in education. The best wedding DJs in the world attend DJ conferences, invest in education and mentorship, and are active members of the events industry community.

On the music end the best wedding DJs are staying up to date on current and trending music. This music may not be right for your wedding but it may be next year, or in two years. If the DJ has been consistently doing this, then they have done it for you as well! They will know how to play more than the typical wedding music, they’ll know the bangers from your college or high school years and how to incorporate them throughout the night. These DJs regularly practice their craft (you’d be surprised how many don’t), and may even regularly play in bars and clubs to stay current.

What Is the Average Price for a Good DJ?

The price for a quality DJ can vary widely based on location, experience, and the services they offer. For your average wedding DJ in Boston, couples can expect to spend anywhere from $1,800 to $3,500. This cost generally includes the DJ's time, equipment, and other services like lighting and a custom playlist. Other areas vary, more rural areas may be less expensive, while the major cities and coasts will be more; but this is also where the best DJ talent is often found.

Factors contributing to the cost include the DJ's experience level, the length of the event, and additional services like special lighting or sound equipment. While it might be tempting to choose a less expensive option, remember that a DJ plays a critical role in the success of your event. Your DJ can make or break your wedding, why chance it? Investing in a good DJ ensures that your wedding has the professional touch it deserves.

Why Are Wedding DJs So Expensive?

Understanding the value of a wedding DJ requires a look behind the scenes. A significant portion of their fee goes into the preparation and execution of your event. This includes time spent planning, preparing your custom playlist, setting up and testing their equipment, and performing at the event. The best wedding DJs will likely spend 30-60 hours planning, preparing and playing your wedding. Doing it right is a full time job and then some.

Additionally, professional DJs invest in high-quality equipment and music curation. They also have operational costs like transport, insurance (yes your DJ SHOULD be insured), and maintenance of their equipment. All these factors contribute to the cost, making it a reflection of their expertise and the quality of service they offer.

DJ equipment should never be the selling point, but the quality of a DJs equipment speaks to how they view you, your event and it’s overall outcome. Good tools are part of the equation when it comes to creating.

Is a Wedding DJ Better Than a Band?

Choosing between a DJ and a band depends on your personal preference and the style of your wedding. DJs offer more versatility in music selection and can quickly adapt to the mood of your guests. They require less space and can provide a continuous flow of music throughout the event.

Bands, on the other hand, can offer a live performance experience that’s energetic and engaging. However, they may have a more limited repertoire and require breaks, during which you might need additional music anyway.

Some DJs and bands may offer hybrid experiences, though my personal favorite is having a band for the reception, and then hosting an afterparty with a DJ! This allows the best of both worlds and can create another experience for you and your wedding guests.

Conclusion

Selecting the right DJ for your wedding is a crucial decision. A DJ sets the mood and tone for your celebration and can turn a good party into an unforgettable event. By considering the factors discussed - from understanding your own needs, looking at their experience and professionalism, to evaluating their versatility and cost - you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for your wedding.

Remember, the right DJ will not only play music but will also narrate the story of your celebration through their playlist, keeping your guests engaged and entertained throughout the event.

Ready to find the perfect DJ for your wedding? I invite you to explore my services, where professionalism meets personalization and creativity. Learn more about our weddings here, or contact me for a discovery call. Don’t forget to check out client reviews to see how we’ve turned wedding dreams into reality!

Brian Smith

Brian Smith is a Boston based DJ and lighting designer. Though he calls New England home, he is available for weddings and private events worldwide. Learn more about Brian here.