Hiring the right DJ for your wedding is a critical component in planning a memorable wedding reception for everyone to enjoy. Music is standard for most wedding celebrations, and if you have decided to hire a DJ to bring the party, you need to do your research first.
It might not be the best idea to hire your kid cousin to bring his amateur equipment and try out his DJ skills at the reception. You should avoid taking blind recommendations (always check out demos and reviews before committing to hiring wedding entertainment or any entertainment service, for that matter). If you are newly engaged and planning an upcoming wedding, you will want to avoid these pitfalls when hiring a wedding DJ.
1. The Early Bird Gets the Worm: Waiting Too Long to Book a DJ
Wedding season typically falls during the nicest times of the year (most folks do not want to risk winter weather and travel issues for guests coming in from out-of-state or country). Weekend days are also quite popular (less time off from the regular 9 to 5 is needed). Destination weddings aside (those have their own set of considerations), it is essential to get on top of your wedding planning ahead of the big date. Most people start planning a year ahead of the big day.
From booking your chosen venue to locking down a caterer to hiring the wedding DJ of your choice, these plans need to be made in advance, and most professional wedding planners would tell you to get on top of things sooner rather than later. Top-tier entertainment books up in advance. So, if you want to land your first choice of wedding DJ, you need to inquire about booking well ahead of your wedding date.
2. Hiring a DJ Without Verifying Their Reputation
The internet is a magical place filled with information, and one of the best things for any consumer seeking goods or services is aggregate review websites. People are vocal online; they are incredibly vocal when they have exceptional things to say, and the same is true when they have complaints and grievances.
Consulting Google Reviews and Yelp can help you identify green and red flags when it comes to the DJs you are considering hiring. For example, you may have added a DJ to your shortlist because they were hyper-local, cheaply priced, and had a decent demo online, but you see that customers online have posted reviews commenting on the DJ’s unprofessionalism with guests. Knowing this would likely deter you from hiring them. Seeing what others say before you commit is a smart bet to ensure that you are making the proper wedding entertainment choice.
3. Not Securing a Formal Contract with Clearly Outlined Expectations
When you hire a wedding DJ, you are entering a contract. For this reason, it is important to make sure that you cover your bases when it comes to outlining your expectations for services. If you do not clarify your expectations, you may not get what you are expecting. A formal contract is a smart move.
It is essential to draft a clear contract. Do you expect the DJ to perform between 7 p.m. and midnight? This should be included in a statement of work. Outlining specifics will leave little room for misinterpretation. Contracts also protect the DJ you hire as they can specify terms such as cancellation fees and set breaks.
4. Trying to Control Every Song Played
While it’s essential to communicate your music preferences, one common mistake couples make is trying to control every detail of the DJ’s playlist. It’s important to work with a DJ whose vibe and style align with your own, giving them a list of must-play songs and favorite artists to capture your taste. However, a great DJ brings so much more than just the right songs—they bring the ability to read the room, keep the energy high, and ensure the dance floor is packed all night.
Trusting your DJ to adapt to the crowd’s energy, mix in your requests, and gauge what will keep your guests dancing is key to a successful reception. Rather than micromanaging each song, lean on your DJ’s expertise as a party professional to create an unforgettable atmosphere that everyone will enjoy.
Are you interested in hiring a DJ for your upcoming wedding reception in New York or New Jersey? Spinner Entertainment offers local, top-rated wedding entertainment services—including wedding DJs and hybrid wedding entertainment. Visit our website to learn more.
