Avoid These 4 Mistakes When Hiring a Wedding DJ

When planning a wedding, there are many details that need to be taken care of ahead of time. One important detail that should be considered is hiring a wedding DJ for the reception. Hiring a professional wedding DJ can make or break your special day, and booking one as soon as possible is important to ensure that you get the perfect person for the job.

Skilled DJs are a rare commodity, and waiting too long will severely limit your choices the closer you get to your wedding day. While you do not need to rush to book a DJ, you want to begin your search sooner rather than later to see which DJs will be available on your big day. Through this, you will have time to think about your choice and won’t be scrambling to find one at the last minute. 

Adagio Djay is committed to helping your search go as smoothly as possible and ensuring that expectations are met so that there are no unwelcome surprises on the wedding day. 

Not Writing a Contract

When hiring a wedding DJ, it is essential to write an official contract that clearly outlines the terms of the agreement for both parties. Writing a contract is important because it ensures that both the DJ and the couple know exactly what is expected from each party.

The document should include details such as the time, date, and hours of their performance, any additional services provided by the DJ such as sound equipment rental or music selection, payment and cancellation policies, agreed-upon dress code, and any other expectations held by either side.

With this written agreement in place, couples can relax, knowing that they will not be met with surprises or unanticipated costs on their big day. A contract also ensures that you are covered financially or even compensated if your DJ cannot appear as scheduled on the wedding day.

Having that contract in place means there is weight to the agreement between you. You will not have to experience a capricious last-minute cancellation. It would be best if you also researched what DJs will ask for in their contract so you can also be familiar with their expectations.

Neglecting To Ask About Their Music Library Selection

DJs generally have a set library of songs that they play since playing copyrighted music requires that royalties be paid to the artists, which is considered a business expense. As such, different DJs may have different music selections and may not have access to certain popular songs if they do not agree with the artist in question. Therefore, asking about their available library and any particular songs you would like them to play during your wedding is essential.

Additionally, asking about their library selection allows couples to communicate what songs and musical styles are off-limits to avoid potentially embarrassing moments. If you have specific requests for songs or genres, make sure you let them know ahead of time so they can budget time into their set list accordingly. 

At Adagio Djay, we are committed to keeping our music selection fresh and on top of the current trends. Knowing what musical selections are available beforehand is essential for making sure expectations are met so everyone has an enjoyable time at your reception.

Not Doing Your Research

The first step in doing your research is figuring out your requirements and asking your wedding party the right questions. There are many responsibilities that most DJs will assume, but they may differ in how they go about them. 

Do you want your DJ to provide entertainment for the entire event or just the reception? Do you want them to be interactive with guests? What kind of sound equipment do they use? Do you want someone more laid-back who lets guests dance at their leisure, or do you want someone that will really “fill the floor?”

These considerations will help narrow your search and get you closer to finding the right person for your wedding. Once you’ve narrowed down your selections, it’s time to reach out directly to a DJ company and ask more detailed questions about their services. 

Make sure that you communicate your requirements about what your DJ must be like and what you expect from them (i.e., specific songs or genres that are off-limits), as well as any special requests like having a microphone available for speeches during the reception.

Also, make sure that they are familiar with local regulations regarding loud music at outdoor receptions or other venues if needed. You can also get a great feel for how DJs will perform on your wedding day by reviewing videos of their past performances.

Communication With The DJ is a Must

Communicating with your potential DJ will allow you to better understand their personality and style, as well as allow you to ask any questions that may have come up during your research process. Communicating with your DJ personally or via phone consultation to go over all ceremony and reception information allows both parties to discuss expectations and understand each other’s needs more clearly. You and the DJ are both busy individuals, so it doesn’t have to be a face-to-face meeting. Even just a simple talk over FaceTime, Zoom or a phone call can be enough.

When interviewing them, be sure to ask them how they might handle things that go wrong during the performance, such as equipment malfunctions, so you can get a handle on how they perform under pressure. Communicating with your DJ and letting them know your requirements and preferences early will allow them to best prepare for the event.

Seek Help in Hiring a Wedding DJ

Hiring a wedding DJ is more challenging than it sounds. At Adagio, we recognize that each couple has different needs and unique wants for their special day. That’s why we offer a range of packages- so you don’t have to worry about getting options you don’t want (or having to pay for them!). Our team of advisors will help you choose the package that best suits your needs- no pushy sales tactics or unnecessary add-ons, just honest advice and assistance. We want you to be thrilled with your soundtrack from the night without worrying about things you didn’t even want!

Finding the right DJ for your wedding is a big decision, and it’s important to do your research before settling on someone. Be careful about this choice, as a good DJ can make or break the experience, and there are no re-dos if something goes wrong. Do you have any questions about how Adagio Djay can make your big day a success? Please feel free to reach out and ask how we can help.