You’re planning your wedding, and you’ve finally gotten to the point where you need to decide on entertainment for the big day. You’ve already chosen a DJ instead of a band, but you aren’t sure what to look for or what makes a great wedding DJ.
A great wedding DJ is flexible and communicates clearly with the bride and groom. They have an approachable personality and a track record that shows their experience. A DJ is more than the music they play; they also need to be comfortable interacting with your guests.
Since a DJ sets the tone for your celebration, don’t settle for someone who delivers less than the vision you have in mind. A DJ can make or break the experience you and your guests have, so it’s worth thinking through what you want before deciding on the right one. Keep reading for the qualities that matter most in a great wedding DJ.
The Price is Right — Set a Budget
Before you start falling in love with a DJ who will make all of your wedding dreams come true, decide on a budget. A great wedding DJ fits within your budget and doesn’t leave you stressed about the cost.
Find a DJ who is open about pricing and doesn’t tack on hidden costs throughout the process. Be realistic about what works for you. For a less expensive event, a part-time DJ with slightly less experience might be the better choice than a full-time industry leader with all the bells and whistles.
A good wedding DJ will also match their pricing to their experience. Someone whose entire career centers on DJing weddings will rightly charge more than a part-time newcomer. Just make sure the DJ at your price point isn’t charging more than they’re worth.
Experience and Reviews
Once you have your budget squared away, find a DJ who offers the right amount of experience and can back it up with client reviews. A good modern DJ can show you videos of previous gigs and give you examples of what they can provide at your event.
You should be able to see them in action and view playlists they’ve used at weddings before.
Ask your DJ about previous weddings they’ve done and their qualifications.
Some questions to ask about their experience:
- How long have they been DJing?
- How many weddings have they done?
- Do they DJ weddings full-time, or is this a side gig?
- How have they managed the unexpected bumps that come up at events?
- How did they help the guests enjoy themselves while keeping the event moving along?
- How did they learn their trade, and how much training have they received? Have they worked for other companies?
- Ask them why they like to DJ weddings.
If you choose to invest a significant amount in your DJ, make sure they have enough experience to back it up. Great wedding DJs match their experience to your budget and support it with client reviews.
Communication — Written and Verbal
You’ve heard from well-meaning relatives that it takes good communication to make a marriage successful. It’s the same for your wedding DJ. A great wedding DJ openly communicates with you about what to expect and what your options are. They should know the ins and outs of wedding entertainment and be comfortable talking through the details.
Beyond the planning stages, a great DJ also communicates well with you and your guests during the event. Through the music they play and the words they speak, they set the vibe you want for your wedding and keep everyone happy and entertained.
Get it in writing — a professional wedding DJ will have you sign a contract.
Personality
Along with communication comes personality. You don’t want a punk-rock-style DJ for a classical wedding vibe. Find a great DJ who can match your wedding style — both bride and groom — with their personality and sense of style. Their work is their art, and like any art, what they provide is subjective to your taste.
A good DJ enhances your experience and isn’t worried about advertising or promoting their own image. Your wedding reception is not about them: your DJ should be invested in shining the spotlight on you and your partner while letting their personality come through in their work.
Interactive or Laid Back
Decide with your DJ ahead of time what their setup will look like and the kind of presence you’d like them to have. Do you want them to be more interactive with your guests or more laid back? Front and center on the dance floor, or off to the side? You get to decide these things, and a great DJ will be willing to work with you.
Flexibility
Like any major event, your wedding reception will have many moving parts. A great DJ is flexible and willing to adjust to the needs of your day.
They should welcome your playlist suggestions, especially request songs for moments like:
- The first dance
- Parent dances
- Cutting the cake
Make sure to talk to your DJ about what options they offer if the day doesn’t go as planned. Are they willing to work around a new schedule or relocate to a new venue for weather or other reasons?
A great DJ will have a plan in place for the mix-ups that can happen on any wedding day.
Location
A big factor in a great DJ is their ability to actually be at your wedding. Before you book, make sure they’re available to travel to your location and flexible enough to move if something comes up. Understand their travel limits and any associated costs, and review those ahead of time.
A great DJ can set up at various locations, giving you the flexibility to choose the venue you want. Whether you’re planning an outdoor or indoor wedding, ask what kind of tech and hookups they’ll need so you can prepare. The DJ should be able to provide almost everything needed for the night, regardless of location.
Availability
Finally, availability is critical. The earlier you can find your DJ, the better, because the great ones tend to be booked months — if not a year — in advance. When you book, find one who guarantees your date with a contract and gives you confidence they’ll be there.
Check the reviews other clients have left to make sure none of them mention double-booking issues or a DJ failing to honor the agreed date and time. A great DJ guarantees you won’t be left scrambling on your wedding day because of their poor planning.
Conclusion — What Makes a Great Wedding DJ
When you’ve decided you want a DJ for your wedding reception, it can be overwhelming to sift through all the options. To find a great wedding DJ, consider:
- Price
- Experience
- Reviews
- Communication
- Personality
You also need to factor in their availability and flexibility in scheduling.
If you stick to your wedding vibe and find a DJ who fits all of these factors, it’s hard to go wrong. Check their client referrals and trust your gut. You’ll find a great wedding DJ who will create great memories for you and your guests.
Once you’ve found a few candidates, our list of questions to ask a wedding DJ can help you compare them.
Looking for more? Check out our blog, or jump straight to these popular guides:
- Questions to Ask a Wedding DJ
- How Important Is a DJ at a Wedding?
- How Do I Pick Songs for My Wedding?
- How Many Songs Do You Need for a Wedding?
- What is a First Dance at a Wedding?
More from Mobile DJ Basics
- Best New Wedding Songs | Absolutely Should Be In Your Playlist
- What Does DJ Stand For? A Useful Tutorial About 5 DJ Types
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