You are so excited that you are getting married! You want your guests to remember this day for years to come. The DJ and the music will be important parts of these memories. So, to ensure things run smoothly, here are 5 questions to ask yourself before hiring a DJ for your wedding.

What type of reception do I want?

Every bride has a vision of what they want for their wedding and reception. Before you consider booking a DJ for your wedding, you should determine if you want a more casual “garden party” atmosphere or a “party to remember”.

Music plays an important role in every setting. With your “garden party”, a live string quartet, a band, or a DJ playing your favorite songs in the background may be perfect. For your “party to remember”, you will want someone who knows exactly what the guests want.  You want to give your guests the celebration they will remember for years to come.

Do I want reception music?

While planning your wedding reception, you may decide that you don’t want any music. Or, you may want to try using a playlist of your own for background music. 

Remember: if you’re getting married in the Smoky Mountains, you probably won’t have access to a reliable internet source for players like Spotify or Pandora. 

Most professional DJs have all of their music legally purchased and physically with them, so the party can go on.

Do I want a live band or DJ for my wedding?

A band is great! However, they are not necessarily trained to be “masters of a ceremony” to help your event flow. Also, bands typically take breaks, which may lead to awkward silence if you don’t ask them to play something in-between.

But, if you don’t care about any of that, a band may be perfect for you. On the other hand, a professional DJ is trained in “reading the room” and will help deliver the vision you have for your reception.

Is price a huge factor when hiring a wedding DJ?

Price can be important; but, you do get what you pay for.

Costs may not be an issue for casual settings. However, if you still want that “party to remember”, quality matters.

Now, we’re not saying that the most expensive DJ will always be better than the “cheap” one. Still, it is less likely that this will be the case. Make sure you set a realistic budget. The average cost of a good DJ in the United States for four hours is about $1,100.

Does professionalism matter?

Not all DJs are professional, so you need to do your research. We have all heard horror stories about “DJs” attending weddings inappropriately dressed, not blending the music, or failing to announce important activities to the guests.

One way to avoid this risk is to ask friends and family if they know trustworthy wedding DJs. Additionally, look at reviews or check with vendors and venues for referrals.

Find the Perfect Wedding DJ for You

We know there are so many things to think about when planning your wedding. Sometimes little details like your DJ can get swept under the rug and forgotten about. Making the best choice for your ceremony depends on your own personal preferences and ideas for your ceremony. Use these 5 questions as a base for finding your ideal wedding DJ!