Author: justmusicent

11 Questions to Ask a DJ (Some I don’t Agree with)

Posted on by justmusicent in Uncategorized

Kim Forrest from Wedding Wire listed 11 questions that you should ask a DJ before booking.  All are very comprehensive in-dept questions that are clearly designed to give the couple all of the information that they need to make the right decision on Entertainment.  As a DJ some make more sense than others.

1.  How would you describe your style?

Crowd engagement/interaction.  High-energy or Laid-Back?  A professional can calm down, but its can be tough for a low-key individual to be more energetic.

2.  Can you show us your music library or song list?

I don’t personally agree with this one.  I sounds a lot like asking for a “Sample Playlist”.  Most DJs can get any song you would need.  The next question is much more important

3.  How do you work with couples to come up with a playlist?

A professional will know how to engage you to build a playlist that both you and your guest will enjoy.  “Must plays” are important, but the “Do NOT plays” are vital.  Allow guest request?

4.  What are some of you favorite first dance songs?

 Don’t really agree with this one either.  A DJ may have song preferences, but a professional can and will play anything.  This especially true for a Wedding DJ.

5.  Have you worked at my reception venue in the past?

This is definitely a plus, but it is not a show-stopper.  A walkthrough will allow the DJ to become familiar with the layout.  

6.  What type of equipment do you use?

You are certainly free to ask this one, but the answer can quickly turn technical.  You mainly want to know how much space the DJ will require for his equipment.  

7.  What does setup and breakdown entail?

Again the answer can quickly become very technical.  You really want to know how much time the setup/breakdown will require.  The DJ will need advanced access to the venue (at least 2 hr) for the setup and late access for breakdown (at least 1 hr).

8.  Do you have a demo or a recording of a wedding you’ve done in the past that I can see?

This is usually on the DJ’s website.  Audio is good, but video is better.

9.  How many breaks do you require, and for how long?

This one is really only applicable for a band.  A DJ can keep music going non-stop whether he/she is mixing or not.  Some DJ actively mix the cocktail hour or the dinner, but it is not as relevant as the free dance.  That’s when the music becomes a more important part of the night.

10.  Do you work with an assistant or second DJ?

This is getting much more into the logistics of the evening.  It can be an important question for a DJ if you are providing a meal for the DJ/crew.  If the performance time is longer than 5 hours consider it.

11. Do you offer any other services?

Most mobile/wedding entertainment companies, will at the least provide lighting.  Photo Booths, Video screens and projectors begin to get into the premium companies.   By combining those additional services with the music you can create a much more complete atmosphere.

Why “Sample Playlist” are no good?

Posted on by justmusicent in Blog Post, Wedding DJ, Wedding Information

There are no shortage of details that a couple must contend with in planning for their wedding.  Brides often have a very detailed vision for the ceremony at least, and many have envisioned the reception as well.  As the ceremony already has a number foundational requirements spiritual, cultural, and legal.  The reception is a completely different story.  It is true that the reception is a celebration of the newly weds, but despite its purpose.  A reception is at its core a party, and the main point of a party is to have fun.  This being said the entertainment becomes a lot more important. 

As couples are interviewing DJs many of them as the same questions.  One that is often asked of me, but unfortunately is not at all effective is “Do you have a sample playlist?”.  This question is ineffective for a couple of reasons.  The first is that it attempts to evaluate a DJ’s potential in a way other than the way the performance will be enjoyed.  Looking at a playlist will no more tell you if a party is fun that looking a picture of a cake will tell you if the cake is delicious.  

The other reason the question is inadequate to the task of evaluating a potential DJ is its the wrong kind of sample.  When choosing a baker to do the wedding cake, the baker sets up a “Tasting”. This allows the couple to taste the possible options to ensure that the cake will be good, and even this leaves a lot to that day.  Asking a DJ for a “sample playlist” is like asking a baker to give you a list of ingredients that He/She might use if they were baking it live one stage in front of audience.

This is not to say that the DJ should not have a playlist, but it is better developed after careful consultation with the couple.   Each event is unique and deserves unique individual attention. You don’t throw “sample parties”. So you deserve more than just a “sample playlist”.  A better options is to ask for mixes for previous parties or online.  This will let you hear how the DJ manipulates and maintains the energy of music.  Just remember this may not be your personal music choices, but it will give you a glimpse into how the DJ will handle a crowd.  It is also good to look at videos as you will be able to both see crowd reaction and hear the music being played.

This information should help you avoid the DJ regret.  Remember ask for online mixes and/or videos to help evaluate the DJ entertainment.  If you treat the reception like a party, you and your guest will be more likely to enjoy yourselves.