Everything to Know About Hiring a Wedding DJ

Did you know that line dancing at a wedding has become a trend again? Seriously, it is a huge hit at wedding parties!

In order to get everybody into the mood and boogie on the dancefloor at the wedding, you need the perfect music. But, how do you play the perfect music? You need the best wedding DJ to ensure everyone is happy with the song choices. Some people think that all you need to do is play a song on the speaker and people will start dancing. That couldn't be further from the truth.

A true DJ is also a performer. They combine all the magical elements of light, sound, and other equipment to cast a spell over the dancefloor and encourage people to jump out of their seats!

So, what do you need to do to hire a DJ for your wedding reception? And, are there specific questions to ask a DJ in advance? If you're considering hiring a DJ for your wedding then keep reading to find out everything about the process.

Do You Really Need a DJ?

Now, you might be wondering, do you really need a DJ? In the times of Spotify and instant downloads is it necessary to hire a DJ to have the best wedding?

Music at a wedding, or any other event, is crucial to setting the right tone at a party. The last thing you want is people awkwardly standing in the corner because they don't like the music and no one is dancing. That's where a DJ comes in. Think of them like your musical superhero, flying in just in time to rescue any tired or bored guests and get the party started again!

Weddings can be long events with lots of sitting around, mingling, and making small talk so having a dedicated DJ will make things easier for everyone attending your wedding. A wedding DJ is able to gauge the crowd and pick the ideal song at any moment.

What to Look For in Your Wedding DJ

The wedding planner is the person that organizes the reception, guest lists, and other details of the ceremony, but the DJ is the person in control of the entertainment. Therefore, you need to carefully select your wedding DJ just as cautiously as you choose a wedding planner.

1) Performance Style

Even though most DJs have a diverse taste in music and have a wide range of songs to play at weddings, you might be looking for a particular style to fit the theme of your wedding.

For example, do you want an enthusiastic DJ that talks a lot to the audience? Or, would you prefer someone who blends into the background and lets your guest take the centre stage?

Of course, the style of DJ will depend on what you want from your wedding. For small weddings, you might want an intimate performance and for larger parties, you might be looking for something more exciting.

2) Experience

When you're searching for your wedding DJ you should ask about previous experience. Handling a group of wedding guests can be tricky especially if an entertainer has never done it before. You want to make sure they can cope with a rowdy crowd at your wedding.

Another way to determine if you have found the right DJ or not is to look at customer reviews or testimonials. If people are raving about the DJ then you can be certain that they know what they're doing.

3) Equipment

A professional DJ should have their own quality decks, PA, microphones, and disco lighting. Just like with other equipment the better the quality, the better the performance.

For instance, when it comes to lighting if you have cheaper lights the dancefloor will look dim and unappealing. Higher quality lighting will illuminate the dancefloor and entice people to get involved and dance! Sometimes, all it takes is the right lighting to get people grooving.

4) Cost

The benefits of hiring a wedding DJ speak for themselves, but the real question is: what do they cost?

The average wedding DJ cost is $700-$1200. However, this will change from wedding to wedding as some people will require more equipment, time, and other costs.

First, the DJ will take around 45-60 minutes to set up. So, you'll want to factor this into the planning process for the evening to avoid any quiet moments. Then, the DJ will often start right after the first dance as this is usually the time people are more likely to get out on the floor. There is normally a buffet interval or dining service in between sets. Finally, the second set will start around 10:00 pm and continue for as long as you'd like.

The only thing to remember at the end of the night is that the DJ will need at least 45 minutes to pack up and leave. That's it! All you need to do the rest of the time is sit back, relax, and enjoy your special day.

Hiring a DJ for your wedding will make the difference between a memorable evening and a forgettable one. Plus, if you leave portable cameras lying around the room you might be able to capture some embarrassing dance moves for your wedding collage!

Get Your Groove on With the Best DJ

Before a wedding, there is a lot to organize from the cake, to the thank you cards so we hope this guide helps you in your search for a wedding DJ.