"How to Find the Perfect DJ or Band for Your Reception"

1. Make a budget

The first thing to do is decide on a budget. Out of that budget, choose how much you can spend on your reception music. If you want a band or live music, this will probably cost more, so make sure you can afford it before you book it. After you’ve decided how much you want to spend, start looking for the right DJ or live music.

2. Do your homework!

Whether it is DJ or band, make sure you have heard them before your hire them to play at your wedding. It is best to go with someone that a friend, relative or co-worker has used in the past so that you know what kind of job they will do. Ask around; try locally famous DJs from radio stations. Some people moonlight as wedding disc jockeys and are good at it. Ask your wedding reception hotel or resort, they may have a list of preferred vendors for you to call - wedding DJs/ bands whom they trust. They may also know some people to avoid. You may also ask your caterer or wedding planner to suggest someone. Interview several DJs. You may love the first one you interview, but you want to make sure that you are getting the best person for the job, so shop around!

3. Ask lots of questions

Here are some good ones to ask:

1. What kind of music will be played? If you have specific song requests, make sure they will be able to provide them.

2. Will there be a lighting system, mirror ball or other decorations? Make sure they are tasteful and appropriate for your venue. If you will need additional lighting, make sure you agree on the cost ahead of time.

3. Is your DJ/ band familiar with your wedding/ reception venue? Have they played similar places before? Make sure they are comfortable in the setting (some may be used to different or smaller venues, and may not do well in your location.)

4. Who will be actually performing at your reception? Make sure your contract states exactly who will be there. You don’t want someone’s brother or an employee that you have not spoken with to show up and put on a less than par performance.

5. What will the DJ/ band members be wearing? You want to make sure they will be tasteful and properly attired.

6. What time will they arrive, how long will they stay? Make sure that they have time to set up, as well as stay until the end of the reception. Will there be overtime charges if the time goes over? Discuss all of this ahead of time and put it in the contract.

7. How and where will they set up? You may not want your DJ up on a stage, or he may have to bring a dance floor with him if your venue does not have one.

8. Ask if your DJ/ band will want to be fed. It will probably be a long day for them, and you will want to make sure you provide a meal for them if needed (also make sure your caterer knows so that you will have enough food and be charged correctly).

9.What problems has the DJ encountered at weddings and how did they solve them?

You want a wedding DJ who is resilient, able to respond quickly to unforeseen mishaps that can mar your wedding.  You can bet that many weddings look smooth, but had issues that were quickly seamlessly patched behind the scenes by DJs, caterers, and other vendors.

10. How much will it cost? While this may be the most important factor to most people, you want to make sure that you are also getting a quality DJ/band, so ask lots of questions, and then get down to the price. Ask if there are any hidden fees (setup, tear down, overtime, etc.)

11. How will payment be made? Make sure you know if your DJ/band is going to require payment ahead of time, at the end of the reception, or if you will be billed at a later date.

12. Are they insured or belong to any professional organizations like A.D.J.A?

Your contract only states what your DJ will do, but it does not say if they will do it well.  Membership in organizations like A.D.J.A. gives them growth, education, and ethics.

13. Discuss any special requests you may have. Are there some hard to pronounce names that they may need with? Are there certain songs that you do NOT want played at your wedding? What type of advertising is the DJ/band allowed to have at your reception? Is there any lighting that you do not want? Discuss all of this beforehand.

14. Let the DJ ask you questions. Look to see if they show a genuine interest in what you are looking for. You want someone who wants to make you happy and let you enjoy your reception, not just show up and get paid.

Make sure to get everything you have discussed and agreed on in the contract. While you may be tempted to trust a verbal agreement for some little details, go on and get it in writing. This will be your wedding day, and you do not want any surprises.

4. Have a backup plan

Have a cd and cd player at the reception venue as back-up, or have some other back-up plan, just in case the DJ or band is a no-show. Many stores sell wedding music cds that have great music for your reception.

5. Discuss the itinerary for your wedding reception!

It is the DJ's responsibility to know when all the events are supposed to occur during reception, like cake cutting, bouquet tosses, birthday surprises, etc. The DJ's job is to work with catering, and know when meals are being served and when the milestone events are to take place. The DJ and the caterer should have this under control before your reception begins! The DJ, caterer, and Photographer should all be in contact and know what is going on. It is a good idea to have a schedule in writing, and make copies for all of your wedding vendors.

Take your time and do your research before you pick a DJ or band. Make sure that you ask lots of questions and have a good contract. Try to think of all possible scenarios and be ready for them. The more you plan ahead, the smoother your wedding reception will go.

Do you have a tip to add to this article? Have you had a good/ bad experience that you would like to let other brides know about? If so, or if you just want to comment on this article, contact us at customerservice@thehoneymoongift.com.

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