First of all, know what you want from your DJ and ask for it as after all it is your wedding. Though this may sound daunting one of the best ways to approach this is to think back to other weddings you may have been to of friends and family and what you liked or disliked about their entertainment.

Does the DJ you are considering specialise in weddings? or are they “a jack of all trades”. Not surprisingly the way a DJ that covers a wide variety of events and a DJ that only specialises in weddings approach your reception will be different,   A talented Wedding DJ will know  how to focus your day on you and your friends and family without making it all about their sound and light. They will also be able to perform some of the unique functions during your day or evening reception to a higher standard as they have focused their business on a targeted talent

• Are they available for your date?

Begin your conversation by indicating the date, time, and location of your wedding function. If they are not available, maybe they could recommend other DJ’s

• How long have they been a DJ and how many events have they performed?

A Professional experienced DJ will be able to plan and smoothly guide your celebration from start to finish allowing you to relax and enjoy the party.
As owner and main DJ at Celebrations Discotheques Alan Marshall has been a DJ for over 25 years & performed at over a thousand weddings. We always consider every wedding we are booked for as a privilege and never treat it as “just another show”.

What type of music do they provide and will they play requests?

Again, it’s your party so you want someone who takes an interest in what you want. You want a DJ who is flexible so that any requests from your guests can be fulfilled, providing it meets your criteria. A professional will concentrate on the quality of the sound, not quantity and will spend time on the night ensuring that your seated guests can talk comfortably while others are dancing. Celebrations Discotheques encourage all our couples to supply music suggestions which reflect your tastes so we can incorporate them in to your party. This can be done during your wedding consultation, email or via our online planning tool.

• What will be the DJs dress code?

Will they wear a formal dinner suit (tuxedo), tidy-casual, or a T-shirt and Jeans? Celebrations DJ’s always dress appropriately, most of the time wearing black tie or full tuxedo.

• Is it possible to meet prior to our wedding?

Can we meet to discuss our wedding function?

Always be very concerned by any DJ that will not allow you to meet them before your function. Celebrations encourage personal consultation on all our weddings, where we can get to know your dreams and desires for your perfect wedding and discuss the content and running order of your reception.

• What kind of equipment do they use and what is their technical expertise?

Does the DJ use professional equipment, though it may be hard for the average bride or groom to understand the difference between cheap gear and the more expensive more reliable equipment it should be new looking presentable, professional equipment (not be a home stereo) and the DJ should know how it operates.

Celebrations always use reliable professional equipment and are very experienced in its operation.

• Do they have public liability insurance?

Many venues insist on the DJs having their own insurance.
Accidents are rare but for peace of mind it’s worth checking that the DJ has the necessary cover as you could be liable if damage or injury is caused.
Your venue may need to see proof of insurance prior to your reception.
Celebrations have up to £10 million PLI cover.

• Does the DJ have a PAT Certificate?

Portable Appliance Test Certificate is a Health & Safety document that proves the equipment the DJ uses has been tested for electrical safety and should be updated every year similar to a MOT for a car. All DJ’s should have this and most venues will insist on seeing it prior to your reception.
Celebrations equipment is tested annually.

• Do they have back-up equipment on hand in case of an emergency?

In the event of equipment failure a professional DJ will carry back up with them? Though one light not working due to a blown bulb may not be catastrophic, a sound system not working could end a function.

Celebrations carry back up equipment to all functions.

• Does the DJ provide written confirmation in the form of a Booking agreement?

A professional DJ should provide a signed booking agreement that includes a schedule of your wedding function times, location, costs, DJ name and special arrangements.

• Will they personally be the DJ for your reception?

Some DJs will take your wedding booking and then pass this on to another DJ to play your reception and the first you may know about this is when they turn up to set up their equipment (almost always the cheap ones)some don’t even bother to turn up if a better paying booking comes along.

Make sure you get confirmation of the DJ in the booking agreement.

• How much do they charge?

Interesting Wedding Statistics

AFTER THE VOWS...

    * 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.

    * Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.

    * During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their Priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!

    * When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.

    * 65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.

Not surprisingly, most professional, reputable DJ’s charge more for their services than a hobby DJ who is only doing it for a few extra pounds on the side. Always question a low cost company on the points above, also try to keep in mind how much money you have already committed to your wedding and the impact a DJ has on how everything turns out. If a family friend offers to do it for £100 less than a reputable, experienced, professional DJ, think twice before jumping at the lower price.

All though DJs are available at all levels and all price points from £100 to £1000 or more, the more talented DJs are normally towards the higher end and beyond of the pricing, they will spend more time helping you to plan and to co-ordinate your wedding and be fully focussed on the success of your wedding and giving the all important peace of mind factor. The other end are most probably a hobby DJ and although they may love being a DJ will be unlikely to be able to supply the same level of service and be able to stay in business, like the old adage “You get what you pay for” and “Quality costs” .

•  What value do you put on the success of your wedding day celebrations?

After all will the person that does your hair on your wedding day be a hobbyist who owns some scissors or a professional hairdresser, will the photographer be someone who just has a camera or a professional that knows how to create truly fantastic pictures, will the caterer be just someone who likes to cook at the weekend or a talented chef.

If you are looking for the best DJ entertainment for your reception, seek out the DJ who is priced above the average and then ask them why. Their response should help you determine if the value they provide will be worth the added investment. 

In reality, all Wedding DJs do many of the same things, but how those things are done determines whether you are dealing with a talented DJ, or an Average Wedding DJ.

• Does the DJ require a deposit?

If not, why not? If a DJ is serious about his business, he will want a booking agreement and a deposit. The booking agreement as mentioned above should offer a guarantee that the DJ will turn up on the day and perform at the times you have agreed on. If there is no deposit or agreement there is nothing binding the DJ to your reception. Always retain a copy of the signed agreement for your records.

Celebrations always use Booking agreements and provide a wedding consultation for your peace of mind and protection.

Please visit our contact us page to arrange a no cost, no obligation consultation where we will be able to discuss and help you with your wedding plans and be able to give you individually tailored quote for our services.

Special Acknowledgement and thanks to the WDJA(The Wedding DJ Association)

Also Special Acknowledgement to Peter Merry and his book "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever!"