I was recently asked “Steve, where can I find a DJ of your amazing talent and god-like ability to rock the crowd?”…Well, I’m paraphrasing a bit. It was more like “very amazing talent and supernatural ability to rock the crowd” but hey close enough.
The DJ is sadly often overlooked when planning a wedding. I’ll try to stay off my soapbox here, but it will be difficult. Once at a bridal show a photographer told all the young brides to be that he would be the most important factor for the entire special day. Yet at the end of over 100 weddings I have never heard anyone say “Man, that was the most awesome photographer ever!” In fact if your guests are noticing your photographer at all, it’s usually a bad thing (see “rude, pushy”)
When you really break it down, your reception is two things: food and fun. Atmosphere is important (and should really be approached creatively - no generic mirror centerpieces and please no fishbowls because the poor critters won’t survive the night), but some of the best parties I’ve ever played were in buildings that should have been condemned in 1963.
If you have great food and great fun you have a great reception. To do this you need a great caterer and a great entertainer. Keep your budget in mind (sadly most weddings now require a 30 year loan), but also remember you get what you pay for. If there is one place to shell a few more bucks on your party it’s for the food and fun.
The main thing is just knowing what you want and not being distracted by the behemoth wedding industry that wants to suck the life out of you (Oh look honey, the brochure says our flowers can be delivered by skydiving midgets!) With that in mind, things you can ask your prospective entertainer:
Will you agree to the hours played with a written contract?
Will you consult in person or over the phone to plan out the night?
Will you formally introduce the bridal party at the beginning of the night?
(highly recommended for a classy beginning)
Is dinner music included?
Do you take volume requests?
Do you take song requests?
Do you have a wide selection of all types of music?
Can I provide you with a list of music types to play or be avoided?
(Some brides want to do the chicken, some would rather have their spleens munched by weasels)
Do you interact with the crowd or play like a jukebox?
Of course the entertainer will tell you everything you want to hear, so really there are only two options: word of mouth and crashing weddings. Most of the receptions I do now are for people who were guests or bridal party members from past jobs. They actually saw me in action so they know exactly what they are getting. Word of mouth is almost as good, but make sure you getting info on the specific entertainer - my agency has over 70 DJ’s alone and let me tell you it’s a real box of chocolates because you never know what you are going to get.
Sorry this was pretty generic, but I’m definitely open to any specific questions!