What brides look for in a DJ !!!!!!!

What does it take to get bookings as a wedding DJ? What is it that brides (who we all know call the shots at weddings!) are really looking for when considering someone to book? How can you make sure you do the best job, and so impress brides-to-be who happen to be in attendance, who’ll then remember you when it’s their turn to get married? Here are the qualities you should work on as a DJ that’ll help you get the bookings…

The six qualities…

1. Wedding gig experience

The more wedding gigs you have under your belt, the more confident you’ll be behind the decks. If you’re new to it, get as much experience as you can early on.

Experience is a top priority, with most opting for someone who has extensive experience within the wedding industry. A wedding is unlike any other party, and the DJ plays an important role in setting the tone for the evening. If you’re a DJ without much wedding experience, start building your portfolio as soon as possible – even if it means making slightly less money in the interim. The wider your portfolio, the more likely you’ll be able to secure the next wedding gig you pitch your services for.

2. Preparedness

Being familiar with the venue orientation and equipment is a big plus, especially if the bride tasks you with helping to set up the place.

Brides look for an organised DJ with solid planning skills who come prepared. How will you get ready for their party? Do you have any music-related questionnaires for them to fill in? What do you need to know about the venue and equipment set-up in case the bride and groom ask? The more information you can provide them when you first meet to discuss their big event, the more likely it is that they’ll pick you.

3. A positive personality

Expect requests to flood the DJ booth during a wedding gig. Make sure you’re even more accommodating than usual!

At any wedding, the DJ will spend lots of time interacting with the crowd, taking requests, and entertaining guests – and that means everyone from children to the elderly. Your personality is important to the bride, and she’ll be looking for someone friendly, fun, and confident behind the decks to ensure her guests get the most from the evening’s entertainment. You’ll also want to look your best, so come in attire appropriate for the evening and always have a smile on your face. No frowning the entire night!

4. A truly diverse music collection

You don’t have to carry around truckloads of vinyl anymore. Digital has made creating a diverse music collection more convenient and cheaper than ever, so much so that having a deep library of hits from the 20th century up to the present is required of all wedding DJs today. Don’t get caught flatfooted.

The bride and groom are likely to have different musical preferences, as would their guests. It’s extremely important for the DJ to have a diverse music collection spanning decades as well as genres. The bride and groom will also have specific songs they’d like to be played in addition to their first dance, and it’s your job to find out what these are before the day itself so you can prepare.

5. Crowd reading ability

You’ll be playing to a wide range of guests with different ages, genders, and ethnicities. Make sure you know what songs make them move.

As well as experience, brides will be looking for a DJ with plenty of industry-specific knowledge. What have you learned from previous weddings? Do you know how to get the guests dancing early in the evening, before the alcohol starts to flow? What about when the dance floor heats up and you’ve got both grandparents and great grand kids dancing, how do you handle that? Crowd reading is perhaps the most important skill for a wedding DJ, because it’s what lets him or her understand how to keep the floor going all night.

6. Listening skills

At any wedding, the bride’s the boss (OK, sometimes the groom, too…) This is about them and their special day. Do your best to fulfil their musical wishes, and repeat business from friends and family won’t be far behind.

Above all else, a bride needs a DJ that will listen to them. Couples tend to have a very firm idea about what they’d like their big day (and night) to be like, and they need to work with people who will listen and understand their vision to help them create the wedding they really want.

Finally…

These wedding DJ qualities are just the tip of the iceberg because every potential wedding gig will always be unique, but they’re a great place to start if you want to build your reputation as a professional. If you’re serious about doing it, you might also consider the Digital DJ Tips Complete 21st Wedding DJ guide, that has helped hundreds of wedding DJs get started.

In short though, just remember you’re providing an entertainment service, and the bride and groom are your bosses for the evening, so learn how to truly listen to what they need of you, and then over-deliver and exceed their expectations.

Questions to ask your Wedding DJ !!!!!!!!!!

When it comes to working with vendors for your wedding day, you really want to make sure you hire professionals whose work you like and that you feel comfortable working with. In order to ensure you choose the right vendors for your wedding, you need to be super thorough in your interviews to ensure you're a proper fit for each other. One way to get to the bottom of things is to know which questions to ask each particular vendor, from the photographer down to your wedding DJ.

 

The wedding DJ is one of the very few vendors who can truly make or break your reception. If your DJ is great, the dance floor will be packed and your wedding will be remembered as the most awesome party ever. But a terrible wedding DJ could commit any number of wedding reception sins including playing awful music, boring your guests to tears, being awkward or embarrassing, or the worst: be offensive. So before you sign a contract with a wedding DJ, make sure you’ve asked him or her these important questions:

  • Do you have a written contract?
    As with the rest of your vendors we do NOT require a written contract. 
  • Can we meet the person who will be actually working my event before we sign a contract? If you're working with a DJ company who employs several different DJs, you'll definitely want to make sure you're comfortable with the actual person who'll be at your reception. Do they seem cool, fun, and also respectful? Are they listening to the questions you're asking, and giving you thoughtful responses? Do they seem like someone you could have a fun time with?
  • Will you work with my playlist
    Wedding DJs love to have autonomy and play whatever they want to. But since it’s your wedding, you should get to have input about what gets played and what doesn’t. If you have some "deal breaker" songs, be sure to share them with your potential DJ and make sure he or she understands your wishes.

 

  • Will your equipment allow you to mix one song into another so that there are no breaks in between songs?
    One of the top reasons to hire a wedding DJ rather than just an ipod is that they should be able to provide a seamless flow of music. If they can't, it's time to look elsewhere.
  • Will you take breaks? If so, what happens during the breaks?
    Again, unlike a band or an iPod, a DJ should be able to have a seamless flow of music with no breaks. 
  • Will you take requests during the wedding?
    Some wedding DJs love requests, while others don't like having to hunt for an obscure song or interrupting their playlist.
  • Will you act as emcee and announce the cake cutting, first dance, toasts, etc? Can someone else act as emcee if you don't provide these services?
    Most DJ's are used to making these types of announcements, but if you want a more personal touch you may want to ask your father or another charismatic person to act as emcee. Sometimes even the wedding planner will step in if the wedding DJ doesn't make announcements, so there are always options to consider.
  • How many weddings do you DJ each year? Will you have another event on the same day? 
    Since DJs often work corporate events, bars, bar mitzvahs and birthday parties, you want to make sure he or she is comfortable with weddings and the higher level of sophistication they require. You'll also want to make sure there aren't any possible scheduling conflicts as a result of having multiple events booked for the same day.
  • Have you worked at our reception site before?
    If he or she already knows the setup and staff there, it can make things more seamless on the day of the wedding. It's not necessary, but it's nice to have that reassurance that your wedding DJ is familiar with the layout and setup. 
  • What sort of equipment do you use? Do your prices include the sound system, speakers, wireless microphone for the toasts, etc?
    You'll want to make sure he or she has the necessary equipment required to fill your event space with sound. Each of these extras can add up quickly. Your event space may already have them available, but it's good to have backups in case of equipment failure.
  • What do you do if nobody is dancing?
    If for any reason your guests aren't feeling the musical selections, how does the DJ handle it?
  • How current is your music collection? 
    Does he or she have access to the newest music? Do you want the newest pop hit played at your reception or do you just want to stick to your old favorites? 
  • What if we really want to hear songs that aren’t in your music collection?
    If for some reason the DJ doesn't have some music or songs that you really love, will he be able to acquire it or is that not possible?
  • Will you advertise your services to our guests? Will you be discrete?
    Your wedding is a job, not a networking opportunity. You want to make sure the DJ you're working with doesn't seem sleazy or slimy, or like he'll be looking for his next job while in the middle of working your wedding.
  • What do you wear as a wedding DJ?
    You'll want to ensure that your wedding DJ is dressed appropriately for the formality of your big day. No blue jeans or Hawaiian T-shirts, right?
  • Can I see a video of you playing at a wedding?
    Ask to see footage of your DJ working at a wedding so you can get a feel for his or her style, personality, and character. 

Booking Your Wedding DJ? Questions To ASK!

1. Is this your full-time business? Are weddings your primary focus? What clubs, lounges, and corporate clients have you performed for in addition to weddings?

Determine whether they are a well-rounded, successful entertainer who can bring a level of expertise and versatility to your event. "You want to ensure that your DJ isn't a one-dimensional part-timer, but a true performer whose had varied and extensive experience performing in front of different (and tough) audiences," said DJ Kev Sakoda. It's fine if your prospective DJ mainly focuses on weddings—DJ Vito Namio performs at well over 100 per year—as long as they squeeze in some time for other types of parties as well. 

Beware if a potential DJ bad-mouths former clients (whether they're corporations or individual brides) or their competitors. My fiancé Jason and I once met with a vendor who told us about an event that "wasn't his best work" because the client was a huge bridezilla! This made us wonder: Who's not to say he wouldn't whisper about that crazy-demanding web editor from Bridal Guide afterwards?

2. How do you customize the music experience for each couple? Can you help with song lists and providing suggestions?

Find a DJ who will create a soundtrack for your wedding that is based on your style, taste, and vision for that day. "One size does not fit all—if your desire is to have a mosh pit at your wedding, then you will need to deliver that and anything else you want, for that matter," said Sakoda.

A skilled DJ will gladly accept your must-play and do-not-play lists, no matter how short or long. Namio tells his brides upfront that they are in control of the music that will be played and they need to allocate time to work with him to ensure smooth timing for their event.

"All of the aforementioned can only be achieved with an entertainer who is flexible and willing to listen. It's easy to come up with lists of songs to play—determining the placement of the music (e.g. cake-cutting and bouquet toss) and how it fits into unique themes is the real challenge," said Namio. 

3. How do you get the crowd pumped?

There are all kinds of incentives that DJs use to encourage guests to storm the dance floor, whether it's asking couples to join the newlyweds for a good-luck dance or playing a meaningful throwback song from the bridesmaids' college days.

Ask them how to get the crowd pumped, but, more importantly, listen to their music demos or watch wedding performances to get a sense of how they will interact with your guests in person. Interviewing prospective DJs is certainly helpful, but hearing them in action will really seal the deal.

"You want to make sure your DJ understands how to read a crowd, build up the energy and then keep it up. There should never be a lull—your DJ needs to have the ability to blend all sorts of genres to accomodate everyone and keep them on the dance floor," said Sakoda.

4. How do you handle song requests?

"There could be instances where the client directives are diametrically opposed to the guest requests. How a DJ strikes a balance to deliver on the couple's desires—while still satisfying the guests' requests—determines the skill and experience of the DJ," said Sakoda.

Some DJs (with the permission of the newlyweds) may tell partygoers that they need to stick to their playlist, but they'll do their best to fit in their song, while others will appoint a bridesmaid or relative to screen particular requests (so that the DJ doesn't need to interrupt the new Mr. and Mrs. mid-dance).

5. Can I hear some examples of mixing and blending different tracks?

When mixing is done correctly, you probably aren't even aware of it. The DJ should be able to blend between songs seamlessly; you don't want guests to become bored by a ten-minute long Queen rendition! However, when this technique is performed incorrectly, you'll be able to discern it instantly: "When there is no mixing or blending, there is awkward silence between songs (it's the same thing as your iPod)," said Sakoda.

6. What sound equipment do you utilize? Do you have back-up equipment?

DJ equipment is just as important as musical instruments. "Turntables allow the DJ to have hands-on control of the music and the ability to manipulate it instantly. A simple touch can change the sound, speed, and tone," said Sakoda.

Ask if your DJ is certified and knows all of the ins and outs of connecting a system. "We allow our equipment to operate without overdriving it, which is when guests start to complain about it being too loud (sometimes referred to as 'muffled' sound). When I play at a wedding, you will hear every word, nice and crisp, at a moderate level; I guarantee guests will still be able to talk at their tables while others are showing off their latest moves on the dance floor," said Namio.

Backup equipment is also essential: DJs should always have the equivalent of a "flat spare" on hand, whether it be a microphone, computer, mixer, etc. Don't forget to ask how soon before the reception they plan to arrive and how long it will take for them to set up.

7. Have you played at our chosen wedding venue before? If not, can you make a site visit beforehand?

The sound varies drastically depending on the room where your reception will be held. Don't underestimate the importance of a site visit: The lighting technician at my wedding reception told me that they've had crises with brides who chose DJs that didn't know how to work the room's acoustics. The sound on the microphones was so poor that the tech couldn't understand the garbled instructions through his earpiece!

Namio recommends that brides ask prospective DJs if they can set up appointments to visit such locations. "This allows us to become acquainted with new staff members, learn their rules for vendors, and plan correctly for providing the correct equipment for acoustics and lighting design. At the same time, we offer to provide these establishments with insurance certificates and updated company information. With these steps, they know we mean business," said Namio.

8. Do we have our choice of DJs to select from, or is one automatically assigned to us depending on date availability? What happens in case of an emergency?

"We believe choice is important: No two weddings are alike! You should have a choice of top DJs that fit your style and personality, and have the proper experience and skill for your wedding," said Sakoda.

Namio agrees: "I personally spend quite some time with my clients to answer their concerns in detail and make suggestions when called upon. In turn, they learn more about my experience and everything I bring to the table. Now, imagine investing all of this time and not being their MC/DJ on their wedding day!" he said.

It happens more often than you'd think: At one meeting, a sales rep tried to us to sign a contract before we even met with our prospective DJ! He happened to be in the building that day, so Jason and I got to say hello briefly, but the company's impersonality still rubbed us the wrong way.

9. What other services do you offer (e.g. lighting, HD video screens)?

Some DJ packages come with extra services such as intelligent lighting and video screens. "Next to lighting, video screens are our most requested option. I like to explain it as personalizing your day: Imagine watching memories roll by on the screens while you're sharing that first dance. Then, you can add a few photos to enhance the parent dances as well," said Namio.

Remember to get any details clearly outlined in your contract. Also don't feel pressured into signing up for extra amenities if you don't need them. When I told one DJ that my venue came equipped with intelligent lighting, he told us their lighting was still necessary for a true "club-like" experience. Next!

10. Why should I choose you as my wedding DJ?

I always like to throw in a curveball to see what they consider to be their best attribute: Is it their amazing sound equipment? Their can-do-anything personality? Or is it their professionalism and dedication towards making your wedding a success? Hopefully, all of the above! 

Ireland's Best Wedding DJ

Are you searching for the best wedding DJ in Louth, leinster , Northern Ireland or Ireland ? Perhaps you're looking for alternative DJs, or party/event DJs, for your event. The search is over! Our nationally known and recognized, award-winning wedding & event professional’s Wedding DJ Ireland know that your special day is one of the most important days of your life! Therefore, we strive to ensure your wedding/event goes just the way you expect it to happen! We provide exceptional services for all events,  we provide a fun, memorable experience and of course the best music for every wedding, Owner and operator Gerry McGee is prepared to share his experience with you, to plan & discuss every moment of your wedding/event, in detail. It's important to us to get to know you, so we can tailor your preferences and vision into your special day. We'll play the song that was playing when you first met your wife to be or the best songs from your early days, Each wedding is as unique as each couple we meet so it’s your day and we do it you way.