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Hiring a DJ For your Reception is a Custom Job

By Jennifer Ponte Canning,
Boston Bride Magazine, Summer 2001
Who says it's not classy to have a DJ at your wedding?  Today's tuxedoed disc jockeys can be an unobtrusive yet vital part of the proceedings, spinning a custom soundtrack to your celebration that accurately reflects your personalities and preferences.  And with a virtually limitless repertoire and minimal manpower requirements, a DJ is by far the more economical choice for discriminating couples.

"A band just wasn't in my budget, as much as I would have loved it," says Allison, who recently celebrated her first anniversary.  "But as it turned out, there were some advantages [to having a DJ].  There was something for everyone - everyone was able to make a request and find something they wanted to dance to."

Traci concurs.  Like many brides and grooms in the United States, she too hired a disc jockey for her wedding reception. "My feeling is that with DJ's you get the versions of the songs that are true to what you remember,

rather that somebody's rendition of it, which you may not like so much.   And you can pick a wide variety of music that may be out of the repertoire of a certain bank," she says.  "You get exactly what you want.  You have more control with a DJ, in terms of playlist."

There are other advantages to hiring a DJ.  Besides being substantially less expense than a typical five piece band, they are also a fraction of the size - which means you have fewer mouths to feed at the reception.  Plus, they take less frequent breaks.

"I've been to weddings where the band took a break and didn't put any music on.   At 10 o'clock at night, that kills the wedding.  You sit down, you get tired, and then you leave," observes Kirstin.  She points out that a disc jockey provides continuous music, even during a sit down dinner.  "I wanted to have classical music playing the background during dinner, which is one reason I chose a DJ."
Jockeying for Position
Once you're convinced that a DJ is the way to go, how doe you find the right one?  Much like auditioning bands, you should talk to a number of disc jockeys and try to hear them in action before making a decision.  Word-of-mouth is a good route; talk to recently married friends and family about who they hired, and ask your reception hall for a list of recommendations.  You may also try a booking agency that specializes in wedding entertainment.

You'll quickly find that you have a wide array of choices.  Some DJ's offer packages that include props - like inflatable instruments and Mardi Gras beads - which your guests can take home.  Many companies provide mirrored balls and synchronized disco lights if desired.  Most will introduce the wedding party and special dances, and will emcee the cutting of the cake and the tossing of the bouquet and garter.  If all of this sounds like a nightmare to you, don't worry:  a professional disc jockey will take the time to discuss your specific tastes, and most will be happy to simply play  good music.

"I spoke with five DJ's [ before settling on one]," recalls Allison.   "All of them just talked and talked and talked, really trying hard to sell me.   There were so many packages to choose from - with a light show, with two guys, with a floor show.  One guy even told me about games he plays, like Pass the Salt-Pass the Pepper....I didn't want any of that; it was totally not my style."

"When I called DJ Butch the whole conversation took five minutes at the most.   I asked, "What kind of music do you play?  'Whatever you want me to.'   'Do you talk alot?'  'Only if you want me to.'  'Are you going to make me play Pass the Salt - Pass the Pepper?'  'Definitely not.' "

Allison and her fiancé provided DJ Butch with a list of songs they did not want played at their reception, as well as a list of those they did, such as the song for their first dance as husband and wife.  "He was told if he played the Electric Slide I would hurt him," jokes Allison.

In contrast, Kirstin and Traci specifically requested line dances.  "I don't mind the Macarena and the Electric Slide because they get everyone out of their seats," says Kirstin.  "That's what gets people dancing.  And not all bands can play those kinds of things."

That's one of the nicest things about DJ's, you can essentially mold them into your idea of the perfect host.  Just be sure to communicate with them; don't assume that they know what you're after.
Getting It in Writing
This is where the all-important contract comes in.  The best way to ensure that your celebration is just how you pictured it is to write it all down.  Again, a true professional should have his own standard contract, but there are some key issues that must be addressed.  In addition to the agreed upon fee, be sure to include the time (When should the DJ arrive?  Will he play dinner music?  How long will he perform?), the location (include directions to your reception site!), and the name of the specific person or persons you are hiring.  As for the playlist, include the types of music you would like to hear as well as the names and artists of the specific songs you have chosen for your first dance, the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance, and any other special dances, like the Tarantella.  The contract should also reflect whether the disc jockey will be introducing the wedding party, the cutting of the cake etc., and what type of attire is appropriate.  If you're having an afternoon affair, a tuxedo might be a bit much; perhaps a simple jacket and tie is better suited to the occasion.  The more specific you are up front, the happier you'll be on the big day.