by: Michael Guyre
Photo by: Rick Bouthiette Photography

If you are like most couples planning the most special and what should be the most memorable day of your life, then you have probably never had to hire a wedding DJ. So you do what most people do… You search the internet you scan through popular wedding websites, and you send out multiple emails asking…

“I’m looking for a wedding DJ, how much do you cost?” 



Sound familiar? If so you are not alone. As far as most couples can tell every DJ provides basically the same service and experience. What if your spouse required heart surgery would you bargain shop based on price for a heart surgeon… they all do the same thing, right?

Is it possible to get a deal for a DJ and/or a heart surgery? Sure but what are the risks involved, and are you willing to take them. Usually, the risks increase as cost decreases for several factors. Experience, proven and consistent results, and demand are some of the key factors. I know everyone needs to learn at some point but would you want someone just out of med school operating on a loved one without having a veteran surgeon overseeing the procedure. Of course not… See surgeons go through years of residency learning from other well-experienced surgeons, but DJs they can download a few songs from iTunes buy a couple of CHEAP speakers from Guitar Center and show up to your wedding without ever working with another experienced DJ. Apples and oranges right? Or is it? I know what you're saying. The surgeon analogy is life or death, while a DJ is just fun or oh well we still got married today. But isn’t it so much more? Is it possible that the DJ you choose could mean the “LIFE or DEATH” of your wedding? The wedding you spent years dreaming about and months planning to ensure its perfection.

So how should you start a conversation with a potential wedding DJ?

Here is a list of questions to ask and determine if the person you are speaking with is an experienced wedding DJ.

1. How many weddings have you performed at? This question is important in determining experience. 


2. Are you a full-time DJ? It’s important to understand that most part-time DJ’s are doing this for a little extra spending money. They are not as committed to the growth of their skills or the service they provide. Keep in mind they probably rely on a day job to pay the bills. Having a day job could potentially impact their commitment to you and your wedding. When they rely on a day job to pay their bills instead of you and their other clients, where do you think their loyalty will be?


3. Are you insured? A DJ interested in maintaining a reputation and their business will be well insured. Only hobbyists avoid insurance because they don’t think their part time hobby requires it. What if a guest has a speaker fall on them, or they trip and fall over a wire?


4. Do you have backup equipment? A true professional will always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Computers crash, electronics fail, speakers blow. How will your DJ respond?


5. What can you do to ensure my wedding is memorable? This is where experience and proven consistent results come in. Every wedding DJ is different, but they should be able to provide you with examples, videos, and client testimonials that will provide you with an idea of the consistent results they have achieved over the length of their career.

6. What do you do to continue to grow your skills and keep with the current trends? The answer to this question will provide you with a lot of information regarding the commitment and dedication your DJ has to his/her craft and to making your wedding a once in a lifetime experience. All great professionals strive to become better, this doesn't apply to only DJs.

So what will a bargain DJ cost you? At the very least it will be the difference between:

“I would now like to invite the bride and her father to the dance floor”

OR…

“I would like to take this opportunity to invite Molly to the dance floor, to share a dance with one of the most important men in her life, a man that has waited for this moment for the last 27 years, her father Michael.”


It’s tough to place value on something you would never have expected, and the above might not be worth the cost savings but it’s hard telling how much more an inexperienced, cheap, or bargain DJ will cost you. I can ensure the cost will result in lost opportunities to create special, and unique memories for you and your guests. These lost opportunities will overflow into lost photo and video opportunities as well. When your guests leave your reception to head home or to their hotel rooms what do you want their conversation to be? Will they be reflecting on the evening and saying how wonderful and amazing it was, especially that one amazing moment that stood out? Or will they be wondering what the hotel will be serving for breakfast, and what time checkout is?

What is important to you? What are you willing to risk?