Make sure your DJ has a backup! With the era of digital music and computers upon us, many DJs are turning to this technology to index and play their music. Computers and equipment can and will fail. Will your DJ have a backup system, or will your Wedding end early?

How does your DJ manage their music? There are many ways to manage a music collection. Physical media (CDs and Records), digital (MP3s, MP4s, AACs) or streaming (Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play) All have advantages and disadvantages, but ideally owning a physical copy whether a CD or digital file is best. Streaming can be useful in a bind or to accommodate a random request, but should never be used as a primary music source. For more detailed explanation check out Music Collection - Physical vs Streaming

Verify setup time vs start time! Your Wedding starts at 2 pm and your contract specifies 2 pm. Is your DJ going to start setting up at 2 pm or start playing at 2 pm?

Meet your DJ! DJ’s experience, quality, and personality can vary widely. If you use a large company with many DJs, make sure you meet the DJ assigned to you, and verify that they will not be switched out at the last minute for someone with less experience.

Like your DJ! We’ve all heard of the “cheesy” DJs that steal the spotlight and/or are not very good. Your DJ is the one person that can completely MAKE or BREAK your event. Your DJ has the distinct responsibility to represent YOU and Your tastes. Hire someone who best represents who YOU are, and doesn't steal the spotlight.

Don’t get hung up on the fancy equipment! CD, Albums, Records, MP3s, Mixers, Subs, Speakers... Truth is only a fraction of this lingo matters. A great DJ can put on a great show, and entertain with just about any equipment. The equipment doesn't make the DJ, the DJ makes the equipment. Great DJs can read the crowd, and select the music that best fits the tastes of his/her audience.

Liability Insurance: Make sure your DJ has insurance. Some venues require outside professionals to provide proof of insurance and don't usually warn their clients. I have seen couples scrambling last minute because the DJ they hired did not have any or enough insurance to meet their venues requirement. Having insurance not only protects you and your guests in the unlikely case that something goes wrong and someone gets injured, but it also is a good indication of how professional, dedicated, and detailed your DJ is.

What if the venue loses power? Ask every DJ you speak with what their backup plan is in the case your venue loses power during your reception. If the response is something like "power is beyond my control" then I would urge you to keep looking. Great DJs and hosts have a backup plan for every scenario including the loss of power.

What can they add to your wedding? Ask what it is that separates them from other DJ companies. This industry is very saturated with many people who think weddings are just easy weekend money. There are only a few very dedicated individuals that actually care enough to go above and beyond. For instance, we make it a point to speak with parents and anyone giving toasts prior to your wedding to help create some truly unique and memorable moments. As an example, at a recent wedding, I did I learned that the grandmother of the groom would be unable to attend the wedding due to health concerns. I arranged with his mother prior to the wedding to get an audio recording of his grandmother giving her best wishes to the couple. This was then played following the toasts. There was no better moment than that one at their wedding (see the photo below). Find someone who is invested and cares about making your day as special and memorable as possible. Read more about wedding budgets