THE CONTRACT. Make sure you receive a signed contract or written agreement when you initially meet with your DJ. The DJ's name should be on the contract, and he or she should be guaranteed to be at the wedding. Beware of the "Bait And Switch". This popular practice happens when you sign on with a company and they send someone you may have never met to be your DJ on wedding day. The contract should also have a Money-Back Guarantee. Before signing or sending in your check, determine what your liability will be if the DJ doesn't show, or deliver the services promised.
THE PRICE. Most DJs have a 4 or 5 hour package price. This is because most DJs spend little more than those hours planning and preparing for your wedding. Professional full-time DJs invest dozens of hours in the planning process. If all you want is a DJ that will spin some tunes for a few hours, look for the 4-hour packages. If you want a DJ who will also inform, guide, and direct your guests, as well as invest time customizing and personalizing your reception, look for all-inclusive packages.
FULL-TIME / PART-TIME. Unlike most other wedding service providers like photographers, florists, and caterers who operate their businesses as a profession, the vast majority of DJs do what they do on a part-time basis. In fact, less than 5% do this as a career. A great way to find out if a DJ is a full-time professional is if they usually answer the phone during regular business hours and return phone calls in a timely manner.
Don't make the same mistake these unfortunate couples did. Devote at least as much time to finding a PROFESSIONAL Disc Jockey / Master Of Ceremonies as you are on finding the right venue, caterer, photographer, and attire. Don't let your wedding end up on YouTube!
