How to book a wedding DJ

I found this simple blog post on How To Book A Wedding DJ from a U.K. Entertainment Company, English wedding. I am including only a short piece of a larger post, if you would like to read the entire piece, please read How To Book A Wedding DJ.

How to book a wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

How to book a wedding DJ

It’s free to subscribe to English Wedding – I’d love you to sign up for daily wedding ideas – just click here!. A warm welcome from me. Claire xxx

Some facts about booking wedding entertainment:

92% of brides say that the evening entertainment is one the 3 most important elements of their wedding day.

When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.

How to book a wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

How to book a wedding DJ

By all means look on Google and in your Yellow Pages to find a Wedding DJ first of all. But it’s important to get testimonials… even better – speak to past clients… the best thing to do is go with a recommendation from someone you trust.

It’s the role of your Wedding DJ to create the atmosphere at your wedding reception. It’s what they’re paid for. A good Wedding DJ should be an expert in their field and should know what music is relevant for the audience and atmosphere they’re in.

Find a wedding DJ who will act as entertainment consultant and take you through the process to ensure you’re 100% happy and comfortable with what you’re paying for.

Is it a proper company – rather than a guy with a hobby – have they got insurance ?

via How to book a wedding DJ | The English Wedding Blog & Calligraphy for Weddings.

How to book a wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

As many other similar blog posts have neglected too, I think a Wedding DJ who offers a Guarantee is paramount to your peace of mind and safety for your wedding.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Most Popular Wedding Songs 2013

The Most Popular Wedding Songs for 2013 have been released! This particular list of Popular Weddings includes Most Popular First Dance, Most Popular Bouquet Toss, Most Popular Garter, Most Poplar Bridal Party Dance, Most Popular Money Dace, Most Pop;jar Cake Cutting and Most Popular Bridal Party Introductions Songs. In additional, it includes Most Popular Ceremony, Most Popular Processional and Most Popular Recessional Songs.

Most Popular Wedding Songs 2013 - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Most Popular Wedding Songs 2013 - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Most Popular Wedding Songs 2013 - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Most Popular Wedding Songs 2013 – DJ Intelligence

These comprehensive charts are compiled by analyzing millions of actual client requests made through the DJ Intelligence music request system at weddings and parties around the world in 2013. These PDFs may be distributed to other DJs and shared with your clients with our compliments. The charts are copyright 2014 by Intelligence, Inc. and may not be republished without our express written consent. Intelligence, Inc. is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Most Popular Wedding Songs 2013 - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I did not think Jason Mraz ” I Won’t Give Up” would be the most requested Wedding First Dance Song of 2013. In fact, I do not think any of  my Brides and Grooms have chosen it as their First Dance Songs. With that said, my Brides and Grooms are rarely following the most popular trends and choose songs very personal to them, often unique and alternative. It would be interesting to determine what are the Most Popular Weddings Songs that my Brides and Grooms chose this year.

Most Popular Wedding Songs 2013 - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I am impressed with how many Country Songs are near the top of the list of Most Popular Wedding Songs of 2013. Each year the under of crossover Country Songs included by Brides and Grooms that are not primarily Country Music listeners grows. They seem to work well for First Dance Songs and other Wedding Traditional Songs.

Most Popular Wedding Songs 2013 - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Here are other posts that may be helpful to you Top 50 DJ Wedding Last Dance SongsHow To Hire The Best Wedding DJ,  Popular Garter Toss Songs, Wedding DJ Father-Daughter Dance SongsWedding DJ Mother Son Dance SongsTop 50 Wedding Cake Cutting SongsPopular Bridal Party Introduction Songs for Wedding DJs and Popular Bouquet Toss Songs.

 

What do you think are the most popular Wedding Songs of 2013?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee! 

Rhode Island DJ – 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ

A fairly inclusive article on booking your DJ from Bridal Guide.  Like I’ve mentioned previously about similar blog posts on booking your DJ for your Wedding or Party, I still am surprised by how many of these pieces do not include your Rhode Island DJ offering a Guarantee as a must for booking your DJ. Also, do they have experience as a Multicultural DJ to meet the needs of all your friends and family.

10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ

Interviewing potential vendors is like going on an awkward first date — you both hope there’s chemistry, but it can be confusing to know exactly what to say (even for a Wedding Editor like myself!). Follow our new “10 Questions to Ask…” blog series with experts from each field who will break it down for you step-by-step. I’ll share hard-earned real bride advice along the way, so you know how to spot the best vendor for your needs. This week, contributors DJ Kev Sakoda from Scratch Weddings and Vito Namio at Dash of Class Entertainment show you how to scout an amazing DJ.

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?

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Muriel Silva Photography

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.

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography

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.

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Dash of Class Entertainment

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).

Read more about song requests here!

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Dash of Class Entertainment

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.

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Dash of Class Entertainment

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.

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Dash of Class Entertainment

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!

 

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Photo Credit: Chris Sherburne Photography

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!

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Vendors to find out what you should be asking your florist, photographer, and more!

Meet The Experts:

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation’s leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week’s post comes from Brooklyn-based, Cali-bred DJ Kev Sakoda, who has more than two decades of experience DJing clubs, corporate events, live shows and on radio across the country. He can also be found at a weekly residency at NYC’s Happy Ending Lounge on the Lower East Side. Kev works with couples to create a crowd-pleasing musical vision for every wedding he spins. “Music is such an important part of creating the emotion of the reception; not just for the bride and groom, who are the most important people that night, but for all of the guests.”

Rhode Island DJ - 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

 

Vito Namio is the owner of Dash of Class Entertainment in New York and New Jersey. Has been providing clients with personalized service and high energy entertainment over the last 15 years. Creating memories of a lifetime one event at a time.

Stefania Sainato

Here are other posts that may be helpful to you Top 50 DJ Wedding Last Dance SongsHow To Hire The Best Wedding DJ,  Popular Garter Toss Songs, Wedding DJ Father-Daughter Dance SongsWedding DJ Mother Son Dance SongsTop 50 Wedding Cake Cutting SongsPopular Bridal Party Introduction Songs for Wedding DJs and Popular Bouquet Toss Songs.

 

What do you think about the 10 questions to ask before booking your DJ?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ
Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Wedding DJ Mistakes – The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make with DJs

I found this resource from Party Specialists on Wedding DJ Mistakes. I know every Bride and Groom cringe when reading the phrase “Wedding DJ Mistakes”, but I am afraid to tell you they really do exist. I made many Wedding DJ Mistakes early on in my career as a Wedding DJ. I am not proud of them but it’s true. Fortunately, that was many years ago and I’ve learned plenty through experience as a Rhode Island Wedding DJ what to do and what not to do co-creating an extraordinary Wedding with you. You can do your homework by taking some basic precautions and following your gut in hiring the right Wedding DJ for your Wedding and the experience of wedding professionals like the folks who wrote the article below. It saddens me that another Wedding DJ has left out what I firmly support all Weddings DJs need to execute as part of their way of doing business in good faith; a Wedding DJ Guarantee. I am baffled how many Brides and Grooms have to hire Wedding DJs that do not offer a DJ Guarantee.

Wedding DJ Mistakes - The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make with DJs - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Wedding DJ Mistakes – The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make with DJs

Yes, it’s that time of your wedding planning to find a DJ for your special day, and for most brides this can be an adventure in and of itself. Contacting different DJ’s, getting prices, choosing prices, consultations, and the list goes on and on.

In this article you will learn the 10 biggest mistakes brides make when choosing a DJ for the big day, hopefully after this you can avoid the pitfalls of choosing the wrong DJ for your wedding.
Here’s a little quote that we always tell the brides we speak with, “Your wedding day is like Broadway, you only get one take, and you only get one chance to get it right.”

Wedding DJ Mistakes - The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make with DJs - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Top Ten Wedding DJ Mistakes – The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make with DJs

Not Taking “First Impressions” Into Consideration

More than likely your first experience with a DJ will be either on the telephone or through e-mail. If the first contact is by telephone, listen to how the DJ talks on the telephone. Can you understand them or the MC which will do the announcements during your wedding? When you meet the DJ (and sometimes MC also) are they dressed professionally? If a DJ carries themselves professionally during your consultation, more than likely they will be professional on your big day.

Thinking that All Wedding DJs are the Same

This couldn’t be further from the truth, every DJ has their own style, different skill level, different rates, and vary a lot in their “arsenal” which consists of their musical library. This is the heart of their versatility. If a DJ only has rock music but no R&B, they aren’t very versatile. A DJ who has both types of music and much more will be much more able to adapt to your wants and needs. Remember your favorite DJ that spins alternative music all night may be perfect for the club, but more than likely your grandmother doesn’t want to hear Good Charlotte all night during your reception.

Hiring the Cheapest Wedding DJ You Can Find

The phrase “you get what you pay for” holds a lot of water in the case of hiring a DJ… especially for a wedding.There are DJs who can cost as little as $300, or as much as $1,500 for a five hour wedding. Is the DJ that is only charging $300 no good at all? Who knows, he might do a decent job, but there is one thing that is certain, either the DJ doesn’t have the experience or just has bad business skills altogether to charge only $300.
Any DJ that has done a ton of weddings (100 or more) knows that they put too much into a wedding to only charge peanuts. On the other hand, remember that just because a DJ is the most expensive in town, doesn’t mean they’re the best for you. You have to take everything into consideration beforehand, sometimes they are, sometimes they’re not.

The entertainment for your reception is what you, your family and friends will remember, it’s worth more than the cost of invitations. Your DJ is an investment that you and your guests will enjoy the entire time frame of your reception, not half of it. Believe me, if half of your guests leave after dinner because loud rap music was playing during the main course, the venue isn’t going to give you a refund.

Not Communicating with Your Wedding DJ

Besides hiring the wrong DJ altogether, this is probably the biggest mistake some brides do when dealing with DJs, not communicating. There is nothing worse for a DJ (and for you too) than a rush job, especially a wedding. A seasoned professional can get through the event without noticeable incidents but I believe I speak for all wedding DJs when I say it is nerve-racking, even if we don’t show it. Keep your DJ informed of your plans, your special songs, any changes, your timeline, or anything else they may need to know. Don’t wait until the week or even a month before the big day to start communicating. This is the only way your DJ will know exactly what you want, and don’t want.

Not Having a Written Contract

Simply put… no contract, you very well may have no DJ! Every year I get a few phone calls from a bride (or her mother) saying that they hired a DJ and they didn’t show up. The first thing that I ask is did they have a contract… 80% of the time it’s a “no.” If a DJ doesn’t have a contract, runs out the front door, and doesn’t look back, there’s nothing you can do.

Wedding DJ Mistakes - The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make with DJs - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Not Making Sure the Wedding DJ has Liability Insurance

More and more venues and hotels across the U.S. are requiring that DJs have liability insurance, and most are asking to see papers. A true professional is going to have insurance for their business, and you should ask to at least see a copy of the policy. Insurance for DJs is generally not expensive, and there are a few major DJ organizations which offer a nice discount on insurance for joining. There’s really no excuse for your DJ not to have it.

Taking Complete Control of the Music Selection from Your Wedding DJ

You want to hear what you want to hear… That’s fine, but remember you’re not alone on your special day. You, your family (and your new family), your friends all have different tastes. Some brides want to choose every song that gets played for the entire night, and I can honestly say that I have only seen 2 song lists created by brides out of hundreds upon hundreds that actually worked for the majority of the night. Just two.
Let the DJ do their job, which primarily consists of making sure that the right songs get played at the right time. Also remember, giving your DJ 200 songs to play for the night isn’t going to work either… unless your reception is over 10 hours long.

And last but not least make sure you clarify which artist you want to hear for certain songs. Take the song “Three Times a Lady”, The Commodores, Kenny Rogers, Conway Twitty and many other artists all sing this song. If you want The Commodores version for your first dance, make sure you don’t end up with Conway Twitty instead.

Wedding DJ Mistakes - The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make with DJs - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Not Making Sure the Wedding DJ You Want is Guaranteed to be Your DJ

This is probably the biggest complaint from brides all over the country about DJs. You went to a DJ company that has more than one DJ, you requested a specific DJ, and another DJ shows up in their place. Any time you deal with a big DJ company, make sure you get in writing that the DJ you want is the one that will show up.

Not Going Over Back-Up Plans with Your Wedding DJ

In life, things happen which you or nobody else has control over, even on your wedding day! Find out from your DJ about their plans for back-up transportation, equipment, and personnel. If one of these three areas is out of commission, then so will be the music for your reception. If they don’t have any plans, start running.

Not Hiring a Wedding DJ Quickly

Finding the DJ you want is hard enough work as long as you don’t believe they’re all the same. Don’t go through all the work of finding the DJ you want and then end up procrastinating on booking with that DJ. Most wedding DJs that have good reputations in the business will get booked at least a year in advance, especially for the Saturdays in the summer. If you’ve found DJ “Benz” don’t wait to hire him. Remember if you wait a month or two before the big day, your choices are limited and you might end up with DJ “Yugo”.

Avoid these ten major mistakes and you will be better able to connect with your DJ, and know what to look for while hiring a DJ. Keep in contact with your professional DJ, and your reception will more than likely be worry free.

Wedding DJ Mistakes - The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make with DJs - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Here are other posts that may be helpful to you Top 50 DJ Wedding Last Dance SongsHow To Hire The Best Wedding DJ,  Popular Garter Toss Songs, Wedding DJ Father-Daughter Dance SongsWedding DJ Mother Son Dance SongsTop 50 Wedding Cake Cutting SongsPopular Bridal Party Introduction Songs for Wedding DJs and Popular Bouquet Toss Songs.

 

What Wedding DJ Mistakes have witnessed or experienced that may help my readers?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!