What to Look for in a DJ

Hey there! This is the fourth article in the series “How to Hire a.” I’ve been talking to several industry professionals and each week, I will publish another article in the series.

Wedding planning can be hard and annoying. I know, I’m going through it as well! So, hopefully I can take some of the stress off of you by giving you valuable information.

This series will help you know what to look for when hiring different vendors. I had each vendor answer a few questions that will give you insight into how his or her business is run and what you should keep in mind when looking to hire that particular vendor.

Next up is Chris Brower with KC DJ Unlimited. I’ve worked with Chris once and I was extremely impressed with his DJing skills. DJ’s either make or break the party, and he did an awesome job. He’s personable, fun, and knows his way around music.

Three fun facts:

1. I’m a published novelist (“I Look Like You” came out last summer)
2. Left-handed
3. Broke my arm in first grade and had a Ninja Turtles cast all summer.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.

Probably the consultation we do a few days before the wedding. All the details have been figured out, and now we can look forward to the fun that’s just a few days away. At the same time, some clients are very stressed and concerned about how things are going to go, so I love being able to reassure them and address any remaining questions/worries they have.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.

I have a questionnaire I ask the client to fill out and return by a couple weeks before the wedding. After getting that, I make sure I have all the music they requested. A week before the wedding, we do a quick phone call (10-15 minutes), where I ask any remaining questions I have, and they can as well. I also make sure I understand the timeline correctly and any other nuances of the night. The day of the wedding I arrive 60-90 minutes before I’m supposed to start, set up everything, and get ready. I’m typically playing music the entire reception, except for toasts, which are done with my microphone through my sound system, so I’m controlling the sound for that. I make any announcements, such as dinner, first dances, cake cutting, and so on. I regularly check in with the couple, event coordinator, photographers, and other vendors to make sure the event is going smoothly and that everyone’s on the same page as far as schedule. After the reception, I pack up in about 10 minutes, say thanks, and then I’m all done. Each wedding is probably about 10-15 hours of work total.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Probably the consultation we do a few days before the wedding. All the details have been figured out, and now we can look forward to the fun that’s just a few days away. At the same time, some clients are very stressed and concerned about how things are going to go, so I love being able to reassure them and address any remaining questions/worries they have.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.

As for me personally, I would like everyone to know how stress-free I am to work with. You want to keep an eye out for vendors who are difficult, strict, can’t make changes on the fly, get upset easily, etc. I’ve had multiple clients tell me I was the most laid back vendor they worked with, and I try to do that for everyone. I’m not laid back to the point of being careless, but I won’t throw a fit if you change your first dance song five minutes before or if you want to extend dancing by another 30 minutes. Let’s do it!

How many hours overall would you say you spend on each wedding?

I have a questionnaire I ask the client to fill out and return by a couple weeks before the wedding. After getting that, I make sure I have all the music they requested. A week before the wedding, we do a quick phone call (10-15 minutes), where I ask any remaining questions I have, and they can as well. I also make sure I understand the timeline correctly and any other nuances of the night. The day of the wedding I arrive 60-90 minutes before I’m supposed to start, set up everything, and get ready. I’m typically playing music the entire reception, except for toasts, which are done with my microphone through my sound system, so I’m controlling the sound for that. I make any announcements, such as dinner, first dances, cake cutting, and so on. I regularly check in with the couple, event coordinator, photographers, and other vendors to make sure the event is going smoothly and that everyone’s on the same page as far as schedule. After the reception, I pack up in about 10 minutes, say thanks, and then I’m all done. Each wedding is probably about 10-15 hours of work total.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Probably the consultation we do a few days before the wedding. All the details have been figured out, and now we can look forward to the fun that’s just a few days away. At the same time, some clients are very stressed and concerned about how things are going to go, so I love being able to reassure them and address any remaining questions/worries they have.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.

First of all, that a wedding DJ is essential if you want a good party, which is ultimately what your guests will remember most about your wedding (short of anything super unusual like a bear interrupting the ceremony). A lot of people think they can just set up a playlist on their phone/laptop and that’ll be the same thing. Not even close. It’s more than just playing the songs; it’s reacting to the crowd, creating a flow, changing it up on the fly, making announcements, taking requests from your guests, providing the sound equipment, etc.

As for me personally, I would like everyone to know how stress-free I am to work with. You want to keep an eye out for vendors who are difficult, strict, can’t make changes on the fly, get upset easily, etc. I’ve had multiple clients tell me I was the most laid back vendor they worked with, and I try to do that for everyone. I’m not laid back to the point of being careless, but I won’t throw a fit if you change your first dance song five minutes before or if you want to extend dancing by another 30 minutes. Let’s do it!

How many hours overall would you say you spend on each wedding?

I have a questionnaire I ask the client to fill out and return by a couple weeks before the wedding. After getting that, I make sure I have all the music they requested. A week before the wedding, we do a quick phone call (10-15 minutes), where I ask any remaining questions I have, and they can as well. I also make sure I understand the timeline correctly and any other nuances of the night. The day of the wedding I arrive 60-90 minutes before I’m supposed to start, set up everything, and get ready. I’m typically playing music the entire reception, except for toasts, which are done with my microphone through my sound system, so I’m controlling the sound for that. I make any announcements, such as dinner, first dances, cake cutting, and so on. I regularly check in with the couple, event coordinator, photographers, and other vendors to make sure the event is going smoothly and that everyone’s on the same page as far as schedule. After the reception, I pack up in about 10 minutes, say thanks, and then I’m all done. Each wedding is probably about 10-15 hours of work total.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Probably the consultation we do a few days before the wedding. All the details have been figured out, and now we can look forward to the fun that’s just a few days away. At the same time, some clients are very stressed and concerned about how things are going to go, so I love being able to reassure them and address any remaining questions/worries they have.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.

When you book my company, you’re getting me, and me only. Some companies have multiple people, and the person with whom you book might not be the DJ who actually DJs your wedding. Also, keep an eye out for extra fees or strict time limits. For example, some DJs quote prices lower than mine, but it’s for a much shorter time than your reception probably is, or you don’t get DJ lights or something else included. With me, you get a flat rate and you get everything. The only difference is if you also want me to DJ the ceremony; then I do add an extra fee.

What are some of the most common/most important questions to ask about your service?

Do you take song requests? Yes

Will you MC? Yes, and I won’t talk too much and annoy you or your guests. The #1 complaint I hear about other DJs or other weddings my clients have attended: annoying DJs who make it all about themselves, rather than the couple. You want someone personable and charismatic, but not someone who’s just going to goof off or embarrass people.

What do you need beyond payment (example: a table, etc.)? I just need a table, and if it’s outdoors, I ask to have some sort of cover, such as a tent, and access to electricity. This is all spelled out in my contract.

What do you wear? I’m surprised people ask this honestly, but if it’s important to you, then definitely ask. I wear a suit to every wedding (unless you have a specific theme and want me to wear something else). However, I do see some DJs who wear polo shirts or other outfits.

What if you have to cancel? As my contract states, I give you a 100% refund and will help you find another DJ. In six years I’ve never canceled once.

What do you wish every couple knew about your service/wedding planning in general?

First of all, that a wedding DJ is essential if you want a good party, which is ultimately what your guests will remember most about your wedding (short of anything super unusual like a bear interrupting the ceremony). A lot of people think they can just set up a playlist on their phone/laptop and that’ll be the same thing. Not even close. It’s more than just playing the songs; it’s reacting to the crowd, creating a flow, changing it up on the fly, making announcements, taking requests from your guests, providing the sound equipment, etc.

As for me personally, I would like everyone to know how stress-free I am to work with. You want to keep an eye out for vendors who are difficult, strict, can’t make changes on the fly, get upset easily, etc. I’ve had multiple clients tell me I was the most laid back vendor they worked with, and I try to do that for everyone. I’m not laid back to the point of being careless, but I won’t throw a fit if you change your first dance song five minutes before or if you want to extend dancing by another 30 minutes. Let’s do it!

How many hours overall would you say you spend on each wedding?

I have a questionnaire I ask the client to fill out and return by a couple weeks before the wedding. After getting that, I make sure I have all the music they requested. A week before the wedding, we do a quick phone call (10-15 minutes), where I ask any remaining questions I have, and they can as well. I also make sure I understand the timeline correctly and any other nuances of the night. The day of the wedding I arrive 60-90 minutes before I’m supposed to start, set up everything, and get ready. I’m typically playing music the entire reception, except for toasts, which are done with my microphone through my sound system, so I’m controlling the sound for that. I make any announcements, such as dinner, first dances, cake cutting, and so on. I regularly check in with the couple, event coordinator, photographers, and other vendors to make sure the event is going smoothly and that everyone’s on the same page as far as schedule. After the reception, I pack up in about 10 minutes, say thanks, and then I’m all done. Each wedding is probably about 10-15 hours of work total.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Probably the consultation we do a few days before the wedding. All the details have been figured out, and now we can look forward to the fun that’s just a few days away. At the same time, some clients are very stressed and concerned about how things are going to go, so I love being able to reassure them and address any remaining questions/worries they have.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.

Only one per day. Sometimes up to three a weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), but typically just 1-2 a weekend.

What do you want couples to keep in mind when researching your service/others offering the same service?

When you book my company, you’re getting me, and me only. Some companies have multiple people, and the person with whom you book might not be the DJ who actually DJs your wedding. Also, keep an eye out for extra fees or strict time limits. For example, some DJs quote prices lower than mine, but it’s for a much shorter time than your reception probably is, or you don’t get DJ lights or something else included. With me, you get a flat rate and you get everything. The only difference is if you also want me to DJ the ceremony; then I do add an extra fee.

What are some of the most common/most important questions to ask about your service?

Do you take song requests? Yes

Will you MC? Yes, and I won’t talk too much and annoy you or your guests. The #1 complaint I hear about other DJs or other weddings my clients have attended: annoying DJs who make it all about themselves, rather than the couple. You want someone personable and charismatic, but not someone who’s just going to goof off or embarrass people.

What do you need beyond payment (example: a table, etc.)? I just need a table, and if it’s outdoors, I ask to have some sort of cover, such as a tent, and access to electricity. This is all spelled out in my contract.

What do you wear? I’m surprised people ask this honestly, but if it’s important to you, then definitely ask. I wear a suit to every wedding (unless you have a specific theme and want me to wear something else). However, I do see some DJs who wear polo shirts or other outfits.

What if you have to cancel? As my contract states, I give you a 100% refund and will help you find another DJ. In six years I’ve never canceled once.

What do you wish every couple knew about your service/wedding planning in general?

First of all, that a wedding DJ is essential if you want a good party, which is ultimately what your guests will remember most about your wedding (short of anything super unusual like a bear interrupting the ceremony). A lot of people think they can just set up a playlist on their phone/laptop and that’ll be the same thing. Not even close. It’s more than just playing the songs; it’s reacting to the crowd, creating a flow, changing it up on the fly, making announcements, taking requests from your guests, providing the sound equipment, etc.

As for me personally, I would like everyone to know how stress-free I am to work with. You want to keep an eye out for vendors who are difficult, strict, can’t make changes on the fly, get upset easily, etc. I’ve had multiple clients tell me I was the most laid back vendor they worked with, and I try to do that for everyone. I’m not laid back to the point of being careless, but I won’t throw a fit if you change your first dance song five minutes before or if you want to extend dancing by another 30 minutes. Let’s do it!

How many hours overall would you say you spend on each wedding?

I have a questionnaire I ask the client to fill out and return by a couple weeks before the wedding. After getting that, I make sure I have all the music they requested. A week before the wedding, we do a quick phone call (10-15 minutes), where I ask any remaining questions I have, and they can as well. I also make sure I understand the timeline correctly and any other nuances of the night. The day of the wedding I arrive 60-90 minutes before I’m supposed to start, set up everything, and get ready. I’m typically playing music the entire reception, except for toasts, which are done with my microphone through my sound system, so I’m controlling the sound for that. I make any announcements, such as dinner, first dances, cake cutting, and so on. I regularly check in with the couple, event coordinator, photographers, and other vendors to make sure the event is going smoothly and that everyone’s on the same page as far as schedule. After the reception, I pack up in about 10 minutes, say thanks, and then I’m all done. Each wedding is probably about 10-15 hours of work total.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Probably the consultation we do a few days before the wedding. All the details have been figured out, and now we can look forward to the fun that’s just a few days away. At the same time, some clients are very stressed and concerned about how things are going to go, so I love being able to reassure them and address any remaining questions/worries they have.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.

At least 9 months, because it increases the likelihood I’m available. I’m okay with booking right up to before the wedding, but when I get inquiries for weddings a couple months away, it’s unlikely I’m still available, unless it’s a Sunday or a slower time of year (winter months).

How many weddings do you do per day/per weekend?

Only one per day. Sometimes up to three a weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), but typically just 1-2 a weekend.

What do you want couples to keep in mind when researching your service/others offering the same service?

When you book my company, you’re getting me, and me only. Some companies have multiple people, and the person with whom you book might not be the DJ who actually DJs your wedding. Also, keep an eye out for extra fees or strict time limits. For example, some DJs quote prices lower than mine, but it’s for a much shorter time than your reception probably is, or you don’t get DJ lights or something else included. With me, you get a flat rate and you get everything. The only difference is if you also want me to DJ the ceremony; then I do add an extra fee.

What are some of the most common/most important questions to ask about your service?

Do you take song requests? Yes

Will you MC? Yes, and I won’t talk too much and annoy you or your guests. The #1 complaint I hear about other DJs or other weddings my clients have attended: annoying DJs who make it all about themselves, rather than the couple. You want someone personable and charismatic, but not someone who’s just going to goof off or embarrass people.

What do you need beyond payment (example: a table, etc.)? I just need a table, and if it’s outdoors, I ask to have some sort of cover, such as a tent, and access to electricity. This is all spelled out in my contract.

What do you wear? I’m surprised people ask this honestly, but if it’s important to you, then definitely ask. I wear a suit to every wedding (unless you have a specific theme and want me to wear something else). However, I do see some DJs who wear polo shirts or other outfits.

What if you have to cancel? As my contract states, I give you a 100% refund and will help you find another DJ. In six years I’ve never canceled once.

What do you wish every couple knew about your service/wedding planning in general?

First of all, that a wedding DJ is essential if you want a good party, which is ultimately what your guests will remember most about your wedding (short of anything super unusual like a bear interrupting the ceremony). A lot of people think they can just set up a playlist on their phone/laptop and that’ll be the same thing. Not even close. It’s more than just playing the songs; it’s reacting to the crowd, creating a flow, changing it up on the fly, making announcements, taking requests from your guests, providing the sound equipment, etc.

As for me personally, I would like everyone to know how stress-free I am to work with. You want to keep an eye out for vendors who are difficult, strict, can’t make changes on the fly, get upset easily, etc. I’ve had multiple clients tell me I was the most laid back vendor they worked with, and I try to do that for everyone. I’m not laid back to the point of being careless, but I won’t throw a fit if you change your first dance song five minutes before or if you want to extend dancing by another 30 minutes. Let’s do it!

How many hours overall would you say you spend on each wedding?

I have a questionnaire I ask the client to fill out and return by a couple weeks before the wedding. After getting that, I make sure I have all the music they requested. A week before the wedding, we do a quick phone call (10-15 minutes), where I ask any remaining questions I have, and they can as well. I also make sure I understand the timeline correctly and any other nuances of the night. The day of the wedding I arrive 60-90 minutes before I’m supposed to start, set up everything, and get ready. I’m typically playing music the entire reception, except for toasts, which are done with my microphone through my sound system, so I’m controlling the sound for that. I make any announcements, such as dinner, first dances, cake cutting, and so on. I regularly check in with the couple, event coordinator, photographers, and other vendors to make sure the event is going smoothly and that everyone’s on the same page as far as schedule. After the reception, I pack up in about 10 minutes, say thanks, and then I’m all done. Each wedding is probably about 10-15 hours of work total.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Probably the consultation we do a few days before the wedding. All the details have been figured out, and now we can look forward to the fun that’s just a few days away. At the same time, some clients are very stressed and concerned about how things are going to go, so I love being able to reassure them and address any remaining questions/worries they have.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.

I’ll book as far in advance as people want, but typically it’s 6-9 months before, sometimes a year.

How many months before the wedding do you recommend couples book you? Why?

At least 9 months, because it increases the likelihood I’m available. I’m okay with booking right up to before the wedding, but when I get inquiries for weddings a couple months away, it’s unlikely I’m still available, unless it’s a Sunday or a slower time of year (winter months).

How many weddings do you do per day/per weekend?

Only one per day. Sometimes up to three a weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), but typically just 1-2 a weekend.

What do you want couples to keep in mind when researching your service/others offering the same service?

When you book my company, you’re getting me, and me only. Some companies have multiple people, and the person with whom you book might not be the DJ who actually DJs your wedding. Also, keep an eye out for extra fees or strict time limits. For example, some DJs quote prices lower than mine, but it’s for a much shorter time than your reception probably is, or you don’t get DJ lights or something else included. With me, you get a flat rate and you get everything. The only difference is if you also want me to DJ the ceremony; then I do add an extra fee.

What are some of the most common/most important questions to ask about your service?

Do you take song requests? Yes

Will you MC? Yes, and I won’t talk too much and annoy you or your guests. The #1 complaint I hear about other DJs or other weddings my clients have attended: annoying DJs who make it all about themselves, rather than the couple. You want someone personable and charismatic, but not someone who’s just going to goof off or embarrass people.

What do you need beyond payment (example: a table, etc.)? I just need a table, and if it’s outdoors, I ask to have some sort of cover, such as a tent, and access to electricity. This is all spelled out in my contract.

What do you wear? I’m surprised people ask this honestly, but if it’s important to you, then definitely ask. I wear a suit to every wedding (unless you have a specific theme and want me to wear something else). However, I do see some DJs who wear polo shirts or other outfits.

What if you have to cancel? As my contract states, I give you a 100% refund and will help you find another DJ. In six years I’ve never canceled once.

What do you wish every couple knew about your service/wedding planning in general?

First of all, that a wedding DJ is essential if you want a good party, which is ultimately what your guests will remember most about your wedding (short of anything super unusual like a bear interrupting the ceremony). A lot of people think they can just set up a playlist on their phone/laptop and that’ll be the same thing. Not even close. It’s more than just playing the songs; it’s reacting to the crowd, creating a flow, changing it up on the fly, making announcements, taking requests from your guests, providing the sound equipment, etc.

As for me personally, I would like everyone to know how stress-free I am to work with. You want to keep an eye out for vendors who are difficult, strict, can’t make changes on the fly, get upset easily, etc. I’ve had multiple clients tell me I was the most laid back vendor they worked with, and I try to do that for everyone. I’m not laid back to the point of being careless, but I won’t throw a fit if you change your first dance song five minutes before or if you want to extend dancing by another 30 minutes. Let’s do it!

How many hours overall would you say you spend on each wedding?

I have a questionnaire I ask the client to fill out and return by a couple weeks before the wedding. After getting that, I make sure I have all the music they requested. A week before the wedding, we do a quick phone call (10-15 minutes), where I ask any remaining questions I have, and they can as well. I also make sure I understand the timeline correctly and any other nuances of the night. The day of the wedding I arrive 60-90 minutes before I’m supposed to start, set up everything, and get ready. I’m typically playing music the entire reception, except for toasts, which are done with my microphone through my sound system, so I’m controlling the sound for that. I make any announcements, such as dinner, first dances, cake cutting, and so on. I regularly check in with the couple, event coordinator, photographers, and other vendors to make sure the event is going smoothly and that everyone’s on the same page as far as schedule. After the reception, I pack up in about 10 minutes, say thanks, and then I’m all done. Each wedding is probably about 10-15 hours of work total.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Probably the consultation we do a few days before the wedding. All the details have been figured out, and now we can look forward to the fun that’s just a few days away. At the same time, some clients are very stressed and concerned about how things are going to go, so I love being able to reassure them and address any remaining questions/worries they have.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.

Website: www.kcdjunlimited.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kcdjunlimited

How far in advance do you usually book up?

I’ll book as far in advance as people want, but typically it’s 6-9 months before, sometimes a year.

How many months before the wedding do you recommend couples book you? Why?

At least 9 months, because it increases the likelihood I’m available. I’m okay with booking right up to before the wedding, but when I get inquiries for weddings a couple months away, it’s unlikely I’m still available, unless it’s a Sunday or a slower time of year (winter months).

How many weddings do you do per day/per weekend?

Only one per day. Sometimes up to three a weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), but typically just 1-2 a weekend.

What do you want couples to keep in mind when researching your service/others offering the same service?

When you book my company, you’re getting me, and me only. Some companies have multiple people, and the person with whom you book might not be the DJ who actually DJs your wedding. Also, keep an eye out for extra fees or strict time limits. For example, some DJs quote prices lower than mine, but it’s for a much shorter time than your reception probably is, or you don’t get DJ lights or something else included. With me, you get a flat rate and you get everything. The only difference is if you also want me to DJ the ceremony; then I do add an extra fee.

What are some of the most common/most important questions to ask about your service?

Do you take song requests? Yes

Will you MC? Yes, and I won’t talk too much and annoy you or your guests. The #1 complaint I hear about other DJs or other weddings my clients have attended: annoying DJs who make it all about themselves, rather than the couple. You want someone personable and charismatic, but not someone who’s just going to goof off or embarrass people.

What do you need beyond payment (example: a table, etc.)? I just need a table, and if it’s outdoors, I ask to have some sort of cover, such as a tent, and access to electricity. This is all spelled out in my contract.

What do you wear? I’m surprised people ask this honestly, but if it’s important to you, then definitely ask. I wear a suit to every wedding (unless you have a specific theme and want me to wear something else). However, I do see some DJs who wear polo shirts or other outfits.

What if you have to cancel? As my contract states, I give you a 100% refund and will help you find another DJ. In six years I’ve never canceled once.

What do you wish every couple knew about your service/wedding planning in general?

First of all, that a wedding DJ is essential if you want a good party, which is ultimately what your guests will remember most about your wedding (short of anything super unusual like a bear interrupting the ceremony). A lot of people think they can just set up a playlist on their phone/laptop and that’ll be the same thing. Not even close. It’s more than just playing the songs; it’s reacting to the crowd, creating a flow, changing it up on the fly, making announcements, taking requests from your guests, providing the sound equipment, etc.

As for me personally, I would like everyone to know how stress-free I am to work with. You want to keep an eye out for vendors who are difficult, strict, can’t make changes on the fly, get upset easily, etc. I’ve had multiple clients tell me I was the most laid back vendor they worked with, and I try to do that for everyone. I’m not laid back to the point of being careless, but I won’t throw a fit if you change your first dance song five minutes before or if you want to extend dancing by another 30 minutes. Let’s do it!

How many hours overall would you say you spend on each wedding?

I have a questionnaire I ask the client to fill out and return by a couple weeks before the wedding. After getting that, I make sure I have all the music they requested. A week before the wedding, we do a quick phone call (10-15 minutes), where I ask any remaining questions I have, and they can as well. I also make sure I understand the timeline correctly and any other nuances of the night. The day of the wedding I arrive 60-90 minutes before I’m supposed to start, set up everything, and get ready. I’m typically playing music the entire reception, except for toasts, which are done with my microphone through my sound system, so I’m controlling the sound for that. I make any announcements, such as dinner, first dances, cake cutting, and so on. I regularly check in with the couple, event coordinator, photographers, and other vendors to make sure the event is going smoothly and that everyone’s on the same page as far as schedule. After the reception, I pack up in about 10 minutes, say thanks, and then I’m all done. Each wedding is probably about 10-15 hours of work total.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Probably the consultation we do a few days before the wedding. All the details have been figured out, and now we can look forward to the fun that’s just a few days away. At the same time, some clients are very stressed and concerned about how things are going to go, so I love being able to reassure them and address any remaining questions/worries they have.

How involved are you in the planning process?

If they haven’t already on their own or with a coordinator, I help my clients figure out the timeline and flow of the night, as well as the music. I offer feedback, and help them decide which things to do and which things they might not want to.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their weddings?

Get started early! You’ll have more say over the date, the venue, and the vendors you work with. Good venues and good vendors get booked early. Planning a year in advance is not crazy or unheard of. It’s the smart way to do it.