How to Choose the Right Iowa Wedding DJ to host Your Wedding
You said yes to the person of your dreams.
Now it’s time to say yes to the wedding DJ/host of your dreams.
Someone who will make things easier for you and your fiancé.
Someone who can throw an amazing party that your guests will surely remember.
Someone who won’t embarrass you in front of your friends by train wrecking your reception, mispronouncing your names, playing explicit songs when there are kids around, etc.
So how do you find such a DJ?
There are a lot of amateur or “HOBBY” DJs out there who are just looking for a quick buck but not properly trained on how to run or host a wedding.
The problem that I find almost every time I sit down with a potential client is, THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK. To their defense, who would? It’s not like you get married every year, right?
So, I put together a list of simple questions to ask your potential DJs to help you figure out if they are the right fit for you, and if what they are saying coincides with you and your fiancé’s personalities.
Get to know your potential DJ and ask them a lot of questions.
Here are a few tips of what questions you can start with. Can you show us videos of a past weddings you’ve done?
Simply, check the product before you buy it. It’s 2021! Every professional Iowa Wedding DJs should have videos of them working and showcasing their talent and skills, their set-up and lighting and how it compliments the venue they are working at, etc. If a DJ cannot provide me a video of REAL weddings they’ve done in this day and age, they better have hundreds of reviews from real wedding clients before I would even think of hiring them.
Do you have a mix that we can listen to?
It is mind blowing that nobody asks nor care about this part. When you hire a photographer, you look for photos. When you consider a videographer, you watch their videos. But, no one really asks about how a DJ play their music. This is very important, folks. How can someone be a photographer if they don’t have photos to show. How can someone be a DJ if they don’t have mixes you can listen to? We do not just show up and play music off of Spotify, which those hobby DJs do by the way. Make sure to ask this and listen to their mixes. This will give you an idea if their style fits yours and your guests.
Why do you charge this much?
This is a very valid question that nobody asks! No, it’s not tacky to ask this! Why do DJs differ in prices? Why does one charges $300 while another charges $3,000? This will give you an idea of your money's worth and where it’s going. I will be posting another blog with this topic as this covers a whole blog by itself.
How will you introduce us at the grand entrance?
Make them give you a sample run of their introduction. This will immediately give you an idea of how they will be like as your MC. Remember, your guests will hear more of their voice than yours. Do you like an MC who's a talker and tells jokes, or an MC who says a few words but straight to the point? Every MC is different. Get to know yours.
How long have you been doing this and how did you start?
Remember, having a lot of experience doesn't mean a DJ is a good fit for you. But, this will give you an idea if you're dealing with a someone worth your time -AKA a Professional.
What kind of equipment do you have?
This is important to know also. You'll be surprised how many weddings have been ruined by cheap equipment like faulty microphones during speeches - my best friend's wedding included!
What does your setup look like?
Is it clean and elegant to match your venue? Ask for pictures! Why not? You spent thousands of dollars to have the most beautiful venue and decors only to be ruined by dangling cables everywhere and an MC who wears a t-shirt at your wedding! Yes, there’s a lot of them out there.
What backups do you have?
What if the microphone fails, or your DJ’s computer shuts off suddenly? Think about the Murphy's law. These things can and do happen even to the best DJs. You should know how your DJ would handle a situation like this.
Do you have a Liability Insurance?
We rarely hear this question from potential clients. This should be one of the first things you ask before doing business with anybody. Your car is insured, your house, your health, etc. So, make sure that your DJ is insured as well. You'd be surprised to learn that many “so-called” DJs are not insured. We can show you tons of videos of events gone wrong because the DJ plugged into the wrong outlet, or one of your guests' kids tripped on the DJs "Spaghetti-like” wiring, etc. - or you can just look it up on YouTube. And if your DJ is not insured, you’re in for a whole another level of headaches. Please do yourself a favor and ask this very simple question. If they say they are, ask for a proof of insurance!
By asking these simple questions and more, you will immediately learn if the DJ you're talking to is the right one for you. Price is a huge factor when deciding the right vendor, but it should NOT be the only factor to base your decision on when it comes to choosing someone to help run your wedding; it should be the VALUE that they provide, because your wedding experience and memories are PRICELESS.
CLIFE DJ COMPANY would love to provide the value and experience that you deserve on your wedding day.
