Spin it to Win it: Why You Should Hire a Professional DJ

by Jeremy Russell of Outer Banks Wedding Entertainment

There you are. Your heart is pounding, the butterflies in your stomach start to flutter, and it’s a little hard to catch your breath. You’re composed but anxious as you smile and look out at all of your family and friends. As your fiancé and parents wipe tears of joy from their eyes, your planner gives you the thumbs up, the music starts, and you begin your walk down the aisle…but the DJ is playing the WRONG song! This is a nightmare scenario for a music-lover like me and some couples may not even notice the hiccup, but with a quick Google search you can find endless horror stories of DJ’s and musicians who bombed BIG moments. How can you avoid this and other similar situations? What can you do to make sure this sort of thing doesn’t happen to you? Skip the worry and strife and get some peace of mind by hiring an experienced and professional DJ and emcee.

You may be thinking, “Why is picking a DJ such an important decision? They just play the music.” Trust me when I say, it is one of the most important decisions you will make for your wedding day. The DJ creates the ambiance for your entire event from beginning to end; from the prelude and walking down the aisle, to hyped-up intros, dinner music, toasts, cake cutting, and most important of all… the dance party!!! Music sets the tone for it all!

Great DJ’s aren’t just playing music – they are making all of the announcements for the evening and keeping everything on-track. They’re working hand-in-hand with your planner or coordinator, photographer, and caterer (among others) to make sure that each part of your event transitions smoothly from one moment to the next.

There are a few things that make an experienced and professional DJ stand out above the rest. First and foremost, they do their homework! A great DJ will review, ask questions, and provide feedback or suggestions for all of your music choices ahead of time. They will have a copy of your wedding timeline on hand and a list of the announcements that need to be made throughout the evening. Your DJ should know how to pronounce everyone in the wedding party’s names although I’ve certainly had some tough ones! Above all, a great DJ comes prepared!

An experienced DJ will also be able to take cues from the crowd. For example, if guests are leaning in and having a hard time hearing one another, then the DJ would know that the volume is too loud and needs to be adjusted. If guests seem confused about how to approach the buffet line, where to get drinks, or having trouble finding the bathroom, your DJ will notice and make appropriate and helpful announcements with clear instructions for guests. And of course, a great DJ will know the perfect style of music for the occasion whether it’s cocktail hour, dinner, or the after-dinner dance party.

You may be wondering who gets to actually choose the music that is played for your wedding. Is it up to you or the DJ? The answer is- both. I typically ask for 10-15 “must-haves” and any “no-plays” – this allows clients to hear their favorite songs and adds flexibility for guest requests and other songs that fit the moment.

A great DJ will skillfully create a playlist that combines your favorite artists, songs, and genres with booty-shakin’ crowd pleasers. Experienced DJ’s also know that it’s important to remember that your guests may range in age and have different musical tastes. Your DJ should be able to choose songs throughout the night to ensure all of your guests have a great time!

Now that you have a better idea of what a great DJ does, it’s time to start your search and find a top-notch DJ!  If you’re considering a DJ for your wedding entertainment, the Outer Banks Wedding Association is an invaluable resource and a great place to start! Among the collective group of DJ’s, there are career radio DJ’s, some who honed their craft in the club, and DJ’s who are also talented musicians.  Rest assured that anyone on the vendor list has been vetted by the board and can be trusted as a member of your wedding team.

Word of mouth and reviews are also big indicators of a DJ’s performance skills. Ask your friends who they used when they got married or ask other vendors about who you’re considering hiring.  Any great DJ will have reviews – you can learn a lot from previous clients and hear what they have to say about their own personal experiences!

When choosing between a Craigslist DJ and a DJ you found on a reputable local site, just remember that this should be one aspect of your wedding that you shouldn’t cut corners on! Instead of worrying about the “what if’s”, choose a GREAT DJ you know you can trust!

Article: Outer Banks Wedding Entertainment

Header Image: Coastal Shots