The entertainment you choose for your wedding can make or break a reception. If the music’s not right, your guests won’t dance and they might leave the party early. Here are some tips for selecting a DJ who will have your guests on the floor all night long.

Finding a DJ

A good DJ can read the crowd and play the music that will get them on the dance floor. A bad DJ will adhere to his or her playlist and only play music he or she thinks the crowd should like. As with most vendors, start your DJ search by talking to friends and relatives and asking for recommendations. Talk to the management at your reception facility to see if they have DJs they’d recommend. Have you been wowed by the DJ at a wedding? Get that DJ’s contact information right away! If you hear a DJ that you like at a club or party, don’t hesitate to inquire about wedding services. You can also meet DJs at bridal shows.

Since many DJs work alone, most only do one wedding a day. To ensure you get the DJ you want, book someone at least three to six months in advance.

Questions to Ask

Here are some questions to ask when you meet with prospective DJs:

• How long have you been a DJ? How many weddings have you worked?
• What is your training?
• How many weddings do you work in a weekend? In a day?
• What type of equipment do you use (computer, CD player, etc.)?
• How large is your song library? Do you have old and new songs? Fast and slow songs? Can you take requests?
• Can I bring songs I’d like to hear?
• Can you act as master of ceremonies? Is there an extra fee for this?
• Do you work alone or with someone else?
• If a large company, ask whether you can meet with the person who will actually be DJ-ing your event.
• What do you wear?
• Is a special sound system or hookup required?
• Have you worked at my reception site before?
• Can you also provide ceremony sound (if needed)?
• How many hours is the contract for? What is the hourly overtime rate?
• Do you have the songs I want for first dance, parent dances, etc.?
• Can you play background music during cocktail hour and dinner?
• Ask for a list of references and then call those people.

Working with Your DJ

Once you’ve chosen a DJ, make sure your reception site is ready for them. If possible, visit the site with your DJ to figure out where he or she will set up and plug in. The DJ might also want to check out the acoustics of the room. Make sure the room will be open when the DJ needs to set up so he or she can do a sound check before guests arrive.

It’s important to give your DJ all the information he or she needs to successfully run your reception. If your DJ is also acting as emcee, make a timeline of events: special dances, garter toss, toasts, cake cutting, etc. If you’re asking for songs that the DJ doesn’t have, make sure you get them to him or her in a readable format well in advance of your wedding. Let the DJ know if there are specific songs you’d like to hear – or songs you do not want played.