Wedding DJ's - Things you should know before hiring

Whatever type of reception you may be planning, you'll need to find a wedding DJ to match your musical tastes. It's important not to pick one because you like their website or flyer. As with other wedding professionals you should meet a few different ones and pick the one you were are comfortable with.

The best thing to do is ask around and see if any of your family or friends can suggest a good one for you. If you've been any recent weddings or parties that you've enjoyed, ask the hosts if you can get the contact details of their DJ.

Once you've contacted a Wedding DJ that could be the one, interview them, ask them about their previous experience. Have a discussion about they type of music you like and what music you think your guests will enjoy. Ask if they have the song that you want to have your first dance too, if not make sure you have a copy. It's important to give them a list of songs they shouldn't play as well as a list of ones you'd love to hear.

Your DJ doesn't just play the music, they help create an atmosphere so they need to be able to gauge the mood of your guests and make sure the atmosphere is lively and upbeat. They should be able to get people onto the dance floor, make them feel at ease dancing, and generally get them to entertain each other.

Check whats included in the price and what time they will play too. You don't want them starting too early so they start packing up at 11pm just when your guests are really getting in the mood to party. Quiz them about they're lighting set up as their visual equipment can add or subtract from the experience and nothing screams cheap more than pathetic disco lighting.

Also if your considering having a band play, let your wedding dj know so they are prepared to share the space and maybe able to share equipment. If you have already chosen your wedding band, ask them if they can recommend a wedding DJ. If both sets of entertainment have a good working relationship this will help make the swap over from DJ to band and vice versa easier for them, therefore seamless for your guests.

Your DJ will make or break your wedding reception so it's worth spending time finding the right one.

You should have chosen your wedding DJ no later than 3 months before your wedding. Once this has been done you can move on to more wedding planning tasks like picking your wedding jewellery and finalising reception table decorations.