The first and most important reason to NOT hire a entertainer because they have an awesome video, would be: ALL video is cut, edited and dubbed to make it awesome - it is a finished product and not an actual representation of what your entertainer does!!
Secondly if you were making a "sales" video would you show any bad parts? NO so the video is definitely a best of the best ... If your DJ had one good performance and 100 bad ones the video will not represent this!
Third, Every event should be customized to a clients wants, needs and dreams, so what you see may not be what you love, but what someone else loved and planned for. If your DJ has a cookie cutter attitude and performs the same "show" then the video may be a good representation of their services... BUT do you really want a "show" at your wedding or would you prefer a unique experience?
Other questions to avoid! (But Wedding Magazines Insist they help!!)
This is a common question all the time: Can the bride and groom come see you perform?
Three problems:
- First is the same as the video it is not your reception so it is planned and tailored to the client that has hired the DJ.
- Second and more importantly, it is a private affair! would you want your Disc Jockey or band inviting unwanted future clients to your wedding? And then taking time away from your reception to say hi and talk to them? I surely would not!
- Now also remember if you do ask this and they say yes - then they will also invite others to your wedding!
Can I meet with you (being the sales person on the phone)? Again how does meeting with an owner or sales lady in the office help you decide which actual DJ or MC would suit your needs? If they are the person that is working the event .. great, this may be helpful, but if not they have no idea about what will work for your reception!
Better ways to pick your Wedding Entertainer! The Best way is to explain your needs to a company and see if they have someone that fits the bill, within your budget! Most weddings require 2 people to perform correctly, so your concern is not specifically the DJ but the Wedding Qualified MC that will be the "face" of your reception.
- Would you like your MC to be elegant, high energy, loud, cheesy,or club style ?
- What types of music do you think your crowd would like, is the MC familiar with them?
- What level of interaction will you request from your MC - does it fit the music you selected?
For example: a lot of couples say we hate all the dances such as chicken, cha cha slide, electric slide & YMCA but we want our MC to be super interactive! Well you just took 100% of the tools out of the toolbox and are still trying to get the same job done... its not impossible but much more difficult!
Ask for letters of recommendation! - Why?? this is the truth about the entire event, not sugar coated like the video. A Bride will only send a letter if she was satisfied with the service and will explain why. Things you should look for in letters - Customer service, before and during the planning process, great planning tools, on time, dressed appropriately, fun, neatness of setup, professional manners, attention to detail, Great memories, excellent MC work, and any other positive responses from the client!
Planning! Know what you want! This will help the choosing of your entertainment simple! If you know what you love and hate then as you speak to DJ companies you can immediately ask a few of the above key questions and rate them accordingly. This is a live experience so some Djs may not be your style and that's OK! Just cross them off and move on!
And lastly use your judgment, if you trust the owner/sales person and ask the Right questions then it should be an easier decision to make .. if you ask the above bad questions, that wedding magazines say you should then you may be doomed before you start.
A quick note on pricing: Pricing varies around the country but most wedding DJ & MC teams start at $900.00 so if prices are drastically lower then this a huge red flag should pop! That may mean the company does not know their business and how to price it out! - and therefore may not be qualified to handle a professional once in a lifetime wedding reception. Your reception is no place to practice!!
Hope this helps at least one Bride out! Please Add comments or suggestions that we may have left out!
Cher!
