Everything you need to know to find a GREAT DJ

A few interesting facts about weddings*:                   

• Each year in the United States, approximately 5 million couples "tie the knot"
• 72% of all wedding receptions are utilizing DJ entertainment
• The median age for a Bride is now 25, the groom - age 27
• Weddings per month still reflect a seasonal nature, but June is now tied with September, followed closely by October and August
• A "Modern Bride" survey estimated the yearly total spent on weddings is $72 billion
• Surveys show 63% of reception guests did not remember what they had for dinner, but DID remember the entertainment
• Martha Stewart is quoted in her magazine as having said, "The entertainment you choose for your wedding, or party is responsible for 80% of the event's success, and the memories you will have for the rest of your life."

*Modern Bride, The Knot.com, Creative Answers

In fact, most wedding professionals agree that good entertainment is the key to a successful wedding reception.  Having a DJ at your wedding is no longer a choice just to save money.  DJ’s can offer a wider variety of music selections and styles that a live band sometimes cannot accommodate.  A DJ can play continuously (no breaks!).  He or she also can control the volume more easily, and will typically take up less physical space than a band.   

Service vs. Product  Quick thing to keep in mind:  A Wedding Disc Jockey provides a SERVICE!  If you hold up two identical toasters from different stores, and one's 25 bucks less, which one are you going to buy?  No brainer.  Unfortunately, all DJ's are not equal!  A common mistake brides and grooms make is treating the DJ as a product, not a service.  Here's a simple illustration of that point.  When you go to get your hair done, are you going with the $12 Supercutter just out of beauty school, or are you willing to pay more for an experienced stylist with the reputation that backs it?  There's a difference between the food the cook prepares (product), and how friendly, fast and efficient your waiter or waitress is (service).  The speakers, amps, discs are a product, but DJ's are service providers.  Don't do yourself the disservice of just picking any DJ with a box of compact discs and a couple of speakers.  Much more than just the hours spent at your event, transportation to and from, set up and tear down of equipment, unseen accounting, marketing, etc., you might be thinking...

• Event Planning - An essential part of most successful receptions.  It's your wedding day...most of our brides and grooms don't want to just "play it by ear."  You'll have plenty to think about the week of your wedding, so Killer Whale Audio likes to send and receive our Wedding Planner Form, then discuss your event details with you enough in advance to allow us to properly prepare, also allowing you to relax knowing we're going to do things the way you want from beginning to end.  A few of our clients are very surprised to see just how much is involved when planning a reception.  Killer Whale Audio insists on proper planning, both for your peace of mind, and a nice smooth pace of your reception events for you and your guests.  While some DJ's impose too much control over your event and offer very little flexibility, others may leave it all up to you, offering you seemingly no help!  Killer Whale Audio believes in a collaborative effort.  If we listen for your ideas, and work to understand your needs, gladly offering advice and guidance when you seek, together we can create your magical, memorable day!  The key is that we will work together.

• Ceremony additions - When the actual ceremony is at say a church, for instance, they may have "in house" equipment, and you would only need the DJ to perform at the reception site.  However, very often Killer Whale Audio is asked to play the ceremony music, provide a mic for your officiant, readers, singers, etc.  Should you need us, we're ready with additional equipment specially procured for ceremony use.  

• Studio Time - Not all DJ's are able to provide this service, but Killer Whale Audio is proud to possess our own studio, and (literally) years of production expertise where we're easily able to tailor songs to perfectly fit your ceremony, play these to you over the phone, so that you can be sure you'll like, and approve of the exact specific music cuts that will be played for your ceremony before your actual wedding day!   

• Master of Ceremonies -  Keeping the flow of your reception moving smoothly.  Killer Whale Audio believes your event should never be forced fed, or rushed along, but we can, and do, eliminate "lulls."  We go into greater detail about our style below, but we've all seen DJ's that just won't keep quiet, and talk on the mic all night, or the opposite, where the DJ says nothing at all.  As MC, Killer Whale Audio strives to be as active, or as passive on the mic as you want us to be - nothing more, or less!

• Announcer - We make all necessary announcements clearly to keep the flow moving, and so that your guests are informed as to what's going on.

• Music Programmer - Though it's simply not possible for any DJ to tote around every song ever made with them at every event, music research and acquisition is foremost in Killer Whale Audio's planning stage.  We have thousands of great songs, but want to make sure we do our "homework" to find out and procure any eclectic ones that you may desire, and stay away from those you don't!

• Disc Jockey - Reading your crowd, and playing the right music.  Playing the right song at the right time is an art.  Your guests will be different from our past weddings, so being able to read and react to your crowd is an essential skill that Killer Whale Audio provides.

• Audio & Lighting Technician - Unfortunately for some DJ's, even knowing what to play doesn't necessarily make you adept at actually punching the buttons!  For years, Killer Whale Audio has "multi-tasked" with, and is most proficient in using our professional gear!

• Musical Knowledge & Variety - Appealing to many ages and tastes.  You and your guests will have broad and varied musical tastes, and Killer Whale Audio has expert knowledge of the various types of music being requested, from 50s/60s Oldies, 70s Rock & Disco, 80s Retro, 90s Dance, Standards, current hits and more!  We will never impose personal musical tastes, but utilize our experience and skill to take requests and mix music based on the guidelines you provide. 

• Coordination - Handling the details before and during your reception.  Killer Whale Audio spends a good deal of time coordinating the details, and working with your other vendors during the wedding to ensure a smooth flow to your event.  We're often the "Go-To" person for your other vendors, catering staff, and guests.

Most people will only hire a Disc Jockey once in their life, usually to perform at their wedding reception.  Because of this, you may not know the right questions to ask to determine if the DJ you’re interviewing is the right person to handle one of the most important events of your life, so we’ve compiled some good questions to ask a prospective DJ to help you make a more informed decision.  Many find with minimal tweaking, the following questions can be used when interviewing not only a DJ, but also a caterer, photographer, florist, etc. 

Have you seen them in action?  Even before you make contact, one of the best ways you can ensure hiring a great DJ is to pick one that you have seen and heard before, and liked, or perhaps one recommended by other wedding vendors (photographers, florists, cake bakers, certainly coordinators) who have had a chance to see your prospective DJ in action on more than one occasion!  Consistency counts!  Even "sub par" entertainers are occasionally blessed with luck!  Some "advice" articles we've read recommend you "audition a DJ," maybe ask to watch them at another wedding.  In our professional opinion - terrible idea.  Not only is auditioning a DJ at a stranger’s wedding not practical, but remember, a Killer Whale Audio wedding is an individually customized event.  We would be providing activities and music specifically requested by that bride and groom, and this may not be of the style or type that you enjoy.  Also, most brides we ask agree it’s very “tacky” to solicit new business in this way.  We wouldn’t want it happening at our wedding.  How about you?

Once you have a prospective DJ to call, ask the most important question of all - Are they available for your selected date and time?  Nothing else matters if they’re already booked up solid on your date.   

Pay attention to their professionalism on the phone.  Ask for their website, (or literature, if they don’t have one) and references.  

Ask about the DJ’s presentation!  All DJs are the same, right?  They just play music.  Common misconception!  Especially with wedding DJs, there is quite a bit or work going on behind the scenes.  Killer Whale Audio works closely with the catering staff, photographer, and other event personnel to coordinate events.  During the dancing portion, we are expert at “reading the crowd” and choosing the right music based on audience response and experience.  Additionally, some DJs are very "outgoing," and will dress up in costumes, be loud on the microphone, use props, and play games.  While Killer Whale Audio can be as active, or as passive on the microphone as you want, we strongly believe your reception should be elegant, and enjoyable for all, not a circus-like atmosphere.  We strive to be energetic, but not overwhelming.  Killer Whale Audio believes the bride and groom should always be the center of attention, NOT the DJ.  So, ask!  You want to be comfortable with the DJ’s style and personality.

Does the company provide a written contract?  The contract is not just to protect the DJ, but to also protect you!  Long gone are the days when you just shook somebody's hand, and they said, "I'll see you there."  A professional will provide you with a written contract that spells out the details of your agreement.  And, not just DJ's - we’d hesitate to use any vendor that did not contract the day with us.  

Do they use Commercial "Pro-Grade" equipment?  A professional DJ will have professional sound equipment, not "home consumer" gear.  Be sure that the DJ’s speakers, and sound system will accommodate your reception location.  Killer Whale Audio uses professional-grade equipment featuring commercial brand names such as:  Nexo and EAW (Eastern Acoustic Works) speakers, Crown Macrotech amplifiers, Shure handheld UHF wireless microphones, etc.  We bring enough gear to be loud enough, but NOT overpowering!

Will they meet with you to help plan your event?  Most professional DJ's are more than happy to meet with you and help you with planning, not only to ensure you’re comfortable with the plans, and your reception is the way you want, but it's reassuring for us both to know we’re all on the same page.  A good question - Are you required to book with them first, before they will meet with you?  Whenever possible, Killer Whale Audio will meet, and does NOT charge to consult, but some do, so that’s another one to ask.  Should you happen to reside from outside the area, know that Killer Whale Audio expertly works "long distance" with Brides and Grooms that simply aren't able to physically meet with ease.  Here's but one note from our references page:

Who will perform at my wedding?  Make sure you ask who will be performing at your wedding.  In other words, do they over-book themselves, or hire sub-contractors?  Will the person you speak with, and develop a "working" relationship, be the DJ at your event?  Though it's not always physically possible, we recommend you meet with your DJ ahead of time.  Most Brides and Grooms we survey say they would NOT want a complete stranger, or, no offense, "a kid" showing up to perform their reception.  Killer Whale Audio is always completely upfront regarding who will be performing your event, and our reputation speaks for itself...we only agree to perform, when we can give our complete attention.  Again, your satisfaction is our number one priority.

Sure…you should ask about song selections.  Most any reputable DJ will provide you with a wedding planner, or informational planning sheet.  Killer Whale Audio's wedding planner form is very thorough, handling the many details of not only how you want your reception organized, the names of key players, but of course, lines us up on the music you want, and almost more importantly, the music you don’t want!  You want to choose and play songs to satisfy all ages and tastes of your guests, and certainly there are types of music that are just not appropriate to play at a reception, but a professional should abide by your wishes when it comes to what you want, and don’t want played. 

Should you ask what the DJ will wear?  Though rare, occasionally some brides and grooms may opt for a themed wedding where a white shirt, tie, slacks and jacket would really be out of place, for instance, if you were thinking of a "Hawaiian" theme where everyone was in shorts and "flowered" shirts.  Killer Whale Audio always asks, then dresses appropriately, but some DJ’s just don’t get it…so don’t count on it, ask! To the right is an example of Killer Whale Audio's attire during an actual performance.

Do you feed the DJ?  Most experts agree, while a courtesy, it is your responsibility to provide them with a meal, if they want one!  The DJ is usually there a long time, same with the photographer.  Professionals don’t want to appear like they’re “begging,” and although always appreciated, Killer Whale Audio would never ask.

Ask if the DJ will take breaks.  Be aware that some DJ's do take breaks.  Ask how long, and how many the DJ will take during the reception, and will there be music played during these breaks.  Killer Whale Audio does NOT take breaks, but it’s another good question to ask.  

Ask if they need a tablecloth, or linens for their table.  Why take all the time to decorate your reception location, and have the DJ's table stand out because it doesn't match.

Are there any “hidden” charges?  In addition to the base price, is there a set-up fee?  Are there charges for additional meetings?  Some DJs charge fees for encountering stairs, or traveling outside a certain radius.  A professional will not “hide,” but explain any extra fees in your consultation, and in the contract.

10 things that separate “Professional DJ’s” from “wanna-be’s”:

1. Pro DJ’s will use professional equipment, not a home stereo.
2. Pro DJ’s will meet with you, and help you plan your reception.
3. Pro DJ’s will have references available for you to read, or contact.

4. Pro DJ’s will use contracts.  

5. Pro DJ’s will not subcontract out your event, UNLESS they tell you at the time of contract signing.

6. Pro DJ’s will be set up on time, and ready by the time your first guest arrives.

7. Pro DJ’s will abide by your wishes, and not just play what “they” like to hear.
8. Pro DJ’s will not try to be the life of the party.  The Bride and Groom should never be “upstaged!”  
9. Pro DJ’s will not invite potential clients to watch them perform at your event.  A DJ cannot give you 100 percent attention if they’re trying to sell to others.  
10. Pro DJ’s will not drink alcoholic beverages on the job.

This is not an all-inclusive list of questions to ask, but should provide you with enough information to certainly be a "more informed shopper" of entertainment services.  Choosing a professional mobile entertainer for your event should be similar to hiring a new employee.  Any potential employees must sell themselves, and so should a quality professional entertainer.  You should receive candid answers to your questions, and feel comfortable with your decision.  We did not include anything about price in these questions.  Price will be based on many variables - length of time you want them, amount of equipment needed and/or wanted, and certainly a DJ’s experience.  In most instances, you do really get what you pay for!  Brides and Grooms willingly spend thousands of dollars on food, drink and the banquet hall, and not all face budgets, but some will try to trim somewhere.  Based on the importance placed on entertainment, Killer Whale Audio sincerely believes if there is one area of your reception where you shouldn’t try to cut corners, it’s your entertainment.  Notice, we didn’t say DJ, but entertainment.  The same would hold true for a band, a harpist, or pianist if you decided to hire their particular service.  No one ever remembers if the London Broil was over-cooked, or how nice the hall was decorated, but you get stuck with sub-par entertainment for four plus hours – and most will surely remember that!  Regarding price, be prepared to pay for quality, just like any other goods and services.  Of course, we're not saying that the higher the price a DJ charges, the more professional they are!  But, if the average price for a DJ in your market is $1000, and a DJ will undercut, or quote you $600 for the job, you must ask yourself, why is he or she willing to charge so much less?  All DJ's are not created equal!  Find a professional DJ you’re comfortable with, based on the answers to the questions posed above, one that makes you feel confident, and odds are that you will have the time of your life!  

KILLER WHALE AUDIO

Because you know how important the music is.

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