Frequently Asked Questions
Let me be clear from the beginning. This is not a guide on how to plan an event , but rather on how to research for one and the questions you should ask any entertainment vendor.
The wedding and entertainment industry is a large industry in terms of dollars, but tracking where that money is spent is more difficult for several reasons.
First, it is an industry that is made up of multiple smaller enterprises like caterers, wedding consultants, dress makers, various beauty suppliers (hair, makeup), photographers, favors/bridesmaids gifts, music, honeymoon related, etc.
Second, many of the smaller components like caterers, DJs, and photographers, wedding favors, invitations, etc. also do other events without necessarily breaking their business down into wedding versus non-wedding.
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Interviewing Prospective Wedding DJs 101
Get Wedding DJ References From Friends, Coworkers, Wedding Reception Halls
Your best resource in finding your wedding DJ is people you know. Talk to recent newlyweds, ask your wedding reception hotel or resort, they may have a list of preferred vendors for you to call, wedding DJs whom they trust. This list contains vendors that the resort has worked with and knows to be reliable and professional. The resort's reputation is at stake also. But beware of secondary hotels or reception sites that might not be as scrupulous. Some caterers may get a kickback, so know who you are dealing with. KICKIT PRODUCTIONS is always happy to provide references.
Interview 3-5 Wedding Disc Jockeys
Don't rush to pick your wedding DJ, they all have different personalities. Scrutinize wedding videos from friends to see if you like their DJ. If you happen to see your potential DJ while you are a guest at another wedding before you make your decision, that helps too. Many people of marrying age attend several weddings in a year, and this is a good time to start scoping out your wedding DJ and other wedding vendors. If you have special song requests, ask the DJ if they have it or if they can get it. If your reception is complex, and in a big well known resort or hotel you want a true professional who works in the big places, not someone who travels the condo clubhouse circuit. Many DJ's may get offended by this, but you really want someone with the experience of working with the catering departments of these larger venues. This synergy between DJ and catering manager is what keeps your function running smoothly. A DJ's talent should reach far beyond just motivating the crowd or making the announcements at the right time. They must have their finger on the pulse of your wedding and know everything that is going on. The only way this can happen is when they have a good working relationship with the venue staff. **You can always refer back to the Useful Links page of this website for verification of Preferred Vendors that KICKIT PRODUCTIONS has a great working relationship and done business with in the past** I do not get a kickback or make money from any of these vendors links!
Questions To Ask Your Prospective Wedding DJ
Ask your DJ if they have done weddings at your reception site before. It helps that they know the wedding venue, how to get there, and if they have a familiarity with the staff. Your wedding disc jockey may also be better prepared to deal with known issues or caveats with the wedding reception hall. Every little positive wedding DJ item you find makes it less likely that you will have problems with your DJ. It does not mean you should reject the DJ if they have not been there before, but it's a nod in their favor.
Who will be your actual DJ at your wedding?
This one is important! You would hate to spend an hour interviewing your wedding DJ and like their personality, only to be blindsided at your wedding by having another DJ show up, when you expected the DJ that you interviewed. Make absolutely certain your contract spells out exactly who will be your DJ. If you want the owner and not their employee it should be on the contract. The contract should also mention what time and place they are supposed to be. Call a month ahead of the wedding to verify, and again the week of your event. Verbal promises made by your wedding DJ should be in writing on the contract. They won't remember several months from now what they verbally promised you on your Big day.
What about wedding DJ overtime, and other unexpected or hidden fees?
Your contract should clearly specify all costs associated with your wedding DJ, including any assistant disc jockeys they will have with them, as well as special equipment lighting packages, or other fees that they pass on to you the client. You must also plan for overtime in case the reception runs longer than the contract specifies. The contract should clearly spell out how much extra it will cost you to have your wedding DJ for an extra hour or 2. It can cost $150 or more. Do not believe verbal promises stating they will work extra hours for free. Put it in writing in the contract, or they will not do it. Don't be blindsided like many brides and grooms are when their event runs over. I receive complaints all the time from brides whose wedding ran over, and the DJ or Photographer threatened to leave if not paid in cash at the time the contract expired. You don't want surprises, your wedding DJ contract should be a game plan that covers all bases so you know exactly how much your DJ will cost.
What attire will your wedding disc jockey wear at your wedding?
Sounds like a no brainer, but you usually want your DJ to wear a tuxedo or his Sunday best that includes dress black slacks, long sleeve button up white dress shirt, tie and optional coat.
How many years experience does this wedding DJ have?Some wedding disc jockeys have a list of songs they play and except for the Bride and Grooms first dance, do not give you much choice. Let your DJ be your guide as to what songs should be played. A great disc jockey reads the crowd and knows what to play. Be sure they know what NOT to play, as well as special songs you want to hear. Ask if they will accept requests from wedding guests. Your wedding disc jockey should be flexible with a wide selection, so requests from your wedding guests can be fulfilled. This step is VERY crucial, because your wedding DJ plays about 60 songs during your reception, and you want nothing but the best tunes to keep your dance floor crowded. If the DJ needs to intervene and suggest a song, heed them as they generally know what they are doing and keep up with the current trends. You want a wedding DJ who can adapt to any crowd. This DJ will be someone who is very well versed in all areas of music. Don't try to give the DJ a tape or a list of 100% of the songs to play for the night. You hired a DJ not a juke box operator. If they stick to your play list, I can guarantee you'll have an empty dance floor. Your musical taste is not the same as 120 people at your wedding. Let your DJ do their job and keep your wedding guests happy.
Will your wedding disc jockey need to be fed at your wedding?
Ask your DJ if they want to be fed. Some disc jockeys want food, some do not want to eat while they work because they feel it's unprofessional. They deserve it though, because they might be there for several hours with nothing to eat or drink. The caterer needs to know so they can bill you accordingly. They usually make sandwiches for the DJ's, musicians, photographers, etc., or you can just let them eat from your buffet. Verify pricing with the caterer, you would not want them to charge you $150 per head for a wedding DJ and an assistant disc jockey. It's always nice to feed your vendors, but normally, KICKIT PRODUCTIONS does not partake of the food or drink provided because it's my philosphy that it is indeed unprofessional to do so.
Does your wedding DJ have a request form for you to fill out?
Ask for a list of wedding requests and suggestions in all categories. Some wedding DJs have a request form for you to fill out, so they can have everything ready for the wedding. Some obscure songs can take a while for them to obtain. KICKIT PRODUCTIONS will always ask Brides & Grooms to fill out a DO and DO NOT play list.
Does your wedding DJ do corporate functions also?
Ask the DJ if they ever do corporate functions. If you can find a talented wedding DJ who has experience in corporate functions, then you really have someone worth their weight in gold. These are true professionals that have mastered the art of dealing with large scale projects and all the SNAFUs that go along with them. KICKIT PRODUCTIONS does numerous corporate functions in addition to weddings, and I have experience in many different facets of team building events and adult inter-actives. To view a sample of the interactives and team building events offered through the FUN & GAMES department of the company, please refer back to the Kickit Pix/Fun Stuff page of this website.
What problems has the DJ encountered at weddings and how did they solve them?
You want a wedding DJ who is resilient, professional and able to respond quickly to unforeseen mishaps that can mar your wedding. You can bet that many weddings look smooth, but had issues that were quickly seamlessly patched behind the scenes by DJs, caterers, and other vendors.
How Much Do Wedding DJs cost?
This always seems to be the first question I am asked when contacted by a prospective client instead of the last. You'll find DJ's that charge anywhere from $400 up to $2000 depending on the market area. Your area may be less or more.
The most important item to remember when you shop for a wedding DJ, is that YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. KICKIT PRODUCTIONS is very much in demand and highly recommended by several of the vendors and banquet facilities you will find on the Useful Links page of this website. Let the DJ ask you questions about what you do or don't want to hear. You want someone who takes an interest in what YOU want, and is interested in making your wedding day dreams come true.
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In closing, just let me say that I look forward to helping you create the kind of day you have always dreamed of. I am always available to answer any of your questions and give advice, even if you don't hire me for your event.