When planning your special day, finding the perfect wedding DJ is key! This is something most brides take for granted. That is, until they experience first-hand what a poor choice can lead to. Mispronouncing the couple’s name upon being welcomed into the reception. Or, playing the wrong song (a break-up song) for the couple’s last dance. And also, letting the party die by not reading the crowd. I’m not making these up. Sadly, we’ve seen them all! We’re chatting with The White List vendor, MSA Entertainment, on how to make a more informed decision when booking your wedding DJ.
Finding The Perfect Wedding DJ
What type of experience do you want to create? Do you want a high-energy DJ that is going to keep your guests dancing through the night? Or would you prefer one with more traditional offerings? Make sure you check out their repertoire first to get a feel for the type of mood that is going to be set at your wedding reception. Read reviews, ask them questions during your consultation, watch any videos they have. There’s nothing worse than booking this element “site unseen” thinking you’ve made a good selection. Then see an empty dance floor and bored guests.
One thing that separates the good from the bad is the amount of breaks the DJ takes. It’s completely normal for them to break to eat, but they must keep in mind that the whole wedding is riding on a timeline. A timeline that they must abide by in order to make the wedding flow from one aspect to the next. This is also why it’s important that your DJ works well with your wedding coordinator. They will be making timed announcements throughout the evening (cake cutting, garter/bouquet toss, etc.)
Photos: Brittany Rae Photography
If music is important to you, it should be a bigger part of your budget than other aspects. Think about what component of your wedding you want to convey that memorable experience in. If you’re really concerned about visuals, than flowers might be more important. But, if you want to simply have a great party, then the music is what you’re going to use to create that experience. It shouldn’t be stressful, as you have a budget. It’s up to you to allocate the money where you see fit. There’s no right or wrong. Typically flowers and music are about 8.5 percent of the budget. But, scale down flowers to ramp up your music budget and you’re set!
Through Something New for I Do’s The White List, MSA Entertainment is offering brides free wedding ceremony music services with the purchase of a DJ package and photo booth! Learn more about this wedding planning offer here.
Kyle Oren says
I think it’s a great idea to get the DJ working with the wedding coordinator. My wedding could have gone so much better if i had EVERYONE talking to the wedding coordinator instead of running things more on their own, especially the DJ. This is going on the list for the next wedding I help plan!
Something New says
Thanks for your comment Kyle! We couldn’t agree more!
Frank Rizzo says
If a DJ takes a break, there should be a good reason. It is rare at Royal that we leave the DJ booth unattended. If we do, the Emcee will be there for only bathroom breaks. Therefore make sure you clear it up with the DJ you hire and express any concerns beforehand.
Gregory Willard says
It’s interesting that something that separates the good from the bad is how many breaks the DJ takes. My sister has been planning her wedding for some time now, and is getting ready to look for a DJ. I know that if the DJ takes a lot of breaks at her wedding, it could really ruin the experience for her.