Wedding Band or DJ?

Read the original post: Wedding Band or DJ? from North Carolina’s Best DJs or read it below.

The Age-old Question

 

It's About You and Your Vibe

 

At some point in wedding planning you'll ask yourself: should I get a band or a DJ for my wedding? It definitely is a valid question (even though everyone should get a DJ all the time).

 

We’ll try as hard as we can to be impartial here.

 

There are definitely benefits to both sides. And it entirely comes down to you. However, there are a few points to consider that can hopefully help make up your mind:

• Your tastes: Do you want one type of music or a wide variety? Is hearing songs exactly how you imagine them important to you?
• Your venue: How big is your venue? Do they have any restrictions on space/electric/sound volumes?
• Your day: How involved do you want to be in planning playlists and music for the day? How important is continuous music? Or transition music?
• And of course, your budget.

 

Let’s Start With Some Pros and Cons

 

DJ Pros

• Balance of musical genres, volumes, and styles
• Less space restrictions on set-up
• No breaks in music flow
• Budget friendly (typically)
• Trained in MCing a wedding and interacting with guests and other vendors

 

Band Pros

• Hey, who doesn’t love loud live music?
• Showmanship: will definitely be far more of a spectacle

 

DJ Cons

• Personality is paramount. You have to know what you’re getting into in terms of crowd reading and MC ability
• How will they handle guests requesting music you might not want?

Band Cons

• More like going to a concert than listening to music. So often guests feel more obligated to watch the band than interact with each other (or you!)
• Lack of volume control. It’ll be loud.
• Doesn’t have the same musical repertoire as a DJ and often can’t handle requests at all
• Large amount of gear and set-up time, coupled with needing breaks in performing

 

So How Do You Decide?

 

Still feeling undecided? Well luckily, there are proactive steps you can take to get a clearer picture.

 

Think of Your Crowd

 

Does your guest list have a wide variety of ages and musical tastes? Do you want acoustic guitar covers for cocktail hour, Boyz II Men for dinner, and disco for the dance party? Is it important that your college friends, young cousins, and great uncles all have something they can get down to? Or is the entirety of your guest list exclusively into jazz?

 

Honestly, sometimes it’s less about catering to the preferences of the guests and more about the experience for you. And hey, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s your big day after all and it should be how you want it to be. So are you more into one type of music in particular? Or do you want to hear a mixture of throwbacks, pop you forgot, and contemporary hits? Would you rather hear covers all played in a similar style, or the originals?

 

Think of Your Vibe and How to Best Achieve Your Vision

 

Picture in your head how the day will go. What role do you see the music playing? A DJ will be able to make sure there is continuous, non-stop music and no silence gaps. However, there may be more bursts of hype when the band finally comes out perform, or goes off their break. Do you want the feel of a live concert, or just want the music? Also, is hearing the originals of songs exactly how you imagine them more important that hearing a bandleader’s take on classic songs? There is a certain energy to a live band, there’s no arguing with that. But is that the energy you want?

 

It really comes down to what sort of vibe you want to create with your wedding and reception. A band will be more bursts of music, which can create a very lively atmosphere when they happen. But there will be breaks in the consistency of the sound as breaks are required for the performers. A DJ won’t have such constraints. But a DJ also has a very different energy than a live band (though that energy level is far more flexible and customizable).

 

See Them In Action

 

Would you want to agree to have someone performing at your wedding without knowing what they sound like? What if you don’t like the genres that the band/DJ plays? Is that something you want to find out on your big day?

 

Ask for recordings of the band and DJ actually performing. And make sure they’re videos. While yes, the music is a huge part of it, the actual performance is definitely also a large factor. How do they interact with crowds, how does their set-up look, and how to guests seem to be responding?

 

There’s obviously no substitute for the real thing. But most reputable DJs or bands respect the privacy of their clients and the specialness of their day. So they aren’t super inclined to bring strangers with them to a wedding so they can be vetted. Getting recordings of performances is the best bet.

 

Be Upfront

 

The big takeaway from all this though is to be direct and upfront about what you want. Before you go into making any decisions at all, have your vision in mind. If you know you want a DJ, then don’t let yourself get talked into going with a band (and vice versa). Talk to performers, tell them your vision, and ask how they can help you achieve it. And go from there.

 

 

Phone playlist vs. DJ – Is it worth is?

 

Is DIY the Way To Go?

 

DIY is definitely on the rise. From couples having family members cater to an ordained buddy officiating, doing things yourself has become an attractive choice. And on a tight budget, it can seem attractive to do as much yourself as possible.

 

But is doing all the music yourself worth it?

 

It will be cheaper. There is no argument there. However, that’s about the only benefit.

 

The Dance Party

 

Sure, you may think, I know a lot of music. I can make an awesome dance party playlist, plug my phone into some speakers, hit shuffle, and dance the night away!

 

The reality of that pans out much differently.

 

Generally, what a phone plugged into speakers creates is a group of people with different musical tastes crowded around the phone arguing with each other about what should be played next, with no rhyme or reason to the flow of the songs. And often, while they may play good “driving around in the car” songs, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be good dancing songs. That’s something you only learn through experience in playing dance music.

 

What this combines to create is a jerky and awkward flow to the dance part of the night. It’s hard to organically dance when the playlist goes from Lil Jon to Frank Sinatra.

 

The Reception

 

A phone and speaker also isn’t going to make sure everything’s on time and coordinate with other vendors to make sure it stays on time. It also won’t make announcements so all the guests know what’s happening and when. Sure, your uncle could. But on what sound system? And with what mic? And what happens when he gets tired of everyone asking him questions and decides to just hit the open bar?

 

Ultimately, a phone or laptop playlist can’t emulate years of experience.

 

When you hire professional wedding entertainment, you know what you’re getting. Someone with experience in the best techniques for getting people moving, politely refusing off-the-wall song requests, and keeping to a timeline. As well as someone who’s worked with other wedding vendors before and knows what kind of timeframes they work with. And finally, someone who’s not also a guest who will get tired of the responsibilities of MCing and just want to have a good time.

 

Why Dow Oak?

Read the original post: Why Dow Oak? from DOE DJs or read it below.

Why Us?

 

One of North Carolina’s fastest growing, most affordable, and best-reviewed professional wedding companies.

 A Little About Us

Though we got our start in Greensboro and the Triad of NC, we’ve grown rapidly. Now bringing the party across the state, we travel to wherever we’re needed. Whether we’re taking a short trip to one of our favorite local Greensboro venues or packing up to head to Asheville, nowhere is too far.

 

We’ve gotten what we do down to a science. We weren’t happy with the way typical wedding DJ booking and planning was handled. So our obsession with finding the best and most efficient ways of doing things combined with a passion for DJing in general has lead to us creating our own booking and planning system. We threw out the typical playbook and went at it our own way.

 

We get there’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding. You want it to be right, after all. And being in the wedding business this long, that’s definitely something we get. A wedding isn’t just a fancy party. It’s a celebration of two people and families coming together. And it’s the result of your vision and planning.

 

So we want it to be how you want it to be. It’s really that simple.

 

So let’s take a look at the different services we bring to the table.

 

Experience

 

We’re not just one professional. We’re a team of professionals. All dedicated to a single goal: making weddings awesome.

 

Every single DJ with Dow Oak Events is amazing. Those 9 words pretty much sum it up, but in case you’re still unconvinced, consider:

 

Every Dow Oak DJ:

• Is a full-time, professional wedding DJ. No one here is moonlighting by doing weddings. And no day-jobs are competing for their attention.
• Is skilled at mixing and beatmatching music. This isn’t like hitting play on a phone playlist. This is individually choosing every song to match the beat, feel, and key progression of the song before it. And doing all that while reading the vibe of the dancefloor.
• Is 100% digital. No dusty vinyls or exposed audio equipment. While there is undeniably a certain nostalgic appeal to the crackle, skips, and unpredictability of a vinyl record, we went a different route. No gimmicks, just amazing sound quality. Top of the line audio and mixing equipment combined with high quality recordings of each and every song to produce the absolute best atmosphere.
• Has the experience to back up their skills. No amount of knowledge or talent can make up for genuine, on-the-spot experience. Which is another department we excel in. We hire DJs for a trial period sometimes lasting up to half a year before we even consider letting them run the show at a wedding of their own. It’s important to us that you have a skilled, trained professional at your wedding. No exceptions.

 

Vibe

 

A wedding is a serious occasion. But that doesn’t mean there’s no room for laughing, partying, and fun. And that’s also something we get.

 

There’s an important balance that must be struck between the more serious parts and the lighter-hearted ones. It’s all about creating the right vibe.

 

Everyone is different. So every wedding is different. And we want it to be exactly how you envision it. Be it a serious ceremony followed by a 10/10 rager party reception to a low-key wedding from start to finish, we want to create that for you.

 

All of our DJs:

• Are trained and skilled MCs. We’ve not only mastered DJing, we’ve also mastered the art of event hosting. All our DJs are trained public speakers and event hosts. There’s absolutely no risk you’ll have someone who’s awkward and uncomfortable on the mic while making announcements or keeping things moving.
• Are exclusively wedding Meaning there’s no risk your DJ will show up in a t-shirt and treat the whole day like a night at the club. Our DJs aren’t club DJs who occasionally do weddings.
• Understand how to create that ideal wedding atmosphere: accenting the seriousness of a ceremony without it becoming somber and organically creating an awesome celebration for the reception after.

 

Heritage

 

We’re NC natives. So we’re familiar with all the belles and whistles of Southern and North Carolina weddings. It also means we’ve been around.

 

While we got our start in Greensboro and the Triad, we’ve expanded far beyond. From Wilmington to Asheville, and even southern Virginia to South Carolina, we’ve been all over the region.

 

We’ve hosted hundreds of weddings and other celebrations over the last few years. Meaning we’ve been able to revisit venues and form connections and friendships with other local vendors.

 

On your big day, all us vendors are working together to achieve the same goal: to make the say as awesome and memorable as possible. So it’s important that the whole vendor team be a well-oiled machine.

 

To achieve that, we:

• Network and always make a point of reaching out to other vendors
• Attend wedding expos, DJ conventions, and bridal shows to stay as up to date as possible on wedding and music trends in NC (and across the country)
• Make a point to familiarize ourselves as much as we can with all the venues we frequent so we can make sure our performance is as stellar as possible

 

What We Guarantee

 

Full Time Support

 

Planning a wedding isn’t easy. With so much going on behind the scenes and so many moving parts, whom do you turn to for answers to your questions? Why, your friendly DJ, of course!

 

This isn’t a part-time gig or a night job for us. So we have a full-time staff ready and willing to answer any and all questions. From planning the best spot for the dance floor to picking first dance songs, we got you.

 

Backup DJ

 

In the (very unlikely) event something were to go wrong, it’s comforting to know there are systems in place to make sure things still go roughly according to plan. That’s why we guarantee backups for everything. From the gear to the DJ him or herself.

 

We’ve never had a Dow Oak DJ not show up to a wedding. It just hasn’t happened. And with all our systems in place, it never will.

 

Full Liability Insurance

 

Here’s where the amateurs are separated from the pros. Virtually every venue requires that the DJ be completely insured. And we didn’t even think the basic insurance coverage was enough, so we’re 100% covered for everything possible.

 

And of course, full-time professional wedding DJs

 

With Dow Oak Events, you’re absolutely guaranteed a full-time, professional wedding DJ who’s only focus that day will be you. All our DJs only perform at one wedding per day, no exceptions. You’re the focus of your day, and your day will be the focus of our DJs. No one-foot-out-the-door DJs trying to cram as many events possible into a single weekend. And no weekend warriors thinking about that office meeting they have on Monday. Total focus, guaranteed.

 

Awards and Recognition

 

We’re proud of our methods. We want to be the absolute best, and we’re always working towards that goal.

 

Working towards being the best is a never-ending process, but we have had some recognition along the way

• The Knot “Best of Weddings” 2018 Pick
• The Knot “Best of Weddings 2019” Pick
• Weddingwire “Couples’ Choise Award” 2018
• Weddingwire “Couples’ Choise Award” 2019
• Threebestrated “Best Business of 2018”

 

We also network with all the other wedding vendors in our area to build connections to provide better and better experiences for all our couples.

• Proud members of the Triad Bridal Association
• Participating members of Triad Event Professionals

 

And just to make sure we’re on top of our game, we attend seminars and workshops across the country annually. From Las Vegas to Minneapolis to Charlotte, we’re always trying to learn and improve ourselves in any way possible.

 

So… why Dow Oak Events?

 

If you’re thinking, “yeah, all that sounds nice, but I’m still unconvinced,” just consider:

• We offer services literally no other company does. We created our system from scratch to be the easiest and most efficient booking and planning process out there.
• We only hire the very best. No contract labor and no un- or under-trained DJs. Full-time, talented professionals who love music and creating celebrations
• Full-time office staff for any planning or coordinating questions
• Most affordable
• The easiest booking and planning system (seriously, it’s so good we put it on here twice)

 

 

How to Choose Your Wedding DJ

Read the original post: How to Choose Your Wedding DJ from North Carolina’s Best DJs or read it below.

Everything You Need To Know

About How to Choose A Wedding DJ

Choosing the right wedding DJ can be a headache. But it doesn’t have to be. Finding the right DJ can be easy if you know what to look for.

And it all boils down to knowing what you’re looking for. But in all the chaos that is wedding planning, it’s hard to even know what you need and what you should ask for. How do you know the DJ you book will provide the atmosphere you want, vibe with your guests, and above all, help you create the experience you envision?

All of these factors seem like they would lead to a complicated, convoluted response. However, like with many complex questions, there is a simple answer. Imagine the vibe you want for your big day. How do you want guests to feel afterwards? And how can your DJ help you achieve this?

With that in mind, the big question to bear in mind when selecting your DJ should be:

• What is the experience I want to create with my wedding, and how can my DJ make it happen?
• If I’ve found more than one who has the vibe I want, how can I narrow my parameters and find The One?
• What are important traits that make up a good wedding DJ in general?
• And what questions am I forgetting to ask?

 

The Basics

Before even setting up a consultation with the DJ, take a minute to consider what you’re looking for. What sort of budget is set aside for entertainment? Where should you be looking for DJs? What factors should be considered before even asking to speak with them? And what are some signs you’re dealing with a real pro vs a weekend hobbyist?

 

Setting your budget

It doesn’t matter how good a DJs is or what their reviews look like if they’re not within your budget. Benjamin Franklin tells us “a penny saved is a penny earned,” but often cost is not the be-all-end-all. You may have a cousin who offers to DJ the reception for 100$. But is saving on entertainment worth an iTunes playlist set to shuffle?

 

Where to look

Most couples have never hired a professional DJ before. Where do you even find one? Luckily there are many resources to separate the pros from the weekenders. Checking out reviews for your “maybes” is always a good place to start. Are they reviewed on a variety of sites? By a variety of couples? Does the experience of those couples sound like an experience you want for your wedding? If so, it may be time to move them from the “maybe” pile into the “schedule a consultation” pile.

 

Meet Your DJ

Contact your DJ selections to set up consultations. Listen to what they have to offer and maybe have a list of questions of your own. But mostly pay attention to how the conversation feels. Did the conversation run longer than you intended because you were confortable talking to them? Were you able to laugh and joke around? These are important factors to take into account. The way you initially felt is the same way your guests will feel when interacting with the DJ. Find someone that fits you

 

Book Your DJ

After choosing the right DJ for you, be absolutely sure to get all details of services outlined in a contract. Have everything included (all services, fees, contingency plans, the whole shebang). If they can’t provide this, it’s time to consider other options.

 

Your Budget

The average wedding DJ costs around 1,000$, with most couples spending between 780 and 1500$ for their services. Rates for services may vary based on day, location, and number of hours. Many DJs are open to negotiation (within reason). If you have mitigating factors (for example, the whole reception is 2 hours long), these may be something to bring up when discussing rates and terms. Know your budget for entertainment going into the discussion so you can have a realistic conversation about services offered within your price range.

 

Speaking of services…

Many companies offer more than just DJ services. So if uplighting, photo booths, monogram projections, or dance floor lights are something you would be interested in, it makes sense to get them all from the same company. Be mindful of services your DJ doesn’t provide, and see if you can have them provided by another vendor (venues can be great for this)

 

Sidenote: DIY vs Pro

There are perks to the DIY approach over the full-time professional. It all just depends on what you’re looking for.

DIY

• Saves money
• Will likely not be as skilled at handling all the requirements for being an MC
• Also likely not as skilled in social professionalism (like keeping their cool when an intoxicated uncle won’t stop requesting the same song you don’t want to hear)

Pro

• Undoubtedly more skilled (which equates to less stress for you)
• Must lower chance of any mistakes
• Trained in public speaking and MCing
• A bit more money

If you’ve decided going pro is the route for you, one of the most important parts of the process is knowing what to look for. So let’s break down what a pro looks like.

 

Expectations: Traits of a Good Wedding DJ

Not all DJs are built the same, even if they specialize in weddings. Clearly let the DJ know what you want, and they should clearly let you know what they provide.

Define what’s important to you. Have an image in your head of how you want your wedding to be, and see if you can picture the DJ fitting that image.

The ideal wedding DJ will have at least some, if not most of the following

 

Putting the wedding first

It’s your day! The focus should be on you, not your DJ. They’re not the stars of this show.

You can tell when a DJ cares about your needs and wants above all else. It’s just something you can feel. Is the conversation about you or them? Are they talking about your needs and wants or their own?

If they’re not a fit in this department, that can be a bad sign. Having a DJ with too much ego can lead to huge issues on your big day. You want to find a collaborator, not just a performer.

Actions you can take

• Be upfront and direct. Let the DJ know what you want and DON’T want (without being too rude). Offer your feedback and vision and see how they handle your suggestions and requests
• Flipside: also be open to feedback and suggestions from your DJ. Often, they have many many weddings under their belt and have seen things that work and things that don’ But don’t give in if you know what they’re suggesting is not what you want!
• Pay attention to the questions they ask you. Are they focused on learning what you want and figuring out how they can most effectively help realize your vision? Or are they trying to get you to realize theirs? OR are they just completely passive, just saying “just tell me what to do/play and I’ll do it”?
• Always ask about availability! Make sure your big day is the only thing on their agenda that day. You want their full attention!

 

Experience

There are many different types of DJs. From club to house to wedding, they come in all shapes and sizes. A DJ with a history in weddings is definitely recommended. However, experience in other areas can be valuable. Do you want a more club-y vibe to your dance portion? Or do you just want a lowkey backyard style reception?

Actions you can take

• Ask questions. Things like “how long have you been doing weddings?” Or “how many weddings do you typically do per year?” And even “What experience outside of weddings do you have that add to your skillset?”
• Read reviews, read reviews, read reviews. Look on multiple sources and see how other couples felt post-wedding.

 

Specialization

Your wedding and reception are not just events, they’re experiences. And you want your DJ to be your partner in creating that experience. And having that partner be knowledgeable in not only DJing but also weddings is invaluable. Experience with weddings equates to experience in MCing, communicating with organizers, crowd engagement, and music choice.

If you’re looking for something different, it’s important to be upfront with your DJ about that. A club DJ is not a wedding DJ. With every style of DJing is a different style of performing, and that’s something your DJ needs to be aware of.

 

Music Selection

This is where you should have the biggest say. The music is what sets the mood and ambiance for your whole wedding, after all! So the music selections should be made with one thing in mind: you.

Let your DJ know what kind of atmosphere you want to create. And if they’re open to your ideas and want to work with you to create it, bingo. If not, keep searching

Similarly, if your music tastes are less mainstream, that’s also something your DJ should be aware of. Whether you want Jazz, Country, or traditional Irish folk harp music.

Also let your DJ know what your guest list looks like. This tells the DJ what kind of music is appropriate and what isn’t. The more well informed the DJ is, the better read you can get on how the performance will go.

One final thing: it also can be valuable to ask the DJs advise on songs or timings you’re unsure of. Remember, they do this for a living! If you’re stuck on a bouquet toss song, your DJ almost definitely will have suggestions.

Actions you can take

• Ask for sample of playlists. What does their usual mix sound like? Can they provide examples for you to listen to?
• Ask about collaborating. Will they accept “must play” and “do NOT play” lists?
• Plan for your music taste to help guide the discussion and collaboration. Think of genres, eras, specific songs, everything.

 

Personality

Just how you feel when you’re interacting with a potential DJ can be extremely telling. Do they make you feel uncomfortable? If so, that’s probably how your guests will feel around them too. First impressions are important!

Above everything though, they should be passionate about DJing. Everyone will have a better time when the DJ obviously cares about what they’re doing and is also having a good time.

It’s important to have in mind what sort of presence you want from your DJ. If you’re having lots of events and games throughout your reception, imagine the DJ you’re speaking with on the mic and interacting with the crowd. Do they seem like they have a fun, outgoing personality? Do they seem confident? If you pick up on these things just with talking to them, it’s a safe bet they’ll exude these qualities as an MC as well.

 

Not just a DJ

You’re not just hiring a DJ, you’re hiring an MC. If you’re the face of your wedding, they’ll be the voice. They’ll be your line of communication to all your guests and vendors. Are they willing to work with other vendors effectively and efficiently? Are they capable of the inevitable last-minute changes? You want someone who’s able to go with the flow, not too rigid to adapt if something doesn’t go exactly as planned.

 

Go with the flow

Speaking of rigidity… there’s no way to fully plan for the unexpected. But your DJ should do their best to make sure there isn’t anything crazily unexpected. How are they able to handle a gear malfunction? Is a backup DJ guaranteed? What if things don’t run on schedule? How will they handle an intoxicated uncle demanding the Cha Cha Slide when you put that on your “do NOT play” list?

A level of fluidity is absolutely required. This goes hand-in-hand with willingness to work with you as a collaborator. If you don’t get that vibe (or if they explicitly tell you they don’t work like that), they may not be a good fit.

 

Stage presence

Appearance is important. And how the DJ presents themselves on the big day should fit your vision. If you have something very specific in mind, that’s definitely something to go over with the DJ beforehand.

Be aware of how the DJs reception set-up looks. Is it clean and professional? Or a whole mess of cords and audio equipment? Can they provide pictures of them at an actual wedding so you can see how not only they look, but also how the gear looks?

 

A true professional

Two most important factors: reliable and on time. You’ll definitely need to correspond with your DJ before the big day. So how good are they at responding? When you made the initial inquiry, did they hit you back immediately? Or a week later? When you email them, do you feel like they’ll respond quickly? Quick response times and DJs on top of things can make a huge difference in your planning, so this is an important (and overlooked) aspect to consider.

When do they plan on arriving at the venue? With just enough time, or many hours in advance? Mistakes are sometimes unavoidable, but a good DJ takes this into account with set-up time.

Does your DJ seem attentive to detail? Or do they always seem distracted, like they’re mentally always somewhere else? If it’s the latter, that could be a bad sign.

Things you can do

• Get a plan in writing! Include music for every part of the wedding.
• Have a ceremony playlist (prelude, processionals, and recessional preferences) as well as reception events (cocktail hour, first dance, special dances, dinner, cake cutting, grand exit)

 

Technical business details

Quick thing to note, your DJ should have liability insurance (as it’s required by most every venue). If they’re unable or unwilling to provide proof of insurance, you’ll want to keep it moving. It’s a sure sign of an amateur.

 

Finding DJs: Where to look

There are many resources (other than the internet) you can use to feel out potential DJs

• Bridal expos
• Ask other vendors for recommendations
• See if your venue has a preferred vendor list
• Asking other married couples
• (For specialized DJs) See if you can see them perform or ask around local nightclubs

 

Meeting DJs: questions and more questions

• *Will you provide a contract?*
• Is this your full-time job or a second job?
• Are you insured?
• Do you accept requests? If so, what’s your method for handling inappropriate requests?
• Do you have a portfolio of work? Or videos I can watch of you performing?
• How do you handle overtime?

 

Actually booking

Comparing your prospective DJs should be done before you actually sign the contract and book their services. You can compare them anyway you want… interviews, spreadsheets, or even just going with your gut. Just remember:

• Costs (including add-ons, overtime, etc)
• Style fit (music, appearance, vibe, personality)
• Experience
• Professionalism (reliability, communication, punctuality)
• CONTRACT

When you book, it’s crucial to have it all in writing. ASK FOR A CONTRACT! Do not settle for anything less than a contract detailing

• The services they’re providing (MC, number of hours, add-ons, set-up)
• Contingency plan (if they’re deathly ill or otherwise incapacitated)
• Expectations (DJ conduct, public speaking, timeliness)
• Costs and fees
• Payment due dates (for deposit and final payment, or installments of applicable)
• Cancellation and refund policy
• Correct time, date, and location of wedding

 

Final thoughts and takeaways

In summary, there’s no one factor to consider when deciding which DJ would be right for you. It does boil down to a couple of factors you can take into account though.

• Your budget and their availability
• Reviews and references
• The vibe you want for your big day and how willing the DJ is to work with you to realize that goal
• A signable contract

 

And finally, the gut. How did the DJ strike you? The way you feel when talking with them is the biggest indicator of compatibility there is.

If all the above criteria are met, and you think they feel right, then it’s time to sign and commit!

 

Everything You Should Ask Your DJ (And Yourself!)

Read the original post: Everything You Should Ask Your DJ (And Yourself!) from Charlotte’s Favorite DJs or read it below.

And the Questions You're Forgetting to Ask

It all comes down to communication.

The Easy Stuff 

Start with the basics. It’s important to know what you’d be signing up for, after all. So before doing any consultations with potential DJs, have in mind what you want. What kind of vibe will this hypothetical DJ create on your big day? Before even thinking of song choices or playlists or special dance song selections, what do you want the feel to be? And bearing that in mind, the following questions are a good way to start to get a feel for what your potential DJ is all about.

 

Are you available on my date?

This should be the first question you ask any wedding vendor, and the DJ is no exception. Often, couples start looking into booking vendors 12-18 months before their date. So it’s crucial to know that the DJ will be available on the date you’ve chosen. A good follow-up question on availability would also be if they have any other weddings/events on your date that they’re DJing before or after. You don’t want a burnt out DJ or ones who’s got one foot out the door thinking about their next gig. You want to be the DJs main focus, and a weekend warrior who’s booked 4 weddings in a single weekend probably won’t be able to provide that.

 

What kind of DJ are you and do you DJ full-time?

A good starting point is knowing what kind of DJ you’re talking to in general. Do they specialize in weddings (ie, present themselves as a “wedding DJ”)? For wedding ceremonies and receptions it’s generally recommended to go with a true “wedding DJ.” A club DJ who occasionally does weddings on the side may shine on the dance floor. But also may not be accustomed to working with wedding vendors and interacting with your guests.

That’s not to say that experience in clubs, corporate, or nightlife in general should be a disqualifier. Often, having experience with these different atmospheres can help create a well-rounded DJ who can bring more to the table in terms of popular music and crowd engagement.

Just saying they’re primarily a wedding DJ doesn’t necessarily mean that the experience is there either, though. Is this their full-time job? Will you be their top priority, or are you vying with their day job? To get the DJs full attention, it’s generally best to go with one who DJs weddings full time.

 

Tell me about your experience with weddings.

The answer to this short statement can often say more than the answer to any other question. Have the DJ just talk about a normal wedding but pay attention to how they describe the day.

How do they talk about the couple? Or the other vendors? Or moments other than the dance party? Is the description all about the DJ, or how the DJ worked with the couple to create the day the couple wanted? Did they DJ bad-mouth other vendors or the couple?

Another important and telling fact to know is how many weddings the DJ has under their belt. Are they just getting started or are they a well-established name in the industry?

Asking the DJ for a sample timeline from a past wedding can also be enlightening. See how the DJ manages the reception timeframe. Is it too dance heavy with not much focus on the things that make a reception a reception and not just a party? Or is there virtually no dance party at all? These types of questions can make sure how the DJ envisions a typical reception lines up with your own vision.

 

Turning It Up A Notch

First impressions are important. After you’ve communicated with your potential DJ a little, gotten a feel of their vibe, and decided you were impressed, it’s time for phase 2: Turning It Up A Notch. Now is the time for some more in-depth questions specific to your wedding.

 

What is your style of DJing?

This is where deciding on the vibe you want beforehand comes in handy. Does the thought of a cheeseball DJ with props, line dances, and wedding games repulse you to your core? Or maybe you want someone who will crank it up once the older aunts and uncles leave, turning the reception into a full-blown rave? Or even just someone to blend into the wallpaper?

No matter your preference, it’s important the DJ match them. So with the vibe you want in mind, ask your potential DJ about their personal style, and make sure it lines up with the experience you want to create.

 

How open are you to working with us on song selection/timelines/anything else?

Your potential DJ should want your wedding to be how you want it to be. If they’re not open to collaboration, it may be time to move on. The day is about you!

Many DJs are great at talking. But are they willing to listen?

 

How involved are we with song selection for the dance part of the night?

The answer should generally be: as involved as you want to be. If you have a very specific vision, or are particular about your music, it’s a good idea for the DJ to be aware of that. A professional will generally ask for a list of must plays and do not plays. If your potential DJ is unwilling to work with you on song selections, this is a bad sign. Ego is something to avoid; it’s not about them, keep the focus on you!

 

Can we see you perform?

Hopefully the answer is no. Professional DJs and DJ companies generally value the privacy of their clients and the specialness of their day. So they won’t often be too keen on bringing strangers to someone else’s wedding so they can take notes.

A good alternative to this is to ask if they have any videos or sample mixes. Videos from actual receptions can help you develop a clear mental picture of what your potential DJ would be like at your reception.

 

Logistics

Everything so far so good? Is your potential DJ answering all your questions with a style and bravado that has you thinking “I can see him/her MCing my wedding”? Then it’s time to dig a little deeper. Really getting into the logistics of what working with a specific DJ would be like is a crucial (and oft overlooked) part of the deal.

You don’t just want someone who’s great at answering questions. When working with a wedding DJ, you need a partner and collaborator. Also, you want to know what you’re getting into money-wise. With this in mind, the following questions can help you gage if your interviewee is The One.

 

Are there any extra fees for your services?

Many DJ companies offer more than a “one size fits all” wedding and reception package. If your potential DJ is promising the world in terms of extra lighting, overtime, or custom-made songs, it’s time to ask “at what cost?” They should be ready and willing to provide exact pricing details for all of their services. Is dance floor lighting included? Or will you find out 3 weeks before your date that was an addon you needed to pay for, and you now need to shell out more money to have your wedding match the way you saw it in your head?

 

How available are you for planning help leading up to the wedding?

This is where you’d want an answer along the lines of “you can absolutely email/call/text me with any questions you have and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can.” You should feel free to contact your future DJ with wedding planning questions, and you deserve a timely response. Maybe even asking them how quickly they usually get back to clients or when would be good hours to call if something comes up.

Response time is important. Maybe they’re the best wedding DJ in the world, but if you can’t get them to respond to you, how will you know you’re on the same page when it comes to your wedding day? Or if you have a question that only they can answer?

Asking how open they are to collaboration on song selection can also be important. For some couples, it’s more about the day and the people than the music. If music choice is very important to you, then you absolutely want your DJ so at the very least have the capability to accommodate. It doesn’t matter what kind of music they personally like, it’s about the mood that you want to set for your wedding. So if they’re unable or unwilling to work with you on dance playlists… it’s time to move on.

 

Do you have backup plans?

For an occasion like a wedding there’s a lot of room for mistakes. Ideally, nothing will go wrong and the day goes perfectly. But what about unforeseeable circumstances? Does your potential DJ have a plan to deal with any hiccups that may arise so the reception doesn’t come to a grinding halt? How have they dealt with things not going according to plan in the past? Are they capable of helping other vendors if issues arise?

It’s reassuring to know there are contingency plans in place. For no reason should a ceremony or reception just stop mid-way through. Ask your potential DJ how they would deal with situations like a flat tire, tuberculosis, or a power outage.

And if all their answers thus far check out, it’s time to move on to...

 

The Nitty Gritty

If your potential DJ has checked all your mental boxes thus far (professionalism, experience, and flexibility), the hour is upon you to move into the final phase: the Nitty Gritty. Which really boils down to two main points

 

What do you need from us?

Whether it’s deposits to reserve your date, info on what addons you want to add so they can compile a contract, or details about your venue to plan the set-up, this is a two-way street. What information does your DJ need from you to make sure everything goes perfectly?

 

And what do we need to do for next steps?

Now is the time to ask about their booking process. It’s standard to sign a contract and put down a deposit to fully reserve a DJ’s services. This is also when other financials should come up.

While price range is obviously important, it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when looking into wedding DJs. If you like one better than the other but they’re a little more expensive, why risk not having the reception you want with the DJ you felt most comfortable with? Many DJ services have different rates for time of year, or offer free addons to couples who book within specific timeframes. The end would be the time to ask questions like this

 

Final Notes: Questions You’re Forgetting to Ask

 

How do you deal with requests?

While every DJ has their own way of saying “no” if an unruly guest approaches them, this is an important hypothetical. You want a DJ who is open to requests to please the crowd, but not one who takes every single request at the expense of the vibe or dance floor life. Ask if they’re open to getting a do not play list from you, so they can make sure they don’t take any requests that you don’t want to hear.

 

How do you handle reception transitions (ceremony to reception, intros to dinner…)?

It’s important that there be a natural flow to the day. Successfully creating an organic flow between ceremony and reception events is like art: it’s hard to define. But also like art, you know it when you see it. So asking for some examples of how they’ve created a flow to the day in the past can help you form a mental picture of how the day in it’s entirety will go. Not just the individual events, but how they fit together into a cohesive whole.

 

Tell me about your microphones.

Microphones are arguably the most crucial and most overlooked part of a wedding DJs arsenal. How will they direct the day if no one can hear what they’re saying?

Scenario: the DJ has amazing, top-of-the-line speakers and music mixing equipment. But cheaps out on the mics. Which will people remember, how crisp the dinner music was, or how the officiant’s mic kept cutting out mid-ceremony? Or how the mic just went kaput when Uncle Jeff was giving his toast?

Any DJ worth their salt is happy to talk about their gear. But don’t get carried away with technical questions! Just making sure their gear is up to snuff and not some bedroom mixing gear is enough to ensure you’re dealing with a professional, not a weekend hobbyist.

 

Do you network with other vendors in the area?

Often the wedding vendor community is a small one. And many of the players know and have worked with each other. So if you need recommendations or suggestions, a good place to start is with vendors you’ve already booked.

Further, if your potential DJ is unknown among the wedding vendor community, this may be a bad sign. A reputable DJ with many successful weddings under their belt will have made an impression on the local vendor scene. There’s no way around that fact.

And from another angle, if your potential DJ has many connections with the vendor community, they may be able to save the day if (heaven forbid) something does go very very wrong. Say a photographer has to drop out at the last minute. But your trusty DJ, with their many networking connections, is able to hit up other photographers they know in the area and save the day.

While not having a local networking presence is by no means a deal-breaker, having a well-connected vendor can have many, many benefits.

 

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of suggestions floating around online about what types of questions you should ask your future wedding DJ. But all the questions really come down to three main factors: professionalism, experience, and flexibility.

 

Professionalism

Noticing how they present themselves to you initially, the vibe they put off, and the way they speak (remember, this will be the voice on the other end of the microphone). Asking how they would behave in different social situations (unruly guests, no one dancing, being offered alcohol) and listening to their responses. Do they seem like a professional? Or someone who’s just now looking to get into weddings? Do they offer you a contract? Do they have reviews on industry-recognized sites?

These are questions that help you determine if you’re dealing with a professional.

Experience

Questions like how many weddings have they done in the last 6 moths? The last year? Asking them to describe a typical wedding, or break down a well-planned timeline. Finding out about their relationships with previous couples or other vendors.

Straightforward answers to all the questions in this category show that they’re someone familiar with weddings and have experience in successfully directing a wedding and reception.

And finally

Flexibility

How willing are they to work with you? How involved are you in the music planning process? Are they open to must play and do not play lists? Do they realize it’s about you?

Remember whom the day really is about! It’s your vision, and the DJs role should be as a collaborator to help you achieve it. So you want someone who’s willing to be as flexible as you need them to be on the parts that make your wedding your wedding, and not just a wedding.

With these questions and tips in mind, we have one final suggestion: don’t entirely go by any “questions to ask your DJ” list.

Think of your vision. How you want your day to be. Then how the DJ you’re speaking with can help you achieve that vision. And with those factors in mind, tailor the questions you have to your vision.

If the dance part isn’t as important to you as the feel of the dinner music, or the energy level of the bridal party introductions, then focus on those things! Your DJ will be able to tell which aspects are most important to you, and they can work on making them exactly how you picture them.

 

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Sadly, there is no secret “ask these 5 questions and you’ll immediately know this DJ is The One 100% guarantee!” But taking into account your wants and musts, there are questions you can ask to narrow down your selections.

In the end what it really comes down to is you. Consider what you want for your day, the feel you get from talking with the DJ, and ask questions that will give you a feel for those things. And take it from there!

Bringing It All Back Home

Read the original post: Bringing It All Back Home fromGreensboro’s Best DJ Company or read it below.

"WE LOVE DOW OAK EVENTS!!!!! People said they had the BEST time dancing and that meant the WORLD to us!"

Right Down the Road

A cool perk of being in this business is the ability to travel around and be a part of celebrations all over. And we're out and about so much, sometimes it's easy to forget there are great venues right down the road!

We have a soft spot for all Greensboro venues. Not only because they're where we got our start, but because we legitimately believe them to be some of the best in the state. And Double Oaks Bed and Breakfast is definitely on our favorites list.

When you have an awesome venue, it feels like everything else just falls into place. And when everything is running smoothly, you know it's gonna be a good wedding.

We absolutely had a blast here. We were in charge of cocktail hour and reception, and it can safely be said it went off without a hitch. And the song selection for reception moments from the bride and groom were a big reason for this. When couples choose songs that not only are awesome in their own right, but mean something to them, you can just tell. And that's the story of the music that night.

We could see everyone quietly boogieing in their seats at dinner to the Rat Pack-style playlist, and that energy only grew throughout the night. And with Miles Davis and Louie Armstrong providing first dance music, everyone could feel the cool, jazzy vibes.

Peak Energy

And once it was time to dance, the energy growth reached its zenith. Opening the dance floor with Santana and Flo Rida really got people in the mood to party. Then throughout the night we peppered in our own songs with hits chosen by the couple, from Lonely Island to the Backstreet Boys.

No dance party is ever the same. They all have their own individualized factors that make them unique. And that's something that's cool to witness as a wedding DJ. The ways that couples put their own spins on time-honored traditions is an amazing thing to be a part of. And it really comes out when the bride and groom request songs that are not only meaningful to them, but to their family and friends. Seeing everyone's excitement when a song drops that they all used to get down to years ago is an unparalleled feeling.

 

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Vendor Team

Venue
Double Oaks Bed & Breakfast
www.double-oaks.com
stay@doubleoaks.com

Coordinator
Jill McAllister with Honeybee Occasions
honeybeeocc@gmail.com

Officiant
Adam Gruchacz
agruchaz@gmail.com

Photographer
Justin and Beth Nixon with Nixon Studios
www.nixonstudios.com
hello@nixonstudios.com

Caterer
Michael with Maria's Catering
mariasgourmetcatering@gmail.com

Entertainment
Dow Oak Events
www.dowoakevents.com
booking@dowoakevents.com

Florist
Clark with Plants and Answers
(336) 274-8933

 

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Final Thoughts

And as a final note, we just need to say... We absolutely love what we do. Being a part of the unique and personal ways couples celebrate is why we do it. And we loved being a part of this celebration. It's always awesome to see how couples choose to celebrate.

In conclusion, we've learned that being a wedding DJ isn’t just about playing the music. So we take our role seriously. Facilitating such a big day is a serious job! That's why we always give every wedding or event our all.