Booking A DJ For Your Wedding

Over the past year I have been talking a lot about booking a photographer, I have been describing what you need to have and what you need to be prepared for during the booking process. Today I am going to explain the booking process for a DJ or the entertainment you choose to book for your wedding day.

Along with the venue and photographer, the DJ/entertainment is something you need to book ASAP. The big three are typically booked 12-18 months in advance so you need to get on it right away.

First before getting too far into the article I would like to thank DJ Ryan and The 905 DJCO for sitting down with me and helping me create this article for everyone. I highly recommend them as they have been one of the best services I have worked with, but they also want to make sure that any of their clients have the best experience possible.

Now, for anyone looking for a DJ for your entertainment on your wedding day this is how booking one would look and what you should plan for.

12-18 Months before your wedding:

Like Photographers and Venues, DJs are booked anywhere from a year to a year and a half in advance, you need to make sure you are looking for one as soon as you have picked the venue. I would suggest looking into your wedding photographer and DJ at the same time, as well as asking them who they would recommend as most of them have a list of who they have worked with that may be a good fit.

As an example, if you go to The 905 DJCO’s website you can see a form you can fill out a quote request form or give them a call and they can send you a quote. Not only will they reach out with a quote, but they will set up a meeting with you that best fits your schedule and theirs to get yo know you.

Most services will do something similar as it lets them get to know you best and get to prepare for your wedding day.

8-12 Months before your wedding:

At this time you know what DJ company you have booked for your wedding. You have been focusing on other things , and your to do list is piling up faster than you thought it would. One thing that you cannot miss is getting the DJ your song list right? You need to let them know everything, right?

Well, at this time your entertainment/DJ should be contacting you again or working to schedule a meeting with you. Getting to know you sessions are a great way to ease stress and knock a few things off your list. With The 905 DJCO, they have a process set up in the back end where you get access to a portal to submit any contracts needed, song lists, documents or even put in the general feel of what you want for the entertainment. They really work hard to tailor a service that is personal to each and every one of their couples. Most DJ services will do something similar, however I can only speak on their processes.

6 Months before your wedding:

At this time you will know who your DJ is, a meeting will be set up and you will get to know them a little more. This is where the magic really starts to happen! They will get a feel of who you are, what you like and best of all they will be able to match your vibe on your wedding day and keep the party going based off this meeting. My good friends at The 905 DJCO are amazing at this. They always match the couple with the right DJ on their team, they bring up many topics that you as the couple may not even think about, and they make sure that everything is rolling properly so that you don’t have to worry about anything when it comes to entertainment for your wedding. Many other DJ’s have the same view and a similar workflow, but please take the time to ask questions during this period. This is the time to get everything out in the open.

1 week before your wedding:

We are skipping a lot of time here, but this is when things begin to become real. Your DJ will reach out to you sometime in this week before your wedding to ask about the wedding schedule, if there are any changes or anything else that may have sprung up since the last meeting. They may ask for other information that is needed on their end or even if there is anything they need to know so that you can go into the day stress free.

Don’t be shy. Let them know anything and everything if you feel it’s something they need to know.

Everything else you need to know:

If something comes up and you need to get ahold of your DJ you can always give them a call or email them. If they have an online portal you can always message them there as well or fill out a form. Just like a photographer, I am sure if your DJ has operated in the wedding space for a year or more they have come across many scenarios and will be able to adapt, or make some helpful suggestions to make sure your day goes smoothly.

If you want a specific song please make that request. Your DJ will only be able to bring so many songs on your wedding day. Some have a limit of 100 songs (which is more than you will need), but others may be able to play requests.

If you feel people may ask for specific requests that you let the DJ know. If not ask your DJ about their policy on requests at the wedding. They may be able to pull something off, but do not let that be an expectation. It is best to ask about it than to have a wedding guest be disappointed that their favorite song wont be played that night.

Finally, if there is anything that is NOT allowed to be played, or anything the DJ should avoid please let them know well ahead of time.

If you want any more information or would like to inquire about a Dj service please visit The 905 DJCO:

www.905djco.com