Professional Experience

Your friend who likes music and makes good playlists does not have the expertise at playing for an entire room full of guests of various ages and ensuring everyone is having a good time. In addition, many DJs are asked to make announcements to the guests, including the wedding party entrance, the bride and groom's entrance, the cutting of the cake, special dances, and more.

Professional DJs have training not only to choose and curate playlists that naturally flow with the evening and crowd but also to have amazing public speaking skills. The DJ is often the person that leads the entire evening, and hiring a professional is crucial to ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Third-Party Perspective

A DJ does so much more than play songs; they are the ones who use the microphone the most. Most people, especially couples at weddings, have the DJ announce toasts and other special moments throughout the evening. So just take a moment to pretend that you gave your college friend or your quirky uncle the role of the DJ and authority over the mic.

Do you want to have your buddy who just finished a six-pack of beer and who was fighting with his girlfriend that morning lead toasts and be in control of keeping the night's moments on track? Or, do you feel comfortable putting faith in your uncle not to tell embarrassing stories about you like his way of entertaining the guests? A professional DJ is there to do his job, be cordial, and not make any embarrassing moves because chances are, they don't know you personally.

Peace of Mind

Hiring a professional DJ for your event allows you to sit back and enjoy the special day you have planned. Weddings especially are jam-packed full of special moments and can be difficult to keep track of yourself.

A DJ can signal the caterer to pour the toasting champagne, announce the cutting of the cake to alert the photographer, and remind you of when your special dances are happening and when it is time to throw the bouquet. Likewise, a bride and groom shouldn't have to worry about making sure everything is on schedule during their reception. A DJ can handle that for you and provide invaluable peace of mind.

Professional Contracts and Reliability

When you book a DJ for an event, they usually will have you sign a contract that includes all of the details regarding your event. A contract is beneficial for the client and the DJ because it holds you both accountable and ensures you are on the same page. A professional DJ who is held to a contract will be reliable and punctual. They will have backup plans ready ahead of time should they fall too ill to work on the day of the event and will have backup equipment if something malfunctions at the last minute.

A friend or family member DJ will not come with this reliability. If they are sick, their equipment breaks, or have car troubles on the day of, you are most likely out of luck and will have to resort to playing your music from your phone or iPod. Professional DJs will make sure you aren't left without music if something should go array. Many of them work with assistants who can take over to ensure your evening is amazing.

The Right Equipment

Having the right equipment is just as important as having all the right songs. Suppose you and your guests can't hear the music or the sound system you are considering using. You can't play music loud enough without static in the background. It won't matter what is being played. You also need to think about having microphones for toasts and other announcements.

These factors may get overlooked if you put a friend or family member in charge of the entertainment. A professional DJ will have the high-quality equipment you need for crisp, clear music and ensure you have all the extra accessories you need. Whether your event is at an intimate restaurant, a large ballroom, or outside beneath a tent, a professional DJ will have the right equipment.

Professional Etiquette All Night Long

Sure, a family member or friend DJ may do a decent job at the beginning of the event at greeting people and even announcing toasts and other events. Still, as the night wears on, alcohol is poured, and excitement grows, your "must play" list may be thrown out the window, and you may also find yourself listening to songs from your "do not play" list. Non-professional music players do not have the discipline or experience in adhering to the guests' requests of honour.

They often get carried away, play the music they like, and accept guest song requests without looking at the different playlists. A professional DJ makes your happiness their top priority. They will make sure to follow the specific lists you provide and can accept or politely decline requests from guests depending on what you prefer. And as far as etiquette is concerned, a professional DJ will arrive on time, set up during the appropriate time frame, and arrive wearing professional attire.

Unbeatable Variety

A professional DJ has a database of music that is rarely rivalled by an amateur music lover and playlist maker. They will have older classics, new music from the radio, and most likely have all your favourite songs and special requests available. They may also have access to new songs that have yet to be released to the public. An amateur DJ simply will not have the number of songs or variety that a professional DJ does.

So when you're at your event dancing with friends, and you ask the amateur DJ to play a song you and your friends are dying to hear, don't be surprised if they don't have it or can't find it. On the other hand, a professional DJ will be able to accept on-the-spot requests and have you dancing the night away without any lag time.

Know what to look for and where

The most common option is to go with a DJ whose primary business is weddings. These wedding DJs know the ins and outs of wedding receptions and may even be great at serving as an emcee to make announcements. To find one of these, do the usual web searching and ask for referrals from other vendors.

If your focus is on having great dance music, you may consider a DJ from the local club scene. These DJs may charge cheaper rates, but they won't necessarily be experienced with weddings. To find one, you can start by asking at local clubs.

If you want to go all-out on music, you may be able to find a wedding DJ who is also renowned for their great music or a club DJ who has lots of wedding experience. These can be ideal options, but be aware that they may cost you. On the other hand, a professional wedding DJ of this variety will probably be well known in your area. Just ask vendors.

Ask to hear samples of the wedding DJ's work

Once you've found a DJ or two that seems right for your wedding, ask to see examples of their work. This could be a video of a live performance, a mixtape, or sample playlists. The more important the quality of the music is, the more you should see and hear before hiring.

Give the DJ your playlist and your "do not play" list

If you're already set on a playlist, discuss it with DJs and make sure they are willing to follow it. You may also want to create a "do not play" list and share it to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Ask how they get the crowd going

If you want your DJ to be involved in making your reception fun, make sure to ask about how they engage a crowd. Some important questions to ask:

• How does the DJ get people dancing if they seem reluctant? 
• Will they accept requests from guests?
• Is the DJ willing to also act as an emcee and make announcements?

You can DIY, but you may need help

Of course, you don't need a professional DJ to have music or even a dance party! You can set up the sound equipment and have your playlist ready when the reception begins. Just remember to crossfade the songs, so there's no pause in the music. You'll also want to put someone else in charge of watching over the music, just in case. This person can respond to any issues that arise and keep meddlesome guests away (not that you'll have any of those). Then, with someone you trust safeguarding the music, you'll be free to dance like crazy!

Helps enforce the day-of timeline 

While your wedding planner or venue will likely take the lead on creating your wedding-day timeline, an experienced DJ will certainly contribute since they know how certain long parts of the reception will take. What's more, your wedding DJ is responsible for executing and enforcing the timeline during your reception, making announcements to ensure that events occur on time and, if there are any hold-ups, adjusting accordingly.

Provides sound equipment

Having high-quality, working sound equipment is an absolute must—and your wedding DJ will have that all covered. Without microphones, speakers, and the like, your guests won't be able to hear your first introduction as a married couple, the lyrics to your first dance song, your best man's toast, the announcement that dinner is being served, or that the last dance is being played.

(May) supply lighting

While we recommend hiring a company that specialises in lighting for more extensive needs, many wedding DJs offer uplighting as part of their services. Uplighting consists of smaller lighting systems placed on the floor and aiming light upwards to highlight your tables and dance floor. Talk to your wedding DJ to see if this can be included in your package or if you're better suited to hire a professional lighting company.

Makes sure all equipment is working

There are few things more annoying during a wedding reception than music that's too loud, too soft, or muffled, or worst-case scenario, dead air due to malfunctioning equipment. So not only do experienced wedding DJs utilise top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art equipment, they also do sound checks at your venue well before the reception begins to ensure that everything is working properly so there won't be any awkward silences.

Sets the mood

Sure, you could simplify a wedding DJ's role by saying they "play the music." But it's really about more than just selecting and playing songs. A wedding DJ sets the tone for your reception by playing the right songs at the right times and reading the crowd accordingly. If you want your party to be a total rager, they'll know the right tunes to put guests in a dancing mood.

Alternatively, if your goal is a reception with an old-school romantic feel, your DJ will know how to create that vintage vibe. And, a professional wedding DJ knows exactly how to pack the dance floor if your guests are getting a little too comfortable in their chairs.

It helps you choose songs.

Your wedding DJ can be a great source of advice if you're struggling to pick songs for any of your special dances. An experienced DJ has seen firsthand which songs work and which don't and is up-to-date on the newest tunes. That's why it's important to meet with your wedding DJ (in person, if possible!) a few weeks before your wedding to make your song selects and do-not-play list. Of course, your DJ will have an extensive library of songs you (or your guests!) can request, but the key is knowing if they're appropriate and when to play them.

Serves as emcee

Emcee may be the most important role your wedding DJ will play. Think of your DJ as the host, cruise director, and point person for the evening, making announcements and ensuring that your guests know what's going on and what's next. Having your wedding DJ serve as emcee is far more authoritative and professional than you trying to shout "Time for dinner!" over the blasting music.

Your guests are more likely to follow directions from an experienced wedding DJ and will look to your DJ (instead of you or your new spouse) for information, so your big day will proceed smoothly, and you can focus on enjoying every minute!   

Can create mashups and song cuts 

Worried your first dance song might be a bit too long? Your wedding DJ has got you covered! Want to start your father-daughter dance with a slow song and then surprise your guests by cutting into a Michael Jackson favourite? A DJ can create a custom remix just for you. Many wedding DJs are skilled at creating mashups, remixes, and adjusting song lengths to fit your needs—just ask!

It covers up any hiccups.

Things may go wrong on your wedding day, but fortunately, wedding DJs are pros at getting things back on track. For example, let's say dinner is running slightly behind schedule. Your DJ can play an extra few songs so that guests are too busy dancing to care that the food's not ready.

Or maybe your dad is in the restroom when he's supposed to be giving his toast. Your DJ can cover until he's available. Your guests won't notice any potentially awkward mishaps when you've got a pro wedding DJ at the helm.