The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Baltimore Wedding DJ
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This is one of a series of articles designed to help you plan the wedding of your dreams without the stress. Here are links to prior articles in the series:
How to set and allocate your wedding budget
Where to find the best wedding vendors
Now that you’ve compiled a list of potential vendors that appear to fit your budget and style, how do you narrow the list?
Here are tips to help narrow the field and ensure that the entertainment company you hire is qualified.
Prompt return of your phone calls or emails - Does the DJ you consider hiring respond promptly? You should expect a callback or an email within 24 hours. The only exception may be weekends when most DJs are performing.
Willingness to meet with you and present their service. Will the DJ try to meet with you or schedule a video conference?
Do you LIKE the person that shows up? There is NOTHING worse in the world than having to do business with someone you do not like. Choosing the person who feels right is the most critical factor in picking the right entertainer for your party or reception.
Does the DJ have a music list or online system that shows you what music they have available? It would be best if you were assured that the DJ you hire not only has a sizable collection but has a variety of music, especially for wedding receptions, where many different styles of music and guests will be in the same room together.
Does the DJ use professional-grade equipment? The DJ should be able to tell you what they use and characterize the equipment as professional.
Meeting or phone/ video conferencing your DJ to plan your event is paramount to a successful event such as a wedding reception. A professional DJ is ALWAYS willing to discuss your event at any time before the event starts and should display the flexibility to accommodate changes and help you solve problems. Will the DJ offer to meet with you AFTER signing the contract to plan your event?
How many weddings have they performed at? There’s a difference between DJing at a music venue and a wedding reception. Check their reviews and see how often the study mentions the word wedding. Weddings are high-stress moments with public speaking. Those two factors result in us saying no to most who apply to be a DJ with our company.
Can you provide us with a full itinerary for the reception? If you have a wedding planner, chances are you’ll create an itinerary with them. If not, however, it may come down to you and your DJ.
Can we make the playlist? Say you know your musical taste—and your guests' taste—incredibly well. Ask if you and your partner can curate a list of songs, and a do not play list.
Start your search early.
While choosing your wedding DJ doesn’t have to be the first thing on your wedding checklist; it shouldn’t be one of the last. Once you select your wedding venue, make wedding entertainment your next focus.
Like venues, sought-after DJs book up quickly. So, don’t hesitate to start your search, especially if your top choices are prevalent in your area.
Consider your style.
Not all DJs are meant to be wedding DJs—it’s a broad title. Wedding DJs are specific experts in how receptions flow and how to choose music that suits many demographics. Be sure to immediately cross off any DJs without wedding-specific experience (unless you have an unconventional reception or if you’re asking a friend to DJ, of course).
The term Wedding DJ can still mean a lot of different things. So, keeping your style and wedding vision top of mind is essential. If you’re more old school and a fan of music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, pursue a DJ who specializes in music from those decades. If you’re more into rap, pop, or other modern genres, you want to find a well-versed DJ at the top of the charts.