A great wedding DJ can really make all the difference at your wedding reception. You and your guests will appreciate the time you spend now finding the right DJ to complement your wedding. Fortunately Toronto wedding DJ’s are known for their quality and expertise. Browse through our Directory of Wedding DJ’s and Wedding Entertainment and take at look at these tips to help you find the right match.
Expectations for Your Wedding DJ
What are looking for in a DJ? How much do you want to be involved in choosing the music – is the DJ flexible in letting you pick out some of the music? How long do you want him to play? Do you want your DJ to be interactive and entertain your guests or simply play tasteful music? Are you looking for extras such as light show, video enhancements or other party props? Do you want a DJ that is conservative and tasteful or one that can be boisterous and handle a raucous crowd?
Interview Several DJ Prospects
Look through our Toronto DJ directory, talk to friends who have been recently married to get their recommendations. Talk to at least 3–5 different DJ’s and see what services they offer. Make sure their personality fits in with the theme of your wedding. Ask how they get people up and dancing. Have they worked at your wedding venue before? It will be helpful if they are familiar with the hall or reception location. Ask what their wedding attire is – most DJ’s should have a tuxedo.
Be Upfront with Your Budget
Discuss your budget with the DJ – and ask about special offers and packages. He can tell you the best way to spend your money when it comes to hiring his DJ services. He may be able to stay longer or work for less if he gets a longer break or if you forgo the disco ball. Often the DJ will work with other wedding professionals such as limo services or harpist and you can get an adjusted rate. It is often more expensive to hire a DJ through the wedding venue or hall – so take the bit of extra time to hire the DJ yourself.
Booking Your Wedding DJ
The general rule of thumb is at least 8–12 months in advance – earlier if your wedding is at peak time. If you are having a Christmas wedding a DJ may be even more difficult to find. Most DJ’s will require a deposit to hold your wedding date. Take the time to meet your DJ in person and avoid hiring over the phone. You can always talk to several DJ’s over the phone and then meet with a select few. If possible listen to his sound system.
Special Requests
Feel free to make them! Most DJ’s will have you fill in a sheet asking you about your likes/dislikes and what song you would like played for special dances: Father/Bride Dance, Couple’s first dance, etc. as well as other party dances like Chicken Dance or Macarena. Don’t rule these dances out entirely – they do get people who normally wouldn’t dance up and on the dance floor. An experienced DJ will discuss the strategies he uses to help you and your guests have a great time at your wedding reception.
