Many party hosts want to save money on their wedding, and as a result, they often settle for their “friend who’s good at making playlists,” to be the evening’s entertainment. However, many people don’t realize that saving money by using an amateur DJ actually comes with a high price tag.
If you’re planning a special event, the question begs to be asked: why spend any money at all on services if you are not happy at the end of the day? It makes more sense financially and emotionally to invest in the areas that will go a long way to making your event one that you treasure forever.
Here are a few reasons why you need to hire a professional DJ for your event:
- Professional Experience
- Third-Party Perspective
- Peace of Mind
- Professional Contracts and Reliability
- The Right Equipment
- Professional Etiquette All Night Long
- Unbeatable Variety
Professional Experience
It goes without saying that 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. Many DJs are asked to make announcements to the guests, including the entrance of the wedding party, the entrance of the bride and groom, 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 they also are trained 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 really want to have your buddy who just finished a six pack of beer and who was fighting with his girlfriend that morning to 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 as 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, he or she doesn’t know you personally.
Peace of Mind
Hiring a professional DJ for your wedding allows you to sit back and actually 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.
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 they have car troubles on the day of, you are most likely out of luck and will have to resort to playing your own 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.
I thought it was interesting when you explained that DJs have the ability to create a playlist that will naturally flow with the evening and the crowd. If you are wanting to have a more intimate wedding, I would imagine that you would want to play more music that is slow. It seems like it would be important to make sure that you let the DJ know what your expectations are.