Where does the stress of a wedding begin and end? It starts well before the engagement and lasts at least until all the bills are paid. But, there is hope in dealing with the best, most experienced providers.
Just think music!
You can shake hands with that friend of a friend who has a garage band. Or, you might have your nephew DJ. In either case, the stress will only mount.
Only the plushest weddings go for full orchestras anymore. Even fewer weddings opt for small bands anymore. For every band member, you have one more potential for equipment problems, behavior problems, or more.
And, since disc jockeying has risen above the level of record playing, you can contract for a full flight of services. You want a DJ who knows the equipment and arrives with everything needed for performance and for backup. For example, the Northern California’s prominent DJ California Non Stop boasts, “We are computer-based and use Apple Macbook Pro and Windows Asus laptops with Virtual DJ and Serato software, the industry standard. We use QSC and JBL self-powered speakers, Shure Microphones, Dennon Mixers, and DMX lighting.”
The best skills and equipment lets them move from beat to beat, fade and shade, and keep the crowd on their feet. But, the best DJ also knows all the customs, everything expected of introducing the bridal party, the parents, and the bride and groom. They know how to and when to run the father-bride dance and mother-groom dance. They know how to run the cake cutting, the garter pulling, and the bouquet toss. And, they can adapt to ethnic customs and specific family traditions.
Look for additional options.
More and more DJs come with wider capabilities and responsibilities, many of them taking on the role of wedding coordinators. You might look for the latest in services, like Karaoke machines, light effects, and video projection. Some provide limousine services and photo booth rentals.
What to ask for
As BridalGuide.com recommends, when interviewing DJs, you need to ask key questions. You cannot depend on their advertising and promotion only. You need to ask it their service is a full-time business and if weddings are the primary focus. And, you want an explanation of how they customize their presentations.
Ask them just how they get the reception guests pumped up, and how they bring the evening to a close.
Ask for a demonstration CD that you can listen to in private where you can pay attention to the blending and fading. Quiz them on the equipment they use and what they do for backup when equipment fails.
And, of course, you need all the costs, direct and indirect. You want everything clear and upfront.
The more you know the less you have to worry about. You know the expectations and the budget, the quality and the reputation. Secure the testimonials and read the reviews, and turn the music over to the pros.
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