The visual details of wedding planning take up so much planning effort that many couples forget about the importance of sound and entertainment on their big day. If you’re thinking, ‘Do I really need to hire a DJ for my wedding?’, then we have an honest answer for you!
When does the Wedding DJ shine?
The reception dance party is usually when your DJ is the star, but there may be other times you need their services.
- Before the wedding ceremony – before you say “I Do” and kiss, the space full of empty seats should feel welcoming and pleasant for your guests. Music is a powerful way to set the mood.
- While walking down the aisle – you can use the traditional wedding tune to blend with your special song and set the tone of your best day!
- During cocktail hour – when you leave your guests to sip and mingle and go off with the photographer to shoot your portraits, you want the festive atmosphere to keep going even when you’re not there.
Do I need a DJ for my wedding if I already have made a music playlist?
Trust us; you don’t want to leave this job to YouTube or Spotify. The wedding DJ will not only play the music you chose but also energize the crowd and maintain the vibe throughout the whole reception.
You might think – I won’t hire a DJ for my wedding, it is a small reception, and my father-in-law has enough party experience to take over the music.
We’ve seen this scenario many times, and we know it is wiser to save on other items and expenses than to make a loved one do a duty that a professional could seamlessly provide.
Hiring a Professional Wedding DJ
What Makes a Great DJ in Northwest, Arkansas
A truly great DJ in Northwest Arkansas has a passion for music. The music they choose helps shape your event into the wedding of your dreams, and they know the right songs to get people on the dance floor.
Great wedding DJs know the magical combination of keeping your guests entertained without losing their interest and providing structure to your whole event. They are committed to making sure that the wedding day experience is wonderful for you and all who are in attendance.
The Best DJ Qualities
Choosing the right DJ can make or break an event. While there is no one-size-fits-all for DJs, there are some qualities that you can look for to choose the right DJ for your event. Consider how they’ll work on the dance floor, and with you, too.
8 Things That Make a Great Wedding DJ:
1. Experience
This is one of your cornerstone vendors, and choosing someone with experience is essential. You want a DJ who has been around for a little while. Not only should they be able to play music, but they should be able to read the crowd, adhere to a time schedule and keep the event moving along. This is your day, and you want to leave the hosting of it in the hands of someone who knows how to make sure that everything is done well.
2. Professionalism
Wedding DJs know that skill set isn’t a guarantee toward booking jobs. They need to be quick when responding to emails and requests. A professional DJ also knows that dressing well, being organized, and working well with other vendors are a part of their job.
They are your host for the event, and as such, they should look the part. That also includes acting the part—they should be present, not checking their phone or wandering too far from their equipment. They have a job to do and want to do it well.
3. Planner
A great DJ is a master planner. They should go the extra mile to make sure that they know the details of your day, the venue, and any special requests that may come their way.
4. Playlist Wizards
Wedding DJs are masters of the playlist. Working with you to help find the perfect songs that will fit different moments of an event. From cutting the cake to the perfect first dance, a wedding DJ will always know what song should come next.
5. Vibe Master
A DJ understands that there are different moods that need to be set throughout an event. You want a calm ambiance during a meal, a playful mood during the cake cutting, and an upbeat party vibe for dancing. All of these are formed with the help of the right music and commentary from your DJ.
6. Observant
This may seem similar to the point above, but it’s truly one of the most important qualities of a DJ. An observant DJ is able to look at your guests and see what is going to be the best song to play to keep the momentum going. They know how to change things up if need be to meet the expectations of the crowd.
7. Well Rounded
Most DJs specialize in one area of events, like weddings. However, a great DJ has played a little bit of everything. This allows them to know how to handle anything because they have experienced many different kinds of events. If they can work well outside of their comfort zone by working on an event that is not their specialty, then they will thrive doing an event that is.
8. Flexible
Hiring someone that is flexible and can go with the flow is critical for weddings. Schedules are important but somethings things need to be shuffled around or don’t go as planned. At the end of the day, your DJ needs to be able to accommodate those changes because it’s YOUR day!
Complete Weddings + Events – DJs in Northwest Arkansas
Finding the right DJ can sometimes require a lot of time and research. At Complete Weddings + Events here in NWA, we want to help make this easier for you. When you meet or chat with us here at the Northwest Arkansas office, we will go over all the things that are important to you and match you to the very best DJ for your event. The DJs we hire have all the qualities of great DJs, and they know exactly how to make your event everything you want.
There is nothing more important to us than helping to create amazing events. Contact us to learn about some of our best DJs. We can’t wait to connect you with the people who will help you through your “I do’s!”