If you’re hoping your wedding guests will break it down on the dance floor all night long, you know finding the right entertainment is crucial. But, as your wedding DJ can make or break the party, you must take time to conduct research and find the right person before signing on any dotted lines.

That being said, with so many different vendors, it can be challenging to find a DJ that will create the right vibe for your celebration! You want someone who can engage a crowd and keep the fun going as the hours tick on — not someone who makes your guests yawn or wonder, “What song is this?”

Luckily, there are a handful of things you can do to ensure you hire the best wedding DJ in Chicago. Here’s what you need to know.

Consider your style.

Before hiring any vendors, it’s essential to consider your style and the type of wedding you want to host. What’s your curfew? Will you be partying all night? Or, maybe you’re hoping for a more relaxed evening, where guests can play games and mingle rather than spend all their time on the dance floor.

Regardless of what you decide, make a note of the vibe you’re looking to create before hiring a Chicago wedding DJ. This way, you’ll know what to tell them when you reach out. Plus, you’ll also have a base to go off of when looking for additional vendors.

Know your budget.

Similar to your style, you’ll want to determine your budget before hiring any vendors. Once you know this, you’ll have an easier time eliminating any DJs that don’t fit the bill. And, if you find a Chicago wedding DJ you love that’s slightly over your budget, take a look and see if you can move things around. Entertainment is crucial, so it’s okay to make your DJ a priority!

Ask your venue for a recommendation.

Chances are, your Chicago wedding venue has worked with a long list of DJs over the years. So, ask them who they recommend! They understand what type of wedding you want to have, providing them with a clear picture of the right vendor for your atmosphere. Talk to your venue about the easiest DJs to work with and who will bring the right attitude and energy to each celebration. 

Don’t book the first wedding DJ you meet.

Yes, wedding planning is incredibly exciting! If you’re like most engaged couples in Chicago, you can’t wait to start booking your vendors and checking things off of your planning to-do list. However, if you want to find the right wedding DJ, you will need to do your homework.

It’s perfectly fine to ask a DJ for samples of their work before making a decision. Ask for videos of previous live performances or sample playlists to see if they mesh well with what you’re looking for.

All celebrations are different, and it’s essential you find a DJ whose personality meshes well with the atmosphere you’re hoping to create. After you’ve gotten ahold of your style and the type of party you want, you can work to find a Chicago wedding DJ who can bring this to life. It’s more than okay to reach out to a handful of vendors before deciding which one is right for you.

Ask the right questions.

As you reach out to different DJs, think about how to facilitate the conversation and ensure they’re the perfect fit for your big day. Engaged couples in Chicago can utilize this list of questions as they work through their options:

  1. What’s your performance style, and what atmosphere do you create?
  2. How many weddings have you DJed?
  3. Will you allow us to create our own list of songs to play and avoid?
  4. Do you take song requests from guests into account?
  5. What do you include in your pricing?
  6. Have you worked at our venue before, and how will you properly set up?
  7. What’s your cancellation policy?

These questions will allow you to filter through wedding DJs in Chicago and find the professional that’s going to bring your vision to life.

Check reviews and references.

All engaged couples in Chicago should check the reviews of the vendors they hire. Hearing from others about their experience is an excellent way to get a feel for your DJ. Look at sites like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Yelp to read unbiased opinions about each company. Avoid only reading the reviews on a DJ’s website, though, as these are often skewed in their favor.

Consider asking for references as well. Talk to prospective Chicago wedding DJs about past couples they’ve worked with and if they’re comfortable with you reaching out to them. Then, you can hear directly from someone they DJed for on their special day.

Consequences of Hiring the Wrong DJ

Hiring the wrong DJ for your event can have several negative consequences, impacting both the atmosphere and overall experience for your guests. Here are some potential issues:

Poor Music Selection

If the DJ doesn’t understand your musical preferences or your desired vibe, they may play inappropriate or unpopular songs, leading to a lackluster dance floor and a disengaged crowd.

Unprofessional Behavior

An unprofessional DJ who arrives late, behaves rudely, or dresses inappropriately, can create a negative impression and detract from the event’s atmosphere.

No Backup Plans

If the DJ does not have backup equipment or contingency plans for technical failures, any issues can lead to prolonged disruptions. A lack of music for significant portions of the event could lead to disinterest from guests.

Financial Loss

Hiring the wrong DJ can mean money wasted on unsatisfactory services. Additionally, it might require last-minute changes or hiring a replacement, which can be costly and challenging to arrange.

Don’t leave your event entertainment to chance!

Momentz Productions is Here for You

Hiring a wedding DJ in Chicago may seem like an intimidating process. After all, your entertainment can seriously impact the overall mood. But with Momentz Productions, you don’t have to figure any of it alone! We’re here to help you every step of the way. Ready to get the party started? Get in touch with us!