How To Find the Perfect DJ – Gudlite Entertainment

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable and cherished moments of your life. It’s a celebration of your unique bond with your special someone, and every detail should reflect who you are as a couple. Planning this day is no small task—every element is carefully considered, rethought, prioritized, and meticulously executed.

Amidst the whirlwind of planning, one aspect that often gets overlooked is entertainment. With so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. However, your choice of DJ can make or break the atmosphere of your big day. It's crucial to select a professional who not only understands your vision but also represents your personalities, ensuring your wedding is as unforgettable as it deserves to be.

So, how do you choose the right dJ?

With so many options available, finding the perfect DJ for your wedding can feel overwhelming. Every DJ brings their own style, personality, and range of services to the table, making it important to choose someone who aligns with your vision. Pricing can also vary greatly, adding another layer of complexity to the decision.

In Manitoba, for example, DJ prices can range from as low as $300 for a basic “show up and play” DJ to over $3,000 for a fully interactive experience. A premium DJ doesn’t just provide music—they help guide the flow of your reception and can even take on the role of Master of Ceremonies, ensuring every moment runs smoothly and seamlessly.

Before you start looking

Before you begin your search for the perfect DJ, it’s important to be prepared. There are several key factors to consider ensuring you make the right choice:

Budget - Your budget will heavily influence your options, so consider this carefully. In the DJ industry, the saying “you get what you pay for” often holds true. While you can find DJs charging $500 or less, these options may lack the professionalism, preparation, and investment your wedding deserves. For a DJ who will take the time to plan, prepare, and be fully committed to making your day special, expect to budget over $1,000.

Priority - Interestingly, entertainment often ranks low on the wedding planning priority list, behind catering, decorations, and novelty items. However, the success of your reception often hinges on the quality of your DJ. A skilled DJ can elevate your event, energize your guests, and create lasting memories through music and entertainment. Conversely, a poorly performing DJ can negatively impact the experience for everyone.

Ceremony - Do you need sound equipment or assistance for your ceremony? Many DJs offer packages that include ceremony support, ensuring clear audio for your vows and any accompanying music.

Wedding Date - The date of your wedding plays a significant role in determining price, availability, and service options. In Manitoba, prime wedding dates typically fall between May and September. These months fill up quickly for most vendors, so booking early is essential. Additionally, supply and demand often lead to premium pricing during this period.

Other Premium Dates - It’s not just the summer months that are in high demand. Holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Canada Day, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve are also considered premium dates. If a holiday falls on a weekday, the surrounding weekends may also be in high demand. DJs often charge a premium fee for these dates due to their popularity.

Where to find a DJ

Finding a DJ for your wedding isn’t difficult, but finding the right DJ requires some research and consideration. Here are some effective ways to locate the perfect entertainment for your big day:

Online Searches - A quick internet search will yield numerous results for DJs in your area. Websites like WeddingWire.ca are excellent tools for narrowing down your options. These platforms often include unbiased reviews, though it’s wise to approach them with a critical eye. Unfortunately, some competitors may leave negative reviews on their rivals’ pages—a practice that can skew perceptions.

Wedding Shows - Wedding shows are fantastic venues for meeting multiple DJs in one place. They provide the opportunity to interact with potential candidates and get a feel for their personality and professionalism. However, keep in mind that conversations at wedding shows may feel rushed, as other couples will also be vying for the DJs’ attention. It’s often best to set up a follow-up appointment with any DJ you’re seriously considering instead of committing on the spot.

Professional DJ Associations - Reputable DJ associations are another excellent resource. In Canada, two leading organizations are:

- The Canadian DJ Association (CDJA) - www.cdja.ca

- The Canadian Professional DJ Association (CPDJA) - www.cpdja.ca

These associations typically have directories of vetted professionals, making it easier to find trusted and qualified DJs.

Personal Recommendations - One of the best ways to find a DJ is through personal referrals. Ask your family, friends, co-workers, or even other wedding vendors for recommendations. These individuals may have seen the DJ in action or worked with them previously, providing valuable insight into their reliability and talent.

We have a list of DJ's. Now what?

Once you’ve gathered a list of potential DJs, the next step is to start making phone calls. This initial conversation is your introduction to the DJ or DJ company, and it’s a critical step for both sides to “feel each other out.” Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this process:

The importance of a phone call - Your conversation with the DJ should be both informative and courteous. This is your chance to gauge their professionalism, personality, and willingness to listen to your needs. Pay close attention to how the DJ interacts with you during the call. Be cautious if you notice any of the following red flags:

They dominate the conversation and do not let you get a word in

They fail to ask questions about your wedding or preferences

They're overly pushy or try to pressure you into booking immediately

They speak negatively about other DJ's and vendors

Take notes - During your calls, keep detailed notes about each DJ you speak with. Note their demeanor, responsiveness, and answers to your questions. These notes will help you narrow down your options and decide which DJs to meet in person. Aim to select three or four top candidates for face-to-face meetings.

What to look for in a DJ - Hiring the right DJ is crucial for the success of your wedding or event. While many DJs are professional and reliable, there are some key warning signs to be aware of. Here are the top red flags to watch for when vetting a prospective DJ:

Personality - The DJ's personality must mesh with yours for a truly successful wedding experience

Experience - The DJ's past experiences will help you create an amazing wedding

Training - DJ's should always be updating their skills, knowledge of trends and equipment

Equipment - While you do not need to know exactly what they are using, you should have confidence it is of top quality

Association Membership - DJ's who are members of an association will have high standards set upon them

Licensing - DJ's should always either be licensed or use licensed music

Liability Insurance - This is a MUST. Liability insurance protects both you and the DJ

Effective Communication - This is critical and you should feel comfortable discussing your needs and expectations

Deposits and Retainers - While required, watch out for DJ's who do not take any or who take over 50%

Contracts - If a DJ refuses to provide a contract outlining their duties, move on.

Reviews and Testimonials - A great way to get a feel of what people think of the DJ you are considering

You can check out or blog post What to look for in a DJ for more details of each of the above items.

Meeting the DJ is a must - Once you've narrowed down your list of potential DJs, it's time for a face-to-face meeting. This is a crucial step because your personalities need to mesh well. Remember, you'll be spending time with this person on one of the most important days of your life, and they’ll be representing you in front of your guests.

It's essential that you feel comfortable and confident working with the DJ for the event to be a success. A professional DJ will understand this and, if the two of you aren’t a good fit, should be able to recommend other DJs who might better suit your needs.

The initial meeting is your opportunity to decide if you want to hire the DJ, and for the DJ to determine if they want to work with you. It’s a mutual decision that sets the tone for a successful collaboration.

Bottom Line

When searching for a DJ, it’s important that you feel comfortable with the DJ, the services they offer, and their fees. Remember, if a DJ charges too little, they may not be fully invested in making your wedding the best it can be.

If at any point you feel the DJ won’t represent you well or align with your vision, don’t book them. This is your special day, and it should be done your way. As DJs, our role is to play great music, guide you through the events of the day, and help make your wedding unforgettable.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide. I hope these tips help you in creating your one-of-a-kind wedding experience!