There are so many factors that go into planning your dream wedding. From the venue to your choice of food and decorations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the details.
But one detail you certainly can’t afford to gloss over is your wedding entertainment. You can’t forget that your wedding is, after all, a party. For many folks – yourself included – this will be their biggest party of the year!
When you look at it from that perspective, you quickly realize just how important it is to choose the right wedding DJ or live entertainment.
Wedding Planning 101: What’s Wrong with Hiring a DJ from Craigslist or Thumbtack?
But how do you know you’re choosing the right wedding entertainment for your event? These 5 tips should help.
1. Watch your entertainers perform elsewhere
Modern technology has made it possible for you to watch past performances of wedding DJs and bands from the comfort of your own home, thanks to YouTube.
But nothing compares to seeing these entertainers live in action. If you have the time, and ability, we strongly encourage you to check out your entertainment prospects at one of their events. That way you can assess how well they do with the crowd, and if their entertainment value remains consistent throughout the evening.
2. Don’t flock to the most inexpensive option out there
It doesn’t take long to realize that planning a wedding – no matter how simple or complex – can be costly. It’s only natural to look for ways to trim your budget; but your entertainment should not be one of those elements impacted by cost-cutting.
In the end, you’ll get what you paid for. Pricier musicians and DJs will almost certainly have tremendous experience with weddings, making them far better suited for your event than, say, a local band you found at a coffee shop.
3. Don’t take their word for it. Ask around!
Wedding DJs and entertainers are just like any other business out there: they do well to talk themselves up to their customers and clients.
Don’t just believe everything these folks feed to you. Getting unbiased reviews and feedback from past clients should be a non-negotiable. If a band or DJ isn’t willing to put you in contact with a previous client, that’s your cue to move on to the next option.
4. Make sure they’ll take requests
When it comes to hiring a wedding DJ in the DC area, requests shouldn’t be a problem. But they become a bit more complicated if you hire a live band.
Unlike DJs, bands typically don’t have access to thousands of songs. They have a specific set list they can turn to, meaning your wedding song requests could go unanswered.
As you begin your search, try to come up with a variety of songs you could potentially have played at your wedding. That way, your bands can tell you whether they’re intimately experienced with these genres.
Should you allow music requests from your wedding guests? Learn more now!
5. Sign a contract. Always.
Having a contract in place is a good idea for each and every single one of your wedding vendors, entertainment included.
Your entertainment contract should include the performer’s fee, arrival/finish times, and any other extras you want to include.
For example, some performers bring their own supplies, but others may wish to use existing speakers or cabling.
You also want to outline cancellation fees, while establishing a fail-safe in case someone in the band falls ill.
People come for your wedding. But they’ll always remember the entertainment.
Not to put any pressure on you, but whom you choose for your wedding entertainment will likely define how fondly your big day is remembered by you and your guests.
We recommend giving yourself at least 9 months to choose the best entertainer that meets your needs, vision and budget. Keep in mind, many of the best throughout the Greater Washington D.C. area book out a year in advance; the more time you give yourself, the greater options you’ll have at your disposal.
Learn more about Planet DJ’s live music and DJ entertainment services by contacting us today.