Being a successful DJ isn't just about music, it also requires good listening and public speaking skills. Someone who is likable, organized, and experienced. Someone you trust to represent you in front of all your friends and family.

First, and perhaps most important, you have two choices to make before you call a single DJ: 1) Do I have to know which DJ will show up at my reception before my wedding day?  And 2) will someone who just plays music be fine, or do I expect a DJ who also acts as master of ceremonies (taking care of announcements, introductions, and motivating guests)?  Those two choices will eliminate a lot of prospective DJs from your list. 

Among large DJ companies, it's common for the person you talk to on the phone to NOT be the DJ who will show up at your reception.  If you're comfortable with that, that's up to you.  You should be aware that they could just as easily assign the new guy, who just finished training, rather than the DJ with five years experience.  Or, just as bad, someone you just plain don't like.  Style and personality matter.  In any case, if you care who the DJ is, make sure the name is in writing, in the contract.

Some DJs just aren't comfortable with public speaking.  It's unfortunate, but you do need to ask if they'll be talking on the mic.  If they do, you can talk about their style, and how much they talk (not too much, we hope!).  See some video of them talking at a wedding reception to see if you like their style.  Personally, I can't stand the 'radio voice' DJs, just as much as someone who talks without having someone to say.

Second, make a list of all the DJs in your area. The Fargo/Grand Forks area each have three phone books, each with different DJs. The internet has even more. Try to stick with reputable sites like WeddingWire.com. They list DJs for free and allow uncensored client reviews. More can be found on sites like WeDJ, but they charge the DJ to contact you, so only use the site to gather names.  Don't contact the DJ through the WeDJ site.

Check Credentials. Read each DJs website (Google their name to get it, if necessary). If they don't have one, they probably don't take this very seriously, and may be DJ'ing 'just for fun' (that's bad). Check WeddingWire or TheKnot for reviews. Accolades like WeddingWire's 'Best DJ' are nice, but are actually relatively easy to get if the DJ tries at all (this year given to 3 out of 15 DJs listed in the Fargo/Grand Forks area, that's 20% rather than WeddingWire's claim of the "top 5%") . Look for an updated website with client reviews that stand out (more than just two lines that say 'thanks.').  If they have more than one DJ, their website should feature their staff.  No list of who works there could be because the DJs come and go too often for them to bother updating it.

With our list of names, it's time to call around with our first questions to ask. Yes, call. Email doesn't let you hear the tone in their voice or get a sense of the person you are talking to.  . Tell them when you are getting married and where your reception is, then ask:

• What are your prices for a dinner and four hour dance? Is a wireless microphone included?  How much are extra hours of dance time?  Is any dance floor lighting included in that price?
  

• If I hire you, who will my DJ be?
  
• How many DJs work for you? How many dances do you book in a night?  What is your plan if my DJ is sick?
• Can I meet with my DJ before signing a contract? (no contract?  Cross them off your list.)
• Does our DJ have to play our requests?  Does he have to honor our Do Not Play list?  Is there a limit to how long either can be?
  

Some DJ's prices are inclusive, others will try to sell you add-ons.  To establish a basic price, we start by asking about dinner, four hour dance, and wireless microphone so that you know your DJ will be setup before your guests arrive and you'll have a mic for speeches.

Meet Your DJ Before the Contract.  We also asked how many DJs work for them to establish if this is a single operator or a multi-system company. A single operator, you know who you are talking to and who will show up for your wedding (though still have their name on the contract as your performer). A muti-system company has several DJs of varying experience. Often you won't know who your DJ is until they show up. You must decide if this matters to you, because it is entirely up to you. Here is the scenario: you hire company A, who has six DJs. You talk to someone in their office anytime you like. However, never your DJ. They assign your DJ the week of your wedding. The question is, did they assign the DJ who has worked there five years, or five months? Do you and this DJ even get along?  Personality matters.

Lastly, the question about illness.  Any DJ worth anything has a specific plan in place.  Both the DJ by himself and the bigger company can have issues, unless the company intentionally doesn't book a DJ on a busy night.  Make sure they tell you exactly what happens. That's why we asked both how many DJs they have and the maximum number of weddings they'll take? If the number is the same, they don't have backup in house.  Make sure there is a clear plan.

• When will the DJ setup his equipment?
• When will the DJ arrive and be ready to work?
  
• When will we meet again to discuss details of my reception?
• What will you wear to our reception?
• Do you have backup equipment at the reception?
• Do you setup a banner, sign, or any other advertising at our reception?