From the venue to food, flowers, decor and entertainment the choices can be overwhelming but the good news is that I’ve laid out a list below to help you pick the best DJ for your Sussex wedding.
#1 – Set a budget
This is a tough one, especially as you have no idea really what a good DJ charges. But, if you know that your absolute limit for a DJ is £500 then start searching out DJs with that figure in mind.
Along the way, you may find that some DJs offer add-ons to help enhance the evening party and it’s easy to get carried away. I provide wedding DJ hire across the whole of the South-East and the average spend is around £900 with a few extras included.
#2 – Get referrals from friends
Ask newly-married friends and relatives what DJ they used at their wedding. Did they have a good experience? If you were there then the evening party may have been awesome but what about communication before the event itself? Answers to these questions will help you in your quest to find your perfect wedding DJ!
#3 – Get referrals from your venue
Venues will have seen a LOT of DJs over the years and will probably have a list somewhere of those that stand out. Instead of asking your wedding planner, consider asking the staff behind the bar, or someone at the venue who is normally around in the evening as they are most likely to have seen a good DJ at work.
Some venues have a “recommended list”. Ask them how suppliers get onto this list. Do they have to pay or is it because they’re at the top of their game?
#4 – Think about what’s important to you
When I talk with couples about them booking me to DJ at their wedding, I already know that you want it to be the best party you’ve ever been to and that you want the dance floor packed out all night so a good DJ can truly add to the success of your wedding reception. Other things like being able to influence the music with your own choices and the mood and vibe of the party are all important. Do you need music for the ceremony or the wedding breakfast? What about microphones for the speeches? Remember, this is probably the biggest party you’ll ever throw for your family and friends and you’ll want it to be perfect!
#5 – Comparing one DJ with another
It’s natural to compare one DJ with another on price alone as, let’s face it, on the surface, it would appear they both offer the same thing, however when it comes to entertainment you need to set aside that natural way of thinking and not focus on the price as there are loads of different reasons why one DJ is more expensive than another.
Look beyond the actual business of playing songs. Look at the overall experience. Communication and the ability to schedule a meeting to discuss your wedding in more detail. Does the DJ offer any kind of guarantee? Do they carry backup equipment? What if they can’t make it? Are they insured? How long have they been in business? What is their level of experience? These are all super-important questions you will need answers to so you can work out who is the best choice.
#6 – Choose who you feel COMFORTABLE with
There’s an old saying, people buy people and it’s so true. You’re going to be working with your suppliers on one of the most intimate and important days of your life and you need to have the right people around you. From my point of view, I would rather work with a couple who feel comfortable with me and have “let me in” to their world so I can CONNECT with them, understand and deliver exactly the type of party they want. I want your friends and family to be raving about your wedding for many years to come and this is the best way to make it happen!
#7 – Consider all the options
Try not to get too overwhelmed by the choices out there. You’ll quickly realise that the best companies to deal with will make you feel at ease with the booking process.
If you have any questions, just fill in my short contact form. You can also email me directly at hello@ianforest.com or call/text or WhatsApp me at 07799 782764!
Take care x