Houston DJs and Disc Jockeys in Houston, TX for your wedding

Helpful Tips from Professional Houston DJs

"How To Choose A DJ" All Events How To / Instructional

Finding a competent DJ for your special event can seem like a daunting task. How does one go about locating a person that they can depend on to play music and engage their guests? Additionally, are they experienced and are they good at what they do? Furthermore, how much is a fair price to pay for their services?

I can tell you from first-hand experience as an attendee at numerous weddings, parties, and school dances, that there are a lot of bad Deejays in the entertainment business. It seems like some of them woke up one morning, decided that they were going to buy sound equipment, and become a DJ. There is more to being a DJ than loving music and owning equipment.

The first question that you need to ask is how much experience they have working as a professional disc jockey and if they have any references that you can contact. Also, ask them whether they have any experience deejaying in nightclubs. Nightclub experience indicates that they probably have some decent mixing skills. Why is that important? If a DJ can't mix, then how are they going to keep the dance-floor going between songs? Many disc jockeys attempt to cover their poor mixing skills with continuous rambling on their microphone. A good DJ understands how to balance good programming along with periodic announcements (when necessary). Additionally, experienced nightclub deejays have a good ear for volume control.

Think about when you are in your car and you change the CD that is playing for a different one and you have to either turn the volume up or down because it is not at the same level as the previous disc. DJ's must be able to control their sound levels effectively while transitioning between songs. Otherwise, your guests could be blasted with one song and straining to hear the next song that is too low.

Can the DJ talk to you in person? Ask them if they are willing to meet for a face-to-face meeting in order to discuss some of your ideas and get some of their feedback on how they can make your event one to remember.

Why don't DJ's list prices on their websites? To be honest, they want to get a “feel” for what your budget is and then price the event accordingly. I believe in flat-rate pricing and list prices for events openly on my website in a side-by-side table. My pricing is based on the amount of equipment that I need to load and setup. You are still getting the same great music whether you invite 10 people or 500.

So, how much is a fair price and should I hire someone solely based on price? I feel that you should look for a DJ that is experienced. I've been a DJ for 27 years and I’m an expert in my field. I play music from the 1950’s – today and understand the appropriate time to program those songs into my sets. We have packages priced to fit every budget starting at $299 and want to make your special day memorable.

DJ Jim Alexander
Owner / DJ Jim Events
Houston, TX

Submitted by DJ Jim Events of Cypress, TX

What role does a DJ play? All Events General Party Tips

For Wedding Ceremonies; The Wedding DJ should play the Bride and Groom's requested "Guest Arrival" music, along with all the music they have chosen for their Wedding Ceremony, such as: Wedding Party Procession, Bride Procession, Recessional music and any other special music the Bride and Groom would like played during their Wedding Ceremony. Not only should the DJ play the Bride and Groom's requested music at their Wedding Reception; the DJ should also be your Emcee; which includes but is not limited to: announcing Special Events such as The Wedding Party and Bride/Groom Grand Entrance (the DJ should also help line everyone up in the order they will be introduced!), Bride/Groom First Dance, announcing Dinner, Toasts, Cake Cutting, Special Dances such as the Father/Daughter dance and Mother/Son dance, Garter Removal/Toss, Bouquet Toss, Grand Exit and any other special events you have planned for your Wedding Reception. When the DJ arrives at your Wedding Ceremony and/or Reception the DJ should provide all of your vendors a printed timeline of events so the Photographer, Videographer, Caterer and all other vendors know what event is happening at what time. The DJ should also coordinate and ensure that key people involved in your reception such as your Toasters, the Father of the Bride and Mother of the Groom are ready before their special roles take place.

Most importantly, the DJ at ANY event should conduct themselves professionally while insuring that everyone of any age group is having fun while playing the appropriate radio edited music.

Marc Dufour
MJDJ Service - Houston, Tx.

Submitted by MJDJ Service of Houston, TX