Photography: Songstruck Weddings & Events
There are two vital things that make or break your wedding – food and music. While the former is easier to control, choosing the right wedding DJ is a trickier task. Your DJ is the one who sets the mood for the event and ultimately ensures that everyone has a great time. If you get a bad one, well... let's just hope no one snores too loudly! Here's a checklist of things to note when hiring a DJ for your celebrations.
You get what you pay for
DJs are a cheaper alternative to "live" bands and prices do vary from as little as $250 to $3,000. Try to stick to your budget as there are many options out there. That being said, considering how much you're spending on the rest of the day (flowers, venue etc.), don't cut back on this and have your reception ruined by dull, snoozy entertainment.
Word of mouth recommendations
When seeking out DJs, ask people you trust for recommendations, like friends and family or your venue operator. Don't just take the word of a friend of a friend who's knows of somebody who dabbles... Your DJ should be fun, reliable and flexible to changes. Do check out their equipment too. You wouldn't want someone who uses tacky effects as part of the package, or has poor quality speakers (yikes!).
Ask the right questions
What if you're sick or unable to make it to the event? What happens if your computer breaks down in the middle of the reception? Do you play songs with explicit lyrics? How will you encourage guests to dance? These are some questions you should be clearing out of the way before hiring your DJ. You wouldn't want someone who doesn't know how to work the crowd or doesn't have a Plan B.
Handling the playlist
A good, professional DJ always caters to the clients and guests. While your DJ will add their own style and flair to put the night together musically, he or she must honour your must-play and do-not-play lists. But the bigger question is – do you want to approve every song or give him the freedom of creative expression? Songs for specific aspects, like your first dance, should definitely be picked out beforehand. But for the rest of the day, give your DJ the freedom to mix it up.
Song dedications
Decide if you're going to let the DJ take requests or not. If you're going to be jittery about it, you could always assign a bridesmaid to approve the tracks before they are played.
Top 5 DJs in Singapore
DJ Funky T is known for his signature Live MTV Mixing during weddings and plays music suitable for all ages.
DJ Jim of One Wedding is a versatile disc jockey who has spun at many high profile events. His expertise include Top 40, R'n'B, Retro (70s, 80s, 90s), Dance, Electro and Commercial House.
Red Kite Weddings have been a popular force of live music in Singapore for almost half a decade. They offer several professional DJs for you to choose from.
Providing a plethora of entertainment services, Merry Bees Live Music organises club DJs to whip up a good music mix for your guests.
With his smooth R&B music of Boyz II Men to sexy pop of Tom Jones, DJ Shai of Scarlett Entertainment caters to your reception needs.
