Do I Really Need a DJ For My Wedding?
Planning your dream wedding can be expensive. As a result, some couples try to save costs by getting rid of essential services like hiring a wedding DJ. No doubt you have often wondered – Do I really need a DJ for my wedding? Some later settle for an amateur disc jockey or even entrust the entertainment to a family member or friend. While both sides definitely have their advantages and disadvantages, we discuss the role a disc jockey plays at a wedding in contrast to DIY DJing. Our major aim is to showcase the important services of a DJ. This will help you decide if you really want to hire one for your wedding.
The Pros Of Having a DJ at Your Wedding
Before you ask the question Do I really need a DJ for my wedding?, here are some important services only a professional wedding DJ can perform that you need to be aware of.
Experience and Skill to Handle Your Wedding
If you need someone who can read the crowd and make necessary adjustments, you should hire a wedding DJ. This is because they are professionals for a start. Also, they probably have decades of experience on how to have everything that happens at your event under control. Again, if you want a flawless wedding ceremony and reception, an experienced wedding disc jockey is just what you need. Besides, playing music to entertain guests, a wedding DJ coordinates other aspects of the event. For example, they can work smoothly with other vendors you hire.
Adequate Backup Plan in Case of Uncertainties
No one plans to have a wedding that will bore guests or one that will not be as entertaining as was originally planned. Let’s face it, unfortunate events can happen that can disrupt the entertainment at an event. It could be as simple as a malfunctioning speaker or even a bad cord. A professional wedding DJ will ensure that no matter what happens, your special day goes according to plan. They usually come prepared for such uncertainties with backup equipment or any other gear that will be useful.
Value for Money
Apart from providing quality entertainment and keeping the dance floor alive, a DJ can also play a number of other crucial roles at an event. For example, there is no need to hire an extra vendor to handle announcements and to act as an Emcee. A wedding DJ can perform the task adequately. If you even require a DJ but you also want the services of a live band, this is also possible. There is really no need to hire a DJ and a live band separately as you can save money by hiring a DJ that is affiliated with a live band.
The Pros of DIY DJing
Most persons that wonder if they really need the services of a DJ at their wedding often consider DIY DJing. Just like hiring a professional DJ, this option also has some advantages mentioned below
Cut Down Planning Time
Before even hiring a wedding DJ, you have to do proper research to get a professional to handle your event. This type of research takes time and may involve creating a list of potential wedding DJs for a start. You then have to start a conversation with a few on your list, and finally choose one to handle all your entertainment needs. By using a family member or friend who has at least some experience, the time it takes to make such an arrangement is reduced. This allows a couple to focus on other aspects of their big day.
Cut Down Costs
Most couples who ask the question: do I really need a DJ for my wedding? are actually considering the costs of hiring one. Yes, hiring a wedding DJ can be very expensive. However, no one wants to run into unwanted debts at the start of their marriage life. When a couple opts to DIY the entertainment at their event, they’ll save a lot of money. Couples will also be able to spend cash on other important parts of the event such as food and photography.
Total Control of your Ceremony and Reception Music
Some engaged couples do not want to go through the stress of consulting with a DJ and then creating a playlist. This may be true for couples who are planning to have a very small wedding. They may want only a select few to be present like only family members and some friends. In this case, the may see no need to spend money hiring a professional. With DIY DJing, you can choose to add your favorite tunes that are dance-worthy and make a playlist from them. The good part is that you can even ask for guest input when making a playlist. You can choose to allow them submit their music preferences to add to those on your list. In this way, you can keep your guests dancing at all times and have complete control of your music.
The Cons of Hiring a DJ
There are also some disadvantages associated with hiring a wedding disc jockey. Those highlighted below are only a few reasons why some may consider DIY DJing in the first place.
Hiring an Inexperienced Disc Jockey
Those who fail to carry out adequate research may end up with an inexperienced disc jockey. If you have ever attended a wedding where an inexperienced DJ handled the event, chances are you are skeptical about ever hiring one for your own event. You may even advise couples against hiring a DJ because of the previous experience. The truth is that one of the main reasons why people ask the question do I really need a DJ for my wedding may be in order to avoid paying for services that may not be up to standard. If there is an emergency at the venue, for example, bad equipment, an amateur DJ will not be able to handle it appropriately. They are not usually prepared with backup equipment and can leave your reception with no music.
It Can Be Expensive
The major factor that people consider when planning a wedding is the cost and this includes the cost of providing entertainment. Hiring a professional wedding DJ can be very expensive and people often wonder if it is worth the investment. While it is true that you can pay for only the package that is the right fit for your needs, it can still cost a lot if you require only premium services. When you compare paying for top-quality entertainment and DIY DJing, it does not come as a surprise when some go for the later. Also, the cost of hiring a disc jockey is usually based on how long your event is and how many guests will be present. The entertainment at a large wedding that will last for more than 4 hours will surely cost more than that at a small wedding.
The Cons of DIY DJing
If you choose to provide the entertainment at your wedding by yourself, here are a few disadvantages to keep in mind
It May Turn Out to be Expensive
You may have already created a playlist for your wedding and maybe you even have a little setup. Are you prepared for emergencies? It is very possible to hire only the equipment that you need and use such to plan your day. Some of the fees you’ll have to consider include delivery and pickup fee as well as a setup fee. When you add these to the cost of hiring the type of equipment you need to cater for your guests, it may be best to just hire a wedding DJ to get the job done.
It May Turn Out to be Stressful
Creating a playlist is not an easy task and it can interfere with paying attention to other aspects of the wedding. You may have to dedicate a couple of days to create a list of songs to play at the wedding or reception. Instead of spending time worrying about whether or not the fear you provided for your wedding will work, hire a professional wedding DJ. This will leave you worrying less during the event and give you enough time to enjoy the entertainment with your guests. Also, the time it takes to create a playlist can be cut short by leaving this task in the hands of a professional. They can read the crowd and adjust the music.
Conclusion
There are so many factors to consider before asking the question: do I really need a DJ for my wedding? As mentioned earlier, you may be considering the DIY approach for the entertainment at your wedding. While both methods of entertainment are advantageous in their own way, you should be able to decide which is the best for your event. Overall, having a professional disc jockey at your event can take your wedding to the next level. They possess the necessary skill and are professionals at what they do. Taking great advantage is to come prepared in case of emergencies and clients get value for their money.