Finding A Maryland Wedding DJ
Great Music by the DJ
Written By: Jessica Gardner
Nothing has the power to bring your wedding together like well-chosen music. It can make the guests closer by bringing them to the dance floor or by tugging at their heart strings. The only thing that can ruin the moment is a poorly chosen DJ with blown out speakers and a tacky personality. This guide is devoted to discovering what it takes to hire the Disc Jockey that will entertain and keep the crowd connected.
Meet the new and improved DJ…
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a professional at work you may envision someone who just stepped out of an eighties movie wearing a backwards cap and sunglasses while mixing a record on a turn-table with his fingers. Far from your days at the prom, they have joined the evolution train since then and have made some much-needed improvements. With up-to-date sound systems, National organizations, and computerized songs they now can manage any occasion. Many have even begun filling the role of Master of Ceremonies (MC) and speak for toasts, introductions, and announcements.
And the category is….
There are five main types of Disk Jockey. The first four, Radio, Club, Hip-hop, and Reggae, are simply differentiated by the genre of music that they play and are otherwise very similar. The fifth, Mobile Disk Jockeys, are in a league of their own. These DJ’s are one of the newest additions to the group as well as the most versatile. Traveling to different events, they play pre-recorded music for just about any occasion and are equipped with back-up gear. Known for their ability as an all-in-one event planner, organizer and MC they work with vendors, photographers and venue staffs to make things run smoothly. You can expect a stylized performance by these professionals including insurance, good organization, a wide range of music and quality equipment and lighting.
Equipment 101…
DJ’s are only as good as their tools so being educated before eyeing their equipment is advisable. In general all of their set should be professional-grade, well-cared for and organized- for example, if there are scratches, dents or holes on their speakers the sound emitting from them is probably not going to be the one you expect. You can learn much from their personality by seeing their equipment.
Here are some brands that are well known for high-quality sound: Crown, Denon, Peavey, MTX, Gemini, Numark, QSC, American DJ, Martin, and Samson. If they use Sony, JVC or other common home and car-based brands they are most-likely a novice and using a home stereo which sounds very different in a crowd as the sound isn‘t made to penetrate a dense area or play continuously for four hours without malfunctioning.
Here are the basic tools:
Mixer- This is what controls the playback of the music, switching to a new song as the other ends without a pause.
Amplifiers and Speakers - Responsible for the actual sound that reaches the listeners, these should be in good condition and preferably, all the same brand name. The more speakers available the more the sound will be fluid and smooth without blasting out anyone one’s eardrums if they wander too close.
Subwoofer - A tool that enables you to hear the low-frequency, vibrating bass in a song.
The Interview: Questions that will help you decide if they are a match
You are the employer of the Disc Jockey to be at your reception and are entitled to an interview complete with pictures, footage or recommendations of past events, a display of how they set up, sampling the songs played on the actual system that will be used at your reception, and a view of the equipment. If they refuse to let you see their equipment or past work then your better off searching elsewhere. As you speak with them try to decide their personality type, low or high key, or simply ask them to share examples of how they interact with the crowd.
- Is the person your speaking to the DJ that will be at your wedding? If not, find out who it is and request to speak or meet with them. (Make sure the name of the person whom you were told will be there is listed on the contract).
- Is the equipment professional and well cared for?
- How do they handle guest requests?
- Do they have a back-up procedure in case they cannot be there?
- Do they belong to any organization (such as the American Disc Jockey Association)? If not, do they have references that can be checked for legitimacy?
- How do they organize their CD’s for quick retrieval?
- About how long does it take for them to set up? (half-an-hour or more is a favored response as this means they have more equipment than those who would reply a time of fifteen minutes.)
- How long have you been employed as a DJ? (Four years is generally a good number. Be sure to ask how many receptions they have worked- weddings require a certain knowledge and etiquette to go smoothly.)
- Ask about pricing- professional DJ’s should not ask for a tip
- Make sure they will show up in proper attire for the event and not in jeans and a t-shirt.
Highlighted Vendor
Main Event Entertainment Inc.
840 Seneca Park Rd
Middle River, MD
21220
With many years of experience and an astounding word-of-mouth reputation, this mobile DJ and Karaoke company have made quite a name for themselves in the local community. Main Event aims to keep the client happy by going through each stage of planning with them, offering advice and personalized MC (master of ceremonies) work. With the latest MP3 computer sound systems, extensive music library, fog machines and lighting you can be sure that these DJ’s are definitely not old school. Their use of name brand equipment such as Crown, Mackie, QSC, etc., ensure that old, blown out speakers will not be a problem at your ceremony. Down to earth prices and diverse areas of experience ensure that Main Event can handle any occasion with professionalism and flair. Those interested in their services are invited to contact them and attend one of their events to get a feel for their unique style and quality of performance. DJ Brian Lloyd says of the company, “We customize every event to the customers needs. We interact with the customers thoroughly to get a true feel of what they want, after all, it is their occasion not ours, so it should have their personal taste in mind delivered in a professional manner”. Mr. Lloyd has performed over 200 weddings and has over ten years of Disk Jockey experience.
Contact:
Brian Lloyd
443-910-1132
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