Choosing the best DJ for your wedding reception is important. One of the debates you may have with your partner is whether to get a DJ or a band. However depending on your tastes, a DJ is usually the best option.

A DJ is someone who can interact with your guests and play what they love as opposed to band which may only have boring songs to play. Many DJs in Illinois are good, but finding a GREAT one can be a little tricky. Your wedding planner can also help you in choosing the right DJ for your occasion.

Alongside asking your wedding planner on which DJ to use, you can ask around. DJs more often than not create a name for themselves and are widely known. Ask hotels and resorts as they may have a list of the best DJs you can use. The list will contain the names of all the DJs they’ve worked with and who have a proven track record.

Interviewing your DJ

Don’t just rush and pick a DJ as they all come with different characters and personalities. Ask to see some videos of their previous wedding shows as this will give you an idea of how they work. With software some DJ’s can edit their music to make it sound great when in reality the opposite is true. It also helps to choose a DJ you have seen playing at some wedding where you where you were a guest. Talent is not just what defines a DJ. He or she should be able to feel your wedding, grasp it and know everything going on.

Is the DJ familiar with the wedding venue?

Ask the DJ if they have ever played at your wedding venue before. It helps if they know how to get there and are familiar with the staff there. If he or she doesn’t know the venue then that’s not a good enough reason to reject them, but should be considered.

Who will be spinning discs at your wedding?

It’s useless to spend hours interviewing a DJ only to realize that another DJ is playing at your wedding. Make sure that the contract spells out and entails the name of the DJ who will be playing at your wedding. In addition call at least a month in advance to confirm and verify with that DJ. Avoid verbal contracts, they should be in writing.

What attire will the DJ wear at your wedding?

DJs are known to dress funky. Make sure you agree on what your DJ will wear on your wedding day. A tuxedo is something you may like to see him in.

How experienced is he?

Ask for the number of years that particular DJ has been playing for as well as the number of times he or she has played at weddings. Also ask if he or she will play some of your favorite songs and this you can do by giving them a list. Note that a DJ is well versed in music so don’t give him or her a list that will outline 100% of the songs to play.

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It goes without saying that unless there are exceptional circumstances it will be best not to skimp on anything. This does not mean go out and just book the most expensive hall, caterer, DJ or florist, but have a good look round and find out what is the best that you can afford. Choosing wedding suppliers and caterers is not always going to be easy and for that reason it will be a good idea to visit a wedding fair.

While you are there don’t commit yourself to anything but take plenty of notes to help you make a decision once you get home. Just because that special offer is ending in the next hour it does not mean you have to book it. Once you have got home and re read your notes and visited the vendors’ websites it will be a good idea to make an appointment to visit them and discuss things thoroughly and see if you feel comfortable dealing with them.

Try and make sure that you are the only people who the vendor will be dealing with that day. If there are only a couple of bouquets and 20 buttonholes then it will be a bit unfair to ask a florist not to do anything else, but if they are providing 10 bouquets 200 buttonholes, table center pieces and flowers around the room then they should be prepared to give you their full attention. The same will go for caterers as you don’t want them to turn up to your 200 sit down meal reception with the food for the local Church Fete.

Once you know how to pick wedding vendors it will be easy to get what you want. They may have a good reputation but it is still your big day so don’t let them make the decision when it comes to colors or menu. If you have planned well ahead make sure that they take notice of the pictures you show and that the photographer is prepared to take the photographs the way you want. It is up to you if you want them all taking in the Church yard so if the vendor tries to talk you into going to the beach or the woods, look for another vendor.

When choosing wedding vendors always be prepared for them to try and talk you into getting more than you need. It will be best to try and book one or two steps higher than you think you need but still make sure that the overall vision is how you want your wedding to be, not how they would like to arrange it.

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Below are tips to help you hire a wedding planner.

Look for the Most Reputable Wedding Planner

Certainly you will want your wedding occasion to go well, and for this to happen you will have to get a good and reputable planner with whom you will confide in to handle your big day. Some of the best wedding planners have to be booked months or even years in advance, you will have to begin your search early so as to find an opening.

Note Your Budget

Weddings can be very expensive, and if your budget is minimal you should make sure that your wedding planner is well aware of this before you go any further. In addition you may also identify and outline those things that you want your money to focus on, such things could be; flowers, venue, menu, wedding gown, photography and the like. The whole point is about maximizing on your budget and focusing on the important things.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for a Resume

You should treat the process of choosing a wedding planner as a normal job interview. If you are not sure of the kind of work wedding planners are involved in be sure to ask around prior to the interview. Ask anything and make sure you are satisfied with the results.

Negotiate

If you are short on cash its best you try negotiating. Do not take this as an insult to the planner, but rather state your financial situation and also if possible agree to flexible payment terms. Ask politely and enquire if there are any discounts. You may just be surprised.

Wedding planners spend their careers dealing with weddings, and so they are able to help advise you in putting together an outstanding wedding in the most economic of ways. It’s their job to do so.

On Entertainment

Entertainment is one of the most important aspects of any wedding reception. You wouldn’t want your guests bored the whole night, and for this you have to make sure that your entertainment is up to scratch. A wedding planner can help you find the right wedding DJ.

Such a DJ should be able to play songs which people will love and dance to. A good DJ should be able to interact with his or her audience and make sure that everyone is on the dance floor dancing.

Photography

Photography should a part of any wedding, and a planner can help you with this. Photographers vary in prices as some may be as much as $1,200 whilst some experts may go up to $10,000. For this event, you have to get a good one that is within your budget.

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Holley Begyn & Tyson Blaser!

Holley & Tyson were married on New Year’s Eve and held their wedding reception at the RiverCenter in Davenport, IA. We had been working with Holley’s mother, Kathy, on planning the event for awhile. This was a New Year’s Party to end all New Year’s Parties. The event had over 600 guests, some amazing décor, and one of the largest sound/lighting/video shows we offer.

Tanner DJ’ed/emceed the event, while I (Justin) helped coordinate and worked the lighting and video. I also brought my wife, Kat, and Tanner brought his girlfriend, Elizabeth. That way we were assured we would still have significant others come the new year rather than leaving them at home.

The night was amazing and if you want to see more, visit our facebook page. Thanks again for hiring us!

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Hopefully everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving and is looking forward to a great holiday season. We have now officially transitioned from wedding season to holiday party season. We didn’t get much down time in-between, but that’s ok. We have dusted off the Quad City Game Show equipment, held some staff trainings, and we are excited for another busy season of corporate holiday parties. We also have some major expansion plans coming next year so I am sure you will be hearing more about that. Happy Holidays!

-Justin Miller

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Also, I am just wrapping up final details on my new book “The Secret to Making Your Wedding Reception Fun, Memorable and Stress-Free!” The book should be on sale around Thanksgiving and is an awesome guide to planning a FUN wedding.

Much more big news to come next month!

- Justin Miller

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Jenna & Kevin Chumbley!

Our client of the month for September is Kevin & Jenna. They held their wedding reception on September 10^th at The University Club of Moline. Bryan was their DJ and Lindsay ran our Quad City Photo Booth service for them.

Jenna was actually one of the motivating forces for launching our photo booth company back in January. Kevin is the brother of one of our former DJs and my personal friend, Ken (who is getting married next May).

The wedding was a blast with around 300 people in attendance. We were glad to be a part of it and love working for friends (or friends and friends). It makes the whole experience a ton of fun for everyone involved. Thanks again for having is and best wishes!

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Jaymie & Erik Lum!

This was a very tough decision this month, so don’t be disappointed if you didn’t get picked. Jaymie & Erik had their wedding reception on August 20^th at the University Club in Moline, IL. I have known Jaymie since I met my wife back in high school and watched her grow-up as she is close friends with my sister-in-law, Sarah. Erik used to be a teammate of mine when we were really young in competitive gymnastics (along with his brother Dereck). Their dad, Bob, was one of my coaches. I had actually lost touch with them for over 15 years so this was very nice to reconnect. Needless to say that Bryan, our DJ, did a great job that night. Also, Erik threw in some flips on the dancefloor for good measure. Congrats guys and please stay in touch!

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Lauren & Eric VanSpeybroeck!

Lauren and Eric held their  wedding reception on July 16^th at the iWireless Center in Moline. They enlisted our VIP level services and we gave them a show unlike any other. It started with custom video intros (with massive help from MI Studios) and ended with a very high-end nightclub atmosphere with tons of lighting and effects. It was an awesome night for an awesome couple! We wish you both the best and were thrilled to help!

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