What Does a DJ Bring to the Table? — The Barn at Reynolda Village

Chris Fletcher contributing

The Barn at Reynolda Village is happy to welcome this month’s guest blogger, Chris Fletcher from Triad DJ & Events. Chris and his team have been friends of The Barn for years and we are grateful for his expertise. Read on to enjoy a terrific perspective on the value of hiring a DJ for your wedding or special event.

Photo courtesy of Aura Marzouk Photography.

I have been doing events for over 30 years now, and I think we’ve been fairly successful at what we do. This success, I believe, can be attributed to: Solid Communication, Over-the-Top Customer Service- and consistently meeting or exceeding the client’s expectations. Rinse and Repeat. Sounds simple enough, right? Sadly, you’d be surprised how often people do not figure this out until after the event is over. And by that time, well, it's too late. With most events, one only gets that one chance to really nail it! It’s not like you can call a Do-Over and try again tomorrow.

So, how does one determine the true value of a professional DJ service? It’s a valid question. Let’s take a prospective client, a wedding couple in this case; they are looking for DJ services for their upcoming wedding…. Most likely they have never had to hire a DJ before. Personally, I find this to be true a majority of the time as I’m speaking with future clients. I, myself, would probably be in the same position if it were not what I did for a living, so I get it.

What are the criteria one uses for this selection-making process? You’d be astonished, but I’d say the number one variable that drives most people to choose a specific DJ/Company is price. However, does price really equate to good value? The short answer: No.

Now, it’s hard to assign fault to the customer for not knowing because they’re probably under the assumption that most DJ’s are pretty much the same and finding the least expensive is the best “deal”. This, in my opinion, is the same thought process that one might use when purchasing a new car or refrigerator. Trust me, it’s not the same. These are products and not services, and these services are ultimately responsible for the event’s successful outcome.

Remember This: A professional DJ is responsible for entertaining your guests, while protecting your overall investment. Meaning, a couple who is planning their wedding has spent countless hours and thousands of dollars on the BIG DAY, and if the DJ is not great, this could be disastrous. Bad DJ = people leaving early and that’s money wasted. I know that I want my guests dancing until the very end, chanting. “One more song. One more song” after the last dance. You’re not saving money by cutting corners and hiring your friend who has some speakers and a laptop.

As I mentioned earlier, the DJ is responsible for the overall success of the event. Meaning, as good as the food is and as nice as your flowers are, these items won’t keep guest entertained until the very end of the event. Remember, if your entertainment is poor, it affects everything from the mood of the event to pictures your photographer has been paid good money to get. An empty dance floor doesn’t make for good photographs.

I cannot say it enough, but the professional DJ is an integral part of your event. Below, I’ve included a short list of what I feel make this person so important as well as some Do’s and Dont’s, so feel free to use these helpful tips when doing your research.

Dancing Reynolda Barn Wedding — Photo courtesy of Adornment Wedding Photography.

5 Things that Make a Professional DJ Invaluable:

1. We sit down with you, the client, to not only discuss music but also help develop a timeline/order of events. Having a good plan is key to a successful event.

2. We work closely with other vendors, especially your planner, to ensure you are on the same page. We are working together as a team.

3. DJs MC the event by managing the introductions and announcements. This keeps guests informed, so they have a better time and stay longer.

4. Your DJ will invite guests to the dance floor, be approachable, and take requests when you can (as long as you are ok with it). Having your guests excited and involved makes for a better event.

5. We bring great attitude and personality. This personality contributes to the overall success of the event. Being agreeable and willing to make changes on the fly if needed is invaluable.

DJ DO’s and Don’ts

Don’t: When researching, don’t email looking for a price. I know you’re busy, but take a little time to get to know the company/DJ who is potentially responsible for one of the biggest days of your life.

My Advice: Instead of sending an email asking for a quote, send an email asking for a consultation. Consultations should be quick and painless. No more than 10-15 minutes.

DO: Always speak to the DJ/company via Phone/ Zoom/Face-to-Face. The experience is invaluable. You can learn a lot by how someone carries himself or herself. Are they happy to speak with you? Trust me: You’ll know it just through their tone and inflection.

DON’T hire an inexperienced DJ. An inexperienced DJ can make or break and event. How? Not being on time, not playing the right special song, being unorganized, and the list goes on. But hey, you got a great deal. Look, I admit you have to start somewhere. But your wedding day is absolutely not the place for them to begin.

DO: Hire with experience. Get to know the company and the DJ. Do your homework and always ask people you trust for referrals. Your friends won’t lie to you about their experience.

In conclusion, I know that there are plenty of good DJs out there, so do your research, ask good questions and try not to make hasty decisions based solely on price.

Chris Fletcher is the owner of Triad DJ & Events, Triad Photobooth Rental & Triad Event Sound and Lighting.

Ready to host your next event with a great DJ at The Barn at Reynolda Village? Give us a call at 336.758.BARN or send us an email.