OOPS!!  WE SHOULD HAVE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY!

There's so many times this has been said over the years but avoidable mistakes keep coming up.  We've compiled a few of the things that might go wrong & some of the things you should do to prevent those ever-embarrassing mistakes.  Remember we are a music service so we won't bore you with things like Limousine or wedding cake advice.  (We don't know about those things)

• DO:  Consult with the DJ prior to the wedding.  A good DJ will encourage a meeting prior.  This could be done over the phone, at a place of mutual agreement, your place or the office of the DJ.  Any of these are ok as long as there is good communication. If the DJ wants to charge you for the consultation...RUN AWAY!!  You wouldn't pay to take a new car for a test drive would you?? 
• DON'T:  Book the DJ with the "Hard-Sell" attitude.  If they are professional and confident, you'll certainly know it right away.  It pays to shop around.
• DO:  Go with a DJ service you feel comfortable with.  Meet the actual DJ if this is possible.  Sometimes the DJ isn't available for the consultation.  This is ok provided that you get friendly thorough service from whomever you meet with.
• DON'T:  Pay for the full value of the music in advance.  Most reputable companies will either invoice you after the wedding or will accept payment on the evening of the event.  Credit cards are the best way to pay.  No good service would ask to be paid full price up front.  Think of it this way...Would you pay for your groceries then go shopping?
• DO:  Make sure the DJ has back-up equipment and staff just in case something may happen (and it often does)
• DON'T:  Pre-program the night by giving the DJ 6245 requests.  An average song is about 4 minutes long.  That works out to roughly 15 songs per hour.  If there is 5 hours of dancing, that's only 75 songs.
• DO:  Make sure the DJ has your special first few songs.  (These would usually have been picked at the consultation)  Most DJ's would have no problem with you providing the music for these songs but it's always better if the DJ brings it too.  You'll have way too much on your mind to be thinking about every tiny detail on your wedding day.
• DON'T:  Be afraid to ask lots of questions.  The only bad question is the one that was never asked.
• DO:  Make sure your DJ takes requests and has a book for you or your guests to look through
• DON'T:  Book the DJ who always brags about their success and accomplishments.  If everyone is the best then which one is really telling you the truth?
• DO:  Trust your instinct when you go to book the Music.  If you don't trust your instinct, trust your friends, trust your co-workers, trust your mother-in-law if you have to.  If that doesn't satisfy you, trust the references that any good DJ service would provide when you request them.
• DON'T:  Book a DJ just because "They were the cheapest" .  You may get exactly what you pay for.
• DO:  Make sure that a public address system is provided by the DJ if you require it.  There shouldn't be any additional charge for this but circumstances may determine if there is or is not a specific charge for this service. 
• DON'T:  Play too many slow songs at the beginning of the dance portion of the evening.  People have probably just eaten and will certainly fall asleep.
• DO:  Make sure you have a number where you can reach the DJ anytime.  The best ideas come to you while you sleep so every time you have one of those terrific ideas, phone your DJ at 3:30am and tell them.  Ok, maybe it's just as good if you write it down and phone later in the day.  
• DON'T:  Book the DJ with the Led Zeppelin light show.  The wedding couple should be the star attraction (not the billion watt bulbs)
• DO:  Communicate with the DJ.  Most are happy to receive a bit of constructive criticism.  Tell them if it's a bit too loud or not loud enough.  They'll appreciate it and you'll be much happier.
• DON'T:  Try to squeeze too much into one evening.  If you have booked all of the following services to entertain at your wedding....shame on you!  2 bands, 1 magician, 1 DJ (of course), 12 skits, 14 course dinner, 3 servings of desert, 1 hour of Mother-In-Law stories, 4 dress changes, fireworks, 27 minutes of dancing & no time to have fun.
• DO:  Make sure you inform your DJ of any changes regarding the music.  Even the smallest detail may be important.  If you meet with you DJ prior to the wedding date, ask them to give you a copy of the notes that they take.  This is sure to prevent confusion.
• DON'T:  Hire the DJ with "One Price Fits All" policy.  Every wedding is different and unique and should be treated as such.  This is why we custom create every package to suit your exact needs.   
• DO:  Enjoy every minute of your special day.  It's supposed to be a once in a lifetime experience.  (unless you're Elizabeth Taylor or Britney Spears)
• DON'T:  Wait until the last week of preparation to book the music.  The more notice anyone gets the better prepared they will be to meet your needs.
• DO:  Make sure your DJ shows up dressed appropriately for your wedding.  You are the boss and your wishes mean everything.  At Magic Star we adhere to strict compliance dress codes and even carry a multiple colored stock of tuxedos just in case formal suits the occasion.
• DON'T:  Let the DJ tell you what he or she is going to play at your wedding.  You should be telling the DJ what your requirements are and feel free to set parameters such as:  No Rap, No Heavy Metal but Play at least 2 songs by the Beatles.
• Do:  Make sure you tell your partner if you have booked a DJ.  In our 22 years of business we've seen 3 occasions where 2 DJ's were booked.  This would be completely avoidable if each person had told the other what they were doing.  It's always a good idea to get some kind of written confirmation from the DJ.  If they won't put it in writing...keep shopping.

If you have a suggestion, horror story, word of praise or another DO or DON'T tip, please tell us here  & we might publish your story.