With all the other tasks you have to get completed prior to your wedding, selecting the right DJ for your reception is one of the most important tasks. Most people think anyone can DJ but there are other skills that he will need to possess. I have outlined some issues to consider when selecting a DJ:

* Will he be able to fully cover the reception area with the equipment he has. No nightmare could be worse than seeing your guest sitting in eerie quiet.

* Besides musical skills he needs to be able to stand up and speak clearly to your audience. Keep in mind he will periodically need to get up and make announcements. The microphone he uses is as critical as his speaking voice. How long he will be needed as well making sure you and he agree on the music to be played should be done prior to the reception. He cannot read your mind and so needs to be told precisely what time to be set up and ready to go. Be explicit and what you expect and never assume he knows your plans.

* A sure sign of experience would be that he can give you valuable input on what to do to make your reception. A DJ with years of experience knows what works and what does not. You know you have the right guy when he asks about the ages of the people, the type of people they are, and roughly how many people will be in attendance.

* A DJ is no exception to any other vendor in that anything pertaining to compensation should be done prior to the wedding. Full payment prior to the recpetion may only insure he never shows up.

* Since he is a performer check him out when he is performing. Attend other weddings he is hosting and see how he does with them. This takes time but eliminates surprises. What does he do for the cake cutting, the garter toss, the bouquet toss? Does he get the guests fired up and excited or does he just announce it and move on? If he is a true showman you will be able to see it for yourself. I promise he will tell you he is awesome when he is just talking to you.

* Look over the catalogue of music he has and decide on what type and/or songs you want played. Be sure when selecting that you are going to have a wide swath of people of all ages whose musical tastes will be different. He should know how to appeal to all your reception guests.

Just like the other wedding vendors you have, the DJ is worth screening prior to the wedding so that you can have a magnificent reception. Also remember no one can read your mind. Make certain the DJ you select can deliver what you want.