I've noticed these days that just about every bride hires a DJ to handle music at the wedding reception (and sometimes at the ceremony). I'm sure part of that trend has to do with convenience. What most brides don't realize is that deciding on a DJ goes beyond the question, "Who should I have playing music for my guests?" It is one of the most critical choices on a bride's list of arrangements for wedding-day service providers. (For brides who prefer to hire live musical entertainment for their events, this applies to band leaders of orchestras, as well.)

A good DJ can smoothly guide the flow of your ceremony or reception, and keep your guests involved and entertained. A bad DJ can ruin the entire event. A great DJ can dazzle your guests and at the same time help to seamlessly coordinate the work of everyone operating behind the scenes, turning your reception into the most fabulous party of the season. A DJ (short for Disc Jockey) is unquestionably your MC (short for Master - or Mistress - of Ceremonies). They sit in the control seat: They have the microphone, and they are the focal person in the hall. From there they can alert people like caterers, videographers and photographers to be ready for whatever is happening next at your event; they can keep your guests informed and happy and they can field any requests your guests might have for special music. A masterful DJ literally can be a bride's best friend at the reception.

As with any friend, you need to choose wisely. Do some thinking before you draw up your list of DJ candidates. First, consider who you will invite to your event, and what kind of atmosphere you want. If your family and friends tend to be somewhat reserved, then hiring a flamboyant, over-the-top DJ would be a mistake. Someone generating that kind of high-voltage personality might repel your group from the dance floor, rather than attract them to it.

On the other hand, if you have a raucous entourage of people who love to party, then you don't want a DJ whose style is to keep the music playing, keep your events running like clockwork, and generally keep the ship on an even keel. Your friends and family may hang back, waiting for the DJ to get into the party spirit and rev up the action to the level of excitement they prefer. It could be a long wait.

Here is a checklist to help you select the best DJ for your occasion:

1. Verify that the behind-the-mike personality of your DJ is a good match for the group personality of your guests.

2. Make sure the DJ enjoys working with your other support people (such as caterers and videographers) because that is a vital part of the job.

3. Make sure the DJ has the right equipment in their studio to bring to your event: Enough audio gear and lighting gear to cover the needs of the hall and the demands of your schedule.

4. Is the DJ is willing to play the kind of music you enjoy, and has plenty of the appropriate songs in their collection?

5. Are you comfortable enough with the DJ that you can trust them make judgment calls on what songs to play at certain times (even songs that may not be on your list), in order to liven up the party?)

You're the expert on what the crowd at your party will be like; the DJ should be your expert on getting the event moving and keeping it going. For that to work, you both need to share your expertise. Be wary of a DJ who seems to have all the answers - even before you ask a question. A good DJ will want to spend time talking with you so that they can prepare to do the best job possible. Remember to let your disc jockey or band leader know you expect them to help coordinate the work of your other support people, like the videographer and the photographer. If that seems like a new idea to them, then you should look elsewhere.

As a wedding professional, I always contact the DJ before a wedding just to make sure we get off to a good working relationship. I let them know that I appreciate what they'll be providing at the reception, and that I'll be relying on them for a heads-up if any part of an event is starting before I am ready. It always helps, but what I've found is that the great DJs are the ones who call me before I get a chance to call them. They know their job - all phases of it - and they can't wait to get started. It's a pleasure to work with those professionals. That is the kind of mastery you want in the person directing your reception ceremony music.