Your choice of Emcee and Musical Host for your event is extremely important. There are many horror stories of the lowest priced disc jockey company providing an inexperienced DJ, using sub-standard equipment, being a late arrival or worst yet, a NO SHOW. Here are some tips to help you hire the RIGHT disc jockey entertainment for your celebration:
1. Plan ahead. Allow enough time to have a written contract well in advance of your event.
2. Don’t wait to hire your entertainment last. Some DJ’s book up to 2 years in advance. If you wait, you may not be able to book the DJ you want or be able to find one to fit your event.
3. Make sure that you know the specific disc jockey that will be working at your event. Some companies promise you a Disc Jockey but even they don’t know who it will be until the date is imminent. If your event is on a busy date, you may get a Disc Jockey that ranks low on the company’s list or the company may subcontract the job out to some other Disc Jockey. Maybe even to a DJ that you’ve already decided was not the right DJ for you.
4. Ask for references for the specific DJ you are considering. Check the references.
5. Ask what type of guarantee they offer that the DJ you hire will not be switched at the last minute. Make sure their legal name appears on the contract.
6. Meet or talk with the specific Disc Jockey that you intend to hire. They should be able to offer suggestions on event itinerary, and song selection. Tell them what YOU expect and want to take place at your event.
7. Check the price. Make sure that there are no hidden costs to get what you expect. Some low quotes may not be for "prime nights" and may be for shortened hours. You also get what you pay for in this industry.
8. Do not assume. ASK!!
- Most engagements should be quoted on a four hour basis.
- Friday & Saturday are the prime nights of the week.
- Lights may cost extra. Ask just what the light show consists of.
- You should never pay extra for a DJ to be dressed in a tuxedo.
9. Speak personally to the Disc Jockey again on the week of your event to make sure all of your wishes are known. Some companies may ask for balance payment in advance. Make sure that you are comfortable with this arrangement and the company with which you are dealing.
10. If your reception hall refers you to only one DJ, ask for some additional references. You may be getting a reference on a DJ that is not doing the best job that the venue has seen but is in fact the DJ Company that will give the venue the most money. Again, we suggest that you find out the name of the DJ that will appear at your event and find out about them. Some venues that claim to have a "house" DJ, in actuality, have hired a company to staff the DJ position and once more you may find yourself with a substandard and/or inexperienced person, low on the DJ list, that earns much less money to perform than you are paying to the venue for his services.
The following are a few suggestions and informative questions you should ask before you make your final decision.
There is a difference between the audio equipment you have at home and the equipment a professional Disk Jockey uses. Professional audio equipment is built to go on the road day in and day out. Make sure your prospective choices use only professional equipment to insure the music sounds as good as possible for all of your guest's enjoyment.
Even professional equipment can fail on occasion, so it is important to know whether your DJ has spare equipment available to them. Any number of circumstances may arise between the time you book your DJ and the date of your event. It is important to know if the DJ has a backup plan in case of illness or accident.
It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. All terms of the agreement should be in writing to avoid any complications at a later date.
It is important that your DJ looks the part by dressing in formal or semi-formal attire. Be sure to specify the type of apparel than you DJ should wear. There should be no added fees charged for the formal attire.
A professional DJ will become involved with the planning of your special day and will be prepared to handle all announcement and special events on the day of your wedding.
A DJ who has taken the time to incorporate, register and insure their respective companies, demonstrates that they are serious business men and women. However, some of the best DJs are sole proprietors who are owner/operators!
Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the company’s willingness to network, learn and grow. Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional.
A professional DJ is aware that they cannot possibly know everything there is to know about your musical preferences and entertainment needs. They should be willing to listen to your ideas and suggestions. They should make themselves available prior to your event to discuss selections. They should never play songs you have asked them not to play. Special requests should never be a problem and your DJ should be willing to play them where they are appropriate.
Some DJ services brag about a huge music library. Ask them if they are brining the entire library and if it is in a database. The DJ should be able to play music from the Big Bands, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's, right up through today's hottest hits. Your DJ should be able to provide even ethnic music to suit your event.
Yes. Your DJ should arrange a meeting with you as soon as possible to go over all the details. Ask the DJ for a copy of their music list. Some DJ's offer a shortened list that gives a profile of the type of music they have in their library. A DJ should take the time to find out your musical tastes and be open to your needs. By the same token, an experienced DJ also knows what works and what doesn't work. Listen to their advice.
A classic example of one where the bride and groom insisted on country music for the entire reception! They choose their favorite songs even thou the guest list included many people from different backgrounds. As a result, a large number of guests did not enjoy as much or participate in the reception ceremonies as they could have. Common sense dictates that you might want to listen to your DJ in this case.
Your DJ should have discussed that with you prior to your event and it should also be part of your contract. However, you alone must authorize it. If the check you have prepared for the DJ does not cover the overtime then the DJ has the option of accepting cash or check. Usually, it is best to have the cash available and to pay the DJ when services are rendered.
The answer to tipping is up to you. If you know the DJ gave you a fair price and a great performance then it is always nice to say thanks. Payments should always be made on the night of the performance, either prior to the end or at the conclusion of the event. However, each DJ operates differently and payment arrangements should always be stipulated in your contract.
No, you are not obligated to feed the DJ; however, it is a nice gesture to offer a meal of some sort while everyone else is eating. Often your DJ will setup an hour before your actual event, plays for a minimum of about four hours and then after your event has concluded take about an hour to disassemble and pack up their equipment.