and an unforgettable nightmare!
Hiring the right entertainer for your event is probably the most important decision for the successful outcome of your event! So how do you find the right DJ?
One of the best ways to find a DJ that you will like is to hire one that you have already seen. If you have recently been to a wedding or party where the entertainment was wonderful, find out who they are and book them!
Some people view DJ's as a commodity and choose the cheapest one they can find, not knowing there are differences to look for. I've heard numerous horror stories of DJ companies that lure in customers with low prices, only to provide an inexperienced disc jockey with poor people skills, an inferior music library, shoddy equipment, and they either arrive late or don't show at all!!
Choose the entertainer that offers the specific package that matches what you desire. Be careful not to become a victim of a "swap meet" price war in which you become the casualty by not getting what you wanted. Think about it, if a DJ keeps dropping his price to get your business, he may not be very good. Most professional companies rely on referral business and maintain a certain pricing standard. Many times, it is worth that extra hundred bucks or so to insure you have a successful event.
It is important to communicate with the DJ over the phone. Observe their manner of speaking and attitude, their personality tends to spill over into their DJ style. How are they at returning phone calls? Were they prompt in sending the information you requested?
If you have that "feeling" in your gut someone is wrong for you, trust your instincts and move on.
1. Plan ahead. Allow enough time to have a written contract well in advance of your
event.
2. 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 do not know who it will be
until the event.
DID YOU KNOW...
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 or a different DJ company.
3. Ask for references for the specific DJ you are considering. Check the references.
4. 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.
5. Meet or talk with the specific Disc Jockey that you intend to hire.
The experienced DJ will offer suggestions on event itinerary, and song
selection. Advise the DJ of what you expect and want to take place at your
event.
6. 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.
DID YOU KNOW...
a. Most engagements should be quoted on a four-hour basis.
b. Friday & Saturday are the prime nights of the week.
c. Lights may cost extra. Ask just what the light show consists of.
d. You should never pay extra for a DJ to be dressed in a tuxedo.
7. Speak personally to the Disc Jockey again on the week of your event.
8. How early will DJ be there to set up? One hour is the standard.
9. Will the DJ allow and play requests?
A DJ should answer "YES" to this question. However, keep in mind
some requests are simply inappropriate for the mood of the event.
An excellent DJ is not a jukebox, but blends requests in with songs
that he feels will properly motivate the crowd. The art of DJ-ing is
timing and this takes experience. Forcing a DJ to ignore his
or her instincts by making them play every request will result in an
"uneven" (and less fun) party.
10. What is the Overtime Policy? Most DJ�s charge overtime by the � hour.
11. Does the DJ use professional equipment and provide an emergency
back-up system? Every DJ should have back-up equipment.
DJ FRIENDLY PARTY TIPS ...
a. Electrical blackouts can occur (just have a battery operated Boom-box
around and extra batteries).
b. Smaller rooms may not have enough power supplied to them for powerful
setups.
c. Smaller rooms in a Banquet hall or Hotel may have a larger room next to it
with a DJ or band with louder equipment (discuss this with the facility rep.)
d. Stair climbing with expensive equipment can be time consuming, inform your DJ
of stairs or any other hard to get into entrances and exits.
e. Out door events may need a generator with extra supplies of fuel and a super long
extension cord.
f. Some party rooms do not have a heater or air conditioning, ASK!
g. If for any reason, your DJ fails to show or is late due to extreme circumstances, a
Boom box and music will come in handy until a DJ arrives.
h. If you want fog machines, check the party room's fire codes, smoke detectors
and sprinklers.
i. Parking for your DJ is important since they will need a quick access to the set up
area and be secure enough to keep them and their equipment safe.
j. Encourage your DJ to communicate with you as often as needed during the event
and let him or her know that they are welcome to food and drink.