Hiring a DJ:
Points to Consider
When you plan a party of any sort, your objective is to ensure that
your guests have a good time, period.
Your choice of entertainment, particularly if you are considering a
DJ, is crucial to that end. Who you choose for your wedding reception
or special event will have a greater degree of effect than any other
factor, such as food or location. The DJ you choose is a direct reflection
on you.
Here are some important points to remember when you interview a DJ company:
Prompt return of your phone calls or emails: You should
expect to get a call back or an email back within 24 hours. Many DJ's are
out working and may not be able to return your call within an hour or two.
 Willingness to meet with you and present his/her service: Will
the DJ try to meet with you soon, or is he/she just trying to book
the date sight unseen? Is their material neat and professional looking,
and is their presentation organized and informative?
Is the price too good to be true? It seems that the
DJ is often the last service chosen, after much of the budget is expended
on a venue, food and clothing. This often leads brides and party planners
to shop for the cheapest price possible because of a lack of resources.
This often backfires when holding out for the lowest price. However,
if you have adhered to the guiding principals noted here you will know
to avoid services that have a rock bottom price because they will not
be able to display the level of quality and attention to detail that
EVERY client deserves!
Do you LIKE the person that shows up? There is nothing
worse in the world than having to do business with someone you do not
like. Choosing the person who 'feels" right is the most important factor
in picking the right entertainer for your party or reception. the DJ
you choose would be very open about what he/she can do for you and should
volunteer information and "show" you that knowledge base.
Is the person knowledgeable about your type of
event? There are all
kinds of DJ's. Club DJ's, wedding DJ's, Rave DJ's...the list is endless!!
Can the DJ you interview handle your type of event? Ask the DJ how many
events of your type that he/she has done.
What sort of documents does the DJ use to procure
your business? In
a good interview, the DJ should show you several documents. First and
foremost is a planner. This planner should impress you enough to the
point where you begin to understand that the DJ you are hiring is a
professional, and is capable of handling your event. A sample copy of
the Contract to be used should be available as well as a schedule of
pricing information. A DJ may also give you a list of references. CALL
THEM!! Ask if there were any issues or problem areas when the person
dealt with the DJ.
Does the DJ have a viewable music database? It shows
you what sort of music he or she has available. Many DJ's do not use
music lists, others do. In some fashion, you, the client , need to be
assured that the DJ you hire not only have a sizeable collection, but
has a variety of music, especially for wedding receptions, where many
different styles of music and guests will be in the same room together.
Does the DJ use professional grade equipment? If the
DJ does not have pictures of his or her gear, you should ask to set
up a time to see the equipment or see pictures of the DJ's set up. although
there are many fine home stereo equipment components made, they are not
suitable for commercial or repeated use and varying room conditions.
The DJ should be able to tell you what he/she uses and characterize the
equipment as professional grade.
Will the DJ offer to meet with you after signing
the contract to plan your event? A professional DJ is always willing to discuss your event
at any time before the event starts, and should display the flexibility
to accommodate changes and help you solve problems. Meeting your DJ
to lp lan your event is of paramount importance to a successful event
such as a wedding reception.
Will the person that you interview be the person
that will perform at your event? This is THE most common complaint
about the DJ industry today. The person you meet turns out NOT to be
the person that actually does your show. Often, you are not made aware
of this. Ask the DJ you interview if he/she will be the actual person
performing, or will someone else perform the event. You need to know
this UP FRONT before you sign a contract.
Consider this
when pricing your DJ service:
 You
should consider your DJ service an insurance policy that ensures that all
of the other money you spend will not result in bad memories or a less
than enjoyable occasion. You do get what you pay for. Good entertainment
is NOT cheap and cheap entertainment often is NOT good!! And yet, many
people will pay far more for a cake, flowers or food than they will for
the most crucial ingredient at a party - the music.
When was the last time you saw a cake reading
a crowd and spinning a CD, motivating a dance floor crowd, or making
announcements in a dignified elegant way? Further, when was the last
time you heard a guest tell you "Boy, that prime rib was great, I can't
wait until I go to another party to have that again"? No, that DOES
NOT HAPPEN. Instead, they talk about the music that was played, and
whether they had a good time or not. The music is always what they will
talk about and whether the DJ was any good or not.
Your DJ, if you have chosen a good one, will display many of the
following skills and attributes before and during your event:
- Master of Ceremonies
- Party organizer
- Sound technician
- Light technician
- Ability to read a crowd and pick the right music
- Flexibility to adapt to sudden changes
- Follow the plan that you and he/she have worked out using the planner
- Seamless continuous music at all times unless otherwise specified
- Extensive library of music
- Professional grade of equipment
- Audience motivator
- Ability to coexist and coordinate with other professionals at your
event.
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