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Below are some tips on
how
to hire a DJ from a professional Disc Jockey
association. This deals with the general ways to hire a
DJ any where. If you want information on
how to hire a DJ with
us please
click here. Just under each section is a small blue box
with information and links to various pages on our website to show you
how we meet each and every requirement..... and more!
Where do I start...
The public in general is at
a loss when it comes to
hiring a DJ or Entertainer for
your event from weddings, graduation parties, birthday
parties, etc. Whether this is your first time or you've
experienced this process before, we will attempt to help
educate you in a very easy logical process. The first
thing you need to do is decide what your expectations
are of your planned event. The date, times, location and
your budget will be factors that you need to have ready
when you make your first contact with a DJ Company.
Where Do I Look...
You can look in the yellow pages but since print ads are
expensive you will not usually get as much information
as you would on a website. Most people today use the
internet to search for a DJ. Since you are on this
website chances are you already figured that out! One of
the major advantages here would be that if the
DJ
company did a good job with their web site, most of your
initial questions will be answered. The appearance and
professionalism of the website shows how much time,
effort and investment is in their business. A low
budget, or disorganized looking website usually is a
direct reflection of the type of service you will be
getting. You would not want a disorganized event would
you? On the other hand a Professional looking website
that answers all your questions, that contains photos,
videos, even music demos is a sign that you will be
getting a much better service for your money. Again, you
need to actually speak with the owner or representative
of a
DJ Company to answer your detailed questions. Make
a list and keep track of who you contact, their prices
and features.
The Price...
"The Price" is usually what
everyone asks first but please remember, like most
things in life, "you get what you pay for." Depending on
your event, a DJ will play an extremely large role in
the success or failure of your event. Keep this in mind
when you're shopping by price because cheapest is not
always better, but then again neither is the most
expensive. If the DJ Company uses professional
equipment, is a member of professional associations, and
is current on their song lists and carries liability
insurance, you will be hiring a professional and not a
hobbyist. When you get several bids for your event and
get an extremely low bid, you need to ask yourself what
are you really going to get for your money.
There is really no answer to how much you should be
paying for your wedding or other event entertainment.
This will vary depending on your local market and the
services you select. Prices for a wedding reception in
New York State for example average $700.00 to $3000.00
for a professional
DJ company. If you are paying much
less than average rates, you have generally settled for
less than the best value for your money, for your guests
and for your memories of what may be a once in a
lifetime event. This applies to
DJ websites: Many DJ's
will not show online what they charge in an effort to
try and charge as much as possible for the same services
to different people. A
DJ company that lists its prices
and packages for all to see is a good sign of honesty
and integrity.
What You Should Be Looking For & What Do I Ask......
One common mistake is to ask a DJ where you can view
them in action or to see their equipment. Remember that
unless the DJ is in a club environment, most mobile
entertainers are performing at private functions. It
would be unprofessional and unethical for a
DJ to invite
you to a wedding or party where they're performing.
Unless some how you are able to see them long before the
event starts and guests arrive.
Viewing their equipment will only show you how much
money they spend on equipment (maybe) and that would only be
true if you knew what you were looking at! If you are
hiring a professional DJ service, you can be sure they
will have the necessary equipment to perform their
craft.
Ask the DJ if they have a video of their work that you
could view. You should ask them for references and then
go do your homework and see what the general views have
been.
Ask the DJ about their company, what they have to offer
and their experience at performing at the type of event
you are planning. Get to know your DJ and ask if he will
be the person performing at your event. Some
multi-system operators will have over 20 DJ's working
for them. You should be able to speak with the person in
that case who will be doing your event.
Your DJ and MC will act as your
Disc Jockey,
Master of
Ceremonies, Music Specialist, Entertainment Specialist,
and
Crowd Motivator. He/she will also work closely with
you, your caterer and your photographer to keep your
function running smoothly.
Ask if the
DJ belongs to any organizations. This will
show you the professional standards that the DJ is
trying to maintain. Most organizations will demand that
their members use quality professional equipment,
maintain insurance and monitor any complaints. DJ
organizations also help keep DJ's updated on industry
standards and current trends. This in itself may not
guarantee your DJ will be the best but an association
member will generally be your true professional.
Ask about back-up equipment and even more important, a
back-up DJ. If he's sick or in an accident, what are his
options for performing at your event. How does the DJ
find your event's location? Is there any guarantee?
Music Selection......
Yes, you will want to be able to select some music that
is meaningful to you at your event! But keep in mind
that most professional DJ's, evaluate how they're doing
by how many people are out on the dance floor. You may
think you have great taste in music but don't under
estimate the Pro. A professional Disc Jockey will
customize music for your event to make it successful.
This is part of why you hired a professional.
Ask them what type of music they play and if they take
requests. Ask them if they will
play some music that you have provided and what type of
formats they use. DJ's usually play the following type
of formats: vinyl records on turntables (this system is
now fairly antiquated and not your best choice although
some pros are still doing a good job with this format),
cassette tapes, CD's, computers with (mp3 files) and
mini-disk. Ask if they have a song list or a music data
base to give you an idea of what type of music library
they own. Again, don't feel like you have to select
every song at your event, pick out a good amount but
trust the professional you are about to hire. An
experienced DJ will start "reading" your guests taste as
soon as they start to arrive.
Contract, Contract, Contract......
Contracts and deposits are a must in any service related
business. Unless this is really a last minute plan, we
recommend that you never book a
DJ company without a
signed contract. In all the cases where we have heard of
a DJ not showing up for an event, there was never a
written contract. As far as when you make final payment
is up to you and the DJ company's policy. Some ask for
final payment the day of the event and some may ask for
payment in advance just prior to the event. The later
makes for a smooth transition when it's time to leave,
it frees you up and you know the bill is paid. If you're
dealing with a professional company, there is no problem
with either method. You can also ask if the DJ accepts
credit cards which is a very good sign of a reputable
business and helps add to your reassurances. This is another method that might protect
you in some cases where you are worried about deposits
and pre-payments.
Your DJ's Itinerary......
To give you an idea of what a DJ's agenda looks like,
we'll attempt to give you a brief outline of a 4 hour
wedding reception. The same will apply for most other
events as well.
The DJ will usually arrive to set up for your event 30
to 90 minutes before the actual start time. When you
hire a DJ for a 4 hour event and his charge is for 4
hours, he's usually working your event for 5 to 6 hours
depending on their equipment for set up and take down.
They will meet with your caterer and photographer to go
over time frames so your event runs smoothly.
Your DJ or MC will announce your bridal party, make other
required announcements, use inter-active games and
suggestions for crowd motivation, co-ordinate and
perform your special dances and other wedding
formalities. They may use props and special lighting
effects to create a festive atmosphere as well as read
the
crowd and take requests. While all this is going on,
he'll also be playing your music! One other benefit of
hiring a DJ in general is that a great majority do not
take breaks.
Best Time To Reserve Your DJ......
Although it is never too early to reserve a DJ for your
party, there are busy seasons as with any business that
you should keep in mind. For example, most Holiday
parties are booked sometimes 12 months in advance so if
you're thinking about hiring a DJ for a December date,
don't procrastinate! Spring and summer are also a very
busy times as well.
Experience......
No matter how great your quote might be, nothing can
replace an experienced professional DJ. Don't risk the
failure of your event just to save a few dollars. Ask
good questions and make sure your DJ knows what they are
talking about.
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-Our DJs have between 10-15 years experience! |
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We hope this helps in
planning a wonderful party!
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