Tips on How to Hire a DJ:

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. Many DJs are out working and may not be able to return your call right away on the weekends.
  • Willingness to meet with you and present his/her service. Does the DJ offer to meet with you before booking to further explain services and options and answer your questions?
  • 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 can backfire when you realize that the DJ hired for an extremely low price turns out to be inadequate for your event. At that point, it is too late. If you follow 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 should 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 DJs . . . Club DJs, wedding DJs, Rave DJs…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. You need to understand if the DJ service you hire is up to the complex tasks of planning, organizing, coordinating and overseeing your event.
  • A quality DJ should have references in writing. Ask to see them. This would be something you would do during a personal consultation. Many couples have moved and/or changed their names since the wedding and it is sometimes difficult to find them later on from the pre-wedding contact information. Hence the importance of having references in writing.
  • Does the DJ have a music list that shows you what sort of music he or she has available? Many DJs do not use music lists, others do. In some fashion, you the client, need to be assured that the DJ you hire not only has 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 DJs set up. Although there are many fine home stereo equipment components made, they are not suitable for commercial public address needs 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 plan your event is of paramount importance to a successful event such as a wedding reception.
  • Will the company you hire have a quality, well trained and experienced DJ for your event? Be sure to ask about the DJ company's staff.
  • Consider this: your DJ entertainment should be thought of as an insurance policy that you buy so 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 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.
  • Your DJ, if you have chosen a good one, will display many of the following skills and attributes before and at your event:
    1. Master of Ceremonies
    2. Party organizer
    3. Sound technician
    4. Light technician
    5. Have the ability to read a crowd and pick the right music
    6. Be flexible to adapt to sudden changes
    7. Follow the plan that you and he/she have worked out using the planner
    8. Play seamless, continuous music at all times unless otherwise specified
    9. Have an extensive library of music
    10. Use a professional grade of equipment
    11. Audience motivator
    12. Have the ability co-exist and coordinate with other professionals at your event

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