TIPS ON HIRING YOUR DJ
Here are a few tips to think over before hiring your DJ for ANY event whether it be a Wedding, Reunion, School Dance, etc. It can possibly save you from a disastrous memory.
EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE!!
Do not risk hiring an inexperienced DJ just to save a few dollars. Usually, the cheapest means you will get an inexperienced DJ! Remember the saying "You get what you pay for!" A polished professional can calmly deal with the nervous family member, or a crowd that just won't dance, while keeping the event enjoyable. Make sure the DJ will be experienced at YOUR type of event. Weddings and corporate events are very different from the club or high school DJ! Also, don't be afraid to ask for references specific to your assigned DJ.
DID YOU KNOW......
During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is the attire, followed by the reception site, and caterer--reception entertainment is among the least of the priorities. Within ONE WEEK after the reception, 78% of brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority! When Asked, 81 % of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment. AND, 65% of couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said "If they had it to do over again," they would have chosen a Disc Jockey.
These Statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bride Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.
Rates for Disc Jockeys vary greatly due to different regions, and range from $350.00 to 3500.00 with an average of $1200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. A Full Service Disc Jockey will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours"! Consultations, music purchasing, and editing, preparation set-up and tear-down and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.
THE DJ FACTORY- DO YOU WANT TO BE JUST ANOTHER NUMBER?
Some companies will boast of having hundreds of DJ's! You may not get much personal attention, and these companies have very little quality control. Their "intense training" will consist of having the trainee memorize a script, then asking them how soon they can begin working! Their focus is so much on quantity, and not quality; that they are more concerned about booking as many shows as possible, and hiring DJ's to fill the slots even if they are not qualified.
THE "BEST" DJ'S
Why would anyone EVER want anything less than the company's "Best" DJ? Be very cautious of DJ services who package their DJ's as "SUPERB" or "DELUXE". Subjectively classifying some DJ's as better or "more popular" than others is simply a tactic to have you pay more money for those DJ's. Don't be suckered into a pre-selected "SUPERB" DJ, because the company's idea of "good" may be drastically different than yours. Conversely, if only a handful of their DJ's are labeled as "SUPERB", just what does that really say about the remaining ones? To avoid a bait and switch- get these names in advance, and specific references for those DJ's.
WHEN TO RESERVE DJ SERVICES
Although it is Never Too Early to reserve a DJ for your wedding, there are recommended time frames in which to do so. Keep in mind, the peak months sell out the quickest; so don't be left stranded. Gather all of your information well in advance of your wedding day in order to make the most informed decision. The following guidelines as to when to reserve your DJ:
May, June, September, October, December 8-12 months in advance
April, July, August, November 6-8 months in advance
January, February, March 4-6 months in advance
CHOOSING THE MUSIC
Ask them if they will play CD's you provide. Some DJ's will have a stock list of songs they play and except for the first dance, this does not give you much choice. Most DJ's will allow you to choose at least 50% of the songs, but let the DJ be your guide as to what songs should be played. A good DJ will read the crowd and know what to play. Just make sure they know what NOT to play, or any special songs that you DO want them to play, and let them handle the rest. Ask if they will accept requests from your guests. You want a DJ who is flexible, and has a selection, so that requests from your guests can be fulfilled. This step is VERY crucial, because the DJ will be playing about 60-70 songs during your reception, and you want nothing but the best tunes to keep your dance floor crowded. Don't try to give the DJ a tape or a list of 100% of the songs to play for the night. You Hired a DJ not a juke box operator. If they just stuck to your play list, the chance of having an empty dance floor is rather high, because your musical taste is not the same as 120 other people at your wedding. Let your DJ do their job and they will keep your guests happy.
DJ'S SHOULD KNOW THE ITINERARY!
It is the DJ's responsibility to know when all the events are supposed to occur during the reception, like cake cutting, bouquet tosses, birthday surprises, etc. Some DJ's do not gather this information, and thus do not know when anything is supposed to be done. The DJ's job is to work with the catering staff, and know when the meal is to be served, and when the milestone events are to take place. The DJ and the caterer should have this under control before your reception begins! The DJ, caterer, and the photographer should all be in contact and playing off the same sheet of instructions.
DOES YOUR DJ USE PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT?
There is a difference between the audio equipment you have at home and the equipment a professional DJ 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 musical selections are audible for all your guests enjoyment. Another thing to ask, "Does your DJ have backup equipment just in the event something would fail?" Not too often this will happen with professional equipment, but it can!
CONTRACT AND REFERENCES
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. References are an important part of any business and your Disc Jockey should be able to provide you with numerous current names and addresses or phone numbers of satisfied clients.
IS YOUR DJ REGISTERED, INCORPORATED AND/OR INSURED?
A Disc Jockey who has taken time to incorporate, register (according to State or Local Regulations) and insure their respective companies, demonstrates that they are serious business men and women. Without a proper insurance policy, you the client, are at high risk in making sure your event goes completely as planned.
DOES YOUR DJ BELONG TO A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OR TRADE GROUP?
Belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the companies willingness to network, learn and grow. Disc Jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared towards the entertainment professional.