One of the most important decisions you can make to
ensure the success of your event is selecting the DJ.
Everything else can be perfect, but if the entertainment and
music isn't good, your party will most likely die out early. It's
also the one thing that people remember the most. They
may not remember the flowers, the cake or the party
favors, but they'll certainly remember if they had a
good time.
With an estimated 75,000 mobile DJs in the US, choosing a
DJ can be confusing. So how do you pick the one that is
right for you? The answer is: by asking the right questions.
Following are some very good questions to ask when
interviewing potential candidates:
1. Are you available? -You should always start off by
indicating the date, time and location of your event to ensure
that the DJ isn't already booked. Saturdays tend to fill up
especially fast, and a year in advance is really not too soon
to guarantee the availability of that perfect DJ.
Book Early
2. How much do you charge? -Probably the worst way
to choose a DJ is on price alone. With prices starting as low
as $150 for the night, it's tempting to choose the cheapest
one available. However, when considering the pricing of one
DJ to another, it's important to make sure that you are
comparing apples to apples. Are you really getting the same
service? How much experience does the DJ have? Will he
act as the master of ceremonies or just play music? Will he
help coordinate the event? How much does he charge for
overtime? How much equipment will he bring? Does he
provide his own music? The list goes on and on. Just
remember to use your best judgment and make sure that a
lower price is exactly that and not a lower level of
experience, quality, planning or commitment.
Remember, when it comes to the success of your
event, less expensive does not always mean a better
value!
3. Do you use a written contract? -This is a definite must!
4. What is the DJ's level of professionalism? -As you
speak with DJs, pay attention to their professionalism over
the phone. Did they just answer the phone, "Hello?" or with
their business name? If you get an answering machine or
voice mail, does it say, "Thank you for calling So and So's
DJ Service" or "You have reached the Smith residence...".
This may sound like a small detail, but their level of
professionalism and commitment tends to spill over into their
performance at the event. You want to hire someone who
is 100% committed to your function, not just someone
who DJs as a hobby. If you can't get in touch with them
now, you may not on the day of your event.
5. How will the DJ be dressed for my event? -Jeans and
a T-shirt may be appropriate for a pool party, but certainly
not a wedding reception!
6. Do you have experience with the type of function I
am having? -This is especially important. This may be your
first wedding or other event, but it shouldn't be your DJ's!
Your DJ should be able to act as the Master of
Ceremonies, provide pre-event planning and coordinate with
the other professionals to make sure that the event runs
smoothly from start to finish.
7. Do you offer a written schedule of events? -A written
schedule will not only prevent important events from being
missed, but allows customization as well.
8. Do you take requests? -It's important that the DJ has
and plays the music you want to hear. After all, it's your
party!
9. Do you use professional sound equipment and
include special effects? -Professional sound equipment is
a necessity! It will not only sound better, but it's designed to
handle the stress of the day to day performances and will
be less likely to break down during your function. Also,
confirm that the DJ is not using outdated equipment like
turntables, or cassette decks. Special effects (disco lights,
fog machines, etc...) may or may not be appropriate for
your event.
10. What if something goes wrong? Do you have
backup equipment? -It's important that the DJ has a plan
in the unlikely event there is an accident or equipment
failure. The plan should include a DJ that is on-call, as well
as backup equipment.
11. Do you offer a consultation at no charge or
obligation? -Many professional DJs will typically offer a
free consultation where you can get together and learn
more about their entertainment company.
12. Do you have references?
Joe Millers WEDJ offers all this and More!
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