How To Decide Which DJ To Hire

Here Are a Few Suggestions

1.
Does the DJ use professional sound equipment suitable for the job you need done?
There is a big difference between the audio equipment you have at home and the equipment the professional DJ uses. Professional audio equipment is built to go on the road day in and day out. Be sure to ask about the sound equipment, even if you aren't "stereo smart" you'll be able to tell the difference.

2.
Can the DJ provide a written contract and/ or references from previous clients?
I cannot begin to stress how important it is to get your booking confirmed in writing. All terms of the agreement should be in writing to avoid any complications at a later date. References are also an important part of any service business and your DJ should be able to provide you with current names and phone numbers.

4.
Will the DJ be suitably dressed for the occasion?
I can't tell you how many times I have talked to people who said they were at a wedding reception and the DJ was dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt. It is important that your entertainer looks the part by dressing in formal or semi-formal attire, your preference. Don't assume the DJ will be properly dressed. Be sure to ask what he or she will be wearing.

5.
Is the DJ willing to discuss music selections ahead of time, and is he willing to play requests?
A professional DJ can't possibly know everything there is to know about all music styles and entertainment. He should be willing to listen to your ideas and input and incorporate them into the event. He or she will listen to your requests and play them where they are appropriate. Keep in mind if you have a lot of requests the DJ may not be able to play all of them. Believe it or not there are some DJ services that will not play any requests. Also beware of services that have you fill out a song request list. Often this is the only music they will bring. So if you want to hear something you forgot to write down, they probably won't have it.

6.
Does the DJ know the proper etiquette and procedure for your type of occasion?
A professional DJ will become involved in the planning of your function and will be prepared to handle any announcements or special events on that day. A guideline of the formalities should be discussed ahead of time.

7.
Will the DJ arrive on time?
How many times have you heard about the entertainment being late, or not even showing up? This is probably because they are unreliable, or it happened because the DJ booked an event before yours and ran overtime. Make sure your entertainment is set up prior to any guests arriving and ready to start when you want them too. Also make sure to ask if the DJ has ever cancelled shows in the past. If they have they may be double booking shows and taking the one that pays the most.

8.
Can the DJ supply back-up equipment or a replacement Disc Jockey in case of an emergency?
This is really scary if half way through the party something happens to the sound equipment, what will you do? Well if the DJ doesn't carry a back-up system the party is over. If the DJ has a back-up system the party is only interrupted for a few minutes while he changes a component or replaces the system. Even professional equipment can fail on occasion, so it is very important to know whether your DJ has a spare system available to them. Any number of circumstances may arise between the time you booked your DJ to the time of the event. Make sure the DJ has a back-up plan in case of illness or accident. I can't begin to tell you how many times a year I receive calls from crying future brides telling me their DJ just called, his equipment is broke, and he can't do the reception.