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More than DJ's...Entertainers! Featuring JD The DJ!

Information for you -

I wrote this article years ago, and many have added to it. It's been published in many bridal magazines, and entertainment magazines - I am just here to help educate the consumer - how often do you hire a DJ/Entertainer/Band? For a wedding, hopefully only once, it is the second most important day of your life (first day being the day you were proposed to.) and I have always believed there are no do overs - Be the Best, Do the Best, and make it perfect - listen, listen to the dreams and make it happen. So, when searching for that entertainment take the following questions under advisement.

How To Hire A Professional Mobile DJ/Entertainer!!!

Are They Available?

DJ’s need to be booked many months, possibly years in advance. The peak time for special occasions are summer months June – September and December, which should be booked as early as possible. Keeping in mind that most weddings happen on Saturdays and there are only so many Saturdays in the month.  In consideration, if you pick an off day Sunday thru Thursday you are able to get more of a discount.  Meaning, the first step is to find out if they are available for your   date, time, location, and if they will travel, etc.

Is Your DJ knowledgeable Of The Music And Do They Have Experience?

Does the DJ have experience and know what to do in an emergency situation? Or could they be a high school student, senior citizen, or a person doing it as a hobby rather than a profession, who may not care if your special engagement fails. DJ’s that do this full time
are going to take your special occasion a lot more serious considering this is how they put food on their table. However, this does not mean that someone doing this as a hobby will not do a good job.

Will Your DJ be suitably dressed for the occasion?

It is important that your Disc Jockey looks the part by dressing in formal, semiformal attire, or theme appropriate (your choice). Be sure to specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey should use. There should be no added fee charged for formal attire.

Is Your Disc Jockey willing to discuss musical selections ahead of time, and is he or she willing to play requests, particularly if they are suitable for dancing?

A professional Disc Jockey is aware that they cannot possibly know everything there is to know about your musical preferences and entertainment needs. They should be willing to listen to your ideas and suggestions. They should make themselves available prior to your party to discuss selections. They should be accepting in the songs you have chosen to be played or not to be played. Special requests should never be a problem and your Disc Jockey should be willing to play them if and when they are appropriate. Recommendation – do not give them a specific playlist – they are professionals and know when it is appropriate to play what.  Surprisingly, a lot of DJ’s will not play song requests because they have a limited library (especially lower priced DJ’s, they might be using a tape deck and popping in a tape and just pressing play.)

Will Your Disc Jockey arrive on time?

Punctuality is a necessity, and as professional business people they should be aware of their responsibilities to their clients. Normal time spent setting up and removing equipment is not a part of the entertainment fee.

Does Your Disc Jockey know the proper procedure and etiquette for your type of party and know how to be Master Of Ceremonies?

A professional DJ/MC will become involved with the planning of your special day and will be prepared to handle all
announcements and special events on the day of your affair. It is the DJ’s job to keep your function flowing. This is great when there are 2 DJ/MC/Entertainers because they always keep the show going and are able to work with everyone.
 
Is Your Disc Jockey registered, incorporated and/or insured?

A Disc Jockey, who has taken the time to incorporate, register (according to State or local regulations) and insure their respective companies, demonstrates that they are serious business people.

Can Your Disc Jockey provide a written contract and references from previous clients or facilities?

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 of satisfied clients.

What Will The Setup Look Like?

Make sure it is professional looking.  The equipment should be rackmounted in a professional looking cabinet, not stacked on top of a table, all spread out, scattered, and cords everywhere. Professional Audio equipment can be rackmounted unlike home stereo or consumer grade equipment. Check to see if they have signage, some DJ’s have giant banners or wooden signs that display the name of their company. This would not and should not be appropriate at a wedding, remember it will show up in the pictures.

Does Your Disc Jockey use Professional Equipment/Carry Backup Equipment?

There is a difference between the audio equipment you have at home and the equipment a professional Disc Jockey 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. Are they using CD Players, Tape Decks, or Turntables,  Even professional equipment can fail on occasion, so it is important to know whether your Disc Jockey has spare equipment available to them. Any number of circumstances may arise between the time you book your Disc Jockey and the date of the party. It is important to know if the Disc Jockey has a backup plan in case of illness or accident.

Music Selection –

Some DJ’s will only bring a certain style or category.  Variety most often is a necessity.  Do they carry professional CD’s?  With the age of technology a lot are downloading all their music – which is illegal and you personally can get a fine.  DOWNLOADING IS ILLEGAL!!!      

                                                
How Much Do They Charge?

Keepin mind, You pay for what you get. Professional DJ’s will charge more than Part-time or hobby DJ’s. Professional, reputable DJ’s are doing this as a living and this is how they put food on their table so they will take it more seriously. There are a lot of expenses from CD’s, equipment, insurance and basic business expenses.  Find out exactly what you are getting. Many DJ’s charge extra for a variety of items below are some examples. Make sure you are
getting what you want and are paying for. It is the DJ’s job to make your event successful, and there are NO DO OVERS. Always, find out in detail what you are getting, Prices range drastically starting at $500 to $5000 and beyond. Some DJ’s even charge by the style of music that they play, they could charge for setup time when you are not even there. Be aware.
Examples of Extras and average prices-

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