How to pick a DJ for your event or party 12 questions you should ask

The below published chart brings into amazing focus the effect that entertainment will have on your party!

*These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.

1. What do you do?

Before you spend the money, find out exactly what you are getting.
If the company you are asking can't answer this question, don't waste your time with asking the other questions below. Just call someone else!

2. Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?

A versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication. (If the company won’t send you a song list to help you get started and refuses to allow you any liberty in choosing the songs, beware! You’ll have a DJ play stuff you and your guests don’t want to hear.)

3. How long have you been around and how experienced will my DJ be?

Longevity of a company does matter; however more importantly know how experienced the DJ of your event is. Most companies can tell you who you’re DJ will be a couple of weeks before the event. Ask if you can speak with the DJ. If the company makes up any excuse for why that can’t happen, you’re in for a long night.

4. Do you use Professional Equipment?

Ask whether you’re prospective Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an entertainers talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event.

5. What do you bring along and do you provide back-up equipment at my event in case something goes wrong?

Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. A professional Disc Jockey should have resources available to them in case of an emergency. Also make sure they have a microphone with a long enough cable for you to make announcements or a wireless mic, make sure they bring along back-up cables in case a cable goes bad.

6. Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?

A professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event. (Again, know what you are going to get before the event.) If you want the DJ to be active, tell the company. If you don’t do this you may end up with a DJ with a personality that is opposite of what you wanted

7. How much time do you allow for set-up?

Punctuality is a necessity. Most Disc Jockeys arrive at least one hour prior to the start time you have given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door. (If you don’t ask this question, your DJ could show up 30 minutes before the event begins and rush to get it set up in time. If it’s a rushed job, it’ll look rushed).

8. Do you provide a written contract?

It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.

9. Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?

Specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. If it’s important to you, get it in writing. Most companies will tell you what you want to hear and then forget all about it when your event comes around. Some companies will send DJ’s out covered in tattoos, wearing a dirty T-shirt and his hat on backwards. If you expect more, tell them you want it included in the contract. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire or a tuxedo for a wedding. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure your entertainer is informed (I.e. for Country & Western theme would be jeans, boots and cowboy hat).

10. Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group?

Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the company’s willingness to network, learn and grow. Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional. Other Items to Note Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.

11. Can I come by and see your company at another show?

If they say no, there is probably a different reason than the one they gave you. And any professional DJ company should be more then open for you to come see them perform and show-off what they do.

12. What all is included in the price and do you have different packages to choose from?

Have the company write out exactly what you are going to get. If they say lights come with the package, you’ll probably get a light or two. However if you want a “light show” you’ll probably have to pay extra.

Helpfull Information 

Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party. Selecting a Disc Jockey who has all these things will provide you with the confidence that you have selected a trained professional and more likely to be involved with other Disc Jockeys who can help them out with an unexpected situation.

Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to $3,500.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.

A full-service disc jockey company 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 & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down of  equipment, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.