Tips for Hiring A Disc Jockey

When you are planning an event of any kind, your main objective is to ensure that your guests will enjoy themselves. These days, you have two main choices for entertainment: a band or a disc jockey. While bands are a popular choice, keep in mind that a band cannot match the vast music library of a disc jockey. Also, with a disc jockey, you will hear the original version of a song - not the band's rendition of that song.

Assuming you've decided to use a disc jockey for your event, this article was written to assist you in choosing the right disc jockey. Who is the right disc jockey? Are all disc jockeys created equal? Studies have shown that who you choose to provide the entertainment at your event will have a greater degree of effect than any other factor - even more so than the food! Most of the time, unfortunately, the entertainment is the last item people select for their event. This occurs normally when most of their budget has been spent already on food, the reception hall or even flowers. In an article written by Ken Heath entitled "Hiring a DJ - Points to Consider", the disc jockey you choose will be taking on the responsibility of over 80% of the success of your event and often gets paid less than 3% of the total budget, yet if the disc jockey is a poor performer or a no-show, you've just wasted your entire investment, not just that 3%. Keep that in mind while you also consider the following points as you hire your disc jockey:

Accessibility/Promptness: A disc jockey should return your phone call or reply to your email within 24 hours. Also, the disc jockey should be willing to meet with you. You don't want your entertainer to be a total stranger the day of your event!

Equipment: A disc jockey shouldn't show up at your event with a home stereo. The equipment should be of professional grade and cased to give a neat presentation. Also, ask the disc jockey if he has backup equipment available.

Music: A disc jockey should have a variety of music to suit guests of all ages. He should bring his ENTIRE collection of music to your event - not what he thinks will be popular. A disc jockey should also be open to your music requests as well as those of your guests.

Contract: A disc jockey should have a written contract. Your contract should contain the date of the event, the location of the event, the times, both party's names, a cancellation clause for both you and the disc jockey to follow and any other items or services that were discussed.

Procedures/Planning: A disc jockey should be knowledgable about your type of event. He should work with you on planning your event. Planning forms are crucial as well. Discuss your expectations with the disc jockey. Clearly define what you want out of your event. The disc jockey should meet with you to go over your planning forms with you. Lastly, ask about his setup procedures for the day of your event.

Insurance: A disc jockey should be insured. Your disc jockey should carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and should be able to provide a copy of the insurance certificate if requested.

References: A disc jockey should be able to provide you with both professional and client references. Banquet halls, photographers, florists, etc. are good sources of information when researching your disc jockey. Also, the disc jockey should be able to provide a list of recent client references as well as allow you to choose which to call.

For more resources about selecting a disc jockey, please click here.