| Hiring music entertainment can arguably | | | | extra charge for lighting-what does the |
| be the most important booking made for | | | | lighting include? How much is travel to |
| your wedding. Guests remember whether or | | | | your location? Are you ONLY paying for |
| not they had fun at your wedding. What | | | | the time the DJ performs?6. Does the DJ |
| you pay for is what you get is a good | | | | include a contract? Be sure to have all |
| rule of thumb. However, I would like to | | | | details of your function in writing. The |
| educate the consumer, future brides and | | | | DJ must know the date, place, and time! |
| grooms, of how to hire a DJ and things | | | | You must know each other's names and |
| to consider. The following are 9 | | | | phone numbers including the DAY of the |
| important factors to consider when | | | | occasion.7. Is the DJ company |
| hiring a disc jockey BEFORE you sign the | | | | professional? This may sound silly, but |
| contract.1. Who would be the DJ for your | | | | does the DJ have insurance? Accidents do |
| occasion? Many DJ companies are a | | | | happen. It's better to be prepared. |
| multi-system operation. Be sure to have | | | | Also, is the DJ a member of a national |
| in writing of who your DJ will be at | | | | DJ association like ADJA or NAME? If |
| your event. I would recommend meeting | | | | they are, then they care about what they |
| your DJ before hiring the company at a | | | | do and are a better chance of being |
| neutral place, like a restaurant.2. How | | | | professional.8. What kind of equipment |
| many years experience does your DJ have | | | | does the DJ use? Typically, if a DJ is |
| with your type of function? Anyone can | | | | using a brand of equipment you can buy |
| pretend to be a DJ. If you are having a | | | | at your local retail store, then that's |
| formal event, does your DJ know how to | | | | what you will get. Excellent brand names |
| organize a wedding reception or a grand | | | | include: JBL, Community, Denon, Gemini, |
| entrance? The DJ should perform the type | | | | QSC, Crown, etc. Always, and I mean |
| of show that you want!3. Does the DJ get | | | | always, ask if the DJ has back-up |
| everyone involved dancing or do they | | | | equipment WITH them for your function. |
| just play music? You have to ask | | | | Also, be sure the DJ brings the right |
| yourself if you want a DJ that will get | | | | amount of sound for the number of guests |
| everyone dancing? For example, will the | | | | expected.9. What music do you play? How |
| DJ involve guests by playing and | | | | many music selections will the DJ have |
| conducting motivational dances like the | | | | WITH them? Be sure your DJ takes |
| Chicken Dance, Hokey Pokey, Cha Cha | | | | requests before and during your |
| Slide or just play music?4. Will the DJ | | | | function. Also, give them a guideline of |
| be dressed appropriately? Formal means | | | | what you want played. However, this is |
| tuxedo or dress. Semi-formal means dress | | | | what the DJ is paid to do. Don't limit |
| pants, shirt & tie or slacks and blouse. | | | | the DJ by saying you want all of one |
| Casual means polo shirt or company | | | | kind of music or a list of 100 songs |
| shirt. Be sure the DJ is dressed | | | | they must play. The best scenario is to |
| appropriately during set-up and takedown | | | | play any type of music that gets people |
| of equipment. Some guests do arrive | | | | dancing and having fun. By the way, it |
| early and stay late.5. What is the DJ's | | | | should be understood the DJ does not |
| fee? How much is overtime? Is a tip | | | | play any offensive music.I hope this |
| included in the fee? Will there be an | | | | helps! |