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