• Select your event date to instantly check availability. Start the process of making a lifetime of memories!

  • Considerations When Choosing your Entertainment

  • We're glad to provide our prospective customers a short introduction to hiring a DJ. We realize many people have never had to acquire a DJ's services. We hope that this short guide helps you pick the best DJ for your affair.

    Choosing a DJ for your affair is one of the most important decisions that you can make. Everything else can be perfect, but if the music is not great, the party will fizzle. Selecting the right DJ can be confusing. There are thousands of DJs in America, all promising they will do a great job for you. So how do you pick the right DJ?

    We've all heard the nightmare stories about the DJ being late or not showing up, never speaking to the audience, playing inappropriate music or having equipment failure, ending the party prematurely! Obviously, you want to avoid these problems.

    Upon finding several companies that you like, how do you tell which one is best? Remember, you want to choose the entertainer that offers the specific package that matches what you desire. Be careful not to become a victim of a "swap meet" price war in which you become the casualty by not getting what you wanted. Think about it, if a DJ keeps dropping his price to get your business, he may not be very good. Most professional companies rely on referral business and maintain a certain pricing standard. Many times it is worth that extra hundred bucks or so to insure you have a successful event.

    It is important to create a rapport with the DJ over the phone. Pay attention to their manner of speaking and attitude, their personality tends to spill over into their DJ style. How are they at returning phone calls? Were they prompt in sending the information you requested? If you have that "feeling" in your gut someone is wrong for you, trust your instincts and move on.

  • When hiring a Disc Jockey, make sure to ask the following questions:

    • Will the disc jockey you speak to be the one who performs at your event?

      Be aware that some D.J. companies act as booking agencies that assign many D.J.'s to functions they book. To avoid any last minute surprises, make sure that you have spoken with the person who will be performing at your function before you book the event. You may get an experienced D.J. or you may get a D.J. that just purchased a 'DJ Startup Kit' and now wants learn how to D.J. at your event. Don't let your event be a training session for someone with little or no experience.
    • Is the disc jockey willing to meet with you for an interview before you hire them?

      It is important that the D.J. you choose be a serious professional who is willing to dedicate time and effort to your event. This commitment should start before any agreements are made, and a dedicated professional should be happy to meet with you to answer any questions. Always make sure you have met with a potential D.J. before making a final decision.
    • Can the disc jockey supply you with references from previous clients and properties at which they have worked?

      A recommendation from another person is a great way to find out if a D.J. is right for your function. A person, especially an industry professional, is a lot more believable than a slick brochure sent in the mail. When you ask for references make sure you get previous clients and properties at which the D.J. has performed.
    • What kind of experience does the disc jockey have?

      Many events follow a specific format. It is essential that the D.J. be familiar and experienced with the format of your event. Choosing a D.J. with adequate experience will help to assure that your event runs smoothly. An experienced D.J. will be able to handle unforeseen circumstances and work in coordination with the photographer, caterer, and other services.
    • Is the price of the disc jockey's services a good value?

      In selecting a D.J. you will probably encounter a wide variety of prices and packages. Be sure and consider the value of the entertainment. Keep in mind that the entertainment can either make or break an event, even though the price of the services are a small percentage of the entire costs. Remember that cut rates often equal cut corners and although some D.J.'s may have lower prices, they may not have the experience and expertise of others. Search for dedicated individuals who, although they may be a little higher priced, will assure the success of your event. With some companies you may get a good price, but with others you will receive more than your money's worth.
    • Will the disc jockey use professional equipment?

      Make sure that the D.J. uses only professional audio equipment. Pro audio equipment is made to handle the demanding conditions that are required of a Mobile sound system. A system comprised of only pro equipment is far less likely to fail and will look and sound better than a home built system.
    • Will the disc jockey be involved with the planning of your event?

      A D.J. should do far more than just play music. They should become involved with the planning of the event. The D.J. should make themselves available to you prior to your function to discuss music selections and coordinate the event. By combining your suggestions with their professional input, an itinerary should be prepared before the function. This will allow the D.J. to focus on the itinerary of your function while you sit back and enjoy it.
    • Will the disc jockey host the event and interact with your guests?

      The D.J. should do more then just play music and should be prepared to handle any announcements and special events throughout your event. There are many options for specialty games and crowd participation dances which can enhance any event. Whether you prefer wild or mild, you should be able to decide exactly how interactive the entertainment will be before the event takes place.
    • Will your disc jockey be suitably dressed for the occasion?

      It is important that your D.J. looks the part by dressing in formal of semiformal attire (dependant on event type). Be sure to specify the type of apparel that your D.J. 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 are they willing to play requests, particularly if they are suitable for dancing?

      It is important for your D.J. to know exactly what type of musical preferences and entertainment needs you have for your event. They should be willing to listen to your ideas and suggestions. They should make themselves available prior to your event to discuss selections. They should be earnest in accepting the songs you have chosen to be played as well as those you have chosen not to be played. Special requests should never be a problem and your D.J. should be willing to play them where they are appropriate.
    • Does your disc jockey use proper etiquette?

      A professional D.J. 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 event.
    • Will your disc jockey arrive on time?

      Punctuality is a necessity, and as professionals 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.
    • Can your disc jockey provide a written contract?

      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.
    • Is your disc jockey insured?

      Insurance is part of any legitimate business to protect yourself, your guests and the DJ company your choose. Additionally, some venues are requiring entertainers to provide proof of liability insurance before they can work at the venue.