Not all DJs are what you may expect. In fact, cheap DJ equipment is now so common, there are a lot of "budget" DJs showing up who are willing to play weddings and parties for very little money. Watch out though, you get what you pay for. Here are some things to look for to help make sure you've selected a DJ who won't ruin your wedding reception, party, or corporate event:
1. First, take the time to meet with your DJ and discuss your event in detail. Meeting them in person will help you to know what you're getting in to. Don't be afraid to ask them questions as if they were on a job interview. You need to know if this person really can do what they say they can.
2. Make sure that you understand who will actually show up to DJ at your event. There are companies in the area who will sell you their services, but will send out someone who's very inexperienced, and who is paid very little to work your event.
3. Ask the DJ how long they need to set up and tear down. Depending on the size of the event, a good DJ will need a considerable amount of time to set up the equipment, do sound and lighting checks, then change clothes (and shower if possible) to become presentable. If the amount of time they need sounds low, question them on it.
4. Check into what sort of equipment your DJ uses. Budget DJs are more likely to use very inexpensive equipment which most likely won't sound all that great, and even worse, is prone to breakdown. Make sure your DJ is using well respected name brand equipment if you want lessen the likelihood of problems.
5. Make sure your DJ is fully insured. Don't simply take their word on it, ask for documentation. If they provide documentation, and you're not 100% sure, call the insurance company on the documentation to verify coverage. If a DJ damages the floor or something else at your venue, or even worse, someone is hurt because of the DJ's negligence, you don't want to get stuck with the bill!
6. Make sure your DJ actually buys his/her music. A lot of the above mentioned "Bargain" DJs steal their music from the internet. Reputable DJs will subscribe to one or more music services as this is much less costly than buying the CDs for every new release. Ask them specifically where they obtain their music. If they don't convince you that they are legit, check them out. Artists need to be paid in order to continue to produce music. Don't pay a DJ to steal it!
7. Find out if your DJ has a backup in case of accident or illness. A reputable DJ will have one or more "backup" DJs they can call in case of one of these emergencies. A reputable DJ will also have backup equipment in case of a last minute failure.
8. Make sure your DJ plans to dress appropriately. It's never out of the question for a DJ to be required to wear a tuxedo at your event. This of course is completely up to your taste. The DJ should be willing to dress however you feel is appropriate, and should not charge extra to dress up.
9. If you want to have specific music played, make sure your DJ is willing to use your playlist. Some DJs will even have an online music selection tool. The more accommodating the DJ is to meet your wishes, the better.
10. Finally ask your DJ for references, and call or email them. Make sure others have been pleased with their services.
Much of this information is common sense, but hopefully this list will help you get started. Unfortunately, many times the DJ is one of the last items to be budgeted for, and often there isn't a lot left. When this happens, the party planner is looking for a real "steal", but a bad DJ can totally ruin a wedding reception, party or corporate event. Remember that if your event is important enough that you need professional entertainment, set aside enough budget to afford a reputable DJ.
What should a reputable DJ cost?
Keep in mind that for a four hour event, a reputable DJ is liable to devote 8 - 12 hours in total time. Starting with the meeting(s) with the client, music list preparation, equipment preparation, travel to and from the event, loading and unloading equipment, setup and teardown, etc. On top of that, DJs have a lot of capital investment in their business. Its not uncommon for a reputable DJ to show up with $15,000 - $30,000 worth of equipment, and that doesn't even account for the cost of the music library. Add to that vehicle maintenance, warehouse rental, advertising, attire, association fees, insurance, etc. It can really add up if your DJ is doing everything right. You should expect a reputable DJ to charge a minimum of $200 per performance hour, and more depending on what equipment, lighting, or other options you are looking for. That may sound like a lot, but if you take into consideration all of the above, a four hour event for $800 translates into $66/hour in actual time spent. If you pay much less, you're not likely to get what you are expecting.
I liked the above article regarding hiring DJ. The information provided above is beneficial for the people planning to organize events as an event is incomplete without audio visual effects.
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Wow, I am so glad to have this fantastic post. I loved special effects in party hall. At some local party venues in Houston I also threw disco party on my 21st birthday. We had hired most popular DJ for birthday bash. He made evening so enjoyable for us!!
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