CHOOSING THE RIGHT DJ FOR YOUR EVENT
Congratulations on your decision to get married. Now, all of a sudden you have 3 million one hundred and ninety two things to do and one of them is to choose your entertainment. You might be asking your self, “Band or DJ?” Both have their own appeal and particular entertainment values. If you already have your preference then that part of the decision is already made.
But you may want to consider this.
Since I speak on behalf of the DJ community I’d like to share with you the 13 reasons I feel a DJ is a better deal than a band.
Now that you’ve decided to hire a DJ, let me fill you in on what to expect and how to hire one.
A.) The best way to select your DJ is to hire someone you have already seen in action and therefore know you like his style and performance.
B.) Next would be to take the recommendation of a trusted friend who has actually used them or witnessed their performance. Some one whom you know shares your tastes.
C.) A recommendation from your photographer, caterer, hall/reception site or videographer. These are people in the industry who see DJs perform as part of their profession. They certainly are a good judge of entertainment and know the good ones from the bad.
D.) Attend a wedding expo or bridal show in your area.
These are usually the areas professionals who specialize in weddings and worth talking too. A very good source for all wedding related services.
D.) Call a National or local DJ Association. They set professional standards for their DJs. The Metropolitan Professional Disc Jockey Association (M.P.D.J.A.) located in the Washington DC area was the nation’s first Professional DJ Association and help set industry standards and benefits that all DJ Assoc.’s use nation wide. The local number is 301-843-9100 or 1-888-497-6635. They established a certification program, DJ Training and an emergency DJ program. The American Disc Jockey Association (A.D.J.A.) was the nation’s first and is the largest Association for Disc Jockeys. They have chapters in various states and have members in every state. Visit their web site at ADJA.ORG to see a list of DJs Nationally or. Some other DJ organizations are USMEA, United States Mobile Entertainment Alliance. And NAME, National Association of Mobile Entertainers.
(*Note, there are plans in the works for a National Certification program for Disc Jockeys)
E.) Resorting to your Yellow pages or internet.
If you don’t have resources for DJs or have an Association near you, and you are forced to use the phone book or the Internet. You should understand that all DJs are NOT created equal and that anyone can advertise in a phone book and certainly any one can put a posting or have a web site on the internet. This is no guarantee whatsoever that this is truly a professional Disc Jockey.
So here are some practical things to look for and questions to ask that will definitely help in your search and decision on hiring a “Professional” Disc Jockey.
First of all, radio station or nightclub DJs do not necessarily or shouldn’t automatically be assumed that they do weddings. Having those skills gives them experience in either talking or mixing or even interacting with people, but that also doesn’t automatically give then the edge over a good professional mobile DJ who must acquire both of those skills together.
Here are some key words and particulars to look for as you scan the ads.
Experience;
How long has this DJ been in business? They wouldn’t be in business 15, 20, 25 years or more if they weren’t doing something right. Experience is its own reward. Logic might dictate that an individual that has done 100’s if not 1000’s of weddings would be a good bet. Be advised that a company that claims 20 years experience doesn’t mean they have DJs with 20 years experience. Just they have provided service for that long. Their most experienced DJ may only have 5 years experience.
Will you be able to talk directly to your DJ before you sign a contract?
This causes concerns for larger companies and definitely agencies. One line of thought on this is, wouldn’t you want to know exactly who’s doing your function before you were committed to them? It’s your money and your event don’t you think that you have a right to know?
On the other hand, the company needs some freedom to book their DJs on request. They guarantee their service and the DJ is up to them. If they told you Joe Blow was to be your DJ and you don’t actually know him but took him as their deal. What happens if the next day a person who has seen Joe Blow wants him for their wedding and if not him they will go with another company or DJ they know? Then they will loose business. So the argument goes both ways on this issue. In any case make sure you get to talk directly with your DJ sometime BEFORE the wedding. This is your wedding you don’t want anything lost in the interpretation, get it straight to and from the horse’s mouth.
Do they specialize in your type of event (wedding)?
I would say that this is a very strong indicator if they advertise this as a specialty. Many will say music for all occasions, or list a series of event types with weddings thrown in. (*note, not all DJs like to do weddings as they see them as being too regimented and structured.) They prefer the freedom of working a dance floor, mixing with little talking or the opposite by manipulating the crowd with oral hype, without having to stop for ceremonies. They will none the less advertise they do weddings because they don’t want to turn down the income.
Are they members of any organizations?
Associations, be it DJ or Wedding related, BBB, Chamber of Commerce? All this shows professionalism and the desire to do things right. Besides most organizations help provide back up for their DJs. You may want to call these organizations for verification and or references.
Are they close to you?
Murphy’s Law is real. Try to find someone as close as possible to the reception site. (This rule generally only applies if you don’t know the person you have hired or if they weren’t recommended to you). Traffic is becoming more and more like Mother Nature. Unpredictable, sudden, destructive as well as disastrous. If Nature is our mother than traffic is out “Funny Uncle”. Whenever he pops up unexpectedly, it’s usually not good and stresses you to the max.
In any case it’s not a must but something to consider. Also knowing if your DJ is familiar with the area and especially your reception hall is a big plus. If he says he’s real familiar with the hall, again, ask the hall for their opinion of the DJ or if they remember or would recommend this particular DJ.
Do they take credit cards?
This also shows a certain level of professionalism and a willingness to serve his clients. (Even if you have no intention of using one)
These are questions for your interview;
Do they use contracts?
This is a must. No contract, no business, period. Many non-professionals will “work with your budget”. But if they don’t offer any written form of confirmation this could be a signal that, sure, they’ll hold that date for you, until a better deal comes along.
Do they use records, tapes CDs, mp3?
Always ask your DJ if they use records, tapes, CDs or what?
If they mention the word tape alone or with any other format, my advice is to run away quickly! Cassette tapes are your worst sounding format, outdated and considered very unprofessional.
Just think; have you ever played a cassette tape and tried to find the song in the middle? Enough said. We don’t even want to get into the legal aspects of this. NOT!
To say the least CDs are the preferred format at this time and computerized DJs are fast immerging on the scene.
Will they work as MC? Ask for a description of how they perform.
In your interview with the DJ ask them to describe to you how they perform their duties at a wedding and what they do.
Listen to how they respond. Notice if they rattle it off like second nature or if there is a lot of pauses and umming. This shows lack of experience and confidence. They should also mention services they provide like meeting you at the door, doing the introductions and all your announcements, working with the photographer and setting the pace and helping coordinate the cake, garter and bouquet and other special events. Will they take request, get involved, and encourage the guest to dance and invite them to have a good time?
Get a feel for the DJ’s personality, the enthusiasm they show is an indicator of their true willingness to do a good job for you.
Can you see them perform?
Although this seems like a totally fair request, it’s not as simple as you think. Ask yourself if you’d like some strangers hanging around in the back of your reception just “checking out” your DJ. If a DJ specializes in weddings and this is his main function, it may be very hard to actually see him perform. Best to offer to see him ½ hour before the function so you can see his set up. Or ask if there is another type of function or club they are doing that would be more appropriate. Ah but there is another draw back. Most DJs aren’t going to hold open a date while you “investigate” because that “other” event may be more than a month away. During busy wedding seasons the best dates go first and they go quick. (note* if you have been to a wedding show and talked to a DJ, right after a show it’s really hard to hold a date as they will undoubtedly be booking quite a few especially in the busiest months) But in any case I do recommend you inspect his DJ set up to assure it has a professional look and appeal. If you do get to see their equipment and music selection take note. (I’ll touch on this later)
* Please keep one thing in mind whenever you go to see a DJ perform or view a video tape. NEVER judge the DJ by the music he plays. The music he is playing has been specifically selected by whomever he is playing for at the time. You may not like what the DJ is playing but then again that was someone else’s not your show.
Do they wear a tux?
Ask if they own a tux and use it for weddings. Although this isn’t mandatory, most professional DJs will wear a tux to a wedding. Again it shows professionalism. There should not be a charge for this unless the DJ states he has no tux and you want it mandatory as part of your deal. Then it may be deemed reasonable to add the rental expenses on to his bill.
Do they have back up equipment and personnel?
This is something you need to ask. What is their policy if they get sick or they have an emergency or auto problem on the way to your wedding? You won’t want to hear excuses on your wedding day. You’ll want to hear solutions, favorable ones. In case the worst should happen. If the DJ can’t show, you want to hear that one is already on the way. If equipment breaks you want to hear that there is an extra in the Van outside or that a replacement is on the way.
Are they insured?
Ask if they have liability insurance. Again, this shows the caliber of your DJ and his commitment to professionalism. This also serves as a bit of a safety net for your guest and all concerned.
Ask about their equipment and music selection.
Just because they say they are a DJ doesn’t mean they carry your particular taste of music and that they are familiar with it. Nor does it mean they automatically use a professional sound system.
If you have particular taste in music like country, Latin,
Oldies or whatever. Ask if they carry this kind of music then discuss it with them so you are sure they are familiar with your format and understand it. Any one can carry music and companies usually supply their staff DJs with a library of a good variety. But if they don’t know which are fast or slow, what particular dance goes with what songs, or even which were the most popular, their lack of knowledge and experience could ruin your event.
Ask them to describe what kind of equipment they use. I don’t expect you to know anything about professional DJ equipment at all, and that’s my point. Listen to how they describe their equipment. Believe me a DJ who owns his own sound system should be proud of it and know it inside out. In fact even a DJ using the “companies” equipment should know it inside and out. Beside he purchased it didn’t he? They should be able to breeze through it throwing out name brands and model numbers and sound as proud and knowledgeable as a guy does when bragging about his car and all its extras and options.
What you really don’t want to hear is stammering and pauses or very vague descriptions. Nor do you want to hear what sounds like home stereo brands. Especially when it comes to amps, speakers and CD players.
Also ask if they use speaker stands, cordless mics and if their equipment is in professional road cases. This again, shows the level of professionalism in your DJ. This is also why you would at least want to see a picture of their equipment set up. You don’t want to see home amps, speakers, CD players (especially those little Walkman type), NO Tapes (cassettes) for his use but possibly a tape player for occasions when a customer request for you to play a selection they provide. Nor raw equipment without cases and wires strewn everywhere.
Ask yourself this. Would you want a DJ to show up using the same home stereo amp and speakers as you use in your own home? I didn’t think so, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Ask for references.
It’s just common sense really. This is an important day so don’t take chances. Ask for them and see how many they send and possibly take note on the date of the functions they did. Are they all in the last year or two? Or do they go back many years? Are they of the same type function you are having?
You might even consider calling the BBB or you local chamber of commerce just to do a quick check. Of course this will only be relevant if they are a member.
Some insider tips on qualifying your DJ.
This is an ego driven business and sometimes DJs, shall we say stretch the truth a little when it comes to experience. (Kind of like a resume’) So as someone who hires and interviews DJs constantly, here are a few tips for doing a quick reality check.
To tell if your DJ is stretching his experience, just ask a few key questions. First ask how long they have been Djing? Then a little while later curiously ask, “Gee, how many CDs do you own?” Listen to their reply and use this formula. To start out as a professional DJ one would imagine that to have a reasonably wide variety of music a minimum of 200+ CDs would be required. (And that would be week in my opinion). Then figure to keep up with all the latest tunes in many formats, an average of 100 CDs a year would be purchased. So if they say they have been around professionally Djing for 5 years that would equate like this, 200 to start, 100 more that first year keeping up and 400 more over the next four years equals 700 CDs. If you don’t get similar results I would question their professionalism if that formula varies too much on the low end. Think about it, if a DJ says he has been professionally Djing for 8 years and owns 500 CDs, I want to know just what he started with? And what has he been doing since?
Another way is to casually ask what they drive to carry the equipment. If it’s not a van, pick up, SUV or some such vehicle, rather a small regular compact car, to me, that’s the sign of a rookie or VERY part timer. And that they haven’t gotten to a level yet to invest in the proper type of vehicle to handle their business properly.
Since you have already asked how long they have been Djing “professionally”. Next ask curiously yet innocently, how old they are. I equate it this way. Let’s say the average person starts Djing at around 18 years of age. They say they have been Djing for 10 years. That means they should be around 28. If they are only 22 or 23 you know they didn’t start Djing when they were 13. Believe me it is very rare for someone to DJ professionally under 18. Although it does happen occasionally it is the exception. Do the math.
Let’s talk money.
I know that one of the biggest concerns looming in your mind is the cost of your entertainment. And all things considered it’s a very important decision. After all, your DJ will be responsible for 80% of the outcome of your reception! That’s correct. Think about it. Your DJ sets the pace from the very beginning by lining you up and announcing you into the hall. Then coordinates the sequence of events and MCs them to make this all run smooth for your very special day. He sets the pace, creates the energy and motivates your guest. So when it comes time to set the budget for your entertainment, please keep that in mind.
Let’s give you an average pricing range of what a DJ might cost you based on the average reception being four hours. In the larger cities of the USA a DJ could easily cost you $1000 to $2500 depending on the services and lighting you desire. Keep in mind some services provide dancers and party motivators and do production style work. In the more rural areas DJs might be as low as $350 - $400 and work strictly by themselves.
If you don’t know a DJ, calling around may certainly establish
An average for your area. Again, calling an Association may offer assistance.
But if you are hearing prices from $600 to $1000 and a few offer services in the $350 to $400 range or lower, be cautious. Cheaper is by no means a sign of being better.
What’s the difference in price mean?
That $350 DJ may be a rookie and the $1000 DJ a seasoned professional. Ask yourself if you would work at the same job for 10 or 20 years without a raise and you’ll have your answer.
Also, there are DJ / MC shows that are very popular. A 2 person (A DJ AND an MC) show will inherently have more cost than a one DJ show. They will offer more standard services, be more service oriented and save you headaches and money in the long run by coordinating your event.
Keep this in mind.
The average DJ brings over $20,000 worth of equipment and music just to entertain you and your guest. That doesn’t include a $20,000 vehicle to get it there.
It’s NOT just 4 hours you’re paying for. He meets with you
(Via phone or in person), discusses all your plans and then pulls or buys special music you may need. Does contracts, deposits and other business related activities.
Preps 2 hours prior and 1 to 2 hours afterwards.
You can’t rent a basic DJ sound system for less than $200 and that doesn’t include music and a person to play it.
The average DJ insurance deductible is $500 and business wise, would you take your equipment out anywhere if you couldn’t even meet your deductible?
Many brides will hire a professional Wedding Coordinator to help run the wedding and or the reception and pay easily $300 to $500 or more to do what most truly professional DJs will do as apart of their service. Especially the DJ / MC combo. (This by no means indicates the professional Coordinators aren’t worth every dime they get. Many are truly a God send to brides and their mothers)
Set your priorities in pricing in proportion to the necessity of the item. If you believe that your DJ will make or break your event be willing to pay accordingly. If you’re paying $20,000 for your wedding reception DON’T look for the cheapest DJ this is NOT an area to start cutting your budget.
Think about it, if you are willing to spend $2000 on a wedding dress you will only wear once in your life, what’s a DJ worth?
If your willing to spend $500 or more on a cake that is a decorative desert that is only there for ½ of the reception, sometimes smashed in the bride and groom’s face, the guest get only one piece, what’s a DJ worth?
People won’t leave early if the balloons aren’t positioned right, the napkins and matchbooks don’t color coordinate perfectly with all the pretty flower arrangements you selected. If the food isn’t to their liking they might complain but they won’t leave because it’s free. They may take one sip of the expensive champagne you ordered or choke on how dry the cake is or even cut away all the icing because it’s too sweet but they won’t leave because of it. Nor will they be upset if there’s too much broccoli and celery and not enough cheese on that $500 veggie platter you ordered for them.
But they will leave if they aren’t properly entertained and motivated.
Two weeks after the wedding reception they’ll hardly even remember these other items that you had to have to make this special day just “perfect”. But they will always remember the good time they had at “your” wedding because the DJ got them involved and had them dancing and cheering for you. How do you put a price on a lifetime memory? How do you cost analyze someone who starts off your day with grace, charm and a bit of flair? Then choreographs it all together into one great crescendo of a climactic ending that sends you out the door on your way to honeymoon heaven?
Just remember you get what you pay for. That old saying couldn’t be truer. So in an area where most DJs are $800, you may want to consider the one that is $1000 before you take the one that is $350. Because average is just that, average and cheap is always cheap. Quality service is priceless.
Deposits and overtime.
Always ask what their deposit / down payment policy is and what is required. Half is normal in many areas and is usually not refundable. Although if you did have to cancel or reschedule, its nice if they allow your original deposit to apply for another event as long as it’s applied with in the original contract year. Like shopping for clothes, they won’t give you your money back but you can apply it towards another purchase.
And the same for overtime always get this amount down in writing in advance. (*Note, when it comes to deciding if your going to do over time, always check with the hall first. Many are very strict about their time allotments for functions)
Tipping.
I am often asked if one should tip their DJ. This is how I traditionally answer that question.
A DJ provides a service just like any other service and don’t you tip them? I think it is totally up to you and based on the outcome of that service. If you feel your DJ did an awesome job and went out of their way to please you and your guest then I would think that they warranted one.
I don’t think any DJ outright expects a tip but it is ALWAYS greatly appreciated and lets the DJ know they did a fine job and that you appreciated their efforts.
You tip a variety of services in a lot of different areas, and many times those services were completed in a very short matter of time. (Limos, taxis, waiters, concierge, bellman, pizza delivery you get the idea)
Well how about the guy who hauls in hundreds of pounds of equipment, sets it all up, works nonstop for four straight hours and then has to take it all down and haul it out again. Often times by himself and alone as the partied out guest joyfully depart the building.
I personally I have been Djing for over 30 years. Yet I never expect a tip and never ask. But always greatly appreciate one when I get it.
Good luck in finding your DJ, I hope this information puts you on the right path and may you have a great reception.
For more information or to find a DJ near you contact
Certified DJs, 301-843-9100 or 301-843-6503
fax 301-843-7284
web site www.certifieddjs.com.
John Roberts
Owner,
The DJ Training Center and Roving Records DJs Service
President,
Certified DJs
Founding National Director
American Disc Jockey Association
Excerpts taken with permission from, “How To Hire A DJ and What To Look For” and The “DJ Training Center Manual” From Certified DJs (printed but unpublished)