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Are they available for your function?
This may sound obvious but it's a good idea to start off your call by indicating the date, time, and location of your event. If they're not available, no sense talking much further! If the DJ you want has someone else 'pencil booked', they probably haven't yet secured the date and he could take a paid deposit from you to book the date firmly. Don't leave your enquiry as just a 'pencil booking' for the exact same reason!
How long have they been a DJ and how many events have they performed?
With sufficient experience, a professional DJ will be demonstrate confidence and knowledge! Many things can happen during an event- some are expected, others are not. The experienced professional has the ability to handle any situation which may arise and will be able to react spontaneously to correct the problem as if nothing ever really happened.
The seasoned professional will also know how to introduce interactivity into the night in a tasteful and energetic manner. With this same experience, your entertainer will read the crowd and intuitively know what music to play at what time.
What type of music do they provide and will they play requests?
It's your party! Will your prospectiveDJ cheerfully accept your suggestions? Let the DJ ask you questions such as what you do or don't want to hear. You want someone who takes an interest in what you want played. You want a DJ who is flexible, and has a huge selection, so that any request from your guests can be fulfilled, providing it meets your acceptable music criteria. Unfortunately many DJs work on the principle that "it's got to be loud to be good". A professional will concentrate on quality of the sound, not quantity and will spend time on the night ensuring that your seated guests can still talk comfortably while others are dancing.
What are they like?
Does the DJ you're considering tell you anything about themselves in their website or advertising, or are you hiring an unknown? Most people would like to know a little about the person who will be entertaining at their event, particularly if it's a wedding. What's their appearance and mannerism like? These things may not be important to some, but don't be afraid to ask for a meeting if the information is missing. If there are no photos or biography of them on their own website, are they hiding something?
What kind of equipment do they use & what is their technical expertise?
Determine if the DJ uses today's professional technology. You are paying money for a professional and they should have well mantianed, quality equipment and know how it operates. Make sure it's pro-grade equipment, not home stereo or consumer grade. There is a difference! You are hopefully hiring someone who takes their job seriously, so make sure they have made the investment in quality equipment. Ask if they own their gear themselves or hire it. If it's their own, chances are it will be looked after better and they will know how to fix any problems that could arise.
Do they have a cordless microphone you are able to use for your speeches if required? Will they turn your beautifully prepared reception or function room into a mobile night club with overhead lighting trusses, huge black boxes and masses of cabling? It doesn’t have to be this way in this day and age!
Note: Find out what your prospective DJ will need from you, even now most DJ's still require you to supply them with a table!
Do they have back-up equipment on hand in case of an emergency?
Even professional equipment can fail on occasion, so it is important to know whether your DJ has extra components, or hopefully another entire sound system available to them. Usually, only the top-notch pros invest the extra money to ensure that everything works on your event date and backup systems are in place. Booking a reliable DJ is a very important decision for the success of your event.
Will they personally be the DJ for your function?
This is an important one. If not, when can you meet the DJ who will work at your function so you can feel comfortable with that person and make sure you are on the same wavelength?
WARNING! Some DJ's will book your event and then pass it on to an amateur DJ to play your night and take commission. Some DJ's (almost always the cheap ones) don't even bother to turn up! Make sure you get what you are paying for.
How much does the DJ charge?
Not surprisingly, most professional, reputable DJ's charge more for their services than a hobby DJ who is just looking to make a few extra pounds on the side. Question a DJ that is low in cost... there's a good chance you will be putting the success of your event at risk in order to save a few notes. Be certain that you understand their basic fee, set-up times, travel costs, overtime charges, due dates for deposits and balances, and arrival time.
Also, keep in mind all the time and money you already have committed to your event and the impact the DJ/KJ has on how everything turns out. If the venue was average, the food was ordinary, the speeches were too long, but the entertainment was phenomenal, your guests will remember your night as a success.
The entertainment really can make or break your event. If your brother's "friend" will do it for less than a reputable, experienced, professional DJ, think twice before jumping at the lower price. Paying a little more for a much better DJ is usually a great investment.
Do they require a deposit and a written agreement?
If not, why not? If a DJ is serious about your event (and their business), they will want an agreement and a deposit. The agreement should offer a guarantee that the DJ will show up on the day and will perform for the times you have decided on. If there's no deposit and no agreement, there's nothing to bind him to your event. A professional DJ will insist on a deposit to confirm your date and a contract/agreement is your protection.
Do they offer lighting equipment if you want it?
Can your DJ provide aesthetically pleasing additional lighting? Modern effects lighting can really add to the liveliness and energy of the night and makes the dancing just that bit more special. Some DJ's still use headlight-sized lights with a basic chase pattern. These flood the floor with light with no dynamic impact and are clumsy, bulky looking lights. A quality operator will usually offer a set of exciting effects lights that are elevated to avoid shining in the eyes of seated guests.
Advanced operators may offer intelligent lighting, which can be controlled by a system called DMX. The DJ can control the speed, pattern, colour and even direction of these lights, altering the feel and style of lighting to suit the occasion. For example, a Bride & Groom's first dance might require gentle, smooth, romantic effects, but later on during the party a faster, more energetic, colourful and dynamic show is called for.
Are you comfortable with them?
Once you feel you found an established DJ, in your price range, with the music selection you like, make your final selection based on personality. Some DJ's like to steal the show. These DJ's are always on the microphone and like to be very visible. The other end of the spectrum is the DJ with a lack of any personality who does nothing except play the music, while other DJs are an even mixture of the two. Usually you can get a feel for style simply by talking to the disc jockey over the phone.
Conclusion
Sadly like with with many other businesses there are a lot of cow boys out there. I heard recently of a DJ that turned up to do a 30th birthday party with only one CD player and very basic lighting. The outcome of this was that the DJ (how he call's himself that I don't know!) had to load each song seperately which resulted in thirty second pauses in between songs. Nothing like creating a good atmosphere!! At the end of the night he tried to charge the customer two hundred pounds for his "services." How would you feel if this was your function, if you are in any doubt, don't book them!! Having said all this, there are many DJs out there locally who are excellent and will provide the service that you deserve!
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