Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?
A versatile
Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional
Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything
about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication.
Do you use Professional Equipment?
Ask whether your prospective Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their
equipment list and check with a local music dealer to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Remember that professional
gear does not guarantee an entertainer's talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event.
Do you provide backup equipment at my event?
Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your
special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has
a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident.
Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision
for the success of your party.
Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
A
professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate,
emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event.
How much
time do you allow for set-up?
Punctuality is a necessity. Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one hour prior to
the start time you've given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks
through the door.
Do you provide a written contract?
It is extremely important to have your booking
confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial
payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as
well.
Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?
Specify the type of apparel that your Disc
Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you
are having a "themed" event, make sure your entertainer is informed.
Rates for the DJ industry
vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is
not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100%
of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.
A full-service
disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for
"4 hours". Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other
business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.