Your choice of Emcee and Musical Host for your event
is extremely important. There are many horror stories of the lowest
priced disc jockey company providing an inexperienced DJ, using
inferior music or an illegal library, sub-standard equipment,
late arrival or worst yet, a NO SHOW.
Remember, a DJ is like anything else, "YOU GET
WHAT YOU PAY FOR!"
Here are some tips to help you hire the RIGHT disc
jockey entertainment for your celebration:
1. Plan ahead. Allow enough time to have a written
contract well in advance of your event.
2. Make sure that you know the specific disc jockey
that will be working at your event. Some companies promise you
a Disc Jockey but even they don’t know who it will be until
the date is imminent. If your event is on a busy date, you may
get a Disc Jockey that ranks low on the company’s list or
the company may subcontract the job out to some other Disc Jockey.
3. Ask for references for the specific DJ you are considering.
Check the references.
4. Ask if the music will be a LEGAL LIBRARY as stipulated
by the Recording Industries Association of America. Note: Most
illegal music libraries consist of homemade cassette tapes, 2nd
generation or self-made compact discs, and illegally downloaded
music (which most of the time is poor quality)..
5. Ask what type of guarantee they offer that the DJ
you hire will not be switched at the last minute. Make sure their
legal name appears on the contract.
6. Meet or talk with the specific Disc Jockey that
you intend to hire. They should be able to offer suggestions on
event itinerary, and song selection. Tell them what YOU expect
and want to take place at your event.
7. Check the price. Make sure that there are no hidden
costs to get what you expect. Some low quotes may not be for "prime
nights" and may be for shortened hours.
8. Do not assume. ASK!!
a. Most engagements should be quoted on a four hour basis.
b. Friday & Saturday are the prime nights of the week.
c. Lights may cost extra. Ask just what the light show consists
of.
d. You should never pay extra for a DJ to be dressed in a tuxedo.
9. Speak personally to the Disc Jockey again on the
week of your event to make sure all of your wishes are known.
Some companies may ask for balance payment in advance. Make sure
that you are comfortable with this arrangement and the company
with which you are dealing.
10. If your reception hall refers you to only one DJ,
ask for some additional references from the DJ. There have been
cases of some DJ companies paying the reception hall for each
referral to a possible client.
