
One of the most important decisions you can make to ensure the success of your Wedding Reception is selecting the DJ. Everything else can be perfect, but if the entertainment and music isn't good, your Reception will most likely die out early. It's also the one thing that people remember the most. They may not remember the flowers, the cake or the party favors, but they'll certainly remember if they had a good time. With an estimated 75,000 mobile DJs in the US, choosing a DJ can be confusing. So how do you pick the one that is right for you? The answer is: by asking the right questions. Following are some very good questions to ask when interviewing potential candidates: 1. Are you available? -You should always start off by indicating the date, time and location of your event to ensure that the DJ isn't already booked. Saturdays tend to fill up especially fast, and a year in advance is really not too soon to guarantee the availability of that perfect DJ. Book Early 2. How much do you charge? -Probably the worst way to choose a DJ is on price alone. With prices starting as low as $150 for the night, it's tempting to choose the cheapest one available. However, when considering the pricing of one DJ to another, it's important to make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Are you really getting the same service? How much experience does the DJ have? Will he act as the master of ceremonies or just play music? Will he help coordinate the event? How much does he charge for overtime? How much equipment will he bring? Does he provide his own music? The list goes on and on. Just remember to use your best judgment and make sure that a lower price is exactly that and not a lower level of experience, quality, planning or commitment. Remember, when it comes to the success of your event, less expensive does not always mean a better value! 3. Do you use a written contract? -This is a definite must! 4. What is the DJ's level of professionalism? -As you speak with DJs, pay attention to their professionalism over the phone. Did they just answer the phone, "Hello?" or with their business name? If you get an answering machine or voice mail, does it say, "Thank you for calling So and So's DJ Service" or "You have reached the Smith residence...". This may sound like a small detail, but their level of professionalism and commitment tends to spill over into their performance at the event. You want to hire someone who is 100% committed to your function, not just someone who DJs as a hobby. If you can't get in touch with them now, you may not on the day of your event. 5. How will the DJ be dressed for my event? -Jeans and a T-shirt may be appropriate for a pool party, but certainly not a wedding reception! 6. Do you have experience with Wedding Receptions? -This is especially important. This may be your first wedding, but it shouldn't be your DJ's! Your DJ should be able to act as the Master of Ceremonies, provide pre-event planning and coordinate with the other professionals to make sure that the Reception runs smoothly from start to finish. 7. Do you offer a written schedule of events? -A written schedule will not only prevent important events from being missed, but allows customization as well. 8. Do you take requests? -It's important that the DJ has and plays the music you want to hear. After all, it's your party! 9. Do you use professional sound equipment and include special effects? -Professional sound equipment is a necessity! It will not only sound better, but it's designed to handle the stress of the day to day performances and will be less likely to break down during your function. Also, confirm that the DJ is not using outdated equipment like turntables, or cassette decks. Special effects (disco lights, fog machines, etc...) may or may not be appropriate for your event. 10. What if something goes wrong? Do you have backup equipment? -It's important that the DJ has a plan in the unlikely event there is an accident or equipment failure. The plan should include a DJ that is on-call, as well as backup equipment. 11. Do you offer a consultation at no charge or obligation? -Many professional DJs will typically offer a free consultation where you can get together and learn more about their entertainment company. 12. Do you have references? Joe Millers WEDJ offers all this and More! |

| Hiring A DJ |
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