How to hire a Disc Jockey

As a professional DJ for over 20 years, party guests often tell me how amazed they are that I get paid for "just" playing music. But finding the right DJ requires many more skills than just pushing "play".

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Put together a "hit list" of professional DJ's from the internet, referrals and local DJ organizations.
• While it's quite possible you can find a friend or relative who does DJ work "on the side", remember that the DJ sets the mood and tone of your entire party.
• Be prepared to spend $700-$1000 for a professional DJ.

1. Will You Have The Attention of a Professional DJ? - With the popularity of digital music, most anyone can call themselves a DJ. Sadly, many mega DJ companies will represent themselves as a professional entity, then subcontract your event to a last-minute moonlighter - sometimes for as little as $75 a night!
   
   Be sure to confirm the experience of the exact person who will be at your event (not just the company) and have them put their name into the contract. You don't want your once-in-a-lifetime event to turn into an on-the-job training classroom!
2. What Kind Of Equipment Will Your DJ Use? - Is it nothing more than a laptop and a couple of big Radio Shack speakers? Professional DJ's use professional gear. Look for the big names like Mackie, Denon, JBL, Pioneer, Gemini. A wireless microphone is a must ... especially for wedding toasts and announcements.
   
   What if the unthinkable happens and a speaker blows? Confirm that your DJ will have backup gear on-site or on call if you don't want your event to come to a screeching halt.
   
   Is dance floor lighting something you desire? For weddings and receptions, this can sometimes turn a classy venue into a cheap disco. But for dances and parties, lighting can really enhance the mood. Some DJ's will include lighting in their packages, some have an additional charge. You don't have to go full-on "Saturday Night Fever". Sometimes one or two effects like an ambient color spotlight or a classic mirror ball can add excitement to your event and encourage people to dance.
3. Is Your DJ Familiar With All Types of Music? - A DJ's biggest challenge is blending music to please a wide variety of age groups. Your DJ should have the maturity, knowledge and experience to "read" your crowd and blend the music all your guests will respond to best... not just the DJ's personal favorites.
   
   Be careful! Many DJ's who advertise you a choice of "thousands" of songs might really only bring a few hundred to your event.
   
   If you have special requests such as wedding first dance songs, provide that to your DJ at least 2 weeks in advance.
   
   Don't hand your DJ a laundry list of song titles to play; instead, guide them as to the GENRES of music you prefer. And of course tell the DJ any songs or types of music you DON'T want played.
   
   Confirm that your DJ will be playing clean "radio versions" of popular songs with offensive words edited out. You don't want to offend any of your guests!
   
   Keep in mind you are playing songs for EVERYONE'S enjoyment. Guests respond best to familiar music. Just because you might like a certain group or type of music doesn't mean everyone will. Have confidence in your DJ to pick the right music mix for everyone.
4. How Interactive Do You Want Your DJ To Be? - A tasteful level of interactivity and emcee skills complement most events and keep up the energy level of the crowd. Certainly for events like weddings, you want someone with a strong voice for your grand entrance, champagne toast, first dance and other announcements.
   
   Depending on the type of event (bar mitzvahs, picnics, corporate events) you might consider incorporating some kind of interactive ice-breaker games into your program.
   
   No one wants an overbearing cheesy DJ. You want YOU and YOUR GUESTS to be the real "stars" of the show, not your DJ. Be candid about your "vision" for the event. A professional DJ will honor your request to create the mood YOU have in mind.
5. Get It In Writing! - Every professional DJ works via signed contracts. Be sure it spells out the date, time, amount to be paid and the name of the DJ talent who will be at your event. Confirm that they have liability insurance; some venues require a "Certificate of Insurance" for all vendors.
   
   Also note any special needs of the DJ (setup table, electrical requirements, time needed for setup) and coordinate that with your venue.
   
   Most DJ's will require a deposit of 25-50% when the contract is signed, with the balance due 2 weeks before the event.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to ask for references and CALL THEM! Be sure the references are recent and for the specific DJ talent who will be at your event; not merely for the company.
• Confirm how your DJ will be dressed for the event. Having a disc jockey in jeans front and center of wedding guests who are wearing gowns and tuxedos makes a bad appearance.
• How will the DJ's gear be presented? No one wants to see a bunch of wires hanging out of equipment thrown on a banquet table. Professional DJ's use gear in draped cases or consoles. Wires should be tucked out of site or taped down for safety.
• Meet your DJ in person! You wouldn't expect to hire a caterer without tasting their food or buy a wedding gown without a fitting. Most professional DJ's don't use their clients' events as auditions (how would you feel if strangers showed up at your party?) so don't ask to see them perform somewhere else. That's what references are for! Some DJ's also have video or audio demos.
• All DJ's are not the same! Their individual skills and talent is what will make or break the success of your entertainment; not the number of songs or size of their speakers.
• Don't risk hiring a cheap DJ! Instead, look for the best VALUE. You might well get a lower rate for parties on Fridays or Sundays or during slower months of the year.