How to Write a Contract With a DJ for Your Wedding Reception

The entertainment is key for a memorable reception. To make sure your disc jockey doesn't cancel on you or rip you off, be sure to write a contract once you find a DJ for your reception. A DJ's word may be good, but for a day as important as a wedding you'll want a contract in writing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• witnesses
• contract terms

1. Identify the parties. Begin the contract with the date and the names of the two people signing the contract.
2. Agree on the place of engagement. Write down the venue and address of the place where the DJ will perform.
3. Write down the date of engagement. Write down the weekday, month date and year.
4. Decide on the hours of engagement. Delineate the times when the DJ must be at the venue. Provide a breakdown of how the time will be spent. For example, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm: set up 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm, perform 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, break 6:30 pm to 6:45 pm, perform 6:45 pm to 7:30 pm, breakdown 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
5. Agree on the payment terms. Write down the amount or amount per hour the DJ will be paid, at what time and in what form. Also provide for overtime here.
6. Agree on terms of performance. Write down what each party needs to do to fulfill their obligations. For example, the artist should provide their own lights, equipment and play certain songs and the purchaser must provide power and a stage.
7. Write down cancellation terms. Write down a contingency in case of cancellation by either the purchaser or artist. Decide on rescheduling or backups or reimbursement.
8. Provide signatures for purchaser, artist and witnesses. Sign and date above the printed names and contact information.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you write the contract, talk over the terms and write down everything you agree upon. Include all the terms in the contract.
• DJs may require a deposit. Write into the contract what the deposit is and how you might be able to get it back in case of cancellation. Have an attorney or wedding planner look over your contract before your sign it just to make sure you've covered all your bases.
• Don't agree to anything verbally, as there is no record of the agreement. If a DJ is reluctant to sign a contract, be reluctant to hire them.
• Don't forget to get references on a DJ as well as a contract. It won't matter whether or not he owes you money if he breaks the contract, what is important is to have a reliable DJ at your reception.

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