Things You'll Need:
- Internet access
- Telephone
- Pen & Paper
-
Step 1
It may sound strange but Commitment is the number one factor to look for. Without it, your DJ could show up late or not at all. Commitment goes further than the day of the event as well. Does the DJ answer the phone during business hours? Is he/she willing to work with you on song requests? Does he a have clear set of driving directions to your event? How much more is he willing to do besides DJ and collect your money?
-
Step 2
Analysis of the DJ’s website is also an important task. Look for elements such as booking procedures, past event articles, performance contracts, and photos. Where has this person or company booked events? How recently? These web elements give you an idea of the DJ’s experience. The DJ doesn’t have a website? It’s probably a good idea to look elsewhere. This is a huge indicator that the DJ lacks experience, commitment, and professionalism.
-
Step 3
Professionalism plays a part before, during, and after the event. DJs who do not work under a contract lack experience that would otherwise have convinced them to do so already. Contracts should be designed to protect both parties. Don’t be afraid to have the DJ revise a contract to suit your requirements. Is the contract in plain view and accessible before booking the event? Are they willing to meet with you personally to negotiate your terms and requests as well?
-
Step 4
Experience plays the most important role during the event ceremony. This factor is often indicated by the DJ’s past event roster and current bookings. Is this person doing one or two weddings a month or is it a full time job? Working with audio and electronic equipment demands the knowledge and skills to set up, operate, and diagnose problems on the fly. Speak to potential DJs but let them do most of the talking. Ask them about their experience directly. What were their most recent events like? When was the last wedding they performed?
-
Step 5
Knowing the answers to these questions will arm you with the knowledge to make better DJ booking decisions. Take the time to do things right and also realize that your wedding reception is not the time to realize the "get what you paid for" lesson. Good luck!
Comments
thebestintown said
on 3/16/2009 I went with Diverse Sounds (http://www.diversesounds.com) for my Wedding DJ. If you’re anywhere in West Michigan, I would strongly suggest considering them for their disc jockey service. They even have an online submission form where you can outline exactly what it is that you’re looking for. Then they will contact you personally to make sure that you get exactly what you’re looking for out of your Wedding. Because of the experience of my wedding, my parents are looking forward to working with Diverse Sounds for their 35th Wedding Anniversary.
Spinducky08 said
on 8/22/2008 Keep in mind also to ask whether the DJ you hire is with a "multi-op" company (Service that sends dj's to multiple events) or if they are the owner of the company themselves - whereas the DJ you talk to IS the person who'll be at your event - and really should be the person to be talking to rather than having your requests passed on to someone you've never met.
Another thing to look for in a DJ other than experience is how their setup looks. Make sure their equipment is clean, maintained and in good working order. You will be having photos taken at your event and you want to make sure your DJ's setup looks neat and tidy, with all cables and cords tied up or tucked neatly away from view. Speakers and stands should be presentable and not looking like they were dragged behind the DJ's van en route to your event!
CCrock said
on 12/13/2007 Great article. Thankfully we didn't have to worry about that. We made a playlist of all the songs we wanted beforehand on an mp3 player and plugged that into the speaker system. It worked great!