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Does Your DJ Use Professional Equipment?
There is a difference between the audio equipment you have at home and the equipment a professional DJ uses. Professional audio equipment is built to go on the road day in and day out. Make sure your prospective choices use only professional equipment to ensure the music sounds as good as possible for all of your guests' enjoyment.
Can Your DJ Provide Backup Equipment
& Personnel in Case of an Emergency?
Even professional equipment can fail on occasion, so it is important to know whether your DJ has spare equipment available. Any number of circumstances may arise between the time you book your DJ and the date of your event. It is important to know if the DJ has a backup plan in case of illness or accident.
Can Your DJ Provide a Written Contract?
It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. All terms of the agreement should be in writing to avoid any complications at a later date.
Will Your DJ Be Suitably Dressed for the Occasion?
It is important that your DJ looks the part by dressing in formal or semiformal attire. Be sure to specify the type of apparel that your DJ should use. There should be no added fee charged for formal attire.
Does Your DJ Know the Proper Procedure
& Etiquette for My Type of Wedding?
A professional DJ will become involved with the planning of your special day and will be prepared to handle all announcements and special events on the day of your wedding.
Is Your DJ Registered, Incorporated,
and/or Insured?
A DJ who has taken the time to incorporate, register, and insure their respective companies demonstrates that he or she is serious. However, some of the best DJs are sole proprietors who are owner-operators!
Is Your DJ Willing to Discuss Musical Selections ahead of Time? Is He or She Willing to Play Requests, Particularly If They Are Suitable for Dancing?
A professional DJ is aware that he or she cannot possibly know everything there is to know about your musical preferences and entertainment needs.
He or she should be willing to listen to your ideas and suggestions, making himself or herself available prior to your wedding. A professional DJ should never play the songs you have asked not to be played. Special requests should never be a problem, and your DJ should be willing to play them when they are appropriate.
How Much Music Should a DJ Bring?
Some DJ services brag about a huge music library. Ask them if they bring the entire library and if it is in a database. If they can't find a song, then it does no good to have that many songs.
On the other hand, some only bring about 300 to 500 of the most requested songs. These DJs cannot really honor requests of a truly diverse audience that most receptions are composed of. Remember that for a 4-hour reception, the maximum amount of songs that could be played is around 60 (average of 4 minutes per song played back to back).
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What Kinds of Music Styles Should
the DJ's Library Contain?
A DJ should have all types of music with him/her at the reception in order to please a diverse audience. The DJ should be able to play music from the big band era to the 1950s to today's hottest hits. Your DJ should even be able to provide ethnic music to suit your event.
Should the DJ Provide You with a Music Guide
or List to Assist You?
Yes. Your DJ should arrange a meeting with you as soon as possible to go over all the details. Ask the DJ for a copy of the music list. Some DJs offer a shortened list that gives a profile of the type of music they have in their library. A DJ should find out your musical tastes and be open to your needs.
By the same token, an experienced DJ also knows what works and what does not work. Listen to your DJ's advice. A classic example is one where the bride and groom insisted on country for the entire reception! They chose their favorite music even though the guest list included many people from different backgrounds! Common sense dictates that you might want to listen to your DJ in this case.
Are CDs Better Than Records?
In many ways, yes. Records show wear that you can hear. They also skip on the best of turntables because the dance floors sometimes vibrate from people dancing. CDs can skip too if the reception hall is old or has a very bouncy dance floor.
You should consider this when you check out a reception hall. However, CDs are by far the best (followed by tapes). Remember that a DJ claiming all CDs is not necessarily better than one that plays music from CDs and tapes. Professional tape machines have sound quality that can match CDs. It all depends on the equipment, so ask the DJ about this.
If I Contracted for 5 Hours But Everyone Is Having a Great Time, How Should I Handle the Overtime?
Your DJ should have discussed that with you prior to your reception at the contract signing. It should also be part of your contract. However, you alone must authorize it. If the check you have prepared for the DJ does not cover the overtime, then the DJ has the option of accepting cash or check. Usually, it is best to have the cash available and to pay the DJ when services are rendered.
Do You Tip a DJ? When Do I Pay Him or Her?
The answer to tipping is up to you. If you know the DJ gave you a fair price and a great performance, then it is always nice to say "thanks" with a tip. Payments should always be made on the night of the performance, either prior to the end or at the conclusion of the event. However, each company operates differently and payment arrangements should always be stipulated in your contract.
Am I Obligated to Feed the DJ?
No, you are not obligated to feed the DJ. However, it is a nice gesture to offer a meal of some sort while everyone else is eating.
Often, your DJ sets up an hour before your actual reception, plays for a minimum of 4 hours, and will be there an hour after your reception taking equipment down. |
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