Hiring music entertainment can arguably be the most important booking made for your wedding. A Mobile Disco can make or break the evenings entertainment, and a bad DJ or one who fails to turn out, can ruin an otherwise perfect day. What you pay for is what you get is a good rule of thumb. However, I would like to educate the consumer, future brides and grooms, of how to hire a DJ and things to consider. The following are all important factors to consider when hiring a disc jockey BEFORE you sign the contract.
1. Who would be the DJ for your occasion? Many DJ companies are a multi-system operation. Be sure to have in writing of who your DJ will be at your event. By booking through an agency it is unlikely that the Mobile Disco who attends will be the person you spoke to on the phone.
2. How many years experience does your DJ have with your type of function? Anyone can pretend to be a DJ. If you are having a formal event, does your DJ know how to organise a wedding reception or a grand entrance? or how about the Wedding Arch for the Bride and Grooms departure at the end of the Evening. The DJ should perform the type of show that you want!
3. Does the DJ get everyone involved dancing or do they just play music? You have to ask yourself if you want a DJ that will get everyone dancing? For example, will the DJ involve guests by playing and conducting motivational dances like YMCA, Grease Hi-Ho Silver Lining, Cha Cha Slide or just play back to back music.
4. Will the DJ be dressed appropriately? Formal means tuxedo or dress. Semi-formal means dress pants, shirt & tie or slacks and blouse. Casual means polo shirt or company shirt. Be sure the DJ is dressed appropriately during set-up and takedown of equipment. Some guests do arrive early and stay late.
5. What is the DJ’s fee? How much is overtime? Will there be an extra charge for lighting, what does the lighting include? How much is travel to your location? Are you ONLY paying for the time the DJ performs?
6. Does the DJ include a contract? Be sure to have all details of your function in writing. The DJ must know the date, place, and time! You must know each other’s names and phone numbers including the DAY of the occasion.
7. Is the DJ company professional? This may sound silly, but does the DJ have insurance? Accidents do happen. Some venues will not allow the DJ to work in them unless they have a minimum of public liability insurance (PLI). It’s better to be prepared and ask the question before you book oterwise worst case sceanario is that the DJ will arrive at your Wedding, be unable to produce the insurance documents and be refused entry. Also, is the DJ a member of a national DJ association like DJ Associates or SEDA?.
8. What kind of equipment does the DJ use? Typically, if a DJ is using a brand of equipment you can buy at your local retail store, then that’s what you will get. Excellent brand names include: JBL, Community, Denon, Gemini, QSC, Crown, etc. Always, and I mean always, ask if the DJ has back-up equipment WITH them for your function. Also, be sure the DJ brings the right amount of sound for the number of guests expected.
9. What music do you play? How many music selections will the DJ have WITH them? Be sure your DJ takes requests before and during your function. Also, give them a guideline of what you want played. However, this is what the DJ is paid to do. Don’t limit the DJ by saying you want all of one kind of music or a list of 100 songs they must play. The best scenario is to play any type of music that gets people dancing and having fun. By the way, it should be understood the DJ does not play any offensive music.
10. Above all don’t expect your DJ to be a mind reader, or carry a lot of specialised music. If there is any special requirements, make sure that you point them out BEFORE the function