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Do you Provide A Written Agreement? It is very important to confirm your booking in writing. Terms should be clearly defined to avoid future problems.
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Are you Insured? Be confident that the DJ you hire will show up for your affair! Insurance is the law in most States and some facility's will not allow the DJ in on the day of the event - would you want to take the risk? Liability also will give security & protection to you and your guests, as well as the DJ and his expensive gear!
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Do you have Backup Equipment and DJ's? Even professional equipment can fail on occasion, don't let this put an early end to your affair. Make sure there is backup equipment and be sure there is a back-up DJ should an emergency or case of illness occur.
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Is your Equipment of Professional Quality? There is a difference between home audio and professional road-worthy equipment a DJ uses should be built to go on the road each and every day!
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Will you listen to my Music Suggestions? Many DJ's are of the opinion that they know what music is best for their audience and won't take requests. The DJ should listen to requests and play them whenever appropriate but more important should listen to your idea's and accept music lists during the planning stages so with his combined experience and your input, there should be little request or if the DJ receives a lot of requests - this tells you one thing - not that he is popular but that he is obviously not reading the crowd, has not does his homework and your guests are having to request songs they want to dance to because he has not got a clue!
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Will you Dress Appropriately at My Affair? It is important that your entertainer look the part by dressing formal or semiformal, according to your preference. Themed events and picnics require different attire.The DJ should always present himself in a tuxedo unless you direct him to wear something else.
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Will you Play The Music At An Appropriate Level? The biggest concern voiced by prospective clients is the volume at a level appropriate for the guests, especially during cocktails and the dinner hour.
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Do you do more than just play Music at the Affair? Most affairs involve more than playing Music. It is important to have a DJ who is capable of playing the music, handling all of the announcements and helps to coordinate the affair.
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Will you listen to my Concerns and Inputs? A professional DJ is aware that they can't possibly know every aspect of music and entertainment. Your input and Suggestions should be welcome!
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Plan to meet the DJ in advance. If your disc jockey turns out to be late, unprofessional, or comes unequipped for your meeting, you'll have time to search for another. Finding a wedding DJ who looks motivated to help make your ceremony and reception a huge success can do wonders for stress levels for both bride and groom.
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Inquire about music tracks This sounds simple, but ensure that the DJ has a wide range of songs to play for the celebration, everything from oldies to waltzes for the bride and groom, and additionally, some up-tempo, newer type music. Good DJ's can sense the mood of the crowd at your event and elevate the mood when the guests feel like dancing and tone it down when people feel a need to relax. In addition, a professional DJ knows what to play in terms of requests, what will come across well and also, what type of music that would not be appreciated .
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Get it in writing As in any business transaction, a legal contract is mandatory. Ensure that you have in writing what will be provided and for how long. Be sure to include actual playing times, equipment that will be provided, number of breaks and attire. Also, it's usually a good idea to have an overrun clause stipulated, just in case the wedding goes on longer than planned. If this happens, the overrun clause should address the extra pay for the additional entertainment.