Selecting a DJ For your Event
Selecting a DJ for your event can be one of the hardest decisions you'll have to make. The DJ will make or break your event! You want to ensure that your event will run as smoothly as possible. Everything can be perfect, but if the music is not good, the party can fizzle out. With thousands of DJ's in America, everyone will promise that they will do a great job for you. So how do you pick a DJ? This information should help you in selecting a DJ.
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The most reliable way to choose a good DJ is to choose one you enjoyed at a previously attended event. If possible, get a card from him or her. If you can't get a card, ask the hall manager or the person that hired him or her.
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If you have not seen a DJ perform lately, ask friends and family. A good referral is usually the BEST way to select a DJ.
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Another option is to go to the Yellow Pages, Bridal Shows, Internet, or even a Wedding Planner and start looking! You will find all kinds of different businesses. You will want to look for DJ's that "specialize in weddings". Those DJ's should be the first you try to call. You will also find when calling them you are going to get a wide range of prices. Sometimes prices vary from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars. That's a big deference. It's quite easy to hire the cheapest one if money is an issue. But, as I always say, "you get what you pay for". On the other hand, you may not need to hire the most expensive either. The more expensive DJ's charge more usually because they have more experience, a bigger client list, bigger song selection, a good reputation, higher quality equipment, and insurance. Generally, the DJ's on the low end are new to the business, or do not have the proper equipment. They might be worth it if you are having an informal event.
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Make sure when speaking with a DJ over the phone you listen to how professional they are. That tends to indicate how they DJ a party and respect the guests. Ask them about their experience. When they answer "how many years of experience they have" the next question should be "how many weddings have you done?" Just because they have 20 years of experience if they have been DJing in a bar for 19 years doesn't mean they know how a wedding is run. Get references from people who have hired them before, or contact the hall manager at establishments where the DJ performs often.
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Many of the DJ's will boast abut their song list. A good variety is a good thing, but in reality they will only be able to play approximately 40-60 dance songs in a 6 hour time frame. Having the right 40-60 songs is more important than having 300,000 songs that your guests don't want to hear. When you talk to the DJ tell him what kind of event you are having and ask him what kind of music he suggests. You will feel comfortable after finding out what they can provide for you.
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When talking about equipment, most DJ's boast about their great equipment. If you are familiar with professional DJ equipment, great, but if not, you probably won't know the difference between which brands are better. However, your DJ should have professional grade equipment. If they list brands you are familiar with from your local electronic store, would question that a little more. You don't want home stereo equipment finding its way into your event. Most DJ amps will be between 200-800 watts per channel. Most home stereo amps will only be abut 100 watts per channel. "A great DJ can play with bad equipment but a bad DJ can't even DJ with great equipment."
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As you go through all of these questions, remember that the perfect DJ can be affordable, and experienced for your event.
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