How to Choose the Right Deejay

The following information is to provide you with some helpful steps in hiring a musical entertainer, or "Disc Jockey." Use this sheet as a tool to accompany your process in finding the best service that is right for you. Below you will find an outline that will give you the knowledge you need in choosing the right entertainer for your party. Remember, you cannot redo that special day. So please take your time and really check out whom you are considering to hire.

It can be a long and arduous process trying to find the right company/individual for your event, especially if you have never hired one before. The first thing you should do is ask around and get advice. Find a close friend or family member that has hired a Disc Jockey in the past, or maybe you have seen one perform yourself. A good rule of thumb is to interview between 3-5 companies. Be objective, and DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE PRICE TAG JUST YET! Wait things out, hold your interviews, and decide at the end what service compliments your needs.

If the Disc Jockey you hire does not have much experience, or you are getting a price that is "Too good to be true," then be very cautious. Unfortunately, this is one of those times that you really will get what you pay for. It is said that the DJ will make or break an event. So much depend on this decision, yet it is only comparable to about 5-7% of your wedding budget. Can you believe that your vegetable tray could very well come in over the DJ bill?

Here's what to look & ask for:

Experience
If you had to hire an attorney, would you want one fresh out of grad school, or someone who has been working within the field and has a proved track record? After all the hours of planning, and all the expense of your event, success will come right down to how well your entertainer does his or her job. An experienced entertainer will make all of the difference in the world towards the final outcome of your event. Before you schedule any DJ service, you will want to watch them perform. "But how do you get an unbiased opinion?" Just ask!

Current References
If a company does not offer current references, you should wonder why. If they, and the people that work for them are qualified to do the job, they should offer references to everyone who calls, every time. That is one of the main differences between a Professional Entertainer and an Amateur who does this as a hobby or for some extra money on the weekends. Beware of on-line references. They are generally set up as a letter from a "supposedly past client" and will usually say something like: "Thanks very much you did a great job at our wedding," Niveen and Pooja. Do not go with these. Anybody can type up some letters and make them sound good. You want to actually talk with recent past clients. This way, you can talk to the people who have hired the deejay recently and get their unbiased opinion on their performance.

Back-up Equipment
Carrying Back-up equipment will insure that the show will go on. Lack of a spare amplifier, mixer, or compact disc player will mean THE END of entertainment at your event or function.

Live Audience
Are very important. Video and audiotapes are often staged for sales purposes only and not a true representation of an actual live performance. This way, you can see exactly what you will be getting for your hard earned dollar.

Music Resources
A Professional Mobile DJ company will always carry a wide variety of music covering all styles of danceable music, from the Big Bhangra Era, right up thru the latest dance remix hits of today. This enables them to cover almost any request they receive from you and your guests. Be careful though! Some couples may write down a bible of songs to be played at their engagement, which leaves little or no room for deviation and requests. Are you hiring a jukebox, or a Dee Jay? A good DJ will be able to gauge the interest of the crowd and play titles accordingly. If you gave them a specified regimen, they will only be playing songs that you want to hear while it may be dissatisfying for your guests. Let the entertainer use their talent and impress it upon your event. This is not to say that you cannot provide a handful of songs or artists that you want to be played. A rule of thumb is the average song lasts 3-4minutes. You can gauge how many songs will be physically able to be played based on the number of hours your engagement is minus cake cutting, announcements, presentations, and dinner etc.

Experience - Professionalism - Cooperation
These are all qualities to look for when choosing your "Party Motivator." A successful party is the result of many things coming together, in the right way and, at the right time. Choose carefully and wisely.

One more note, a professional deejay will statisify any event that they attend. When you look back at your event, you will not remember the food, decoration, or people, what you will remember is the fine entertainment you paid for. So select well, or else you'll regret for the rest of your life.

Have fun!