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Experience should be a major factor in your
choice of a DJ.
1. The DJ you choose should have experience
in the specific type of function you are
hiring them for. All functions are not the
same, for example, a wedding involving a
couple in their 20's is a much different
affair then one for a couple in their 40's.
Remember the DJ is not just there to play
music, they are there to provide
entertainment, which means they should be
able to interact with the guests and get
them involved in the activities. Remember
for some of your guests this might be the
only opportunity they get to go out dancing.
2. The DJ should also be experienced in
working with your photographer, videographer,
and reception staff. Often the DJ will act
as the "Master of Ceremonies" for the
reception, coordinating special formalities
such as first dances, parent dances,
throwing of the bouquet or garter belt,
distribution of center pieces, and cake
cutting. The last thing you want is the
photographer missing a picture because the
DJ did not coordinate the events with them.
The DJ should be experienced
in being the "Master of Ceremonies" at your
affair from the moment you walk in to the
time you leave for your honeymoon. There's
nothing worse than having your DJ make the
pace of your affair erratic or have them end
the affair poorly.
Price should not be
the primary reason for hiring a DJ.
How much a DJ charges for his or her
services is a poor indicator of how good
that DJ will be at your function. Also
remember if you go through an "Entertainment
Agency" you will pay more because you are
paying them and the DJ. If possible try and
deal with the DJ directly to save some
money. Remember in the scheme of things
trying to save $50-$100 on the DJ for a
several thousand dollar wedding isn't worth
the risk of having a bad DJ ruin your
affair.
The type of sound
equipment the DJ has is very important.
Poor quality sound equipment results in poor
sounding music. A good DJ should have
professional quality equipment that fits
into the decor of your affair.
While it's important that a DJ's equipment
should be of professional quality, it's just
as important that the DJ knows how to use
and set up the equipment. Poorly set up
sound and light equipment will result in
poor sounding music and a poor looking
affair, irregardless of the quality of the
equipment.
It's important the
DJ is professional and that you trust them
to handle your affair in the proper manner.
When you call the DJ do they sound
professional on the phone? When you meet
them are they dressed neatly and come
organized? If you do not like the DJ (even
if you can't pinpoint the reason) you should
probably not hire him or her. There are
plenty of DJ's so do not worry about finding
one you like.
Ask to view a video
of the DJ to see what they are like
performing at an actual affair.
While you can go to an actual affair the DJ
is working, these are usually private
functions and you will more than likely feel
awkward when you are there since you are not
an invited guest. This will often cause you
to hurry up your evaluation of the DJ. This
is why a video is recommended for reviewing
a DJ that way you can ask the DJ questions
in a more relaxed atmosphere while viewing
them performing at an actual event.
A lot of DJ's make
a big to do about having thousands of CDs
while that's nice, it's more important that
they have the music you want to hear.
Your function typically lasts 4-6 hours, the
average song is about 5 minutes long so you
are only going to be able to hear 48-72
songs during your affair.
When you interview
your DJ make sure they have the specific
songs you want. You should make sure that
these songs are designated in writing and
include both the song title and artist.
There's a big difference between "My Way"
sung by Frank Sinatra and the original
version sung by Paul Anka. If it's in
writing there will be no confusion about
what you requested.
Make sure the DJ
has a wide selection of music to
accommodate all ages at your function.
This way if there are requests from your
guests the DJ will be able to fulfill them.
The more requests that are filled the more
enjoyable your function will be for your
guests.
Two DJ's are not
always better than one
Some companies say they can offer 2 DJ's for
same price as one, what they don't tell you
is that the second DJ they throw in for
"free" is actually an inexperienced DJ they
are training. That's why the second DJ
seems to be acting more as a "roadie"
helping to setup and take down equipment
rather than doing any actual DJ work. What
makes it worse is the two DJ's usually end
up socializing with each other rather than
concentrating on your event.
All functions are
unique to some degree and you should expect
your DJ to treat your function as a "One of
a Kind" and not just as another job.
This last piece of advice is the most
important GET
EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!!!
This way there is no confusion or mix ups
and everybody is clear on what is expected
from everyone.
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