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| How to Choose and Hire/Book a Mobile DJ for Your Event
The Two Most Important Things You Need To Know Now
- NEVER ASSUME what the DJ should already know. It's your event.
You know what you want - the DJ does not. You need to give the DJ as much information as possible.
- When you pay for the services of disc jockeys -
YOU ARE THE BOSS and THEY WORK FOR YOU. State what is needed and required, it's their job to make it happen.
That includes type of music, volume and attire.
How To Choose and Get The DJ You Want
- Make a list of exactly what you want your DJ to do and not do. Just play music and don't talk? Want the DJ to make announcements and maybe play the role of an MC? Do you want your DJ to be sophisticated at all times? Be interactive? Be a party animal? Give dance lessons or don't give dance lessons? Also be a karaoke host or no karaoke?
TIP >>> Some DJs cannot handle all these different facets so you need to choose one that is capable of honoring your wishes.
Some DJs prefer to be dance instructors, singers or karaoke hosts more than a DJ. Some won't be an MC. Some don't talk... others won't stop talking. Some are strictly sophistiated, while some insist on being the life of the party.
Now that you know this important starting point, some will be perfect for your event.
- KNOW THE MUSIC THAT YOU WANT PLAYED. This is obviously very important. Make sure the DJ will have the music that you want at your event. Do you want a variety of music or perhaps just Club, Top-40, Oldies, Hip Hop, Country ...?
TIP >>> Variety music DJs are the most expensive because they have to be knowledgeable about many different types of music and deal with the astronomical cost of buying many more CDs/Downloads plus time learning/listening more than someone specializing in just one type. Not too many DJs will have a printed list of the music they own especially if their music collection is huge and constantly updated.In any case, you need assurance that what you want will actually be at your event.
- Do you want a DJ with a set music program or be flexible? Take requests or not? Play your requests on demand or when they feel it can be fit in without altering the dance floor or mood? As always, this is completely up to you. I can't stress this strongly enough - get the DJ that will do it your way.
- Make sure the DJ has the right equipment for your event. Be sure to state the approximate number of people who will be attending (some DJs don't have equipment to handle large events). State whether event is indoors or outdoors or both. Will equipment have to be moved from one place to another during the event? If some specific equipment will be required such as a wireless microphone, tape or CD players, make sure the DJ service has this since not all do. Lights, fog, bubbles or theme? Want them or don't want them - tell the DJ before getting a rate estimate (price quote).
- After signing a contract, do you want an additional meeting (or meetings) in person before your event to go over details? Not all DJs do this. Find out before hiring a DJ.
DJs For Weddings, Banquets and Formal Events: specific questions to ask
- Do they know how to work with photographers, videographers and related personnel? Don't take this for granted. It's imperative everybody coordinate their actions so that important moments are handled, photographed and videographed correctly.
- Will they set-up their equipment before your guests arrive? Will that cost extra?
- If you don't have an event coordinator (someone to oversee formalities and other details), can the DJ help you with this? The good DJs can.
For the record, the best DJs will make all this easy for you.
Most everything above is just to protect yourself from the "every little detail costs more" group,
some bad ones and those not qualified to work at your event.
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