Question

Answer

Is the DJ I am interested in  available?

This is one of the first questions a client should know and ask.  If the DJ is available, try scheduling and appointment at your earliest convenience.  If the DJ is popular or in high demand they may not remain available for long.  It is important you try to meet with them as discussed further in the question "How do I choose a DJ?"  It is certainly not uncommon that a DJ who is popular or in high demand to start booking from 12 to 24 months out.

What is the DJ's experience?

How long the company has been in business and what kind of experience the   assigned DJ for your event has is a very important question to ask.  If you are hiring for a wedding reception, you might want to ask how much of their experience or business is wedding related and are they knowledgeable about wedding etiquette.  This also applies to various others types of parties such as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Birthdays, Corporate, Holiday, Anniversaries, Car Shows, Etc.  The DJ being  accommodating, flexible, and experienced to the client's special requests, will show a high level experience the DJ has and the training that company has provided to their DJ's.

Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group?

Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the companies willingness to network, learn and grow.  DJ's can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional.  A good DJ will be involved with organizations such as American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA), National Association of Mobile Entertainers (NAME), or Online Disc Jockey Association (ODJA). Good DJ’s will also subscribe to DJ periodicals such as Mobile Beat or DJ Times. All of the DJ organizations and periodicals are tools of the DJ trade to assist the DJ to be the best they can be!  N.A.M.E. and A.D.J.A members have gone through a thorough check before becoming members and are professionals - you should feel confident in choosing a member of these associations for any of your events

Does a DJ just play CD’s?

No. A DJ’s challenge is to recognize the different moods and special moments that occur during your reception and play music to enhance those moments. A DJ should make the event entertaining and memorable. A DJ must be director, psychologist, motivator, host, coordinator, and entertainer all at the same time.

What exactly  does a DJ really do?

A DJ serves as a catalyst to help your guests entertain themselves. Some DJ’s are more interactive than others are. The danger of DJ’s who perform ‘an act’ is that it really is not appropriate at most events. Unless you specifically desire such a DJ, look for the person who does all those things in the answer to the previous question.

How does a DJ accomplish this?

The DJ must watch for details both on and off the dance floor. He or she must plan effectively and personally with the event host or bride and groom. Most importantly, the DJ must care about details and they must ask themselves, "What if this were my event or reception?" The DJ should also honor requests and weave them into a musical mosaic. An experienced DJ must be able to read the guests at the event and play a selection of music that will keep a good continuous flow of people on the dance floor. There will be different age groups and music tastes at your event. The DJ and his/her music library must be versatile enough to please all attending your event.

How do I choose a DJ?

The best way that you can choose a DJ is through referral from a person you trust or has no financial gain in making a recommendation. Remember that you are looking for a reception or wedding DJ, not just any DJ. When you call, ask if the date for your event is open, get a general idea of the cost, and promptly make an appointment to meet with the DJ. You should be able to meet with the DJ you hire. Most DJ companies work with subcontractor DJ’s and the company you are hiring, most likely doesn’t know who will be at your event until two to three weeks before your event. You should ask if the company you are considering for your event if they use subcontractors. If you do not mind this type of service, you should insist on meeting or having a DJ assigned, otherwise, stay away from these companies. Ask yourself, how many times you gave a business, store, or an individual, money for their services and not cared for what you are receiving in exchange for that money!  They should be willing to meet with you and discuss your likes and dislikes, both musically and otherwise. Easy access to your DJ is another important factor in selecting the company.  Being able to easily reach the company you are hiring for last minute additions, changes and/or suggestions is a big personal touch by a customer service oriented company.

What should you look for when you meet the DJ?

Go with your first impression. You must feel comfortable with the person who you will be paying to be in charge of the reception’s entertainment. Ask the DJ you interviewing, what do they wear during an event you are hiring them for. Some companies will give you a choice of suits or tuxedo’s. Some companies, tuxedos are their standard uniform except for outdoor picnic events. Regardless of what you agree the DJ to wear at your event, you should not have to pay any extra for your DJ to dress in formal attire. Find out, by asking, if the DJ is willing to work with you both on accommodating your personal style and taste. If you get the impression that the DJ is not cooperative then say, "Thanks but no thanks."

How much music should a DJ bring?

Some DJ music services brag about the huge music library they have. Ask them if they bring the entire library and if the list is computer generated. If they can’t find it then what good is it to have gazillion songs. Most companies that brag about the size of their libraries do not tell you that they may have to divide their libraries by the amount of DJ’s they have on staff. Let’s take an example; a company with a 225,000-song library is very impressive. Having 160 DJ’s on staff also seems impressive. Let’s see how impressed you are; this company must divide their library by their staff (225,000 divided by 160 = 1406 songs per DJ). On an average there are 18 songs per CD (1406 divided by 18 = 78 CD’s per DJ). Are you still impressed that the DJ at your event may have less CD’s than you do in your home collection? Lets take this one step further, on a standard CD purchased at the local music store there may be a maximum of four really good songs worth dancing to. Do you think this DJ can satisfy requests from the guests at you event based on the various age groups and music tastes? On the other hand, some only bring about 300 to 500 of the most requested songs. These DJs can not really honor requests of a truly diverse audience that most receptions are composed of either. Remember that in a 4-hour reception the theoretical maximum amount of songs that could be played is around 100! (Assuming 3 minutes per song played back to back).

What kinds of music styles should the DJ’s library contain?

A DJ should have all types of music available with him/her at the reception in order to please a diverse audience. The DJ should be able to play music from the big band era to oldies and music from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’ s, right up through today’s hot hits. Ask the DJ, how do they stay with the most current music? A good DJ company will have a membership to some sort of record pool to keep current with the constant changing music world. In addition, how does the DJ keep in touch with what is hot for the event you are hiring them for.

Should the DJ provide you with a music guide or list to assist you?

Yes. Ask the DJ for a copy (possibly a loaner) of their music list. Some DJ’s offer a shortened list that gives a profile of the type of music they have in their library. A DJ should take the time to find out your musical tastes and be open to your needs. By the same token, an experienced DJ also knows what works and what does not work. Listen to their advice. A classic example is one where a bride and groom insisted on heavy metal for the entire reception! Their attitude was, they paid for it even though the guest list included many senior relatives! Common sense dictates that you might want to listen to your DJ in this case.

Are compact discs better than records?

In many ways, the answer is yes. Records show wear that you can hear. They also skip on the best of turntables because the dance floors sometimes vibrate from people dancing. CD’s can skip too if the reception hall is old or has a very bouncy dance floor. You should consider this when checking out a reception hall. However, CD’s are by far the best followed by tape. Remember that a DJ claiming all CD’s is not necessarily better than one that plays music from CD’s and tape.  Today’s professional tape machines have sound quality that can match CD’s.  With changing technology MP3’s are quickly becoming a new media that music is being presented.  However, MP3’s still have some ways to go before becoming a big part of the DJ industry although the future is definitely near.  It all depends on the equipment, so ask the DJ about this.

Do you use professional equipment?

Ask if you assigned DJ will utilize professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer, N.A.M.E,  or the A.D.J.A to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an entertainer's talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event.

Do you have on-site back up equipment in case of a failure?

Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your DJ did not come prepared?  It is also important to know if your DJ has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. Members of the N.A.M.E and A.D.J.A. have many resources available to them in case of an emergency.

How much time do you allow for setup?

Punctuality is a necessity.  Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one hour prior to the start time you've given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door.

Am I obligated to feed the DJ?

No, you are not obligated to feed the DJ unless it is stipulated within the contract; however, it is a nice gesture to offer a meal of some sort, while everyone else is eating. Often your DJ has started to set up several hours before your actual reception, play for a minimum of four hours, and will be there an hour or two after your reception taking equipment down. Hired help should not eat with the guests and should find an alternate room or location to enjoy a brief break. All in all, a kind gesture is often returned many times over.

If I contracted for four hours but everyone is having a great time how should I handle the overtime?

Your DJ should have discussed that with you prior to your reception and at contract signing. It should also be part of your contract. However, you alone must authorize it. If the check you have prepared for the DJ does not cover the overtime then the DJ has the option of accepting cash or check. Usually, it is best to have the cash available and to pay the DJ Company when services are rendered. Some DJ companies will try to sell you overtime up front, don’t get caught up in this unless you are having the DJ play service music or you are absolutely sure you want the DJ longer than the standard time. You must check with the reception hall first to ensure that they will allow it, they may have another event after yours, they may charge you an arm and a leg to stay later, or they may not have a problem with it at all. If a DJ convinces you to contract for the additional time and your reception does not go for that duration, keep in mind, you now have a contract to pay the DJ for that time whether it goes on for the specified length of time or not. Each company operates differently and payment arrangements for standard and overtime rates should always be stipulated in your contract. However, it is standard practice that full payment be made by the conclusion of the event. 

Do you provide a written contract?

It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%.  If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.  It is very important that the company provide you with a written contract that spells out the details of your agreement.  This protects you, the client, as well as the company you are hiring.

Do you tip a DJ and when do I pay them?

The answer to tipping is strictly up to you. If you know the DJ gave you a fair price and a great performance then it is always nice to say thanks and show your appreciation. Be very cautious of those companies that make tipping part of the contract. That may be one of those hidden costs that some companies charge you. Some other hidden costs that you should be aware of that some DJ companies might charge you are setup, teardown, and travel costs. Some DJ companies charge you for the use of making payments with your credit cards. Stay away from the DJ Company that nickel and dimes you to death by charging you for breathing air!

Should a DJ advertise at your reception?

Good taste dictates that the DJ not use a sign unless it is unobtrusive and does not appear to take away from the décor in any way. Having business cards available in a discrete holder next to the DJ is fine. As to cards or flyers on guests’ tables the answer should be no but a considerate DJ will ask the bride and groom before hand. The DJ’s performance is usually the biggest part of their advertisement. If a guest liked the performance they can see the DJ for a card or get in touch with the bride and groom after the fact.

How much will I be paying for a DJ?

You will note that PRICE is not at the top of the list but is one of the first questions a client may ask. Please keep in mind that the highest or lowest price does not always guarantee quality.  A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours". Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.  DJ rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.  Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to $3,500.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking.  The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.

Are you insured?

Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer.  Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability.  DJ's receive a Certificate of Liability if they have insurance that can be provided to venues as proof if necessary.