1.
Price – The first question, (and
sometimes the only
question) a customer asks is, “How much does a DJ cost”? Actually this
should be the last question. When hiring your DJ you should never risk having an
awful reception to save a hundred dollars. While many couples focus on catering,
decorations and apparel, they overlook the importance of an experienced,
professional DJ. In this business you really do get what you pay for and your
choice of DJ can make or break your reception. Allowing a relative or a friend
of a friend to use your special day to experiment with their DJ skills is a
mistake. An amateur DJ may be the right choice for you if your wedding
photography will be captured on a disposable camera, your reception is being
held in your family garage and friends and relatives provide your catering. However,
if you realize the importance of your master of ceremonies, music, quality sound
equipment, and the professional appearance an experienced DJ will add to your
special day then continue.
2.
Availability
– This should be
the first question to ask your DJ. Keep in mind that
there will probably be many other weddings occurring on your wedding day in your
area as well, and the best
DJ’s will be in highest demand. If
your choice of DJ is not available for the date and time that you need, then you
can save a lot of time and move on to the next choice. When scheduling your DJ
you should allow as much time for scheduling as possible to ensure availability.
3.
Professional Vs. Amateur
(Part-Time) – A professional is a person who
is trained exclusively, experienced and devoted to a chosen profession or
occupation (I.E. Full-Time). An amateur DJ (Part-Time) usually has a full-time
occupation during the week and his DJ business is a hobby or a part-time weekend
job. There are many quality amateurs available, (after all, that’s how most
professionals began). Finding the quality amateur is the problem. Very few make
it to the stage of becoming a full-time professional. Amateurs are usually
over-priced but are priced below the professionals and lure customers that base
their choice on the lowest price. That is where the mistake lies. The
amateur’s real “profession” is his weekday job. The problems arise when
mandatory work is required of their real profession or when another customer
lures that DJ with a promise of more money. Sometimes the DJ decides he’d
just rather have the day off. As a professional service, we have covered
for all of these excuses and many others including equipment being stolen, gone
out of business, death or another family crisis. The original “cheaper” DJ
that saved them $100 ended up costing them much, much more than if they had
scheduled originally with a professional. Are you willing to risk your special
day for a “cheap” DJ that may cancel on you the day before your wedding? If
your wedding day is too important to trust to an amateur please continue.
4.
Contract Vs. Verbal
Agreement – This is an important factor that usually sets the
professional apart from the amateurs. ALWAYS have a written contract for
services with your DJ (or any vendor) stating the exact date, time and location
of your event to ensure that your DJ will show up, be ready on time at the right
location. Other details should be stated and agreed upon in writing as well to
avoid miscommunication or misunderstandings associated with your wedding
reception plans. A written contract is a legal and binding agreement for
both parties to guarantee the event to be performed. A verbal agreement allows
the amateur to back out of the agreement under the terms of a misunderstanding
or miscommunication. In most cases the amateur DJ forgets, never shows up or
remembers at the last moment when he has made other plans. A professional never
forgets and by using a written contract shows his serious intent to perform as
you are expecting.
5.
Professional Appearance- If you
are not sure if you’ve hired a professional or amateur you will know for sure
on your wedding day. A professional DJ should always perform a wedding reception
in tuxedo apparel unless otherwise instructed by YOU. As a rule we feel that we should
be dressed equal to or better than the guests in attendance. Weddings are
almost always a formal occasion and tuxedo apparel is a must. If you are lucky,
the amateur may wear a necktie. Your professional DJ should be neatly groomed
and project a professional personality to you and your guests (after all he is a
reflection of your choice). The professional DJ should not smoke or consume
alcohol during his performance time (he should not permeate the odor of such
either). Stepping outside for either is not acceptable. He is polite to you and
your guests. He should be professional in his speaking and avoid telling bad
jokes, using foul language or playing any inappropriate music that may be
offensive to some guests. A real amateur is there for only 1 reason and that is
to get paid. His attention is on that one factor rather than on you and your
guests as it should be. This factor will be seen when it is too late and you are
living this nightmare. Choose wisely!
6.
Scheduling – As stated
previously, your first question should ask of the DJ’s availability.
Scheduling a professional DJ should take place 6-12 months prior to your wedding
day. Professional DJ’s with experience will be scheduled many months, sometimes
a few years in advance. Just like a quality banquet facility, quality DJ’s are
reserved quickly. Although professional DJ companies may be able to schedule
more than one event per day, don’t hesitate too long as key dates fill up
quickly. In addition to the many other weddings taking place on your wedding
day, other events such as school functions (proms or other dances), corporate
events, class reunions, anniversaries, birthday parties, holiday parties and
other events will also be competing for your DJ. As soon as you know that you
want to hire a DJ and you have set the date, time and location of your event,
call and schedule your DJ!
7.
Check Credentials – Always ask for references and make sure
that they are current and congruent to your event. Schools or corporate events
do not serve as good references for a wedding reception as these events require
different personalities, and levels of professionalism as well as choice of
music. An experienced professional is quite capable of performing each event
well, but make sure that your DJ is experienced in weddings and their specialty
is not high school dances or car shows. Ask the banquet manager or owner of the
facility where your reception is being held if they have ever heard of your DJ
or if they might have a few suggestions for you if you are undecided. Most
facilities are familiar with the real professionals in your area and can serve
as a good reference for you. In most cases you will hear the names of one or two
quality DJ’s come up several times when asking for suggestions.
8.
Professional Equipment – A
professional DJ will use quality, professional equipment. Home stereo equipment
is not designed for heavy-duty use due to the constant transportation and increased
range of variables such as temperature, humidity and dust it will be subjected
to. Professional equipment is designed to withstand this type of use as well as
providing the necessary power for larger venues. Professional equipment is a
must. It is far more durable than home stereo equipment and less likely to break
down unexpectedly or suffer malfunctions. A Professional DJ also
will be prepared with back-up equipment in the event of an unexpected breakdown.
Be sure to inquire about equipment that will be used at your reception.
9.
Music Library – Another question often
asked is, “What kind of music do you play?” A professional DJ will have a wide
range of music covering all types and generations. A specialty DJ may focus on
one type of music such as country if he performs in that type of atmosphere or
he may specialize in oldies if he performs for car shows or sock hops. A
professional wedding DJ will encounter all types and generations of music
requests and should be prepared for such. When choosing your DJ ask about the
types of music that they have in their library as well as the type they play at
receptions. You may want to inquire about specific titles or artists that you
will want played at your reception. We currently carry one of the largest music
library in the state of Indiana. Our music library
spans from the 1920’s through today’s popular hits covering the Rock, Pop,
Country, R&B, Rap and Alternative charts. We stay current on all the chart
music. In addition to your requests, our DJ’s take requests from guests as
well as using their own expertise to keep your event lively.
10.
Event Planner – To ensure that
your wishes are fulfilled on your wedding day, we offer our customers an online
event planner. The bride and groom can plan their reception ceremonies such as
introductions of the wedding party, cutting of the cake, bridal toasts, wedding dances, bouquet and
garter tosses, the dollar dance and other events. There is also an online music list to help you choose your music.
The event planner is a useful tool that provides your DJ with the details of
your reception insuring that your wedding day is professional and well
organized.
