Bridal Club Magazine
DJ Advice - How to Hire a DJ
Rule
1: Meet your DJ.
No matter how well respected a DJ company is, reputation does not
guarantee success. Be sure to meet your DJ! Large DJ companies are
constantly hiring new employees, and each of those new employees
has a first show. Do you want for it to be yours? If you use a
large company, be certain to meet with the actual DJ who will be
entertaining your guests, not just the boss. No matter who you
hire, be certain that the personality of the DJ is compatible with
your own, and that you are comfortable with putting the biggest
party of your life in his or her hands.
Rule
2: Get it in writing.
Your DJ needs to have a contract! The contract should include: the
name of your actual DJ, the date, time and location of your event,
the cost, and any stipulations under which the contract can be
broken. In addition, your DJ ought to allow for you to make
additional requirements (within reason) that are placed in the
contract itself. If you feel strongly enough about something that
the addition or lack of it would ruin your night, be sure to get it
in writing!
Rule
3: Consultations
Be sure that your DJ provides consultations. Get involved in the
planning of the reception to whatever degree you feel comfortable.
Don't allow a DJ to bully you simply because he/she is a
"professional." On the other hand, be wary of DJ's who want for you
to plan the entire night song by song-you simply don't need that
kind of stress right now! Consultations should be free of charge.
If a company is going to require a fee for consultations, you may
end up spending much more than you originally planned.
Rule
4: Check out their music
A common mistake people make is to assume that because a DJ is
affiliated with a radio station, the music they bring to a show
includes all/only the music played on that station. If you love
country music, be certain that your DJ owns country music, and if
you have a passion for the newest top 40 hits, make sure that your
DJ updates his/her library frequently. A DJ also should be willing
to accommodate all special song requests if given advance
notice.
Rule
5: What if?
If you are an optimist and never get cold feet, then you can skip
this section. But if you are like most of us, you're probably
nervous that everything won't be perfect. Spend a few moments
dreaming up worst case scenarios, and then present them to your DJ.
An experienced entertainer has probably already smoothed over most
of your biggest fears. Also be sure that they have backup equipment
in case of spontaneous combustion. You never know…