Choosing a DJ for your wedding is one of the most important decisions you can make to ensure the success of your event. Everything else can be perfect, but if the music and entertainment isn't good, the party will fizzle. It's also the one thing that people remember the most. They may not remember the flowers, the cake or the party favors, but they'll certainly remember if they had a good time.
Selecting the right DJ can be confusing. There are an estimated 60,000+ DJs in the US, all promising to do a great job. So how do you pick the right one for you? The answer is by asking the right questions.
1. Are you available? You should always start off by indicating the date, time and location of your event to ensure that the DJ isn't already booked. Saturdays tend to fill up especially fast and a year in advance is really not to soon to guarantee the availability of that perfect DJ.
2. How much do you charge? Probably the worst way to choose a DJ is on price alone. With prices starting as low as $150, it's tempting to choose the cheapest one available. However, there is a reason professional DJs charge more. They are usually worth it. They are more experienced and can charge a premium because they have a lot of jobs, a higher quality of service and a good reputation. Currently, professional DJ prices in the Fresno area range from $800 to $1000 for a four hour event on a Saturday. The nonprofessional may offer a lower price, but typically also offer a lower level of experience, quality, planning and commitment. Remember, when it comes to the success of your event, less expensive does not mean a better value!
3. Do you use a written contract? This is a definite must!
4. What is the DJ's level of professionalism? As you speak with DJs, pay attention to their professionalism over the phone. Did they just answer the phone, "Hello?" or with their business name? If you get an answering machine or voice mail, does it say, "Thank you for calling So and So's DJ Service" or "You have reached the Smith residence...". This may sound like a small detail, but their level of professionalism and commitment tends to spill over into their performance at the event. You want to hire someone who is 100% committed to your function, not just someone who DJs as a hobby.
5. How will the DJ be dressed for my event? Jeans and a T-shirt may be appropriate for a pool party, but certainly not a wedding reception! The standard among professional DJs is a tuxedo.
6. Do you have experience with the type of function I am having? This is especially important. This may be your first wedding, but it shouldn't be your DJ's! Your DJ should be able to act as the Master of Ceremonies, provide pre-event planning and coordinate with the other professionals to make sure that the event runs smoothly from start to finish.
7. Do you offer a written schedule of events? A written timeline will not only prohibit important events from being missed, but allows customization as well.
8. Do you provide a music list and take requests? It's important that the DJ has and plays the music you want to hear, after all, it's your party!
9. Do you use professional sound equipment and include special effects? Professional sound equipment is a necessity! It will not only sound better, but it's designed to handle the stress of the day to day performances and will be less likely to break down during your function. Also, confirm that the DJ is not using oudated equipment like turntables, cassette decks or music equipment placed on a banquet table. Special effects (disco lights, sirens, fog machines, etc...) may or may not be appropriate for your event.
10. Do you offer a consultation at no charge or obligation? A professional DJ will typically offer a free consultation where you can get together and learn more about their entertainment company, as well as discuss music preferences and timelines.
11. Do you have references or performance evaluation forms from past events? Feedback from past performances is a good way to determine the overall satisfaction of other people who have had events just like yours.
