 Debra Weisheit Photography  I am about to make it very easy for you to hire a DJ for your wedding reception (or any party you may be having). From many years of experience, I guarantee that if you follow these steps exactly, this part of your planning will be taken care of within just a few short days and you can move on to other details of your wedding or event with confidence that your entertainment will be everything you've hoped it would be. 1. Call NO MORE THAN 5 DJ's. Why confuse yourself? You are going to start hearing the same things anyway....limit your time spent on the phone searching. 2. Make an appointment to interview ONLY 3 DJ's. You will find one you like within this group of 3. If you don't, either you are being overly picky, or somehow you found 3 in a row out the dozens of choices you have that are actually not suited for your wedding. 3. Interview the DJ's and let them ask a lot of questions, too. If they are not asking you questions, they don't care how you want your reception to "feel", "sound" or be different from every other one they have ever done. They should be concerned with what you want, not what they have to deliver. 4. Of the three you interview, choose the one that: a) most closely matches your personality and style b) you like best as a person c) you feel you can work with from now til your wedding day d) offers the best VALUE for your money spent....not just the one with the lowest price ! If you follow those simple rules, you will be very happy with the process of choosing the right DJ for your wedding, and you'll be very happy working with someone who will most likely end up being a good friend by the time the big day arrives. Now, here's what the Pro's have to say about hiring a DJ: Tips from the Pros on How to Hire a Disc Jockey  What is the American Disc Jockey Association?
Radio Interview with the ADJA President
Are you a Bride or Groom looking for entertainment? Listen to a recent radio interview with Peter Merry, ADJA National President, with powerful tips and suggestions on making an informed decision. ********************************************************************************************************** Questions for your DJ (and our answers to those questions...) The American Disc Jockey Association* strongly recommends that you ask the following questions of your perspective Disc Jockey and become TOTALLY satisfied with the answers before hiring anyone : (Our answers appear in Red following the questions....................) 1. Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of liability? Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Disc Jockey's receive a Certificate of Liability which can be used as proof. A. I carry a million dollar liability policy that covers you, me and the venue...."just in case." 2. Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time? A versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication. A. Together, we will develope a Play list and a Do NOT Play list. Both will be honored above all else at your function. If you would like me to take requests from your guests, I would be happy to and will act as the "music police" to insure that only "appropriate" music for your event is played. 3. Do you use Professional Equipment? Ask whether your prospective Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer 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. A. A long time ago, I learned that my home stereo was NOT cut out for the rigors of Mobile DJ work. I have invested several thousand dollars in state-of-the-art equipment to insure reliability and performance when it's needed most. 4. Do you provide backup equipment at my event? Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. Members of the A.D.J.A. have many resources available to them in case of an emergency. You may also reach our Hotline number to get a Disc Jockey when you have an emergency. The toll-free number is 888-723-5776. A. Every piece of equipment from microphones to speakers to amps and CD decks are all backed up and on site. In the unlikely event of equipment failure, I can be back up and running in a matter of just a few minutes. Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party. Selecting a Disc Jockey who is an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association will provide you with the confidence that you have selected a trained professional. A.D.J.A. members are more likely to be involved with other Disc Jockey's who can help them out with an unexpected situation. 5. Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party? A professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event. A. If 1140++ successful wedding receptions is considered "experienced," then I could probably write a book on wedding etiquette ! Seriously, I know what it takes to make a great, Classy and Fun wedding and have been entertaining at great weddings since 1977. 6. How much time do you allow for set-up? 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. A. I arrive 2 hours before the first guest is scheduled to arrive. It gives me ample time to get set up, check my sound and equipment, stop sweating, get dressed and go over my notes way ahead of time so everything will run smoothly at your wedding. 7. 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. A. When you hire SK Productions, you will deal directly with me and I will be your DJ/Host unless we have discussed otherwise. Everything we agree to will be written in a contract and signed by everybody involved. 8. Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion? Specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure your entertainer is informed. A. I will wear what you want me to wear. I have everything from a tuxedo all the way down to Hawaiian Shirts, Flip-flops and shorts. And, yes....I have done wedding attired in the latter. It's all up to you. 9. Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group? |
