Hiring A DJ
This is a list of questions to ask a disc jockey service before deciding on hiring them, as quoted from Onewed.com with answers from TNG.
Q: Do you provide a written contract for your services?
Answer: This should be YES with no exception! Never take their word for it. Get it in writing.
TNG: Yes, we use contracts. They protect you and they protect us.
Q: May I see you perform at an event or a wedding reception?
Answer: This answer should be NO. Should your DJ allow a stranger to “pop-in” and watch even a few minutes of your big day and give the impression that they care more about the “next sale” rather than the party in front of them?
TNG: I agree 100%. Your event is private. I’m there for you and not my next sale.
Q: How much do you charge?
Answer: Look for value for your entertainment dollar. Human jukeboxes will always charge less than Entertainers and/or helpful planners.
TNG: I do consider myself an entertainer. My prices depend on type of event and location. Wedding receptions for example require much more detail and work.
Q: Are you limited to only 4 or 5 hours because you have another event or wedding?
Answer: In most cases this should be NO! The revenue usually dictates the number of hours at a reception.
TNG: I will only take one event per day. I want your event to be my only focus.
Q: How early do you arrive prior to a wedding reception?
Answer: Arrival time is generally 60-90 minutes prior and setup is complete before stated contract time.
TNG: I agree. The earlier the better. I love being setup and ready to go, so I can focus on other things at your event rather than trying to hurry up and get ready.
Q: What do you wear to a wedding reception?
Answer: The DJ should always dress in appropriate attire according to the event and the wishes of the client.
TNG: I have a very nice tux for an elegant event or a nice shirt and slacks. My wife also dresses appropriately.
Q. I’ve heard horror stories of drunken DJs and DJs that smoke like a chimney. Do you do either of those?
Answer: This should be ABSOLUTELY NOT! Professionals do their job. They don’t smoke and drink.
TNG: I don’t smoke at all and I would never drink at your special event.
Q: Will the DJ act as “Master of Ceremony?”
Answer: This depends on the style of services the client wishes to have.
TNG: I personally enjoy being the MC.
Q: Are you able to play continuous music?
Answer: Yes… the music never stops.
TNG: The music remains constant.
Q: How much music do you have?
Answer: This should be a significant amount with over 5,000 songs as a starting point.
TNG: I bring over 20,000 songs and 3,500 Karaoke songs to all performances.
Q: Do you use any theatrical lighting?
Answer: Depends again on the client’s wishes. You may get charged extra, you may not.
TNG: My light show is somewhat limited at this time, though the lights I do possess are extremely good.
Q. How many breaks will you take? How often and for how long?
Answer: Breaks are usually not taken during your event or reception as the music remains continuous.
TNG: We don’t take breaks. Our music will remain constant playing whatever you like. Dinner and cocktail music are always nice when having conversations and dinner.
Q: What is the payment schedule?
Answer: Find out when payments are due including the procedure for late fees and cancellation.
TNG: A retainer is taken at the signing of the contract. The rest of the fee is due no later than two weeks before your event or reception. I prefer to settle the balance before your event.
Q: Do you sub-contract your work out?
Answer: You want to make sure which disc jockey you are paying to service your wedding reception-This should be NO!
TNG: Definitely not. You hire me and you get me.
Q: Do you need to be fed at my event or wedding reception?
Answer: This is usually decided between the clients and DJ. It is always nice to make sure your DJ is fed so they can give the best performance possible.
TNG: I agree, it’s nice but not something you have to do.
Q: What does your equipment consist of?
Answer: Only professional disc jockey equipment.
TNG: Of course only professional equipment is used. We bring our full system to all events. Use of our wireless microphone is also included free, if you so desire.
Here is a little something from www.respond.com
Working with Professional DJs
Before your DJ plays the first song at your event, do you know what he (or she) has done to prepare for your event? The common misconception is that a DJ shows up, plays for 4-5 hours, then goes home. What most don’t realize is the experience the DJ has from previous events, as well as the time he will dedicate to planning your event prior to playing the first song.
What you don’t know about a professional DJs preperation may surprise you. A professional DJ usually has experience with your type of event because he has performed at several of these events in the past. You are gaining his experience (and mistakes) that allow your event to be better than the previous one. In most cases, these subtle differences impact the overall success of your event.
Preparing for your event may include meetings. These meetings allow your entertainer to better understand the vision you have for the outcome of your event. During these meetings your entertainer should ask many questions about you and your guests. The more your entertainer knows about you and your guests, the better chances he has for creating a successful party as you have pictured it.
Organizing your music may sound like a simple task. You probably figure most DJs use the same music at each event. However, each client has specific desires for the atmosphere they want to establish with music. Your DJ may need to reorganize his library, add additional selections, or even find music you have requested which is not in his library. The success of your party involves providing the right mix of music you and your guests will enjoy.
You most likely will never see the work involved in setting up the DJs sound system. Maintenance of a professional sound system is often minimal. It is the quality of professional equipment which will deliver sound quality you can enjoy at your event. A professional DJ will most likely show up 1-3 hours prior to the start of your event. Setting up, testing the equipment, and performing sound checks make for the start of a great party. When you walk in to your venue, you will notice the decor is all in place and your DJ entertainer is setup, dressed for your event.
Your DJ provides much more than just the music at your event. Because he met with you, he understands your vision. He has designed the formalities as you requested. He will perform as Master of Ceremonies, making announcements, working with your other vendors, and keeping the sequence of events flowing. While all this appears polished, it is due to the time invested prior to playing the first song. A major portion of the success of your event rests in the hands of your chosen DJ entertainer.
To most professional DJs, your event is similar to the Oscars. You are the stars of the evening and they will help you plan, coordinate, organize, entertain, and program music. Because of your DJs experience at similar, previous events, meetings, music research, and other training, your event will most likely occur as you have already imagined it to be.
When researching your entertainment choice, evaluate the importance of your DJ. Your investment in your entertainment will contribute more to the overall success of your event than you realize (until afterwards). A professional DJ will care about the success of your event and will invest a great deal of time into creating the atmosphere you have imagined. While you may think your DJ “just plays music”, it is his experience, talent, and expertise that will deliver the reception of which you have always dreamed.
Make your event a fantastic success, find the “right” DJ for your once-in-a-lifetime celebration, instead of the one you may have found at the best price!
