Hiring Tips

Look for a disc jockey with lots of experience. The experience of disc jockeys varies greatly.  Find out how much experience the actual disc jockey performing at your special event will have.  Look for someone that has been a disc jockey for years, not months, and has experience performing at events like yours.

An experienced disc jockey will have performed at hundreds of events and is a master at crowd interaction and music selection.  You will pay more for an experienced disc jockey, but it’s a good investment if you want a successful event. You should look for DJs that have performed at more than 75 weddings as a starting point (takes into account at least 3 years’ experience at 25 weddings per year).

You want to find a disc jockey that will match their interactivity level and stage personality to your event.  At an event like a company picnic or bar/bat mitzvah, you would probably look for an outgoing disc jockey that is highly interactive.

For an event like a wedding reception, you will likely want a disc jockey that is less interactive and takes a more formal approach.  The disc jockey should take the time to find out exactly what type of interaction level and disc jockey personality you are looking for and match their performance to your preferences.

Get several references from previous clients of the disc jockey company.  Make sure the references are from recent events, preferably from events held within the last six months.  You also want to make sure the references are for the exact disc jockey that will perform at your event.  References for a disc jockey that won’t personally be at your event mean absolutely nothing.

The quality of the show depends entirely on the specific disc jockey at your event.  Trust the comments of previous customers much more than a slick marketing brochure.  Don’t ask if you can come to an event to “hear the DJ” disc jockeys are employees at private events and do not have the right to invite guests.  Instead ask to meet with the disc jockey over coffee, lunch, etc. or thoroughly check their references.

There is a tremendous difference in quality and reliability between home stereo equipment and professional duty sound equipment. With professional equipment, you will be reasonably assured of quality sound and reliable operation.  If you like, ask the disc jockey company the make of their equipment.  If you recognize the names, and they are available at consumer electronics stores like Best Buy and Circuit City, they are using equipment designed for home use and not professional use.  Also, make sure the disc jockey has some sort of equipment backup system in place.

The disc jockey should be dressed appropriately for your special event.  You will need to ask the disc jockey exactly what they will wear to your event.  Some disc jockeys will wear a full tuxedo to a wedding reception, or possibly a nice suit. For other less formal events, they should still wear neat and tidy clothing.  Jeans and a t-shirt are not appropriate clothing for a disc jockey at any special event.

Your disc jockey should be able to entertain everyone at your event by gearing music to you and your guests. Their music library should contain everything from big band, oldies, and disco to the latest dance, Latin, country and rock, and they should play a variety of music styles.  The disc jockey company should be able to provide a list of the music that they will bring to your event.

Above all else, find a disc jockey that you feel comfortable working with the master ceremony/disc jockey that takes the time to get to know you, your entertainment needs and expectations are is the one that you want to hire.  They will work with you to make sure that your event is a success and that all of your guests have a great time.

The disc jockey fee is affected by geographic locale, day of the week, time of the day, the number of hours of music required, lighting and sound system required, music knowledge, mixing ability, personality and experience of the disc jockey.

On average, you’ll pay $100 to $500 an hour for a disc jockey with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4-hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.

A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for “4 hours”. On average you should budget a minimum of 20% – 25% for your entertainment. Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business-related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.

Top disc jockeys are typically booked a year or more in advance.  Start your search for a quality disc jockey as early as possible to ensure that you find quality entertainment.  Do not wait to select a disc jockey, as your choices will be severely limited if you wait until only a few months before your event.  You will almost always have to pay a non-refundable booking fee to the disc jockey company to reserve them for your event.

Protect yourself and get it in writing.  Make sure that you have a signed contract with the disc jockey company that spells out the date and time of your event, name of the event location, hours of performance, fee schedule, deposit required, who your disc jockey will be, cancellation requirements, and when the final payment is due.

Whether you are planning a wedding reception, birthday party, corporate event, family reunion, or any other type of celebration, a professional mobile disc jockey will bring good times and great music to your event.  They will provide music tailored to you and your guests and they will work hard to make sure everyone has a great time at your event.

No one likes a loudmouth, especially when he’s holding a microphone. Professionals know they are not the star of the party. You are! They do not talk on the mic just to hear their own voice. They use the mic only when appropriate. What’s appropriate? Of course the usual announcements … bridal party intros, special guest intros, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special requests.

Professional DJ entertainment setups are equipped with only the finest sound systems. They produce clear, concert quality sound at a comfortable volume level. Equipment is carefully adjusted to the acoustics of your room and the speakers are strategically positioned so that your guests can effortlessly socialize at surrounding tables.

All DJ equipment should be elegantly cased (no wires hanging or unsightly equipment) complete with wireless microphones available for toasts or speeches. Advanced equipment set-up will ensure the music entertainment begins prior to guest arrival, and no breaks are taken during your event unless to allow other scheduled entertainment.

Your guests will come alive as they dance to the sounds of their favorite artists. The music library should feature a variety of music such as dance, rap, alternative, rock, pop, Latin, oldies, disco, Motown, big band, adult standards, jazz, classical, funk, and much more!

The DJ music library should be updated weekly by a music service. Most services provide the latest music in dance, alternative, rock, rap, pop, Latin, country, & jazz. It may also include the top 30 songs being played on the radio on any given day.

The music playlist for your event can be completely customized by your requests given to them prior to the event. They should have the ability to incorporate guest requests with your permission. Do not playlists, should also be welcomed and while providing you the option to play your CDs as necessary.