How to Hire A DJ by Kenny Jay
Treat it just like you are hiring for any job. Ask lots of questions and compare.
Don't hire the cheapest person you can find. The typical wedding sees less than 5% of their budget go to entertainment, but over 80% of what your guests remember is the entertainment.
Don't pay more with the promise of X-thousands of songs. In 4 hours a DJ may play 75 songs. Proper planning will ensure that they have the special songs you want.
Always watch for the bait and switch. If you are going to hire someone, make sure they will be person at the event. There are many times you talk to someone who you think you have hired, only to find they send out the apprentice, sub contracted DJ, or their kid to DJ your event.
Hire a professional. Any kid with a computer loaded with MP3's can get the job done, but this isn't a job, this is your event! Don't be shy to ask for references.
Being a part of a "DJ club" or "DJ Organization" should not be an influence on your decision or cost you more money.
Make sure you find someone that can help plan every step of the way. There should be no upcharge or no limit on the amount of contact you need with your DJ.
Do you need your entertainer to tell jokes and emcee at a Holiday Party? Execute games? Or maybe just play music and not say much? Make sure you find the match to what exactly you envision for your event.
Look for all in one packages that include all lighting, kids dances at weddings, and wireless mics. Some DJ services upcharge for these items.
CD's vs computer is just a preference of what a DJ likes and should not be a reason for you to pay more. Music on a computer or ipod (as opposed to CD's) does not benefit you in any way. It actually could make the event worse if the DJ hired is just babysitting a computer or ipod that is playing songs and not entertaining your guests.
|
