Finding The Right DJ:
You have come to what I think is the most important page on this site. Even if you decide not to consult with us, I hope the following will help you in hiring a professional disc jockey. I decided to write this because there are so many DJ companies around. This is written from my now 29 years experience in this business. Back in the early 80's when I started there was only a handful of us. Now you can find hundreds in the Washington DC Area but only a handful that are truly seasoned professionals.
Finding the right DJ is essential to having a great and memorable event, hire the wrong DJ and it can ruin your event. An inexperienced DJ can actually turn your event into a nightmare. So this is a very important decision and should be made very carefully.
People usually opt to use a DJ because it's easier than dealing with a live band and is almost always less expensive. It is usually easy to find quite a few DJs in your area to choose from. They will range from casual men and woman that moonlight and do it on the side to professional and corporate DJ companies as well as independent DJ companies.
Prices For DJs:
It is possible to find a casual moonlighting DJ that can do just as good a job as the more expensive DJ's, so you must check them both out before deciding. Prices can usually range from $300 to $3000. The average is around $1200 for a professional, depending on what you include. With many DJ companies there are lots of options which can be confusing and there are also almost as many things that can go wrong. Remember when it it comes to your event, there is no doing it over once the DJ has been hired and setup at your Wedding Reception, Union or Private Event.
Professional DJ With Experience:
When deciding on your DJ, the single most determining factor, should be experience!
There is a flow to wedding receptions and parties alike and a professional, experienced DJ that has done many events is familiar with how wedding receptions and parties proceed, the traditions, and how to emcee and keep your event moving along and keep your guest happy and dancing. The DJ can be essential when something goes wrong, food is delayed or other things happen. Most of the time your guest will never know of a problem as the DJ has kept them entertained while the problem was fixed.
Your DJ must be able to work and coordinate with your Photographer, Videographer, Venue Coordinator or Catering Management. The synergy between your DJ and Photographer, Videographer, and Venue Coordinator/Catering Management is what keeps your function running smoothly. A DJ's talent should reach far beyond just motivating the crowd or making the announcements at the right time. They must have their finger on the pulse of your event and know everything that is going on.
The other most important thing to look for in hiring a DJ is their personality. Your DJ should be someone that will fit in comfortably with you and your guest and be able to develop a rapport with everyone during your event. People should feel comfortable with the DJ and he or she should be someone you feel will go that extra mile to be friendly and talk nicely with your guest as they will probably be talking to the DJ and asking for request throughout the whole event.
Never Hire A DJ Sight Unseen:
You must always pre-interview your prospective DJ over the phone and then when you think you may have found the right one, you set up a meeting in person to make sure they really are the right DJ for you and go over details, and sign the contract. Make sure the DJ you meet and sign with will be the only DJ entertaining at your event. When you live in a large metro area like ours there is never a reason for a DJ to say they cannot meet with you in person.
In fact your DJ should be able to meet with you whenever you like with agreed upon date and time. Most brides book their DJ months in advance. Even if you're using the best DJ company on the planet, always check in with them in the months leading up to your event just to let them know everything is still on target, and confirm a month before your event any changes in itinerary. And finally check in one week before your event for any last minute changes and to make sure your DJ is doing well and on track for your event.
What to expect and ask of your DJ:
There are things you should go over with and ask for from your DJ, A good DJ will be attentive to assure a smooth and memorable event.
What grade and type of equipment do you use?:
Besides experience, professionalism, and the right personality, the most important thing is the DJs equipment. Be sure to ask about the quality, age and condition of the equipment. A good DJ company will show there sound systems on their website. Do not hire a DJ that does not have professional quality equipment. Make sure your DJ is able to handle any technical or equipment problems that may come up and that they have backup equipment in case of a breakdown. Ask to see the equipment that will be used at your event. I can't stress this more!
How Extensive Is Your Music Library?
Ask how extensive a music library your DJ has. A good DJ should be well organized and those that are prepared for the future will be digital DJ's. They can look up and play songs quickly and easily. Ask to see how your DJ will find and select songs. A good DJ company will do a demo for you. I personally would not hire any one that won't. What you don't want is your DJ fumbling through stacks of CD's or compilation CD's looking for an important song. Or even worse a DJ playing from old technology such as cassette. Some DJ's use combination Digital MP3 and vinyl this is ok but make sure their Vinyl libraries are in good to mint condition. Our company is 100% Digital.
Planning Your Special Songs And Request:
There are special songs that are played at just about any event. But none more special than Wedding Receptions and you need to go over these with your DJ while planning your reception. The song for the first dance which is always the Bride & Groom is usually a special song they will select and the DJ must have. The second dance is The Bride & Father, there are lots of traditional songs for this dance. The third dance is between the Groom & Mother, there are lots of traditional songs for this dance as well. A good DJ company will have list of Wedding Music to choose from. If you have picked the right DJ he will have done this many times and knows what songs to play and can help you with music choices. If you pick your own songs for your reception events make sure your DJ has them available. If you have a list of special request make sure they are available as well.
Request can be a big part of an enjoyable reception and your guest will be asking the DJ to play request if you allow this. This is a great way to allow your guest to ad to your reception. Special dedications can also be nice. This is why you must make sure your DJ has a extensive music library. A Digital DJ will be able to play just about any request if they have built there libraries properly. Digital DJs are capable of carrying hundreds of thousands of songs with the ability access them at their fingertips via computer and large capacity hard drives with the right programs and sound equipment. A good Digital DJ will have just about every good song imaginable with them no matter what type of event your planning.
The DJ Company Contract:
You should always get a signed contract from your DJ company. This should also apply to all of your wedding vendors. The contract is there to protect you and the vendor in the event that something does go wrong. Never sign a contract without reading it completely and understanding the terms and conditions. Professional companies will have contracts made up and ready to sign, make sure the following items are included.
The date you sign your contract, your name and the name of the DJ company or the specific name of the DJ you hire. Specify no switching of DJ's allowed.
Date, time and location of your event. And the time the DJ should be there to set up and begin entertaining.
Your contract should clearly spell out all charges and fees, including any extra equipment or services that you have asked for. An itemized list is best for this.
Deposits and balances due should be noted, and the terms (refundable and non-refundable)
You should include in your contract, special request you have, songs you want played or songs you don't want played, services you want done and attire you want your DJ to wear.
Be sure your contract specifies backup arrangements in the event the DJ you hire gets sick or has an unexpected accident the day of your event.
Overtime charges should be specified and payment should be taken care only after the reception is over.
Both you and your DJ should sign the contract.
Closing Remarks:
From our experience you will probably spend at least 3 to 20 hours talking to your DJ before your wedding day or private event, consulting with them on the specifics of your reception or private event. If you choose the right DJ they will be very experienced and they will guide you through the whole process.
A professional DJ provides the positive catalyst for your party, skillfully selected and played music will add the important "feel good" element that helps everyone interact, rekindle relationships faded by time away and form new friendships. Music is relaxing, exciting, romantic, and inspirational. Dancing keeps everyone at your event longer and contributes greatly to your guest's enjoyment.
We hope this guide helps. We look forward to entertaining for you.
Tom Spencer
You have come to what I think is the most important page on this site. Even if you decide not to consult with us, I hope the following will help you in hiring a professional disc jockey. I decided to write this because there are so many DJ companies around. This is written from my now 29 years experience in this business. Back in the early 80's when I started there was only a handful of us. Now you can find hundreds in the Washington DC Area but only a handful that are truly seasoned professionals.
Finding the right DJ is essential to having a great and memorable event, hire the wrong DJ and it can ruin your event. An inexperienced DJ can actually turn your event into a nightmare. So this is a very important decision and should be made very carefully.
People usually opt to use a DJ because it's easier than dealing with a live band and is almost always less expensive. It is usually easy to find quite a few DJs in your area to choose from. They will range from casual men and woman that moonlight and do it on the side to professional and corporate DJ companies as well as independent DJ companies.
Prices For DJs:
It is possible to find a casual moonlighting DJ that can do just as good a job as the more expensive DJ's, so you must check them both out before deciding. Prices can usually range from $300 to $3000. The average is around $1200 for a professional, depending on what you include. With many DJ companies there are lots of options which can be confusing and there are also almost as many things that can go wrong. Remember when it it comes to your event, there is no doing it over once the DJ has been hired and setup at your Wedding Reception, Union or Private Event.
Professional DJ With Experience:
When deciding on your DJ, the single most determining factor, should be experience!
There is a flow to wedding receptions and parties alike and a professional, experienced DJ that has done many events is familiar with how wedding receptions and parties proceed, the traditions, and how to emcee and keep your event moving along and keep your guest happy and dancing. The DJ can be essential when something goes wrong, food is delayed or other things happen. Most of the time your guest will never know of a problem as the DJ has kept them entertained while the problem was fixed.
Your DJ must be able to work and coordinate with your Photographer, Videographer, Venue Coordinator or Catering Management. The synergy between your DJ and Photographer, Videographer, and Venue Coordinator/Catering Management is what keeps your function running smoothly. A DJ's talent should reach far beyond just motivating the crowd or making the announcements at the right time. They must have their finger on the pulse of your event and know everything that is going on.
The other most important thing to look for in hiring a DJ is their personality. Your DJ should be someone that will fit in comfortably with you and your guest and be able to develop a rapport with everyone during your event. People should feel comfortable with the DJ and he or she should be someone you feel will go that extra mile to be friendly and talk nicely with your guest as they will probably be talking to the DJ and asking for request throughout the whole event.
Never Hire A DJ Sight Unseen:
You must always pre-interview your prospective DJ over the phone and then when you think you may have found the right one, you set up a meeting in person to make sure they really are the right DJ for you and go over details, and sign the contract. Make sure the DJ you meet and sign with will be the only DJ entertaining at your event. When you live in a large metro area like ours there is never a reason for a DJ to say they cannot meet with you in person.
In fact your DJ should be able to meet with you whenever you like with agreed upon date and time. Most brides book their DJ months in advance. Even if you're using the best DJ company on the planet, always check in with them in the months leading up to your event just to let them know everything is still on target, and confirm a month before your event any changes in itinerary. And finally check in one week before your event for any last minute changes and to make sure your DJ is doing well and on track for your event.
What to expect and ask of your DJ:
There are things you should go over with and ask for from your DJ, A good DJ will be attentive to assure a smooth and memorable event.
What grade and type of equipment do you use?:
Besides experience, professionalism, and the right personality, the most important thing is the DJs equipment. Be sure to ask about the quality, age and condition of the equipment. A good DJ company will show there sound systems on their website. Do not hire a DJ that does not have professional quality equipment. Make sure your DJ is able to handle any technical or equipment problems that may come up and that they have backup equipment in case of a breakdown. Ask to see the equipment that will be used at your event. I can't stress this more!
How Extensive Is Your Music Library?
Ask how extensive a music library your DJ has. A good DJ should be well organized and those that are prepared for the future will be digital DJ's. They can look up and play songs quickly and easily. Ask to see how your DJ will find and select songs. A good DJ company will do a demo for you. I personally would not hire any one that won't. What you don't want is your DJ fumbling through stacks of CD's or compilation CD's looking for an important song. Or even worse a DJ playing from old technology such as cassette. Some DJ's use combination Digital MP3 and vinyl this is ok but make sure their Vinyl libraries are in good to mint condition. Our company is 100% Digital.
Planning Your Special Songs And Request:
There are special songs that are played at just about any event. But none more special than Wedding Receptions and you need to go over these with your DJ while planning your reception. The song for the first dance which is always the Bride & Groom is usually a special song they will select and the DJ must have. The second dance is The Bride & Father, there are lots of traditional songs for this dance. The third dance is between the Groom & Mother, there are lots of traditional songs for this dance as well. A good DJ company will have list of Wedding Music to choose from. If you have picked the right DJ he will have done this many times and knows what songs to play and can help you with music choices. If you pick your own songs for your reception events make sure your DJ has them available. If you have a list of special request make sure they are available as well.
Request can be a big part of an enjoyable reception and your guest will be asking the DJ to play request if you allow this. This is a great way to allow your guest to ad to your reception. Special dedications can also be nice. This is why you must make sure your DJ has a extensive music library. A Digital DJ will be able to play just about any request if they have built there libraries properly. Digital DJs are capable of carrying hundreds of thousands of songs with the ability access them at their fingertips via computer and large capacity hard drives with the right programs and sound equipment. A good Digital DJ will have just about every good song imaginable with them no matter what type of event your planning.
The DJ Company Contract:
You should always get a signed contract from your DJ company. This should also apply to all of your wedding vendors. The contract is there to protect you and the vendor in the event that something does go wrong. Never sign a contract without reading it completely and understanding the terms and conditions. Professional companies will have contracts made up and ready to sign, make sure the following items are included.
The date you sign your contract, your name and the name of the DJ company or the specific name of the DJ you hire. Specify no switching of DJ's allowed.
Date, time and location of your event. And the time the DJ should be there to set up and begin entertaining.
Your contract should clearly spell out all charges and fees, including any extra equipment or services that you have asked for. An itemized list is best for this.
Deposits and balances due should be noted, and the terms (refundable and non-refundable)
You should include in your contract, special request you have, songs you want played or songs you don't want played, services you want done and attire you want your DJ to wear.
Be sure your contract specifies backup arrangements in the event the DJ you hire gets sick or has an unexpected accident the day of your event.
Overtime charges should be specified and payment should be taken care only after the reception is over.
Both you and your DJ should sign the contract.
Closing Remarks:
From our experience you will probably spend at least 3 to 20 hours talking to your DJ before your wedding day or private event, consulting with them on the specifics of your reception or private event. If you choose the right DJ they will be very experienced and they will guide you through the whole process.
A professional DJ provides the positive catalyst for your party, skillfully selected and played music will add the important "feel good" element that helps everyone interact, rekindle relationships faded by time away and form new friendships. Music is relaxing, exciting, romantic, and inspirational. Dancing keeps everyone at your event longer and contributes greatly to your guest's enjoyment.
We hope this guide helps. We look forward to entertaining for you.
Tom Spencer
Website Designed By Tom Spencer 2009*
Content Written By Tom Spencer 2009*
Content Written By Tom Spencer 2009*
