Have you ever shopped for a professional wedding disc jockey before? For most people, the answer is no. If you are feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start, then you are in the good company of many brides and grooms that have come before you. Many brides tell us shopping for a DJ is like shopping for a car: they are afraid they are going to get taken in by a slick sales pitch and end up with a lemon! Just like any major purchase, do your research, check references, and make your decision based on logic, not emotion. As with most purchases, often times the lowest price does not always mean the best deal. The goal is to find the best value for your money. 
Here are some questions to ask when interviewing:
What type of events do you specialize in?
Not all disc jockeys can do every type of event. For a DJ that is used to doing only proms, a wedding may be a huge challenge for them. A DJ may tell you they have been in business for ten years and have done hundreds of events, but find out how many times they have done the particular event you are shopping for.
Tell me about your services
This is a great way to get the ball rolling when you first speak with your potential DJ. Have two or three specific questions prepared and be sure to ask them how they can make your event unique. It is appropriate to ask for an estimate of fees at the end of the conversation rather than at the beginning. Take good notes for your comparison if you speak with other DJs as most of the time you won't be comparing 'apples to apples'. You should look to find the best value that fits your needs and your budget. If you like what you hear and 'click' with the potential DJ from your initial conversation, it is always a good idea to take the next step and ask for a face to face consultation.
How much do you charge per hour?
This is a common question and how most consumers are taught to shop for entertainment. When you are asking this question, you are asking about performance time, not service time. If a DJ quotes you a price for four hours, you need to hope that you get more than just those four hours. A professional DJ will spend 15 to 30 hours or more on any given event. There is much more involved in a wedding reception than just showing up and playing music. If they tell you all they do is show up and play music, move on.
Hourly Packages vs. All-Inclusive Packages
There are generally two types of packages offered by DJ companies: hourly and all-inclusive. Each has their benefits depending on your needs. The benefits of an all-inclusive package are you can negotiate a flat fee up front that usually will not include any additional fees. Most all-inclusive packages will include performance time, consultation, planning, special effects (such as lighting, bubble machines, etc.) and other features offered by the company. An hourly, or ala-carte package, can be an economical way to go if you are just looking for the basics. Make sure you read the fine print and ask a lot of questions. A company may quote you a low fee for the first three to four hours of an event, but by the time you add in the extra time and features it takes to successfully complete an event, you could end up paying more than you intended. Make sure to ask what overtime fees are. Many times a DJ will continue to play past the contracted time and then just come and hand you a bill at the end of the night. Ask them to put all of their charges and possible charges in writing for you.
Why do Disc Jockey rates vary so much?
According to the American Disc Jockey Association, disc jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, mixing ability and personality. Rates can vary from $350.00 to over $5000.00 with a national average of $1200.00 for a four hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As with all services and products, you get what you pay for. If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is. The Knot recommends allocating at least 10% of your budget or more for your entertainment. While pricing can seem confusing at first, be vigilant in your interviews and questioning and then find the best value that suits your needs and your budget.
Who will be my Disc Jockey?
Beware of the bait and switch. Meeting with one DJ and having another show up at your event can be disastrous. If you are interviewing a large multi-system company, make sure they put the DJ who will be performing at your event in writing. Check for clauses in the fine print that tell you they can assign another DJ if they need to. What is their guarantee if they need to provide a substitute? Employees come and go; owners and partners generally do not. If you are meeting with the sales manager, still insist on meeting the DJ. While you may click with the sales manager, if you do not have that same rapport with your DJ, you may be in for some rough times.
Is this your full time job?
Even though you may be able to get a better price from a part-time DJ, you may also receive part-time service. Many brides have complained about having to leave message after message to get a hold of their part-time DJ. Can a part-time DJ do a good job? Yes, they can. But it is always best to have a DJ whose livelihood is fully invested in servicing your event. A full-time DJ has more than supplemental income to lose if they don't deliver.
What type of equipment do you use?
While the equipment a DJ uses is very important, be cautious of the DJ that can only talk about the gear they use. Most professional entertainers will already have top of the line equipment. Make sure to ask about the presentation of their set up. Is it cleanly presented? Imagine your beautifully set reception room and then your guests see the DJ set up with cords, wires, CDs, and beverage glasses strewn about. Is their set up balanced for the room and the number of guests you are entertaining? Make sure your DJ does not bring a concert sized sound system for your intimate affair of 40 guests. On the other hand, make sure they do not just show up with a laptop and two small speakers for your party of 300. Ask to see a photo of the set up if possible.
What type of backup equipment do you have?
All DJ's should have backup equipment, but many do not. Two key questions to ask regarding backup equipment are where is it located and can it power a full system? Many companies may have someone on call with backup equipment. Make sure it is on site and with the DJ. If there is a malfunction of equipment, what happens to your party if you have to wait for an hour for someone to show up with backup? Also, make sure the backup does not consist of an iPod or two Disc Man CD players. Is the backup capable of fully performing
the party?
Can you match the level of entertainment I am looking for?
What is fun to your DJ may not be fun to you! Make sure your DJ has a clear understanding of what is acceptable to entertain and what is not. While your DJ may think the Macarena is the best way to entertain your guests, it may not be what you had in mind. Be clear and firm about what your expectations are and your definition of a successful party. If you want a very casual cocktail party atmosphere, make sure your DJ does not turn it into Saturday night at the Improv! On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-energy dance party, make sure your DJ has the tools to deliver. Do they rely only on the YMCA, Electric Slide and the Chicken Dance? While there is nothing wrong with these events, they should also be able to entertain without relying on the old standbys. How will they make your event unique?
Do they have a clear understanding of your vision?
Beware of the DJ that only talks about themself and does not ask you questions! Every couple has an individual vision of what they are looking for at their event. If your DJ does not ask you questions, chances are your wedding will end up being the same as the last ten they have done. Again, be clear and firm about what your expectations are and ask how they can deliver the service to match.
Is your music legal?
Ask your DJ what type of music they are using. Make sure their library does not consist of illegally downloaded files that have been burned on to CD or on their hard drive. Not only is this against the law for a professional mobile disc jockey, it also severely compromises the quality of the music. Many illegal downloads are not clean files and can literally stop in the middle of a song. The fine for a DJ using illegal music at an event is $100,000 per song and is enforced by the RIAA. The RIAA also has the right to remove the library at an event if your DJ is caught, thus ending you party immediately.
Is your music edited for profanity?
Weddings generally consist of all age groups. As such, the music should be appropriate for grandparents and children alike to hear. Ask your DJ if their selection of music contains profanity or if the have the edited (radio-edit) version of any songs that may be in question.
Do you take requests from our guests or us?
Beware of the DJ that does not take requests! This DJ probably has the same set play list that they have been using consistently at their cookie cutter weddings. Music programming requires a skilled and experienced disc jockey that is adept at reading your crowd and is able to change gears at any time. Unless you specifically ask the DJ not to take requests, this is a key part of entertaining.
May I come to an event and observe you?
This can be a tricky question. If a DJ will not allow you come to an event, do they have something to hide? Chances are they are only respecting the privacy of the couple that hired them for their private party. If a DJ invites you to observe for a few minutes, are you sure that you can really get a clear understanding of what he/she does in 10 to 15 minutes? Keep in mind that this same DJ may also invite strangers to your event. Do you want them trying to do a sales pitch in the middle of your wedding? A face-to-face meeting and strong references should give you clear indication if the person you are interviewing is right for you.
What happens if you get sick?
DJ's are human after all. While unlikely, there is always the possibility of a DJ having to miss an event. If it is single operator company, find out what their back-up plan is and to what level they guarantee the event. If the response is 'I've never missed an event, why worry about it?' then move on! Find out if they are affiliated with any groups such as the American Disc Jockey Association that provide quality, reliable backups free of charge in the event of an emergency. Just make sure your DJ has a plan!
Are you insured?
Responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many event 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.
Do you have a contract?
Make sure you have a signed contract with your disc jockey company that lists the full details of your service agreement between you and your entertainer Be sure to read all of the small print and make certain there are provisions for your protection rather than being a one sided agreement that limits your rights. Check for any additional charges such as overtime or travel. Also, carefully read the cancellation policy in case you have a change in plans.
What is your satisfaction guarantee?
If your DJ does not stand behind their services and will not guarantee the event, this could be a red flag! A reputable company will provide their service standards in writing for you. What recourse do you have if they do not deliver as promised?
