Have you ever shopped for a professional DJ 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. Often times the lowest price does not always mean the best deal. If you expect to drive away in a Mercedes for the price of a Yugo, chances are you will not be happy with the service you receive from your entertainment. It may break down somewhere along the way leaving you stranded!
Unless your DJ is a strong referral from a trusted friend or wedding vendor, shop around. Interview at least 3 companies before making any decision. Other wedding vendors are a good source of referrals as they may have seen your DJ perform many types of events and know their track record. Ask questions! If something does not feel right, it probably isn't, and move on. Remember, the best price is not the best deal! Below are some questions to ask DJs when interviewing.
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 your DJ quotes you a price for 4 hours, you better 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 for four hours. Your DJ is typically making, on average, $25 to $30 per hour for their services which is a reasonable fee for any working professional. 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.
Who will be my DJ?
- 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?
- While 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 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 80 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 two key questions 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?
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 onto 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. There are several DJ music subscription series that are edited for lyrics (although not for content) that your DJ should be able to provide.
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 should be the easy part of the event for a professional DJ. 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?
- The two answers to this question can be right or wrong depending on your preference. 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. 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 him 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.
Do you have video we can see of a performance?
- While a video is a great visual aid, it may not be representative of the DJ's work. A video will be a snapshot of one performance that has most likely been edited into a slick marketing package. Ask to see an actual wedding where they performed that is unedited. Make sure the video that you see is actually of the DJ that will be at your event! (Yes, it happens more than you think) Don't rely on the line that," This is a video of how all of our employees perform." A video, however, combined with personal interviews and references, can be a great help.
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!
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?
What type of events do they specialize in?
- Not all DJ's 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 10 years and have done hundreds of events, but find out how many times they have done the particular event you are shopping for.
Can they match the level of entertainment you are 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 them 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 10 they have done. Again, be clear and firm about what your expectations are and ask how they can deliver the service to match.
