I need a DJ, now what? Tips on hiring a PRO
Tip #1. Do your homework!
You can find information about local DJ's almost anywhere. Online through your favorite search engine, on Facebook, other social media & through word of mouth. Research local DJ companies that have great reviews that you can see were posted by previous clients, not just copy & pasted into the DJ website. You can verify reviews on sites like WeddingWire.com & Facebook, but a copy/pasted review on a website could be made up. Don't be afraid to shop around. Take your time selecting a company that works for your budget & find the perfect DJ!
Tip#2. Questions, Questions, Questions!!!
Get a list of questions together you want to ask. Some questions might include: How long have you DJ'd for, approximately how many parties have you done? What type of parties have you done? Where can I find reviews about your DJ company? Do you use Professional Equipment & do you have back up equipment? Will YOU be doing my event? (some DJs companies will bait & switch, sending a DJ the day of your event you never met) Will you be dressed professionally? Do you have insurance? Will you provide me a contract? Will you play the music I want? How do you handle requests? What if there is a song I absolutely do not want to hear? Are you familiar with all the traditional Wedding moments like cake cutting, toasts, bouquet toss, shoe game, etc.?
You should meet your DJ before you sign a contract to make sure you like their personality. Look out for a DJ that doesn't have time to meet with you, answer your questions or write down the details of what you are asking for! Your Party is too important and getting clear answers should be a priority.
Tip #3. You always get what you pay for!
"The Bitterness of Poor Quality remains Long after the Sweetness of Low Price is forgotten"
Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.
Rates for the quality DJs in the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 an hour to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,400.00 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. DJing is more than just hitting play.....If the Price is Cheap, you may be getting an inexperienced, unprofessional DJ and putting your event at risk.
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”. Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, travel, set-up and tear-down, continuing education, research, and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion. We understand budgets and getting the most of your dollar, but remember you always get what you pay for.
You can find information about local DJ's almost anywhere. Online through your favorite search engine, on Facebook, other social media & through word of mouth. Research local DJ companies that have great reviews that you can see were posted by previous clients, not just copy & pasted into the DJ website. You can verify reviews on sites like WeddingWire.com & Facebook, but a copy/pasted review on a website could be made up. Don't be afraid to shop around. Take your time selecting a company that works for your budget & find the perfect DJ!
Tip#2. Questions, Questions, Questions!!!
Get a list of questions together you want to ask. Some questions might include: How long have you DJ'd for, approximately how many parties have you done? What type of parties have you done? Where can I find reviews about your DJ company? Do you use Professional Equipment & do you have back up equipment? Will YOU be doing my event? (some DJs companies will bait & switch, sending a DJ the day of your event you never met) Will you be dressed professionally? Do you have insurance? Will you provide me a contract? Will you play the music I want? How do you handle requests? What if there is a song I absolutely do not want to hear? Are you familiar with all the traditional Wedding moments like cake cutting, toasts, bouquet toss, shoe game, etc.?
You should meet your DJ before you sign a contract to make sure you like their personality. Look out for a DJ that doesn't have time to meet with you, answer your questions or write down the details of what you are asking for! Your Party is too important and getting clear answers should be a priority.
Tip #3. You always get what you pay for!
"The Bitterness of Poor Quality remains Long after the Sweetness of Low Price is forgotten"
Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.
Rates for the quality DJs in the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 an hour to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,400.00 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. DJing is more than just hitting play.....If the Price is Cheap, you may be getting an inexperienced, unprofessional DJ and putting your event at risk.
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”. Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, travel, set-up and tear-down, continuing education, research, and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion. We understand budgets and getting the most of your dollar, but remember you always get what you pay for.
