If you’ve never had to hire a DJ or disco service, it’s hard to know just where to begin in choosing one that’s right for you. Of course, you want the best service, and you want to make sure that your celebration goes off without a hitch, but to get that you need to ask the right questions.
Here are a few important ones to get you started.
What is the DJ going to provide?
Asking this question helps to avoid any disappointment. Know what your DJ will be bringing, and what you have to provide. Here you should be thinking about sound equipment and lighting, make sure there are no hidden costs.
Have they got experience in the type of event your planning?
This is especially important for events like weddings, or more formal celebrations. If the DJ you’re talking to has experience, but only in a club or intense party setting, they may not be right for you.
Does your DJ have the correct insurance?
Do not neglect to screen your potential DJs when it comes to insurance. Remember, that to protect the DJ, yourself, and your guests from any mishaps your DJ should have public liability insurance. If they don’t and something goes wrong, the damage is all on you.
Does your DJ have their electrical equipment portable appliance tested (PAT)?
Although this links into insurance, it is still important to ask. Regularly inspected and safety checked equipment is all that you should be having at your event. Otherwise it is a safety risk, and possibly a disaster waiting to happen.
Will your DJ have a neat and professional setup?
Your DJ should fit right into your party, so make sure you ask about the nature of their set up. If your gathering is formal, your DJ should be able to display a clean entertainment front that fits the atmosphere of your event. Messy jumbles and amateur organisation is definitely not what you want!
Does your DJ have the music you would like?
Any good DJ should have a wide variety of music at their disposal, but it’s important to make sure they have your kind of music in advance. Make a list of the artists and genres that you like, and have the DJ double check to make sure they have something available.
Can you submit playlists in advance?
This varies from performer to performer, but a professional DJ should be happy to let you submit a playlist of songs you want them to play on the day. Do this as early as possible, and remember that you don’t need to plan the entire playlist, but are welcome to submit a list of songs you want to hear.
Will they accept a ‘no-playlist’ to avoid unsuitable tracks?
If you’re happy to give your DJ a little bit more creative room to move, it pays to ask if they’ll take a no-playlist. These are basically the songs you definitely don’t want to hear, and being willing to accept a no-playlist is a good indicator of the professionalism of your DJ.
Does your venue have a sound limiter? Will the DJ still perform?
Sound limiters are a major issue for DJs, as they cut out the power to sound equipment when the venue gets too loud. Your DJ should be informed of them in advance, and also told what the limit is.
Does your DJ have spare equipment / a backup in place?
Backups are essential, and if your DJ doesn’t have one even a small equipment failure could ruin your event. Ask in advance, and don’t take risks.
Does the price include lighting?
Music is obviously a pretty big aspect of your big party celebration, but don’t assume that lighting isn’t just as important. It’s always good for a DJ to come with his own lighting equipment. It can be rigged to sound, and it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Does your DJ provide a written contract?
As a client, you should have some protection when hiring a DJ. A written contract is the way to achieve this. It should outline what’s included, to the kinds of rights you have as the client. Don’t settle for a verbal contract, a written contract is an absolute must.
Are you hiring an individual DJ, agency or company?
This is a challenging question for many planners to ask, because it often seems easier to simply hire a performer. But, when you consider important aspects like insurance, backup equipment, professionalism and solid written contracts, an agency or company is often the safest option.
With these questions in mind, you should have no problem ensuring that your event is entertained by the best professionals in the business. Need a DJ? Request quotes from local DJs in your area.
