What should I look for in a Professional Disc Jockey?
The ability to adapt his or her own personality to fit your event. The ability to play music for every age group, and knowing when to play it.
The ability to be coordinate at your event, in which he or she can run all the ceremonies Or other special events.
The ability to work with the other professionals at your event. Ex: photographers, Banquet managers, etc.
The ability to have a sound & lighting system big enough and good enough to handle Your event, as well with having backup equipment.
The ability to provide references and a contract.
Most people view DJs as someone that makes a few announcements and plays music.
This creates the belief that all DJs are created from the same mold or fabric.
With this Mind-set people believe this is an area that they can save money by shopping around for The best price.
Countless times people call and ask “how much do you charge?”
Not Concerned if the DJ has experience or what they actually offer but just price Shopping for the best deal.
Here is a question to ask yourself the next time you are looking for a DJ:
How was the last reception or special occasion I attended?
One of two primary answers Follow, either “It was great we had a really good time!” or “It was horrible!”
Now let’s Break this down, how many times have you ever heard anyone mention that the food was Horrible or the dcor was the worst?
A large portion of the success to your reception is in The hands of your entertainment, the DJ will execute the order of pre-planned events that you would like leaving the outcome of your reception in the DJs hands to either be.
How to Choose a DJ :
Choosing entertainment is one of the most important decisions a party host or bride and Groom will have to make for their party or reception.
The entertainment they choose will Either makes or breaks their event, and will set the tempo for the entire affair. When Shopping for entertainment, consider not just the price of the entertainment, but more Importantly what you’re getting for that price.
Ask yourself these questions before you plan your next event:
If I invite 200 or 300 of my closest friends and family, do I want them to have an okay Time, or do I want them to have a great time?
Will the ice sculptures and decorations make or break my event, or will the entertainment Be the most important element to get my guests having fun at the party/reception? Successful or not. It has been proven time and time again that the entertainment you select For your reception or special occasion is responsible for 80% of the memories you will Have for the rest of your life about that special occasion.
Here are some common comments you may have heard:
The DJ showed up late or didn’t show up at all. They didn’t play what I asked them to play. The DJ played music I specifically asked them not to play. The DJ that showed up we never met or even knew their name until they introduced themselves. Their equipment sounded horrible, we could not understand the DJ and people could not hear in the back of the room. We could go on and on, unfortunately, but we will save you the time. Brides and Grooms will spend thousands of dollars on the location of their reception, food, beverages and dcor but will cut corners on their entertainment.
This is a recipe for destruction.
No one will instantly recall if the beef or chicken was over cooked or if you had a balloon or floral archway but they will remember if they had a great time and enjoyed themselves dancing the night away.
How one categorizes a DJ. We will take the standpoint of the difference between the Professional DJ and the DJ that has little to no experience.
Professional DJ’s use professional equipment and not home stereo equipment. Professional DJ's will meet with you in advance and listen to your ideas and help plan your reception or special occasion. Professional DJ’s will not try to be the focal point of the party. The Bride and Groom should never share the spotlight! Professional DJ’s play the music that you would like and not what they want to hear. Professional DJ’s will be setup on time with time allotted in for reasonable early arrives or any delays that may occur. Professional DJ’s WILL NOT subcontract your event without first having it approved by you. Professional DJ’s will have many references of clients and business professionals. Professional DJ’s always use contracts for your and their protection. Professional DJ’s have liability insurance if a mishap should happen. Professional DJ’s will not invite potential clients to your event to view their performance. A DJ can not give you and your guests 100% of their attention if they are trying to sell to other uninvited guests. These are just a few items and by no means are the written word that a DJ must meet all of these requirements.
However, they are a few major points to take into consideration when making a decision on your entertainment company.
Back to price – Does this mean the higher the price of the DJ the more Professional they Are?Simply put - No.
But consider this if you go down the list of DJ’s in your area and The average price is $400.00 to $600.00 why would some DJ’s quote or undercut the average price $200 Dollars or more, why are they willing to charge so much less? DJ's are not all created From the same mold or fabric and using this information could help prevent your dream Reception from becoming a nightmare.
Food for thought: A photographer might say, “We capture the moments that last a lifetime.” But a quality entertainer will create the moments for photographer to capture.
Questions to ask the Disc Jockey:
Do You Provide A Written Agreement? | It is very important to confirm your booking in writing. Terms should be clearly defined to avoid future problems. | What Do You Insure? | Be confident that the DJ you hire will show up for your affair! Insurance will give security & protection to you and your guests, as well as the DJ | Do You Have Backup Equipment and DJ's? | Even professional audio equipment can fail on occasion, don't let this put an early end to your affair. Make sure there is backup equipment and be sure there is a back-up DJ should an emergency or case of illness occur. | Is Your Equipment of Professional Quality? | There is a difference between home audio and professional road-worthy equipment. The equipment a DJ uses should be built to go on the road each and every day! | Will You Listen To My Music Suggestions? | Many DJ's are of the opinion that they know what music is best for their audience and won't take requests. The DJ should listen to requests and play them whenever appropriate. | Will You Dress Appropriately at My Affair? | It is important that your entertainer look the part by dressing formal or semi-formal, according to your preference. Themed events and picnics require different attire. | Will You Play The Music At An Appropriate Level? | The biggest concern voiced by prospective clients is the volume level of the music. A professional DJ knows to keep the volume at a level appropriate for the guests, especially during cocktails and the dinner hour. | Do You Do More Than Just Play Music at the Affair? | Most affairs involve more than playing music. It is important to have a DJ who is capable of playing the music, handling all of the announcements and helps to coordinate the affair. | Will You Listen to My Concerns and Input? | A professional DJ is aware that they can't possibly know every aspect of music and entertainment. Your input and suggestions should be welcome! | | Conclusion It is important to find a DJ company that says yes to the above questions. Experience & quality are the most important factors in hiring your entertainment. You will never be sorry when you invest in quality. | G Tyme music caters to the needs of it's Clients. We Think all our Clients as the BOSS!!!!! |
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