Kern County Bridal Association

Hiring music entertainment for your wedding can easily be the most important booking made for your wedding day. Guests remember whether or not they had fun at your wedding. What you pay for is what you get is a good rule of thumb. However, I would like to help you future brides and grooms, on how to hire a DJ and the things to consider. The following are 9 important facts to consider when hiring a disc jockey BEFORE you sign the contract.

1. Who will be the DJ for your occasion? Many DJ companies are multi-system operations. Be sure to have in writing of who your DJ will be at your event. I would recommend meeting your DJ before hiring the company.

2. How many years experience does your DJ have with your type of function? Anyone can pretend to be a DJ. If you are having a formal event, does your DJ know how to organize a wedding reception or a grand entrance the Bride & Grooms first Dance?

3. Will the DJ get everyone involved in the dancing or do they just play music? You have to ask yourself if you want a DJ that will get everyone dancing? For example, will the DJ involve guests by playing and conducting motivational dances like the Chicken Dance, Hokey Pokey, Cha Cha Slide or just play music? Or if you’re not into those types of dances will he work with you to design a program that will motivate and move your guest and create a custom experience unlike any other wedding.

4. Will the DJ be dressed appropriately? Formal means tuxedo or dress. Semi-formal means dress pants, shirt & tie or slacks and blouse. Casual means polo shirt or company shirt. Be sure the DJ is dressed appropriately during set-up and takedown of equipment. Some guests do arrive early and stay late.

5. What is the DJ's fee? How much is overtime? Is a tip included in the fee? Will there be an extra charge for lighting-what does the lighting include? How much is travel to your location? Are you ONLY paying for the time the DJ performs? In most circumstances the price of a great dj/emcee should be at least 10 to 15 % of your overall budget. Remember this one service can account for 80 to 90 % of the success of your reception.

6. Does the DJ include a contract? Be sure to have all details of your function in writing. The DJ must know the date, place, and time! You must know each other's names and phone numbers including the DAY of the occasion.

7. Is the DJ company professional? This may sound silly, but does the DJ have insurance? Accidents do happen. It's better to be prepared. Also, is the DJ a member of a national DJ association like ADJA, NAME, BAOA? If they are, then they care about what they do and are a better chance of being professional.

8. What kind of equipment does the DJ use? Typically, if a DJ is using a brand of equipment you can buy at your local retail store, then that's what you will get. Excellent brand names include: JBL, Community, Denon, Gemini, QSC, Crown, etc. Always, and I mean always, ask if the DJ has back-up equipment WITH them for your function. Also, be sure the DJ brings the right amount of sound for the number of guests expected.

9. What music do you play? How many music selections will the DJ have with them? Be sure your DJ takes requests before and during your function with the understanding of the type of atmosphere you are trying to create. Also, give them a guideline of what you want played. You should be able to provide the DJ with a Must Play list and a Request List and in some cases a Do Not Play List.