 |
| Pro + DJ = Happy Memories |
You've narrowed your Entertainment choice down to DJ. With their ability to play a wide variety of your favorite dance music this makes good sense. Most DJ's are also MC's, meaning they are Master of Ceremonies and make any announcements you need in a professional manner which is helpful to your event's success. You should ask about their comfort talking on a microphone as there are many types of DJs from bedroom, radio, club/bar to mobile DJs. Mobile DJ is advised as they are more skilled at all aspects of Special Events due to experience. Also Mobile DJs supply their own equipment and music at your event. Bedroom DJ's usually are cheapest to hire as they practice at home and have little real world experience. Radio and Club DJ's charge more as they can have a following. Some Radio and Club DJs can succeed at private parties but it takes a seasoned vet to put aside their own musical likes and dislikes for yours and do what you tell them.
So speaking of information here's some pointers on How to hire a DJ.
1) What exactly do you need your DJ to do and not do. Just play music and don't talk? Want the DJ to make announcements and maybe play the role of an MC? Do you want your DJ to be sophisticated at all times? Be interactive? Be a party animal? Give dance lessons or don't give dance lessons? Be a singer or don't sing? Also be a karaoke host or no karaoke? Write this down and give it serious thought. A Wedding Reception is much different than a Birthday Party and a room full of Doctors parties much differently than a crowd of cowboys. The bottom line is your event exemplifies you and in a way so does the DJ you choose. With my educational background and experience in Theatre Arts I am quite flexible in my performance styles and communication skills. I craft everything I say and do based upon my audience.
2) What type of music do you want played? This is very important. Make sure the DJ will have the music that you want at your event. Not the music the DJ wants. Do you need a variety of music or perhaps just Top-40, Oldies or Country? Try to find a DJ that specializes in the music that you want. DJ's that can play a Variety are the most expensive because they have to be knowledgeable about the many different types of music and how to mix them to keep you and your guests happy. With the advent of PC DJs and the Internet the amount of people calling them selves DJ has increased ten fold. Be careful. Just because someone has lots of music doesn't make them a good DJ. A good DJ knows what song to play and when. This also brings up requests. Do you want a DJ to take requests or not? You know your guests and what is acceptable to them. Again your event is a reflection of you. If you are getting married perhaps a rap song about partying and hooking up is not advisable. When I am told what and what not to play I handle all requests diplomatically. A guest asks for a do not play track and I politely say I don't have it and ask for another. I don't say "The Bride told me not to play it!" You are the star of your day and should always shine. Plus you're my boss.
 |
| Bedroom DJ in Surround Sound |
This brings me to my next point. A great DJ does what you say. Pay the deposit, sign the contract and THEY WORK FOR YOU. YOU ARE THE BOSS! Tell them in advance what is needed, required and expected. It's their job to bring proper equipment, have and play music you want and be properly dressed. They should be able to expand upon requests but NEVER ASSUME what the DJ should know. It's your event. You know your friends and family. You know what you want. The DJ does not. Give as much info as possible! As a DJ myself, you can never give me enough information.
So speaking of information here's some pointers on How to hire a DJ.
1) What exactly do you need your DJ to do and not do. Just play music and don't talk? Want the DJ to make announcements and maybe play the role of an MC? Do you want your DJ to be sophisticated at all times? Be interactive? Be a party animal? Give dance lessons or don't give dance lessons? Be a singer or don't sing? Also be a karaoke host or no karaoke? Write this down and give it serious thought. A Wedding Reception is much different than a Birthday Party and a room full of Doctors parties much differently than a crowd of cowboys. The bottom line is your event exemplifies you and in a way so does the DJ you choose. With my educational background and experience in Theatre Arts I am quite flexible in my performance styles and communication skills. I craft everything I say and do based upon my audience.
2) What type of music do you want played? This is very important. Make sure the DJ will have the music that you want at your event. Not the music the DJ wants. Do you need a variety of music or perhaps just Top-40, Oldies or Country? Try to find a DJ that specializes in the music that you want. DJ's that can play a Variety are the most expensive because they have to be knowledgeable about the many different types of music and how to mix them to keep you and your guests happy. With the advent of PC DJs and the Internet the amount of people calling them selves DJ has increased ten fold. Be careful. Just because someone has lots of music doesn't make them a good DJ. A good DJ knows what song to play and when. This also brings up requests. Do you want a DJ to take requests or not? You know your guests and what is acceptable to them. Again your event is a reflection of you. If you are getting married perhaps a rap song about partying and hooking up is not advisable. When I am told what and what not to play I handle all requests diplomatically. A guest asks for a do not play track and I politely say I don't have it and ask for another. I don't say "The Bride told me not to play it!" You are the star of your day and should always shine. Plus you're my boss.
3) What equipment will make your event a success? Make sure the DJ has the right equipment for your event. List the approximate number of people who will be attending as announcements have to be heard over the roar of the crowd. Also state whether event is indoors or outdoors or both as outside event sound needs to be more powerful because the sound has nothing to bounce off of like inside a room. Also if event is split in two locations a second sound system is recommended to have one flow into the other effortlessly and without interruption. If some specific equipment will be required such as a wireless lapel microphone make sure the DJ has one as not all do. Lights, fog, and bubbles are all effects that fit some events and not others. Again ask what you're paying for.
4) One thing you pay for besides quality equipment is proven experience. Ask how much experience the DJ has working events similar to yours. If it doesn't make a difference, that's OK. A bad house party is not the same as wasting thousands of dollars because the DJ chased your guests away with bad jokes and even worse song choices. If something absolutely has to go right it's advantageous to have someone with experience who can deal with unexpected last second changes, twists, curves and turns that always seem to come up. A good DJ can help smooth over potential awkward moments. You get what you pay for. Call around and discover the average DJs charge and stay in that range. Never dip below because why would a professional charge less than what he could get as an average? You don't want a desperate, lonely DJ looking to make friends and influence people at your party. There's probably a reason why their social calendar is lacking and because they hold a microphone in hand, the DJ is the one person who will make you look good... or bad.
 |
| DJ Mike Flanagan at Fundraiser |
A smart DJ is a smart businessman. I know that I will be judged by your success so just as you want to hire a good DJ, I want to be hired by a good employer. One who's given much thought to what they, and their guests want. With more than 15 years of event experience I've seen good and bad events so feel free to call me anytime as I can guide you through things you should consider and maybe save you some money. I don't tell you what to do! I listen to what you want and make it happen. I work for mine and your reputation so know that satisfaction is guaranteed. That is how I've stayed in business for so many years; letting you have it your way.
P.S. We discussed DJ above but attention should be made regarding karaoke.
(530) 941-2167
