Six steps for choosing a DJ

1. Decide your DJ style

First step is to decide what type of DJ you want for your Wedding. There are many different types of DJ’s. You might want a DJ to entertain a mixed age group with a variety of genres of music at say a wedding or a genre specific DJ who will play for a certain age group. All good DJ’s has his/her own style. When you book through a company that employs many DJ’s ensure you talk and plan with the DJ who will play at your Wedding and make sure you feel comfortable with the DJ you hiring for the night. Ask your DJ, what kind of music he/ she like and you will have good knowledge of what they will be playing most on your wedding. Common events usually require the following types of music. Weddings Party’s Corporate Events All Genre Mix DJ All Genre Mix DJ All Genre Mix DJ Ethnic Music Knowledge Club DJ (Urban & Dance) Cocktail Music Knowledge Dinner Music Knowledge Pub & Bar Music Knowledge Pub & Bar Music Knowledge Cocktail Music Knowledge Specific Genre DJ Specific Genre DJ

2. Budget

Set a budget. Prices range from approx $500 for a basic DJ service for 4 hours up to $2000 Inc GST for a fully qualified, in demand and experienced DJ. This can be more if they are a celebrity or a well known music producer. Rates vary a lot. It is usually based on talent, personality, experience, music knowledge, mixing ability, demand, equipment required, venue accessibility (for load in/out) and location. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for in the entertainment industry. Do a good research before booking a DJ in for your wedding. Ask your friends and venues that hold Wedding. Sometime a word of mouth DJ service is the best to choose. Your guests will always remember a bad DJ in the same respect they will also recommend a good DJ. 3. Experience

Ask the DJ how many weddings he or she has done. It’s vitally important for your DJ to have the knowledge on how to direct the music on your wedding with the right music and show to suit the style of event you are having. If they can back up their experience with at least five wedding testimonials and even provide wedding they performed on DVD / Video that you can review. Short video clips will not represent the entire night. A DJ’s performance is really judges by the 5-6 hour experience.

4. Music

Each song that a DJ plays creates a mood for each person young or old. Have an input on how the music is played on the night. Make sure your DJ will accommodate your ideas, play the music you want at the event and will take guest requests on the night. The DJ service should provide a music list for you to choose a few styles and songs &songs not played in your wedding. On average around 18-22 songs per hour are played. It is always good to choose around 20-30 must play songs and a few genres to follow. This leaves a little room for the DJ’s creativity and will give the DJ an idea of you and your guest’s tastes. The “not play” song list is just as important.

5. Equipment

Enquire if your DJ uses professional sound and lighting equipment. If you can, get them to send pictures of what their setup looks like. Cables should be hidden, there should be minimum light trussing (unless they have a large lightshow) and it should suit your style of venue. If you have paid good money for a nice venue, a DJ’s setup should be subtle and blend in with the venue. Check with the DJ to make sure they have backup equipment in case of failure. This should include amps, mixers and cd players / turntables / computers. Remember that sound & lighting equipment is only the DJ’s tools and does not reflect their talent, personality or type of service you will get at the event.

6. Summary

1- Choose your style of DJ and budget
2- Talk to friends, family and venues to see if they have recommendations
3- If you cannot source someone you know, check the Yellow pages or Bridal Magazines
4- Make sure you feel comfortable with the DJ you are speaking to
5- Ensure they are accommodating and will assist with the style of your event
6- Remember you are the hirer, if you are not happy with something, say so
7- Check their experience & equipment used
8- If you are happy & confident with what they do book them and ensure you get a contract / event planner
9- Liaise with the DJ leading up to the day
10- Most importantly, enjoy the event!