Choosing
a DJ
for
your wedding reception is one
of the most important decisions
that you can make. It is important
to insure the success of this
most memorable event. Everything
else can be perfect, but if
the music is not great, the
party will fizzle. Selecting
the right Disc Jockey (DJ) can
be confusing. There are thousands
of DJs in Canada, all promising
that they will do a great job
for you. Amidst all of the confusion
of planning the perfect wedding,
how do you pick the right DJ?
Read on for some guidance that
will hopefully make your decision
easier.
One
of the best ways to find a DJ
that you will like is to hire
one that you have already seen.
If you have recently been to
a wedding or party where the
entertainment was wonderful,
find out who they are and book
them!
If
you have not seen a good DJ
recently, ask your friends and
work associates. Perhaps
they can give you a good reference.
If these suggestions do not
provide answers for you, your
real search begins. You
might need to turn to your local
phone
book. For quick access,
check under the categories of
Disc Jockey, Music and Entertainment.
Look for those that mention
that they specialize in weddings.
Upon
finding several ads that you
like, how do you tell which
one is best? Be sure not
to choose on price alone.
Although one potential DJ may
charge less, that may be because
the company is less experienced,
or less well-equipped to handle
your function. Shop around
and look for overall packages.
Of utmost importance is creating
a rapport with the DJ over the
phone. Pay attention to
their professionalism; their
personality tends to spill over
into their DJ style. If you
find a DJ that you like, but
who has less experience, don't
be too afraid. Just be
sure to check out several of
the company's references to
make sure that they are indeed
reputable.
Another
thing to consider is a DJs policy
on requests. The best
DJ will take requests from the
audience and work them into
their routine; however, do not
expect the DJ to play every
request. Many requests
are simply inappropriate for
the mood of the event.
An excellent DJ is not a jukebox,
but blends requests in with
songs that he feels will properly
motivate the crowd. The
art of DJ'ing is timing and
this takes some experience.
Forcing a DJ to ignore his or
her instincts by making them
play every request will result
in an "uneven" (and
less fun) party. A professional
DJ knows how to 'read' and play
to your group/guests.
They know what is best to make
or break a party. There
is no need to give the DJ a
complete list of songs that
you want played for the night
(or only from your list).
We do recommend that you provide
a short list to the DJ (maybe
20 songs) to give a flavour
of the style of music you and
your family/guest typically
listen to.
Some
companies have more than one
DJ working for them. In
this case, it is important to
get references for the specific
DJ who will be assigned to your
event. Even if the company
has been around for years, they
might have hired your DJ last
week. Be sure of who
you are getting. Ask if
the DJ belongs to any professional
organizations such as CAMEO
(the Canadian Association of
Mobile Entertainers and Operators),
the Canadian On-Line DJ Association
(CODJA), CDJA (the Canadian
Disc Jockey Association), or
your local chamber of commerce.
This does not guarantee
that a DJ will be good, but
it does give you an idea about
whether or not he or she is
a serious business professional.
Many of these associations provide
training and up-to-date information
in the DJ trade. Networking
in one or more of these associations
is extremely valuable.
10
Questions You May Want to Ask
When Searching for Your Disc
Jockey:
-
Do you use professional
gear?
- Do
you provide a back-up system
in case of an emergency?
- Are
you insured? All DJs should
have liability insurance.
- Do
you belong to any professional
associations or trade groups?
- Are
we guaranteed the DJ of
our choice on the day of
the event? Is there
an extra fee for a specific
DJ?
- How
many years of experience
do you/DJ have?
- May
we call three of your references?
- How
will you be dressed?
- How
early will you be there
to set up?
- Will
you allow requests?
You
can also visit
www.cameodj.com
www.codja.org
WeDJ.com |
