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 |
