Tips for Hiring a DJ in 2009 for Your Wedding Reception
With a weakening economy, and an increasing proliferation of mobile music entertainers, finding a suitable dj for your wedding can be a daunting experience. Use of common sense and some simple suggestions, however, can prove to offer a winning solution in securing a professional to guarantee a successful affair.
With the economy
faltering, consumers are paying closer attention to their spending
habits within a shrinking budget. When it comes to hiring a dj,
potential clients are shopping their possibilities even more so. To
make your search easier and to ensure you don’t fall prey to bottom
feeding djs who will promise you the world for a penny and subsequently
provide you a less than stellar performance, I offer the following
advice.
1) Seek value for your dollar, not cheapest prices.
Professional djs should offer basic items as standard. Specifically,
in-home, pre-event consultations for wedding and corporate clients.
Bride and grooms are busy planning their weddings and anything that can
be offered to make their search easier, is appreciated. Vendors that
make the added effort to meet the client on their turf shows a level of
commitment that will carry over to the performance.
2) Inquire
about the equipment your dj uses. There are manufacturers of dj
equipment that are far superior than others. The commitment to one’s
company will be indicative of the quality of equipment that is
purchased and maintained. The dj’s website should list the variety of
amps, speakers, cd players, mixers, mics, etc he uses for his
performances.
3) Ask for references. An experienced disc jockey
should be able to provide an ample list of sources to provide feedback
and answer questions regarding past events. Don’t rely only on wedding
references either; look at other former events as well if you want your
special day to not be just any old normal wedding reception. How a dj
entertains and motivates guests at parties and dances will provide an
indication of what he can do for your wedding.
4) Specify
versatility by looking for djs that can move from one style of music to
another if that is what you require. Most weddings today are attended
by peoples from a wide mix of races and cultures, so competent djs need
to be able to offer more than just the standard fare of top 40.
5)
When searching for personalization of your reception, inquire about
multiple packages and options. Competent disc jockeys should be able to
offer a variety of add-ons, such as pinspotting, uplighting, and gobo
projection. The least amount of vendors you have to hire should result
in less headaches and lower pricing. In addition, a variety of plans to
meet a variety of budgets should be available, where package deals
should provide a better bang for the buck.
6) Attempt to find a
dj that is not only capable, but is willing to work with you. First of
all, do realize that the professional dj is great at what he does. He
knows how to work a crowd and keep them on the dance floor, if that is
what you want to acheive for your event. So do remember not to require
that your dj conform to a playlist for the entire performance. Most djs
will not offer their services if they are instruced to act like a human
ipod…it is their reputation at stake when the songs selected by the
client don’t go over with their guests. However, on the other hand, do
not consider a dj who is not open to your requests. Clients should lay
the groundwork by indicating the styles of music to be played, which
titles if any, not to play, and maybe a couple dozen specific songs to
spread throughout cocktails, dinner and dancing.
7) Verify there
are guarantees when you book
use contracts to secure performances. Most include provisions for
cancellations, specific appearances, and other circumstances. The disc
jockey wants to protect his interests as well as yours…insist on and
require a signed contract that specifies the details of your affair.
In
summary, the business of mobile entertainment is a competitive one.
When looking to hire a dj for your event, you’ll be faced with a large
assortment of disc jockeys vying for your business. To avoid a dreadful performance because you settled on the lowest price or being overcharged
for a lackluster affair, clients must be prepared. By using these tips
and maintaining an open mind during your search , there is a great
chance that the dj you hire will be the best for you and your special
event.
About the author
Event DJ Services Provider. Please visit us at http://www.wickedsoundandlight.com
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