The 10 questions you should ask your prospective DJ before you hire them:
1. WHAT SETS YOUR SERVICE APART FROM THE REST? Many DJs claim to be different, but in reality do the same exact thing at every wedding. These are DJs who call the newlyweds "The Bride And Groom" throughout the entire reception instead of using their names, among other things. They may also play the same exact songs in the same exact order at every reception. Also, be sure to ask if they have any creative ideas they can share for making your reception more fun in a unique way.
2. CAN I MEET MY DJ BEFORE I BOOK WITH YOU? Most larger DJ companies hate when potential clients ask this question. Be forwarned: don't give anybody any money or sign a contract until you have met the DJ who will be at your wedding and get it in writing that they will be your DJ! There are many DJ companies who will pull a "bait & switch" on you and send someone who you have never met to DJ your wedding. Meet your DJ before you sign anything to see if he or she is what you are expecting. Each DJ has his or her own skills, personality, and ideas that make them unique.
3. WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON EATING & DRINKING ? Some DJs may take a break to sit and eat with your guests. During this time, will there be music playing? Regarding alcohol, everybody seems to have a horror story about a drunken DJ who was getting crazy at a wedding, telling off-color jokes on the microphone, or hitting on the bridesmaids.
4. CAN YOU PROVIDE PROOF OF LIABILITY ? Many hotels and wedding venues are now requiring their vendors to have liability insurance. Some have gone as far as not letting the DJ set up their equipment if they don't show proper documentation.
5. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF ANY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS ? The mobile DJ industry is completely unregulated with no licensing or registration required. Anyone who has some sound equipment and an iPod can now call themselves a DJ. Because of this dozens of new DJs pop up every year in Colorado. The vast majority of them don't take the business seriously and are just looking to make some extra money. The talent required to become a mobile DJ is currently impossible to certify by an organization. However, the benefit of finding someone who is involved in a local or national association is that they are committed to improving their overall success through the constant education that is provided by these associations.
6. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR BUSINESS IS WEDDINGS ? The benefit of finding a "Wedding DJ" is that they specialize in the type of event that you are planning - a wedding - as opposed to the "High School Dance DJ" who brings huge speakers, strobe lights, and plays loud rap music all night.
7. IS YOUR EQUIPMENT DISPLAYED IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER ? Believe it or not, many DJs blatantly advertise at their weddings by displaying company signs and banners. Some have their equipment arranged on a table with exposed wires and cords everywhere.
8.WILL YOU BE APPROPRIATELY DRESSED ? A t-shirt and jeans are not appropriate at formal and semi-formal weddings. Find out exactly what your DJ will be wearing.
9.WILL YOU HAVE EMERGENCY BACKUP EQUIPMENT ON SITE ? Backup equipment isn't much good if it's back at the office 30 minutes away. Many companies are not prepared when it comes to equipment failure. A failed sound system can ruin a party.
10. CAN YOU DELIVER ANNOUNCEMENTS THAT ARE CLEAR AND DIRECT ? Have you ever seen someone try to get a crowd's attention without the proper vocal skills? Words like "um" and "uh" get overused and your guests are left asking each other "What did he say?" The person you choose as your Disc Jockey / Master of Ceremonies will be your spokesperson and will be representing you to your guests. Choose wisely.
Bride in court suing her $660 DJ for not showing up at her wedding.
Reception where iPod was used instead of hiring a DJ.
This is what happens when DJs get drunk at weddings.
Can you understand anything this DJ is saying on the microphone?
Don't make the same mistake these unfortunate couples did. Devote at least as much time to finding a PROFESSIONAL Master Of Ceremonies as you are on finding the right venue, caterer, photographer, and attire. Don't let your wedding end up on YouTube!
