Choosing a DJ for you function is one of the most important decisions you can make to insure the success of your event. Even if everything else is perfect, without good music the party is likely to fizzle. Selecting the right DJ can be confusing. There are more than 15,000 Dee Jays in the United States, all of whom will doubtless promise to do a great job. The purpose of this article is to provide you with some guidance, so your choice will be informed and your decision will be easier.

The most surefire and, certainly the easiest way to find a DJ you're certain to like, is to hire one whom you have seen perform. If you have attended a wedding or another party where the DJ was to your liking, it shouldn't take too much scouting around to find out who he or she was. If you didn't take a business card at the event, your host, hostess or the manager of the venue where the party was held will surely be able to provide you with that information.

If you haven't seen a good DJ perform recently, ask friends who are likely to have the same taste in music as you do. Ask them to tell you about events which they may have attended where the music was memorable, or, if they are going to attend a function in the near future, at which you will not be present, ask them, if they would, to be your eyes and ears while they're partying. Your own firsthand experience is by far the best way to make a choice of DJ's, with the strong recommendation of a friend, a close second.

If you have not actually seen a DJ you like and your friends cannot offer suggestions, your job gets tougher and you'll need to do some research. If you have Internet access, a web site like www.HudsonValleyWeddings.com which features regional music and entertainment providers, can save you lots of time and effort. You might also try the yellow pages. Look under Disc Jockeys, Music and Entertainment and Weddings. You may find DJs listed in any one or more of these categories. There also are Bridal/Wedding supplements which appear regularly in local newspapers and magazines. These can also provide you with leads. Whether looking on-line in the phone directories, or in print media, make note of the listings which appeal to you and appear to specialize in the type of party you are planning.

If you haven't seen the DJ "live" you might ask to see photographs of weddings or other events at which the DJ has performed. Some DJ's may have a taped performance available for you to view. The way in which the DJ dresses and his/her demeanor are important elements in setting a mood for your affair.

You will probably find several listings that look good and when you do, the question is how can you tell which one is best and on what basis should you make your final choice?

Perhaps the worst way to make your decision is based on price alone. Obviously, some DJs are more expensive than others. Prices can range anywhere from $250 to $2500 and more for a 4-hour event. The span is quite a wide one and it certainly can very tempting to choose the least expensive alternative. It is the wise couple who determine and adhere to a budget, so we strongly advise that you not spend more than you can afford. Keeping within your budgetary guidelines, you need to keep in mind that there are good reasons why some DJs charge more than others. The more expensive DJs tend to be the more experienced ones. Their reputations and their demand allows them the luxury of charging more than their lesser known, less experienced, less in-demand colleagues. DJs on the low end of the price scale tend to be new to the business, trying to get established. You may really luck out by hiring a newcomer. It may well be a good decision especially if your party is on the informal side where minor glitches won't be noticed. Of course, there also is added risk with a less experienced person. You will need to weigh the pro's and the con's and come to an educated "balanced" conclusion.

When you speak with the DJs, pay attention to the level of their professionalism on the phone. A professional tends to behave professionally regardless of the circumstances. In your discussion with each DJ whom you "interview," the most important thing to ask about is the DJ's experience with your type of event. It would not be unusual for you to expect that the professional DJ you select will have performed at a minimum of twenty events like yours. Numbers in the hundreds are actually common for a well-established DJ.

If your on-the-phone, "prescreening interview" gives you a good feeling, ask for references. Any DJ who hesitates to give you information about previous customers is sending out a warning sign that you should heed. Get at least five or six names and phone numbers of people for whom the DJ has recently worked. Call these references and ask about the DJs performance. Any professional will be delighted to comply with such a request. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to check on any complaints that may have been registered.

Make sure to ask the DJ about their policy on requests. The best DJs will take requests from the audience and work them into the routine. Do keep in mind that a DJ should not be expected to play every request, as some may simply be inappropriate for the mood of the event. A good DJ is not a jukebox. He will blend requests with songs he feels will properly motivate the crowd. The art of being a DJ has a lot to do with timing, and this takes experience. Incidentally, it is absolutely appropriate to give your DJ a list of five or six "must have" songs.

Many DJs proudly advertise that they have huge numbers of songs in their repertoire. While a large variety is great, the fact is that the DJ will, in all probability, be able to play only 60 or 70 songs during a four-hour show. So, it's much more important that the sixty or seventy be those your guests will want to hear. Ask the DJ to make suggestions about the kind of music that would be appropriate for your affair. You should feel comfortable with most of his or her selections.

Professional equipment is the life blood of a good DJ. A particular DJ may boast about having great equipment, but unless you are familiar with professional audio gear, you probably won't know the differences amongst brands. If, however, the DJ lists brand names with which you are familiar that may actually be a cause for alarm and, subsequently, for further questions. Brand names of home stereo equipment, with which you may be familiar, are not designed to stand up under 4-5 hours of high volume use. Such equipment may fail in mid-party. Once you have asked the "equipment" question of several DJs, you'll be more comfortable in recognizing professional brand names.

When doing your interview ask if the company has more than one DJ on staff. If they do, it's important to get references on the particular individual who will be assigned to your party. It's also advisable to ask how long that particular DJ has been in the business. You may be hiring an old, established business but an inexperienced DJ. Make certain that your contract includes the name(s) of the entertainer(s) whom you have been promised.

With effort, diligence and lots of questions and answers, you will no doubt find the perfect DJ. Good luck in your search and on your forthcoming special event.

For an article on this topic with more information, Click here for "Choosing & Working with Your Entertainment", which includes "Questions to Ask & Helpful Hints," and "Checklist for Your Entertainment."

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