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Booking the Best DJ Possible
1. Not all DJ's are created equal. Many people
think that all DJ's are the same and that they are just playing music, so why
not go with the cheapest one. By the way, if we go on that logic, one
could simply use a cheap boom box and save a ton of money, but seriously.
While they all do play music, that is not everything a professional DJ does.
The good ones understand pacing, keeping your event moving at a nice speed.
They take requests and interact with the crowd therefore getting you more bank
for the buck. They also do fun interactive games and give away cool prizes.
This makes everyone leave with a nice memory from the event. Especially at
events like weddings, a good DJ will coordinate the music with the other
scheduled events, such as cutting the cake so the entire ceremony runs smoothly.
2. Ask for references. Make sure that whoever
you end up hiring, you get a couple of references from the DJ or the talent
company representing them. You can call the references and ask them about
their event and if they were happy with the results of the DJ you are thinking
about booking. By the way, a professional entertainer always has
references, so if a DJ says they do not, that is an immediate red flag to us and
it should be to you too.
3. Read the contracts twice. You are definitely
going to want to read the contracts of the performer you are booking more than
once. Why? Quite simply, there are often clauses buried in entertainment
contracts that may entitle the performer to things you are not aware of, such as
getting 50% of their fee should you decide to cancel the event after you have
already signed the contracts, or even being able to take on a higher paying gig
if one comes along before your event. Bottom line, read the contracts twice
before you decide to sign, and make sure you understand everything clearly.
Be weary of contracts that sound like a lawyers textbook. It should not be
that confusing.
4. Experience Needed. Does the DJ have
experience doing the type of event you are looking to book him for? There
is a big difference between working a wedding and a company holiday party.
The wedding requires rehearsals, coordinating other activities around the music
and making announcements. A company party is more laid back and generally
requires making sure the music never stops, it is high energy and very
interactive. What kind of event are you having?
5. What's your budget? You are going to find
that most DJ's can range in price from $100 an hour to more than $250 an hour.
Why the big difference? Well, you are going to pay more for a DJ with more
experience in your type of event, more credentials, and a solid client list.
If a DJ is just starting out, they may not charge a lot because of their
inexperience, but do you want the DJ getting their experience from your event?
I doubt it. Generally, professional DJ's start at around $150 to $175 an
hour. Anything much less than that, just keep in mind, you get what you
pay for.
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