The DJ market is full of imposters, full of cousins who can “totally DJ the event for free” or friends of friends who accept your money, but whose idea of DJing is plugging their phone in with an aux cord and playing a Spotify playlist. If you’re having a wedding, hosting a corporate event, or throwing the party of a lifetime, don’t leave it to chance; put it in the hands of professionals.
For occasions like these, you have every right to be picky about finding platinum DJs who bring your event to life and create unforgettable experiences for your guests. But how do you find them? And what questions should you ask so you know you’ve found the right one?
This article discusses how booking a DJ helps you plan your corporate event without stress, so you can confidently hire the best DJ group and have a blast while doing it. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about booking a DJ.
When Should the DJ Play & for How Long?
How long and when DJs play depends primarily on the type of event you host. For weddings, corporate, or live events, DJs commonly cover the entire reception or event. Depending on how long your event lasts (most events start between 6-7 pm and last until 1-2 am), you should budget for between 6-7 hours.
That’s not to suggest DJs can’t work daytime events such as launch parties, festivals, or private parties. Professional DJs should work around your schedule (within reason) and work diligently to deliver on your vision for your event. DJs can also partner with live bands to offer variety. Live bands can play two or three sets with DJs filling the time between sets to keep the party going.
Don’t Base Your Decision on Money Alone.
Regardless of your budget, you shouldn’t try to cut corners when deciding your event’s entertainment. The cons of hiring an inept DJ for your event far outweigh the pros of saving a few bucks. It’s best to spend a little more on high-quality DJs who bring your vision to life.
Nine times out of ten, if a DJ seems like a steal, it’s because there’s a catch. Either they’re less skilled, use low-quality equipment, or don’t dedicate themselves to their craft. As in any other industry, you get what you pay for. Platinum wedding and event DJs may cost a little extra, but if you’re throwing a party or event, you should do it the right way.
How Important is DJ Experience?
DJing weddings and events requires a particular etiquette that takes time to learn. Experienced DJs understand how to read the crowd and adjust their set’s energy according to the mood. The best DJs bring out the wild in people who never dream of dancing. However, they don’t get to this level without trial and error. In the words of Calvin Coolidge:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
When deciding on your DJ, choose one with years of dedication and passion under their belt. Experienced DJs know how to appropriately deal with rowdy guests, make announcements, and be engaging hosts. These skills pay dividends when you’re concerned about keeping a tight event schedule, and DJs can only develop them by applying themselves to their craft for many years.
Choose The DJ With the Best References
The best DJs have testimonials that validate their success. You can ask DJ companies for their most recent clients’ contact information so you can discuss their experience with the company, or you can research local listing directories to see what others say about their experience.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure the DJs you’re considering have a rating of 4.5 or higher. You should also check the number of reviews the company has to ensure you have a large enough sample size.
Meet With the DJ Before You Book
Before booking your DJ, meet and discuss the pricing in detail. Much of whether you have success hiring a DJ for your event depends on whether you gel with them on a personal level. Remember, this person is in charge of setting the atmosphere of your event.
By meeting with your DJ, you can get all the pertinent details in the open. If the DJ cares about their clients, you will recognize it by how responsive and helpful they are in your meeting. They won’t make your feel like you’re asking stupid questions, and they will answer you thoroughly, easing your worries.
Be clear on the services they provide and make sure you understand every aspect of their billing process before signing on. You should also ask whether the prospective Dj provides additional lighting options, lasers, fog machines, or photo booths. Additional services can add the perfect flair to your event so that people remember it forever.
Get Expert DJ Advice
You should feel comfortable to ask any questions that come to mind with your DJ. The more information you can provide, the better they can tailor your experience to your guests’ preferences.
DJs should be comfortable offering assistance on song selection, your reception’s order, and the additional services that would add to your event. You should also feel comfortable seeking advice from your DJ. They shouldn’t make you feel like a nuisance for asking questions.
Read more about: [pii_email_e6685ca0de00abf1e4d5]
Finalize the Details
Before you agree to your event DJ, make sure you agree on the details. Dress code, venue, equipment, and which DJ will perform are important things to discuss before booking.
You should also confirm that you’re getting the DJ you want for your event. Many DJing companies have a roster of DJs, so it’s essential to see if your DJ has a contingency plan in the unlikely event they can’t perform at your event. If they have a backup DJ in mind, you should try to meet them beforehand as well.
Trust Your DJ
After you’ve covered all the details of your agreement, it’s time to let go of the reigns a little bit. The reason for hiring a DJ is so you can let go of some of the responsibility for your event. Trusting professional DJs who have your best interest in mind makes the event planning process easier and smoother.
Conclusion- Don’t Leave Your Wedding or Event Up to Chance
Whether you have an upcoming event or wedding, researching DJ services is the best way to ensure you have a memorable event that people look back on fondly. Following the steps in this article will help prevent you from hiring DJs who don’t take your event seriously or align with your vision.
Don’t wait to book your event’s entertainment, either. The sooner you book a DJ for your event, the sooner you can plan the rest of your event’s numerous moving parts.
