Does the DJ use professional grade equipment? If the
DJ does not have pictures of his or her gear, you should ask to set up a time to see the equipment or see pictures of the DJ’s set up. Although there are many fine home stereo equipment components made, they are not suitable for commercial or repeated use and varying room conditions. The DJ should be able to tell you what he/she uses and characterize the equipment as professional grade.
Will the DJ offer to meet with you AFTER signing the contract to plan your event? A professional DJ is ALWAYS willing to discuss your event at any time before the event starts, and should display the flexibility to accommodate changes and help you solve problems. Meeting your DJ to plan your event is of paramount importance to a successful event such as a wedding reception.
Consider this when pricing your DJ service: You should consider your DJ service an insurance policy that ensures that all of the other money you spend will not result in bad memories or a less than enjoyable occasion. You do get what you pay for. Good entertainment is NOT cheap, and cheap entertainment often is NOT good!! And yet many people will pay far more for a cake, flowers, or food than they will for the most crucial ingredient at a party – the music. When was the last time you saw a cake reading a crowd and spinning a CD, motivating a dance floor crowd, or making announcements in a dignified elegant way? Further, when was the last time you heard a guest tell you “Boy, that prime rib was great, I can’t wait until I go to another party to have that again”? No, that DOES NOT HAPPEN. Instead, they talk about the music that was played, and whether they had a good time or not. The music is always what they will talk about and whether the DJ was any good or not.
Do you work exclusively work for this company?
A wedding is such an important occasion, and you
don't want your DJ's first wedding to be your own. The number of years someone
has been a DJ will give you some indication of their experience level, but some
DJs only perform for a few events (and fewer weddings) each year. A DJ with
half as many years in the industry may have many times as many weddings under
his belt, so you should also ask how many weddings the DJ has done. Also
be sure to ask if the DJ has any formal training, either from a DJ company or a
DJ school.
Just like any other profession, performing for
weddings requires one’s skills to be in top form. If a DJ performs for only a
few weddings per year, they may not be “at the top of their game” by the time
your wedding date arrives. Asking how many weddings they do per year will give
you an indication of their level of commitment to your type of event.
