Selecting a DJ or a Band for Your Event

The more professional and experienced your DJ is, the better your event will flow. Some feel that a DJ is not a key factor in their event and choose an inexpensive one. Don’t let a low price tag be your only reason for choosing your DJ. There are reasons why some DJs charge more than others.

The more expensive DJs usually have more experience and have already established a good reputation. An experienced DJ can make it a memorable occasion for you and your guests. An inexperienced DJ can turn it into an unforgettable nightmare! A leading bridal publication states that on average only 5% of the wedding budget is spent on entertainment, but your guests will remember your entertainment choice over anything else in your wedding!

1. Know what you are looking for in a DJ

Before you embark on hiring a DJ for your event, you must consider what you are looking for, as it will save on time and confusion later in the party-planning process. While many DJ’s can be versatile performers with catalogs of varied titles, many also specialize in certain events or musical genres.

A DJ for a corporate party will offer something quite different to one who specializes in wedding celebrations. For this reason, it is useful to establish what the type of party is that you are throwing, and what style of music will suit the occasion so that you can find the best possible match for your function.

As you begin to search for your perfect performer, keep an ideal budget in mind. It is also important to note that the very best DJs are often booked up to several months in advance, so it is always best to be proactive and start your planning as early as possible. Should you be hiring a DJ for your event at short notice, there are still plenty of things that you can do to ensure getting a class act for your engagement.

2. Explore your DJ options

DJs often advertise using a variety of media platforms and many are registered on booking agency websites that contain a whole roster of DJs to choose from. Many clients, however, like to act on recommendations as they offer a clear and more personal indicator of what you can expect. Therefore, it is a good idea to ask around and see what presents itself.

A testimony from a friend or colleague is something more reliable to go on in these beginning stages than choosing an unfamiliar act. Alternatively, you can contact establishments that enlist DJs for similar events such as nightclubs or wedding planner companies, as they may be able to provide you with suitable recommendations.

3. Discuss the details

It is best to consider too many than too few potential performers, so once you have selected several candidates, get in touch with them to see if they’re a good fit. You could include creative discussions about what you are looking for in a performance and what they can offer. This is also the time to hash out the essential details, checking their availability and that the date, time and location are agreeable as well as their price, the lighting and equipment costs, their set-up and performance times and anything else that you feel is worth asking. This process will help to eliminate certain DJ’s and establish your personal favorites for the party. If possible, try and attend some events that your top candidates are playing at. Paying close attention to factors such as their performance style, ability, music library, charisma and professionalism will help you to judge their suitability for your party.

4. Finalize the booking

All that is left to do now is to finalize the whole thing. At this point, having decided on your chosen DJ, any last negotiations should now be discussed. Make sure that all of the aforementioned essential