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1.
Service oriented: A top quality DJ offers unlimited coordination
and changes. Call, email him, as much as you like: He responds promptly.
A top quality DJ is completely focused on making you and your guests
happy: he never takes two receptions in one day. A top
DJ arrives early: his equipment is set up before your first guest arrives.
Also, no alcohol for him! Wouldn’t you rather that for your day,
the DJ is concentrating 100% on your happiness?
2. Music:
People’s tastes vary! That is why a top DJ invites
you to give an advance list of preferred "must plays" and
"don't plays." A top DJ encourages requests from your
guests: he has the music! Only the very best DJs takes the time
and expense to keep rigorously up-to-date. Once things get underway,
only an experienced and artistic DJ can read your crowd between requests,
with great danceable tunes in any genre!
3. Sound: Excessive
volume can ruin very enjoyable music, and even spoil an entire event.
A great DJ regularly goes out front, listening from different places
in the room, setting comfortable volume levels for the different phases
of your event.
4.
Equipment: All DJs say they have “Pro” equipment.
But as always, there is top-shelf and bottom-of-the-barrel “Pro”
equipment. A superior DJ knows superb sound quality. He researches the
highest quality in equipment. He invests thousands of dollars in excellent
amps and speakers, so that you will hear your favorite music with crystal
clarity.
5. Coordination:
A top DJ takes initiative to coordinate with you, the bridal
party, your parents, the hall manager, caterer, photographer, videographer:
everyone who has a role in the event. He is pro-active, making sure
that these people get what they need from the DJ/Emcee. If a change
is needed, he wants to know asap, and fix it now!
6. Emcee:
It is your day, not a stepping stone to a DJ’s entertainment career.
Most upstate wedding couples don’t want the in-your-face Long Island
style. They prefer an Emcee who is clear, congenial and present when
needed, after which attention is happily surrendered to you, your family
and guests.
7. This is your day: The
music and Master of Ceremonies are two key features of your wedding
reception. Is it worth it
to turn this responsibility over to a lesser quality Disc Jockey iin
order to save a small amount of money (compared
to the overall cost of the event)?
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How do you know?
High price is not a guarantee of top quality. First and foremost,
If your prospective DJ/MC was recommended to you by a banquet
hall manager or caterer, as is Cayuga Pro DJ by the top banquet
halls in the area, you can be certain of top notch quality. Caterers
and hall managers have found out first-hand who are the best DJs. They
know what works well, and what doesn't. At
the risk of some redundancy, let me say that caterers and hall managers
know that your DJ will:
1. arrive early to set up, before guests arrive, ready to start
on time.
2. be appropriately attired.
3. be congenial, flexible, easy to work with, charming,
focused on pleasing the guests, and on pleasing those who hired him/her.
4. maintain comfortable volume levels, by regularly going out and
checking the sound.
5. has a huge comprehensive music library.
6. play the right tunes for the right moments, keepng
the crowd going if that is their mood, or taking it down for a mellow
moment.
7. take requests happily, play them promptly.
8. honor any "must play - don't play" lists
prepared beforehand.
9. handle unexpected situations comfortably.
10. use the microphone to call attention to the party guests,
and not to him/herself. They have seen he/she coordinate with bridal
party members on correct pronounciation of names to be announced: he/she
cares about your guests!
11. has top of the line pro equipment, and knows how to
get great sound.
If your
DJ plays at Cornell University, then you can be certain
that he/she is fully insured: Cornell requires it.
Cold-calling?
But, if you are cold-calling
from a web-search, or the yellow pages, what to do? I assume that you
have already booked your hall: you have a date. If your hall manager
or caterer does not know your propsective DJ/MC, there are some questions
you can ask., based on my nunmbered comments above. References
will help you, but your own sense of personality will be a good guide.
Will he/she meet with you, at no charge, to help you decide?
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The
ADJA strongly recommends that you ask the following questions
of any Disc Jockey service that you are considering hiring:
(from the "Guidelines of the guidelines
for hiring a DJ," by the American Disc Jockey
Association.)
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1.
Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of liability? Many
responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect
their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning
to require proof of liability. Ask for proof of liability insurance.
Disc Jockey's receive a "Certificate of Liability" which
can be used as proof.
2.
Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead
of time? A
versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions,
give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional
Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain
songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything
about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without
communication.
3.
Do you use Professional Equipment? Ask
whether your prospective Disc Jockey works with professional
audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment
list and check with a local music dealer or the A.D.J.A. to
verify they are using professional-grade sound gear.
4.
Do you provide backup equipment at my event? Although
equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion
ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is
also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan
in case of illness or an accident. Members of the A.D.J.A. have
many resources available to them in case of an emergency.
5.
Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type
of party? A
professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning
of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate,
emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have
experience with your type of event.
6.
How much time do you allow for set-up? Punctuality
is a necessity. Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one hour
prior to the start time you've given them.
7.
Do you provide a written contract? It is extremely
important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for
a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial
retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services
is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure
you get it in writing as well.
8.
Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion? Specify
the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear
for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most
popular forms of attire.
An
A.D.J.A. member is responsible to the Association, as well as
to the customer.
Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision
for the success of your party. Selecting a Disc
Jockey who is an active member of the American Disc Jockey
Association will provide you with the confidence that you
have selected a trained professional. A.D.J.A. members are more
likely to be involved with other Disc Jockey's who can help
them out with an unexpected situation.
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