Most people only hire a Disc Jockey once in their life and usually to perform

at their wedding reception. Because of this, you may not know the right

questions to determine if the DJ your interviewing is the right person to handle

one of the most important events of your life. 

Here's a list of questions that you can ask your prospective DJ either in

person or on the phone to help you make a more informed decision.

1. Is this his/her full time career or a part time hobby? Can he

   meet with you at your convenience, even if it's during the day? Does he

   return your phone calls promptly? Are they working on your reception details

   during the week or their "regular" job?
   

    

2. Does he over-book events and then hire sub-contractors? Will he

   guarantee in writing that they will be the DJ at your event? Will he offer

   you a full refund if he can't perform at your reception? You DON'T want a

   complete stranger showing up to perform at your reception.
   

    

3. Does he have back-up equipment for all his major sound pieces?

   Does he use Commercial "Pro-Grade" equipment? If a speaker blows, does he

   have one ready to replace with? Are you willing to take the chance of your

   party coming to an end if you choose a DJ without back-up equipment?
   

    

4. Will he meet with you in person to help plan your event? Will he

   meet with you more then once to ensure you're comfortable with all the

   plans? Will he help you with all the planning so your reception is

   everything you dream it should be? Are you required to book with them first

   before they will meet with you?
   

    

5. Does he have liability insurance? Is he professional enough to

   carry insurance to cover an unfortunate accident?
   

    

6. Are there any "hidden" charges? In addition to the base price, is

   there a set-up fee? Are there charges for additional meetings? Will he buy

   any special music you require at your reception?
   

    

7. Does the company provide a written contract? The contract is not

   just to protect the DJ but to also protect you! Ask for a blank copy to

   review prior to the date you sign.
   

    

8. Will the DJ have an adequate and appropriate music selection?

   Some DJ's specialize in School/Teen dances and their music library can be

   quite limited when it comes to the more diverse crowd in attendance at a

   reception. Certain types of music are not appropriate to play at a

   reception. Will your DJ abide by your wishes when it comes to what you want

   played and not played?

This is certainly not an all inclusive list of questions you can ask but

should provide you with just enough information to be a more informed "shopper"

of entertainment services. I did not include anything about price in these

questions. Each market has an impact on the prices DJ's charge, but the above

questions hold true for any location.  

Be prepared to pay for quality, just like any other goods and services. DJ's

only have one opportunity to get it right for your special day. Find one your

comfortable with based on the answers to the above questions and one that

matches your personality and your odds are that you will have the time of your

life!