How to choose a DJ

by Matthew Baransy

Choosing a DJ for your function is one of the most important decisions you can make to insure the success of the event.  Everything else can be perfect, but if the music isn't good, the party will fizzle.  Selecting the right DJ can be confusing.  There are over 18,000 DJs in America, all promising they'll do a great job for you.  So how do you pick the right one for you?  This article will provide some guidance to help you make the decision easier.

The best and easiest way to find a DJ you'll like is to hire one you've already seen.  If you've been to a wedding or a party where the DJ was great, find out who he or she was.  If you didn't get their card, ask the host or manager of the function room.

If you haven't seen a good DJ recently, ask your friends.  Your friends probably have the same taste in music as you.  Maybe they've been to a function you missed. 

If the first two suggestions don't work, your job gets tougher.  You might have to go to the Yellow Pages.  Look under Disc Jockeys.  If you have internet access, visit and read websites.

How do you tell which one is best?  First set a budget for your event and decide what percentage of your budget you want to dedicate to entertainment.  Unfortunately, when the money starts to run thin, one of the more common places people opt to cut back is on their entertainment.  One way to think about your entertainment is to consider it to be an insurance policy on the rest of your investment.  The fact is, it won't matter how beautiful your decorations are, how delicious the meal is, how artistic the cake is, if your entertainment falls short.  The entertainment is the one factor that can "make or break" your event.  Probably the worst way to choose a DJ is on price alone.  Some DJs are more expensive  than others.  Prices can range from 100.00 to 2000.00 for a 4 hour event.  That's quite a difference, and it would be very tempting to choose the cheapest alternative.  If that's all you can afford, then you have no choice.  But, consider the law of supply and demand,  There is a reason some DJs charge more than others.  They are usually worth it.  More expensive DJs tend to be more experienced DJs.  They can charge more because they have a lot of jobs, and they have a good reputation.  Generally, the DJs on the low end of the price scale are new to the business, and trying to get established.  They could do a great job, and might be worth a shot if your party is on the informal side.  But there is probably more risk with a less experienced person.

As you speak with the DJs, pay attention to their professionalism over the phone.  It tends to spill over into their DJ style.  It's important that you select a DJ who will provide the style and personality that you prefer.  Do you want an energetic who will interact with your guests, or do you prefer that the DJ provide a more low key approach and only make necessary announcements?  These are questions you should ask yourself, and the disc jockey.  Make sure you have a match between your needs and the DJs ability and style.  The most important thing to ask them about is their experience with your type of event.  If you are planning an event like a wedding, school dance, or company party, it would be normal to expect a professional DJ to have performed for at least 20 of these events.  A number in the hundreds is actually common for a DJ who is well established.

DJs with less experience might also do a good job.  And they'll usually cost less.  If you talk to one who sounds interesting, ask them for references.  Ask for 5 or 6.  Checking references is a great test of quality.  You want someone who has experience working with caterers, photographers, videographers and party planners.  These professionals are another resource for referrals of a good DJ.

You might also ask the DJ if they are performing in a location where you can see them.  If so, make a visit, unannounced.  Observe how the DJ interacts with the crowd.  Are people having fun?  Are people dancing?  Is the music too loud?  Is the DJ dressed appropriately?  These are all good clues to the DJ's skills and personality.

Ask your Dj what attire he or she wears for your event.

Always ask the DJ about their policy on requests.  The best DJs will take requests from the audience and work them into their routine.  However, do not expect the DJ to play every request.  Many requests are simply inappropriate for the mood of the event.  A good DJ is not a jukebox, he will blend requests with songs he feels will properly motivate the crowd.  The art of DJing is timing, and this takes experience.  Forcing a DJ to ignore his or her instincts by making them play every request will result in an "uneven" (and less fun) party.  On the other hand, the DJ should try to play as many of your audience's requests as possible.  Try to get a feel for their philosophy of requests as you interview them.  It is also appropriate to give a DJ a list of songs you "must have".

Many DJs boast about the number of songs they have.  While variety is great, the fact is that they will only be able to play about 60 to 70 songs in a four hour show.  Having the right 60 songs is a lot more important than having 20,000 songs your crowd doesn't want to hear.  After you tell the DJ what type of party you are having and who the audience will be, ask them what type of music they'd suggest.  You should feel comfortable with most of his or her suggestions.

Many DJs also boast about having great equipment.  Unless you are familiar with professional audio gear, you probably won't know the difference between which brands are great and which are budget.  However, your DJ should at least have professional grade equipment. 

Some DJ companies have more than one DJ working for them. This gives you peace of mind knowing that if your DJ gets sick or has an emergency, that there is a back up DJ available with the information they need to make the show go on. 

It is important that your DJ offers a written contract.  Many "problem" situations occur when there is no contract or written agreement.  What will happen if your DJ can't perform due to illness or cancels at the last minute?  It is important to be clear on what the DJ will charge and what you will receive in return.

DJ associations, Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce are all pretty easy to join if the DJ is serious about his or her professional, it just costs money to be a member.  A DJ that who spends the money shows you they care about "better business".  DJ Liability insurance and equipment coverage are another sign that the DJ is serious about good business. 

The perfect DJ for you will be experienced at your type of event and have great references and communication skills.  As you search, remember that above all, you want your event to be fun.

Matthew Baransy owns A DJ Connection and has been performing in this area since 1989.  He can be reached for questions at 850-968-1968