There is a big difference between the audio equipment you have at home and the equipment the professional DJ/MC uses. Professional audio equipment is built to go on the road day in and day out. Be sure to ask about the sound equipment, even if you aren’t “stereo smart” you’ll be able to tell the difference.

All terms of the agreement should be in writing to avoid any complications at a later date. This ensures you that the DJ/MC will show up. If you don’t have a contract, it’s a pretty good chance they might find a higher-paying job and give you the slip. References are also an important part of any service business and your DJ/MC should be able to provide you with current names and phone numbers.

It is important that your entertainer looks the part by dressing in formal or semi-formal attire, according to your theme. Don’t assume the DJ/MC will be properly dressed. Be sure to ask what he or she will be wearing.

A professional DJ/MC can’t possibly know everything there is to know about all music styles and entertainment. They should be willing to listen to your ideas and input and incorporate them into the event. They should also listen to your requests and play them where they are appropriate.

Keep in mind if you have a lot of requests the DJ/MC may not be able to play all of them. Believe it or not, there are some DJ services that will not play any requests. Also, beware of services that have you fill out a song request list. Often this is the only music they will bring. So if you want to hear something you forgot to write down, they may not have it on the night.

Our music selection is one of the largest with over 38,000 selections all on hard drives from the 50′s to current hits. It’s also important to have a variety of music especially to also cater to your guest too. Popular Wedding genres are: Afrikaans, top-40, commercial dance, house, pop, disco, retro, country, jazz, RnB, rock etc.

A professional DJ/MC will become involved in the planning of your function and will be prepared to handle any announcements or special events on that day. A guideline of the formalities should be discussed ahead of time and also supplied to you in writing before your Wedding Night.

How many times have you heard about the entertainment being late, or not even showing up?”

This is probably because they are unreliable, or it happened because the DJ/MC booked an event before yours and ran overtime. Make sure your entertainment is set up prior to any guests arriving and ready to start when you want them to. Also, make sure to ask if the DJ/MC has ever canceled shows in the past. If they have they may be double booking shows and taking the one that pays the most.

This is really scary if halfway through the party something happens to the sound equipment, what will you do?

Well if the DJ/MC doesn’t carry a backup system the party is over. If the DJ/MC has a backup system the party is only interrupted for a few minutes while he changes a component or replaces the system. Even professional equipment can fail on occasion, so it is very important to know whether your DJ/MC has a spare system available to them.

Any number of circumstances may arise between the time you booked your DJ/MC to the time of the event. Make sure the DJ/MC has a backup plan in case of illness or accident.

The biggest concern voiced by prospective clients is the volume level of the music. A professional DJ/MC knows to keep the volume at a level appropriate for the guests, especially during cocktails and the dinner hour.

A professional DJ/MC is aware that they can’t possibly know every aspect of music and entertainment. Your input and suggestions should be welcome!

If you thought about renting or borrowing all the necessary components, or “doing it yourself”, you would most likely end up spending a lot of money and be quite disappointed with the results.

All the above devices are not substituted for a professional entertainer creating a show specially designed for you and your guests. There is constantly starting and stopping of music, no flow of atmosphere in the room, and no BEAT MIXING of the music for you.

You should be completely comfortable with your DJ/MC, who you choose for your wedding reception or special event as they will have greater impact and control of the dance floor on the night for you than any other forms of entertainment.

You should expect to get a callback or an Email back within 24 hours. Not all DJ’s are “full-time”, many are out working their “day jobs” and may not be able to return your call within an hour or two. You may want to ask them about their availability to you for answering questions and handling any problems that may arise, always confirm that there will be no conflict of interests on your chosen date.

Some DJ/MCs invite clients to see them at other receptions whilst they are performing. However, most DJs refuse to do this. Two problems with “visiting” is the fact that the reception you see is created specifically for an entirely different group than you and your guests. It is a significant imposition to invite strangers to someone else's wedding. Most clients would not like to have uninvited guests turn up at their wedding, especially where it is to benefit the DJ/MC they are paying.

The best way to judge a prospective D/MCJ is an in-person meeting which will help you to determine if you will be comfortable with them. This allows you to judge his/her appearance, posture, manners, speaking ability, and knowledge of receptions and music. A professional DJ should be friendly, personable, and easy to talk with. He should actively listen to your concerns and address them in a positive manner. He also should be able to explain the basic order of events, and what his strategy is for making your reception unique and special.

A true professional is flexible and will always have more than one way to accomplish a goal.

There is NOTHING worse in the world than having to worry about things you shouldn’t have to. 

You are hiring a professional and your worries should end right there. Choosing the person who “feels” right is the most important factor in picking the right entertainer for your party or reception. The DJ/MC you choose should be very open about what he/she can do for you and should volunteer information and “show” you that knowledge base. Is the person knowledgeable about your type of event?

There are all kinds of DJ’s. Club DJ’s, Wedding DJ’s, Rave DJ’s, Radio DJ’s…the list is long and varied! Can the DJ/MC you interview handle your type of event? Ask the DJ/MC how many events of your type they have done.

In a good interview, the DJ/MC should show you several documents. First and foremost is a RUNNING SHEET.

This RUNNING SHEET should impress you to the point where you begin to understand that the DJ/MC you are hiring is a professional, and is capable of handling your event. A sample copy of the AGREEMENT to be used should be available as well as a schedule of pricing information. And a SONG SELECTION sheet, for formalities at weddings, or, even is willing to take your requests prior to function at the interview stage for your special night.

Many DJ’s do not use music play-lists, others do. In some fashion, you need to be assured that the DJ/MC you hire not only has a sizable library but has a wide variety of music specially selected for function, where many different styles of music and guests will be in the same room together.

A professional DJ/MC 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. Consultations with your DJ are of paramount importance to a successful event

This is the most common complaint about the DJ industry today. The person you meet turns out NOT to be the performer that actually does your show. Often, you are not aware of this. Ask the DJ you interview if they will be the actual person performing, or is the event to be handed off to someone else. You need to know this UP FRONT before you sign a contract.

Is your DJ a single operator or a “multi-op” with more than one system and more than one entertainer? Full-Time or Part-Time? This can be an important consideration. You need to be certain that you are going to be the priority on your special day, whichever service you choose.

Simply put, a professional DJ should dress appropriately to your event (formal wear for a wedding, etc.); be set up and ready before your guests arrive; use a setup procedure that is unobtrusive, safe and orderly; and treat you, your guests and other vendors with respect. He/she should be polite and able to handle adversity in a calm, unobtrusive manner.

Your DJ/MC should be able to speak in a clear, concise, easy to understand manner. They must be able to introduce you and your guests and make announcements that are easy to understand in a noisy room. They should also be able to grab the attention of your guests and enunciate and project their message with a positive attitude.

There are two basic approaches to DJ’ing. The first is to develop a show that seems to work for the majority of parties and stick to that formula. This is often referred to as “cookie cutter” DJ’ing. It is most often seen executed by less experienced entertainers who are still finding themselves.

The other approach is to use a well-organized “flexible planning” format with a variety of options. In this approach, the Client decides what special events they do or do not want. They also choose a limited number of songs (usually 10-20) that they feel would be appreciated by their guests. The DJ can always play other requests, using discretion as to what is appropriate to the spirit of the event.

The key to this approach is to balance the preferences of the Client with those of their guests. This is most often utilized by the more experienced entertainers.

Professional DJ/MCs should always provide written agreements for their services. It provides legal protection for both parties and gives your DJ/MC the information they need to entertain your guests properly.

The contract/agreement should include the following:

• The name of the DJ (Vendor) and the name of the person responsible for payment (Client).
  
• The venue name, address, contact person, date and time of the reception, including starting and ending time
  
• The details of services provided by the Vendor
  
• The details of services provided by the Client
  
• The total price to be paid for the DJ’s services
  
• When the payment of the balance is due
  
• Overtime Details
  
• Usually, a 50 % booking fee and a signed agreement are required to “book ” your date.
• The Agreement should note your deposit payment and the balance due.