Saturday, November 25, 2006

What to look for when hiring a DJ







I'm sure most people have heard that

a good or bad Disc Jockey can make
or break (as in ruin) just about any event.
So it really pays to do your homework and
know what to look for when you go shopping
around for a DJ for your special event.


It never ceases to amaze me that most folks
will pay more attention to, and be willing to
spend more money on, other aspects of a
typical event; such as catering, photographers,
venues...etc. But when it comes to the DJ;
the source of entertainment; the person that
is going to be responsible for all the
announcements, introductions, and overall
tempo of the event; becomes almost an
afterthought. A vendor that some people
will try to save money on; after already
spending so much on the catering and
the photographers.
BIG MISTAKE!!!


After all when it's all said and done just
what do you think most people are going
to remember the most about the wedding,
anniversary, birthday or whatever event
it was that they attended? Sure they'll
remember how beautiful the bride looked
and how nice the ceremony was. But will
they really remember and think fondly
about the food that was served
(well maybe, if it's that good:) or the
photographer that was taking pictures?
I don't think so. But what they will
remember, is the good time they had
dancing to all their favorite tunes.
They will remember that the
DJ created a fun, festive atmosphere;
and they were compelled to dance to
the great music that he or she played.
They'll remember that this DJ welcomed
and actually played their request.
That he/she was all over the place
interacting with the guest; making
them feel important by including them
in the festivities, and making him or
herself accessible to them.


These attributes (and more) are all
important aspects of being a good DJ
and entertainer. So what does it take
to find the right DJ for your important
event? It takes knowledge and
understanding of just what a DJ does,
or better yet, should do in order to
make any event a fun & memorable
experience for all those in attendance.
You should always ask for, and check
references (word of mouth is also good).
And more importantly personally
interview and get a feel for the person
that is going to act as DJ/Emcee for
your event. Do not shop or hire a DJ
solely on the basis of price. I know it's
so cliche` to say this, but in this business,
as is true for most products & services.....
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!


Another important thing that a good DJ
should do for you, is help you plan and
organize your event. For example,
the planning for any announcements,
introductions, and most importantly
the timing of all the above.
The DJ should provide you with either
paperwork or online tools for making
a outline of the chain of events that
happens at most functions.
Sort of a guideline for the DJ to follow;
as well as to communicate any needed
instructions to the caterers or staff at
the venue. He should also be able to
share any unique knowledge and
creative ideas he has with you
based on his years of experience.
If he's been in this business for a while,
and done many different types of events,
then he should have all kinds of thoughts
on this matter; and be willing to share
them with you.


An event such as wedding is just too
important to cut corners when it
comes to an area where most of the focus
(aside from the Bride & Groom) is going
to be directed to. On that same note,
a good wedding DJ should control &
direct most of that focus not at himself,
but towards the Bride & Groom.
After all, it is their day and the very
reason why everyone is there to begin
with; therefore they should be the focus
of all the attention .


So do yourself a favor do your homework
and know exactly what it is your looking
for in a Disc Jockey for your special event.
Please feel free to contact me if I can be of
any help in advising or planning for your
event. Whether your looking to hire me or not;
I will be glad to advise and help you in any way that I can.


Sincerely,
Jaime Z. (aka DJ Z-BOP:-)
www.zbopunlimited.us
PH. 239-273-3523