What to do

Looking for the professional DJ

An article from NAME the Nat'l Assn for Mobile Entertainers.

FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM
Your big day is in the planning stages and now you must provide for the musical entertainment of your guests. How do you go about finding what it is that you have in mind for the perfect reception? If you want a full evening of entertainment, no breaks, and quality emceeing, then your choice is simple - hire a professional mobile entertainer!
Yes, everybody knows someone who claims to be a "disc jockey", for the neighborhood kid, to the guy at your local pub. But this is a very special occasion and you just might want to seek out a true professional. Someone who has the experience and can guide you and your guests through a memorable evening. Keep in mind that those guests will not likely remember what they had to eat, but they will remember the great time they had when entertained by a professional.
Where do brides and grooms start to shop for their professional disc jockey? There are a variety of suggestions on that topic. Many can be found right here online, some even attached to this site. Bridal Shows or Expos can offer you the opportunity to compare many on the same day. The phone book is another good source and of course, there is always the recommendation of a friend or relative. There are also associations for professional disc jockeys who will refer professionals in your area.
Now that you have the source narrowed down to a few, the next step is selecting that company or individual that best suits your needs. Once you and your prospective spouse have agreed on the type of music you would like played, you can shop from those professionals in your area. Please keep in mind that the lowest price does not guarantee you the best choice, in fact when you hire only on price, you may find yourself losing in the long run. Most professionals will arrange to meet with you and your spouse, even your parents and future in-laws, and that first meeting will give you an idea of what you can expect.
Some brides and grooms request that they have the opportunity to see their disc jockey in action prior to signing a contract. The industry takes a dim view of this event, since he or she is contracted to entertain and at the same time he or she must take his attention away from their duties to speak with you at someone else's function. Ask yourself if you would want this to be taking place at your reception? Some disc jockeys will provide you with videotapes, but then again these tapes may be staged events to make the entertainer look good.
You should be able to make a rational decision when you meet with your prospective disc jockey simply by following these few suggestions:
Does he or she - - Present a professional business manner? - Readily accept your requests or makes suggestions to help with special circumstances? - Provide you with current references? - Carry insurance to cover not only his or her equipment, but also liability insurance to cover any unfortunate occurrences? - Provide backup equipment in case of a failure? - Provide a professional contract? - Have any ties to professional organizations?
There is no harm in interviewing several different companies or individuals until you are comfortable with your selection. Here are a few ideas that your should also keep in mind prior to signing that contract. Make sure that the contract specifically states that the disc jockey your hire is the one who will show up at your reception. (Unless there is an unforeseen accident, the disc jockey you've requested should be the one you get, not a substitution because the company overbooked). Make sure the time, date and location is stated so that there will be no mix-ups, (a true professional will be set up and ready to go before your guests arrive) and the balance due is clearly stated, with any overtime charges also spelled out. Also, there should be contact with your entertainer prior to the date of the reception to make sure that you have no last minute requests or changes.
This may seem to be a lot to remember, but keep in mind, once you hire a true professional; you may sit back and enjoy your special day with few if any worries that your guests will also be enjoying the day.