"How much do you cost?"

If you're looking for a DJ, your search parameters have to be larger than "how much do you cost?". It's a great starting point for sure, but at some point value and product has to come into play. I've heard from multiple sources telling me of mistakes their friends have made in hiring a DJ. The story often goes that their friend came accross a "great deal" for a DJ only charging a minimal amount for their wedding reception, limited questions were asked/presented, and the result is all too familiar - the dancefloor was dead, everybody left early and the dance was over before it even started - nice! So how do you determine if a DJ is what they say they are? First of all they should act in a professional manner and should at least have the following to be deemed a true "professional"

• Liability insurance
• Licensed music
• Business cards
• Website
• State of the art equipment
• Lighting effects that will transform your event and create the proper ambiance
• Photo's and videos from past events
• Meet with you in person
• Have a contract that secures your booking
• Plan, plan, plan and plan some more

I cannot stress that last point enough! If your DJ is just going to meet with you the day before or casually talk on the phone to determine what you want - yikes! Run for your iPod or get somebody else! Your dance is the key to your reception and planning in advance is only going to help things go even more smoothly.

So next time you're looking for a DJ for your event, see if they're able to answer more than the golden question "how much do you cost?"