Selecting the Right DJ for Your Event
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Selecting a DJ
They come in all shapes and sizes, gender and expertise.
The most important decision you should make is choosing the right DJ
to suit your event.
 If you're having a children's party, look for a DJ with experience
in this field. Likewise, if it's a wedding, an 18th or a 40th, do the
same. The skills for each are very different. Choosing a DJ with
experience in the style of your party will allow them to
offer suggestions and help significantly to
make your event a memorable
success. Also consider the age range of your guests. A wedding DJ will
be very used to catering for a wide age range. A club style DJ is best
suited to an 18th or 21st birthday celebration etc.
Equipment
A DJ's equipment isn't standard. It can vary greatly in quality, condition
and neatness.
Lighting is paramount in creating the right atmosphere and mood for your
party. If you want a night club atmosphere, with the 'wow' factor, you
would be looking for a DJ with a large set up and the latest effect
lighting such as lasers, scanners and moving heads. If, on the other
hand, you have older guests attending, lights flashing in their faces
whilst sat talking can be quite off putting. In this instance, ask your
DJ to provide lighting on the dance floor only. If it is sophistication
you are looking for, most DJs are able to colour wash the dance floor
with subtle lighting.
Ask your DJ if he/she is familiar with your venue. It is important for
the DJ to be aware of the size of the room and its furnishings for
acoustics and to ensure they are able to provide the most suitable
sound equipment for the venue.
 As with all technical equipment, it can break down. Ask your DJ if they
have a PAT Certificate (portable appliance test) such that their
equipment has been checked for safety and also if they carry back up
equipment should the worst happen.
When planning your event, consider that the DJ will need time to set up
and dismantle their equipment. This can vary between 20 minutes and 2
hours.
PLI (Public Liability Insurance) covers any unforeseen accident claim.
Many venues now insist on seeing evidence of this so be sure to ask your
DJ if they are covered.
How Much
Does it Cost for a Mobile Disco?
Hiring a mobile DJ varies in price considerably, and some fees may evoke
a sharp intake of breath. Before you rule out a
more expensive option,
remember they charge more for a number of reasons. As well as
experience, they are more likely to have high class, expensive equipment (with
back-up), can
provide all the necessary certificates (which soon add up) and they are full time professionals, able to give your event the
time and attention it deserves.
Other things to consider when choosing a DJ.
Ask your DJ:
- Will they be suitably dressed for your function?
 - Will the booking be confirmed with a booking form/contract?
- To ensure the booking form/contract is signed by both parties and you
are given a copy. This should include
- The date of the function
- The venue location
- Agreed timings
- Details of deposit & total fee payable
- To issue a receipt for all monies paid.
- To provide you with a copy of their terms and conditions for you to
retain.
- To provide testimonials from previous clients (reading what previous
clients have to say about your DJ will give you a clearer indication as
to whether he/she is best suited to your occasion)
Organisations
While being a member of an organisation demonstrates that the DJ takes
their profession seriously, it is worth knowing a little about the
organisations and their criteria for acceptance.
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AMPdj (The Alliance of Mobile & Party DJs)
- The largest National DJ organisation in the UK. DJs of all
abilities, covering all types of functions across the UK receive
client
enquiries from the AMPdj sites (including this one) - full membership
includes £10 million Public Liability Insurance.
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WdjA
(Wedding DJ Alliance) - A Nationwide organisation
for DJs who specialise in Wedding Entertainment. All members must
meet the required criteria before being accepted - this is the only
specialised DJ Organisation in the UK.
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NADJ (National Association of Disc Jockeys) - A nationwide
Association
for all DJs from hobby DJs to club DJs.
 Entrance criteria requires
possession of Public Liability Insurance (PLI) and to have an equipment test
certificate (PAT). - SEDA (South Eastern Discotheque Association) - Based in the South East
of England. This Association is open to all DJs from youngsters still
practising in their bedrooms to more experienced DJs.
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BDJO (British DJ Organisation) - A nationwide
organisation open to all DJs. Membership includes PLI.
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The Musicians Union
- A nationwide organisation open to all musicians and DJs - all
members are issued with PLI
-
The
Alliance of Musicians & Performers (AMPband) - a sister
organisation to AMPdj. All bands, singers and musicians are covered
with £10m Public Liability Insurance.
Unfortunately, to date, there is no recognised professional
accreditation system available for DJs (although some private,
unregulated, ones do exist). |
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