|
Equipment
|
What audio equipment do they use and why?
|
It is worthwhile finding out exactly what equipment the company uses for the disco music and/or karaoke. It has been known for a DJ to turn up to a venue with a home hi-fi. Get them to explain more about the quality of the audio equipment they use. Reputable manufacturers include Denon, Numark, Gemini, Pioneer and Citronic. Bad audio can be as disastrous to your event as a poor DJ or bad lighting.
|
|
How many speakers will the DJ be using and what is the power output of the rig?
|
For the average venue with around 100 guests, a pair of 200-300 Watt speakers are usually sufficient. For larger venues, the DJ should be able to advise you on what is required. No-one wants to be deafened by the music, and on the other hand all the guests want to be able to hear it. A good DJ should be able to gauge the level at which the music should be based on the size of the room and the number of guests. He should be able to see if guests are uncomfortable or having to shout at each other. Some DJs may use “Bass Bins” which are a second set of speakers usually sitting below the level of the main speakers. Bass Bins offer a much more thumping rhythm and tend to be used more in clubs or for events where a lot of Club / Dance type music is expected. Again, ensure the quality of the speakers being used. Reputable manufacturers include Peavey, Cerwin Vega, Wharfdale and many more. If necessary do a bit of research on the internet.
|
|
What lighting effects do you have?
|
The lighting is key to giving the right atmosphere to your event. Imagine the horror if you booked a disco and found the DJ brought along 4 flashing bulbs. It is not the most important aspect, but is always well worth asking. Get the company to explain what effects they have and how many. To much lighting can also kill the atmosphere. Quality manufacturers include Martin, EVL, Abstract and Chauvet.
|
|
What other effects do
you use?
|
If you want other effects, ask the company what they can offer. Also ensure that if there are any effects that you don’t want, that they know about this.
Examples:-
Smoke Machine:- Gives out bursts of a water based smoke. It is supposed to be non-irritable, but has been known to give people with chest complaints such as asthma some discomfort. These can also set off smoke alarms (Believe me, I have had experience of this)
Haze Machine:- Similar to smoke, but this pumps out a constant fine mist of smoke similar to a light fog. This is supposed to be better for people with chest and breathing complaints. Some DJs will argue that these are less likely to set off smoke alarms, but “YES” they do.
Both of the above give excellent results when used in conjunction with quality lighting as they pick out the beams of light. However, more venues are not allowing DJs to use these now because of the effects on people with chest complaints and also the issues with smoke alarms.
Bubble Machine :- this blows out bubbles at quite a rate, but is very effective, especially for the first dance at a wedding. Be careful though as some cheaper bubble fluid can leave the floor slippery.
Snow machine :- this blows out foam over the crowds head. It is like a mini foam machine, but disperses it in flakes much like snow. This tends to work really well at the end of the night and does not usually tend to make the floor as slippery as most of it falls on the crowd. It is also non-toxic and does not stain or bleach fabrics.
|
|
Has your equipment been tested and is it safe?
|
All equipment used by the DJ should have been “PAT” tested by a reputable tester. This ensures all equipment is electrically safe. This has to be done annually. A lot of venues are now enforcing this and will not allow a DJ to perform unless he can produce a current valid certificate. It has been known for a DJ to turn up to an event and be turned away again as he does not have the correct documentation. As with any equipment, it should be regularly serviced. Lights should all be fastened securely to overhead bars and where possible further secured with safety wires.
|
|
Does the DJ have backup equipment on hand at the event?
|
It has been know for equipment failure to occur at an event. At an absolute minimum a DJ should carry around a spare mixer, CD players and amplifier to cope with the worst scenario.
|
|
How long does it take to set up?
|
Again this varies. It can take anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours dependant on the amount of equipment required. Always make sure you organise for the DJ to get in well in advance with plenty of time to get ready. Also, make sure that them setting up is not going to disrupt anything else going on in the venue. You doent want clanking around whilst you are all sat down eating at your wedding reception. If necessary, ask the DJ to set up before any guests arrive.
|
|
Music
|
What kind of Music do you play?
|
Ensure you get a really good feel for what kind of music the DJ tends to play and get them to give you examples of past playlists for previous events. Albeit all events are different, an experienced DJ will know what sort of music tends to work well and what doesn’t at specific types of events and with certain age groups. Some DJs will go along to a wedding and play hard dance music all night to a room full of people with ages ranging from 6 years old to 80 year olds. They do not have a concept of a crowd pleaser.
|
|
Can I tell the DJ what I want playing at the event.
|
Yes you can - but just be a bit careful. There is a tendency for the hosts to specify a playlist that suits there musical tastes, but not their guests. You will end up with a room full of disgruntled guests and an empty dance floor as well as a frustrated DJ, who everyone is blaming for a poor taste in music. If required produce a playlist, but keep it to a minimum - usually best to include your 10-15 favorite songs that the DJ can play when appropriate throughout the night.
REMEMBER - you are paying the DJ to do a job and get people on to the dance floor. He/she should be able to tell what works and what does not on the night. He will no doubt ask for requests, but will not play these willy-nilly, but will fit them in if and when appropriate. No DJ will clear the dance floor just for the sake of one guest wanting XYZ playing.
AND GUESTS should also note, that a DJ likes to get requests - don’t sit there moaning all night that the music is rubbish and giving the DJ an ear bashing if you are not prepared to go up and ask for what you want!!!
|
|
Will the DJ accept feedback on the night?
|
Go and talk to the DJ. He appreciates feedback good and bad, but timely. Tell him there and then what is bad and what is working well. Not only will it help your event whilst in progress, but it will also help the DJ look at his performance in the future.
|
|
Can I tell the DJ what not to play?
|
Most definitely yes. As mentioned before, every event is different - even a wedding. Some crowds like lots of cheesy music, others don’t. Make sure if you don’t want Black Lace or the Wurzels playing you tell the DJ, in case he gets a request for it.
|
|
Fees
|
How much should it cost?
|
This is the most difficult question to answer. It varies based upon location, duration and lots of many other factors. As a guidline in our area, a reputable DJ will be charging somewhere in the region of £125 - £185.00 per 4 hour event, plus any travelling and other expenses. This is only a very rough guideline though. Ask the DJ for a fully inclusive price up front and ensure there will be no hidden extras at the end of the night. Make sure you know what you are getting for your money.
|
|
How do I know I am getting value for money.
|
Ask around. A good DJ should have a good reputation locally. Try and get as many opinions as possible as they can vary from person to person. If necessary, ask for references. A DJ should always be able to supply these and back them up with contact details from the referee. Also, try asking the venue if the DJ has played there before and how it went. REMEMBER - you get what you pay for. You cannot expect a top notch DJ and rig for £50.00, so something must be amiss somewhere if that is what you are getting quoted.
|
|
Will I get charged any extra?
|
The only time a DJ usually charges more is if they are asked to play longer than the agreed duration. This fee can vary between £10.00 - £30.00 per extra half hour.
|
|
Why does it seem to cost so much - after all, the DJ is just flicking between CDs all night.
|
Hmm - a common question. What everyone seems to forget, is travelling time, and time required to set up and tear down the equipment. Around each side of your 4 hour event, the DJ probably has another 4 hours driving to the venue, preparing, setting up, and then tearing down at the end of the night as well as the drive home, whilst everyone is sleeping off their shandies.
|
|
How much deposit will I need to pay.
|
Again, this varies. We charge 10%, but some DJs will require up to 50%. Also check to see if it is non-refundable or not. Misfortune can result in an event being cancelled, so ensure that if you do have to pay a non-refundable deposit, you will be losing as little as possible.
|
|
When will I need to pay the balance.
|
The DJ will usually insist that at a minimum the remaining balance is paid on the night before perfomring commences. This is NOT, I repeat NOT because the DJ is unsure that you are a good payer or that he is so rubbish that he thinks you may not pay him at the end of the night, but it is so that he doesnt have to run around chasing people at the end to get paid. It is not only unprofessional to be chasing for the money, but it is also very risky especially if the payment holder has had a few too many and cannot remember whether or not he has paid or not!!!
|
|
Insurance
|
Does a DJ need to carry any insurance?
|
Yes, most definitely. At minimum a DJ should carry around £1,000,000 of Public Liability insurance. As with PAT testing, most venues are now enforcing that all DJs carry this insurance. Most DJs will also carry equipment insurance covering agains accidental damage and theft etc. Check with the company to ensure that they have the relevant insurance and documentation should the venue demad to see it on the night.
|
|
I really hope this information has helped. Whoever you book, please remember to give the DJ support and feedback appropriately.
DJs do need feedback and assistance. They are not psychic and cannot judge everyone’s taste in music all the time. Tell them what you want and how you want it if necessary. Encourage your guests to do the same.
We hope you have a really good party whoever you book!!!
|
