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- How To Hire
A Professional DJ
for Your Wedding Reception
- Compiled
By The American Disc Jockey Association
 It's no news to
anyone, especially the happy couple, that planning a wedding is an
incredibly stressful time. Although we can't help you decide between
Pinot Grigio and Merlot, or break the news to the bridesmaids that
fuchsia ruffles are all the rage in wedding attire this season, the
American Disc Jockey Association is here to take some of the worry out
of one of the most important aspects of your day: the reception
entertainment.
To avoid wedding day disappointments, you will
want to be sure that your disc jockey service is a registered and
legitimate business. Both the standards that the ADJA requires of its
members and the support it gives its members help ensure that your day
will be handled in a professional and competent manner . . . freeing you
to worry about remembering the rings or where to
honeymoon.
Before hiring a disc jockey for your wedding, keep
these qualifications in mind:
- Professionalism: Be
sure you choose a service that is registered, incorporated and/or
insured.
- Accessibility: Your DJ
or company should be willing to meet with you beforehand so that you can
see the operation, view the equipment and music library, and hear a
demo. Credentials and testimonials that include current names and
addresses should be available.
- Equipment:
Your disc jockey service should use professional audio equipment, rather
than a home sound system. The equipment should be cased to give the best
presentation and protection. Back Up Plan: Ask about the DJ's plans for
back up personnel or equipment in case of illness, accident, or other
unforeseen circumstances.
- Music
Format: Choose a DJ who is willing to meet with you ahead of time to
discuss your ideas for music selections. Ask if she or he will honor
music requests.
- Party
Procedure and Etiquette: Choose a DJ who is knowledgeable about and
willing to work with you in planning the announcements, schedule of
events,and other aspects of your wedding and reception.
- Preparing
for the Event: Discuss punctuality and your expectations for when the DJ
should arrive in order to set up for the event. Disc Jockey Attire: A
professional DJ will dress appropriately according to your wishes. There
should be no extra cost for formal attire.
- The
Contract: When you have found the right disc jockey for your event, be
sure to obtain a written contract confirming the booking and all
agreements between you and the disc jockey. Your contract should have a
cancellation clause and a logical procedure for both the client and DJ
to follow.
One way
to be sure your disc jockey meets these qualifications is to select a
member of the American Disc Jockey Association. The ADJA is an
organization of professional disc jockeys whose goal is to maintain a
high standard of quality in performance and business ethics. Member disc
jockeys meet professional standards and strive to improve their quality
of service by networking with other members across the country. The
association also provides an important back up service for its members
called the "DJ in Need Program". Choosing an ADJA member disc jockey for
your event means that you have chosen a professional backed by the
following standards and services available to our
members.
QUALITY CONTROL
Members of the American Disc Jockey
Association come with current, verifiable references and must meet
professional requirements established by the association. Concerns,
criticisms, and complaints about member disc jockeys are handled
promptly and to the client's satisfaction. Members who fail to maintain
the association's high standards are denied renewal of
membership.
NETWORKING
The association provides members with
the opportunity to keep up to date on music, equipment, and professional
standards. Working with a member of the ADJA, you can be assured that
you are working with a professional who is supported by a network of
other qualified professionals and services designed to make your day run
smoothly.
DJ IN NEED PROGRAM
No one wants to think about the
problems that could arise, but should the unforeseen occur, an ADJA
member is supported by our program which, in the case of catastrophic
loss, ships a system and music overnight, to be sure your day goes as
planned. For more information about the American Disc Jockey Association
or ideas about planning your event, visit our web page at
http://www.adja.org .
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