How to choose a DJ

When looking to hire a disc jockey (DJ) for your next event, there are many variables to consider.  The days of DJs spinning music in the corner of a room are long gone.  DJ companies have evolved throughout the years into full production companies.  They offer many specialized services ranging from atmosphere lighting, personalized monograms, lasers, snow machines, low level cloud effects, LED dance floors, Photobooths, video montages, event planning, pin spotting and much, much more.

    With all these services now being offered by your DJ company, you have a wider range of pricing which throws a curve into your possible budget.  To help you understand the costs of what you are getting it is highly recommend you visit each company you are considering.  This will allow you to see first hand what your DJ companies are offering and compare services to pricing and not hours to pricing.

Photo by Tim Miller Photography

Q. Why do DJ’s have such a degree of pricing differences?

A. Pricing amongst DJ companies varies from a few hundred dollars to thousands.  You might be thinking, “I just need a DJ to play music, right?”  Wrong.  Choosing a DJ for your event depends on many factors. 

    Is your DJ a full time DJ?  Full time, what does this mean?  Does your DJ have a full time job during the week and DJ for fun on the weekends?  If this is the case, the concern would be: will your DJ be available during your entire planning?  How quickly will they get back to you with answers to your questions?

        What type of DJ are they?  A Club DJ, Radio DJ, Wedding DJ?  What does your DJ specialize in?  Finding a DJ that is full time but does not specialize in your specific event style may not be the best choice for you.

     In addition to being a full time DJ, do they continue to further their education?  Do they attend four of the major conferences yearly?  DJ Times Expo in Atlantic City every August, Mobile Beat DJ Expo in Las Vegas every February,  Wedding MBA in Las Vegas every October and LDI Conferences throughout the year.

    These are few examples of why some DJs may charge $500 to celebrate your 5 hour wedding and why others are able charge up to $5000 or more for 5 hours.  It comes down to Experience and also Peace of Mind.

Q. Lots of people like to save money and have friends use speakers with an iPod or rent a portable system, what do you say to Brides who are thinking about this?

A. Having a friend who wants to give a gift to you by providing music may not be the best choice for your special event.  Your wedding reception is much more than playing your favorite music mix. 

    Although people will still hear the music playing in the background, it takes a true professional to be able to properly announce your evening and “read” your guests to get them involved throughout the night.  People can listen to their iPods in their car or home. This is a special event that you want people to remember.  Hiring a full time professional would give you complete “Peace of Mind” that your event will run smoothly.

Q.  If a crowd just isn’t dancing, what do you do to spark or ignite “fun”?

A. During your event there may be times that your dance floor is not full.  This is where a professional DJ team comes into play and you get what you pay for.  The ability and skill of your DJ “reading” your guests and understanding their musical preferences and know what they will like keeps them dancing.

    It may be going to a slow song, change up the genre or spark up the music with an all time favorite.  Whichever choice is made, it’s made on experience and the ability of the DJ to understand you and your guests wants and needs.

Q. If I have something special that I want to happen, will you help me plan it all out?

A. Absolutely! Every event is unique and special and is personalized to the exact specifications of the client. Your DJ should give ideas and/or suggestions to help build off your ideas to make your event even more personalized and memorable for you.

Kevin Ramaley

Rockin’ Ramaley

RockinRamaley.com

Photo by Michael McNett

“Every event is unique and special and is personalized to the exact specifications of the client.”
-Kevin Ramaley