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How to choose DJs or Karaoke for your Wedding or Special Event

1. Begin your DJ search by doing some research. First, check with friends or people you know who may have hired a DJ within the past couple of years. Make a list of names and phone numbers. Search on the Internet through sites like 101 DJs.com. Usually a DJ is reputable if they can afford to advertise, but this is not always the case. If you're planning a wedding look for DJs in wedding magazines and publications.

2. Make some initial phone calls to vendors and eliminate the ones you don't like. Listen for attitude, professionalism and cooperation. The DJ or his/her representative should be helpful and interested in your upcoming event.

3. Request that the DJ or company mail you some information, view their website, etc. After reviewing your initial research begin making appointments so you can meet face to face. If you have another person that needs to assist you in the decision making process please take them with you. Don't waste the DJs time by setting up an appointment only to request another appointment with more people a few weeks later.

4. During the meeting make a lot of notes and watch the DJs body language. Is he or she comfortable with you? Are they able to answer the questions without hesitation and provide you with solid suggestions as to the service that they provide? Do they offer constructive ideas that will add to the success of your event?

5. Don't bother to ask for a demo tape of the DJ mixing music. This doesn't even make sense because the music a DJ plays varies dramatically from one party to another. You don't want a DJ who has pre-packaged sets because crowds are different and what works for one party may not work at all for the next.

6. Do ask to see a video showing the DJ "live" at a party. His or her interaction with the guests will be a good indication of what you can expect. Please keep in mind that a good DJ is able to adapt to many different situations and requests. A client may request that the DJ be very interactive. Therefore, you will see group participation and a performer who is more talkative and energetic. A different client may prefer that the DJ stay more in the background, playing good music for listening or dancing, with only the necessary announcements. Every person perceives something different and it is the DJs responsibility to be able to fit into many situations and scenarios. Remember that the DJ is a professional. If you request a certain ambiance they should be able to deliver.

7. Try to meet with the DJ that you will hire for your event. If you initially meet with the party planner or entertainment agency then make your selection through them. However, before the event it's nice to meet or speak directly with the DJ who's working for you. This way you can go over details, format, concepts, musical styles, audience participation, special requests, etc.

8. Request that everything be written on the contract. Get the name of the DJ and any assistant, what equipment is being provided and the time of their performance.

9. Print out this DJ Checklist and take it with you to the meeting.

1. How many years experience does the DJ have doing the type of event you are planning?

2. Discuss attire. What will the DJ wear?

3. When will he or she arrive to begin setting up? If it's a difficult set-up will the DJ do a site inspection first? It the event is in a Hotel will the DJ allow extra time to move equipment through the loading dock area to the room where the event is being held?

4. Is it possible to see the DJ performing live? If, not can you see a video tape of a live performance?

5. What is the DJs main objective? Ask them how they would contribute their skills to make your event successful.

6. Discuss the DJs knowledge of music and experience with different styles. Quiz them on styles of music, for example: "What kind of music would you play right after dinner if I have a mixed age group of professionals in the audience?" "How do you encourage dancing without being obnoxious or corny?" "What will you play during dinner?" (Make notes)

7. If you want group participation ask them what they do and how.

8. What kind of equipment does the DJ use? There are many variations that work but here's a typical set-up:


a. Two built in CD players with a CD mixer (they shouldn't be the little portable Walkman types). The mixer should also have an EQ to adjust the highs and lows, as well as different features that allow the DJ to mix the music smoothly.
b. Inputs for one or two microphones (one should be a wireless mic for strolling around, introducing guests, the best man's toast, etc. and oneshould be a wired mic that is a back-up for the wireless)
c. A tape deck (sometimes a guest will want to dedicate a song or sing a song and they'll usually bring a tape)
d. An amplifier of at least 500-1000 watts, or more
e. Two speakers (common DJ brand names are JBL, EV, Cerwin Vega, Yamaha, Carvin)
f. The equipment should be mounted in a professional DJ console (most of these consoles are either gray or black) and the set-up should look clean, without a lot of wires hanging or exposed. Don't hire a DJ whose equipment consists of individual components that he puts on tables. (This is not a pro system).
g. Some DJs still use vinyl records. The turntable should either be a Technics or Denon. If your DJ plays only records then he'll need two turntables.
h. What kind of lighting does he or she offer and what are the effects?
What does the lighting equipment look like and how is it mounted?
Do they set up a large lighting truss or tri-pod stands or crank stands?
Ask to see pictures or a video.
i. Intelligent lighting is the newest state of the art in lighting. There are also many different kinds of DJ lights and special effects. What lighting effects will you be getting?
j. Do you need to provide a meal or reimbursed parking expense for the entertainer?
k. Are they available to stay overtime if you need it and what is the rate?
Get the rate written into your contract.
l. Do they have emergency back-up equipment or staff?
m. Do they bring an assistant?
n. What is their rate, deposit requirement, balance due date and cancellation policy?

1. What kind of equipment does your Karaoke specialist use?

2. They should bring the following:


a. Two mics with some kind of echo or reverb effect
b. A professional CD system that allows you to change the pitch of the music without changing the speed of the song
c. The system should also show the words on a TV monitor so you and
your guests can sing along to the lyrics of the song
d. Two speakers
e. A wide selection of CD's to pick from
f. Songbooks that list all of the song choices and corresponding CD number


3. Your Karaoke artist should be able to encourage people to sing. He or she does not have to be a terrific singer but a good personality is a plus.