Hiring a DJ - Your Guide to Getting Started
For many, hiring a DJ for an event can be an infrequent or brand new experience. As you are planning out your entertainment needs and evaluating the right DJ for your event, here are a few things to consider:
There is no right or wrong way to DJ! Each DJ brings their own style & skill set to their approach for events.
Understand the importance of picking the right DJ for you: A DJ is someone you are trusting with the success of your event and as much as you are making a business or budget-first decision on things like cost, package options, and all-inclusive services, thoroughly understanding your DJ’s personality and approach and considering any connections through a trusted referral should be just as important in your decision making, if not more.
A DJ can do much more than just show up and push play:There is a Tik Tok meme circulating where a young woman bluntly asks: “What do DJs even do??” and many versions of the meme have been remixed with popular EDM tracks by some of the most popular DJs out there. While hilarious, you may legitimately be wondering the same thing! Many experienced DJs have developed their own MC and music mixing style, invest in their equipment, music, and services, help with event flow, coordinate with your vendors, and facilitate music, lighting, and sound the whole night to create a seamless experience for you and your guests.
DJs are versatile, adaptive and can help you navigate issues in real time! Experienced DJs know how to react to last minute changes effectively and, as you know, no event is without its hiccups and surprises - finding a DJ you can trust to rely on when navigating those situations is priceless.
Meeting With Your DJ
When preparing to meet with your DJ to get a quote and consider hiring them, here is a helpful list to use as you prepare for the conversation:
Provide Details about Yourself and Your Guests
- Tell them about you and what got you to this event!
- What your goals are for the event
- Any vision, themes, or hopes for your event
- Demographics of guests at your event
Share High-Level Event Details
- Event date, time, and location
- Estimated number of guests
- Indoor or outdoor venue needs (and backup plan if outdoors)
Music Preferences
- General vibe/energy (upbeat, classy, family-friendly, club-style, etc.)
- Preferred genres (Top 40, R&B, EDM, classics, Latin, etc.)
- Special songs or artists you’d love included
- Songs or genres you’d like to avoid
Event Flow
- Timeline or rough schedule of the event
- Key moments needing music (entrances, speeches, first dance, announcements, etc.)
- Other entertainment planned (live performers, games, activities, etc.)
Logistics
- Venue contact information for coordination
- Equipment provided by the venue (sound system, stage, lighting, etc.)
- Space/setup requirements (DJ booth, power access, etc.)
- Noise restrictions or venue rules
Budget & Services
- Your entertainment budget range
- Interest in add-ons (lighting, photo booth, karaoke, silent disco, MC services)
- Clarify if you need ceremony + reception coverage (for weddings) or if you need multiple setups or DJ services for multiple days
Questions to Ask the DJ
- What’s your experience with this type of event and the music we like?
- Can you share sample mixes or past client feedback?
- How do you handle song requests and do-not-play lists?
- What happens if there’s equipment failure or an emergency?
- How do you adapt to the crowd on the dance floor?
- What happens if you are not able to DJ our event and we need a replacement?
- What’s your booking and payment process?
Taking the time to choose the right DJ for many can be an overwhelming and unknown experience: DJs can make or break the success of your event, so slowing down and looking beyond the basics of budget and availability to ask more in-depth questions in the process helps you understand what your DJ brings to the table and will not only set strong expectations and clarify fit between you and your DJ, but also establish the trust and knowledge knowing your event will be in good hands to make it a smashing success!
