 The truth is, there really isn't a whole lot of good advice out there. What you need is some common sense, and a commitment to hiring quality professional entertainment for your event. The following article attempts to clear up some of the myths circulating about hiring a wedding DJ. We hope you find it useful. Tip: You need to see a DJ perform at another wedding reception before hiring him for yours. Reality: Ideally, being able to see a DJ perform at a wedding, with the same type of crowd as yours, would be a great way to preview your performer. It was once common practice to invite prospective clients to a reception to see a DJ in action. Can you see the problems with this? Wedding receptions are private affairs. They are a celebration in honor of the bride and groom, among friends and family. How would you feel if your DJ invited a group of strangers to your reception, so he could sell his services to someone else? Needless to say, this is no longer common practice. The good news is that a professional DJ will have video of live performances available for you to watch from the comfort of your home computer. If you still don't have a DJ in mind that you have seen perform, you will have to use other criteria to hire your entertainer. Tip: Always ask for several references of recent clients so that you can call them and ask about the DJ's performance. Reality: On the surface, this sounds like great advice. But think about it. How likely is the DJ to give you references of people who were not satisfied with his performance? Not very. If he gives you a few handpicked references of people who think he is a great guy, are you any better off than before by talking to these people? Not really. Reality is that bad wedding DJs are still hired, usually because of price, or because people do not take the time to prioritize certain "details," like who will be hosting my family and guests, and providing lively entertainment for the biggest party I will ever throw. "How much for the 'premium' seatcovers again?" Tip: Ask if your prospective DJ has backup equipment. You don't want your event ruined by faulty equipment. Reality: Sounds like great insurance against disaster doesn't it? The truth is that we spend thousands of dollars on professional audio equipment. Equipment failures are not only rare, they are extremely rare. In fact, in 23 years of using professional grade audio gear, I have yet to have a piece of equipment fail to work. A typical system used by Big Kat Sound, including lights and effects, costs about $15,000. Fifteen thousand dollars IS our insurance against equipment failure. Yes, we will have backup equipment in the trailer, just as we always have, but the chances of having to actually use it are virtually zero. If an equipment failure ever occurs, there is going to be a delay in your event anyway. Big Kat has a highly trained lighting and sound technician at each event we do. They treat our equipment as if it is the most important part of our show, because it is. I would actually be wary of a DJ who boasts about all of the backup equipment he drags around with him. That tells me that he isn't investing enough in quality professional audio gear. Tip: Does the DJ belong to any disc jockey associations or trade groups? Reality: Anyone willing to write a check for a certain amount can be a member of pretty much any organization they want to be a member of. The truth is that these organizations are also top-heavy businesses, who thrive on dues paid by members. In exchange, the "DJ" receives the right to advertise their organization on his website. Interestingly enough, these same trade groups are the ones encouraging prospective clients to ask DJs about membership in "DJ Associations." You do the math. Not to malign all professional trade organizations. There are many supportive and valuable organizations in other industries. The fact is, trade groups, by nature work to foster conformity, and standards. With the creative independence inherent in the mobile entertainment profession, it just does not lend itself well to organization of trade. And besides, enhancing the bank accounts of "DJ Associations" is a poor substitute for experience, commitment, and skill. Tip: Ask about the DJ's music library and song selection. Reality: This one always makes me laugh. Some claim to bring 100K songs, and more. Of course this would be great if you are planning a reception lasting several months, covering the history of recorded sound. But if you are like most people, and plan to have a 4-5 hour reception, your DJ will play about 60 songs. You probably aren't much concerned with the other 99,940 songs. An established professional mobile disc jockey will have interactive planning tools online, for making couple/guest requests, dinner requests, and "do not play" requests. Talk to your prospective entertainer, and get a feel for their personality. What you need to know is:
Other considerations:
Contact Big Kat Entertainment before hiring a wedding DJ to perform at your reception. You will find that our service and rates are the very best value out there, and we guarantee that your reception will be successful, lively, and memorable for you and your guests. There really is a difference. B.K. Fisher Owner Operator Big Kat Sound LLC St. Louis MO 63109 (314) 974-2528 |
