FREE TIPS – A CUSTOMER’S DJ CHECKLIST

A customer’s Disc Jockey checklist before your event

1. Table and chair –  Most Disc Jockeys come completely ready to DJ your event with the exception of one or two things.  A simple table and chair is one of them. Make sure you contact your DJ to let them know whether a table will or won’t be available. Most Disc Jockeys would prefer to have a large table where possible. The bigger the better!  Most standard hall tables will be roughly 2’ – 2 ½ ‘ deep  by about 5’- 6’ long.
2. Placement of the DJ. We often get shoved into corners due to small halls and most DJs will be prepared for that. Where possible it makes the most sense to have the DJ in close proximity to the dancefloor for requests, interaction with the crowd and great volume for anyone dancing.
3. Power outlets close by for the DJ –  Very, very important. At Sound Dynamix DJ services we come prepared with very long extension cords in case we need them but we prefer to not run multiple extension cords to get to power.
4. Arrival time of the DJ –  When will the DJ arrive? If you think the DJ may interfere with important speeches you will want to make sure a plan is in place. Either pay additional to have him there extra early or wait and have him set up later. A Sound Dynamix DJ services, we arrive 1 hour prior to the start time to begin set up. The bare minimum an average DJ will need to set up is about 20 mins. Average time would be about 35 mins.
5. Payment – You are by no means obligated to pay the DJ up front at the beginning of the night before he or she has proven themselves and done a great job. However most regular DJs have had customers forget to pay at the end of the night (too many drinks and partying) and we are left without payment. Then we need to track down the customer over the next few days and ask for payment. Advice – Pay the DJ shortly after he or she begins when you know everything looks good.
6. Will the DJ be handling some MC duties? Another important detail to sort out prior to your event! Will the DJ announce people or wedding parties into the hall? Will he need to announce some early event details/ground rules to the crowd.
7. Will the DJ be asked to stop the music entirely at any point? DJs generally don’t like dead air time or time when there is no music. It can kill a party and atmosphere. We would prefer to usually be playing some light background music during things like cake cuttings or other brief formal events.
8. End time! Make sure the DJ knows the exact end time.  The last song!  Some halls are very strict about not playing past 1 p.m.