Abilities, credentials and actual experience are directly related to whether or not your wedding reception will be a successful, well planned, family oriented event.

During the selection process you’ll discover Wedding DJs and Bands that range from timid to theatrical.

Understanding the “differences” between entertainers and how to plan a wedding is your responsibility when you serve as your own wedding planner.

Making the best informed choice can begin by visiting a good wedding website, picking up an informative wedding magazine or finding a useful wedding guide. You need to feel confident, when planning a wedding reception, that your DJ or Band entertainment won’t make it look like you planned a cheap wedding…whether or not you are working with a small wedding budget to keep your wedding affordable.

Hiring a Wedding DJ or band to fit your wedding theme can be simplified by applying 3 Essential Wedding Tips in your selection process.
 
 

KNOWING YOUR DJ or Band; requires involvement and interest on your part to discover experience, behavior and traits that will compliment you, your wedding guest list and your great wedding ideas.

Ask questions that require more than simple yes or no answers. Try to discover whether you have things in common with your DJ or Band that can establish a positive working chemistry to benefit you and your wedding program.

LIKING YOUR DJ or Band; is essential in fostering a successful wedding plan. One of the most common mistakes people make is to focus on finding cheap wedding ideas or the lowest price rather than taking the time to discover the greatest value for the dollar. Liking your DJ or Band has less to do with price and more to do with what your DJ or Band is capable of handling for you on your behalf so that you many enjoy your wedding day. Assuming that your DJ or Band will provide a service, skill or item will almost always lead to resentment for all parties involved. You should always have a level of comfort to be able to ask questions or whether or not something is included. Most Professional Disc Jockeys or Bands are willing to go the extra mile if they are given the opportunity to cover costs incurred on your behalf.

TRUSTING YOUR DJ or Band; should be the basis of your entire entertainment decision BEFORE you book your Disc Jockey or Band. Trust creates a safe environment to allow you to reveal to your DJ or Band who you really are and what your “wedding picture” is along with your unique wedding ideas to keep your wedding planning timeline on target. Your DJ or Band has to get to know the real you and your wedding plans to properly assist in keeping your guests feeling invited. Trust opens the door to honest communication in wedding planning. You can’t communicate honestly if you’re always second-guessing how your DJ or Band will react to your creative wedding ideas, wedding songs or whether they try to change your wedding plans to fit their agenda.

However, most search engines were designed with retail items or commodities in mind. Finding a “great deal” can always make you feel good, however, is the DEAL really that good?

Understanding DJ Pricing and Skills can be a daunting task. Perusing websites of DJs becomes confusing by the unending ploys, pitches and schemes that are designed to entice you into making an urgent entertainment choice to fill up some DJs calendar.

A commonly held misconception is that all DJs are equally qualified or do the same thing. Myth-Busting the “just as good as ploy” takes some initiative on your part to dig a little deeper into qualifications and abilities.  This can safeguard you against hiring a nightmare DJ with bogus credentials or embellished experience and talent claims that could potentially ruin your event.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid bogus credentials:

1.  Never hire a DJ that is NOT REGISTERED with the Secretary of State or Tax Department.

ND Secretary of State Business Registrations — ND Law —
MN Secretary of State Business Registrations — MN Law —

2.  Demand a copy of an enforce Certificate of Liability Insurance for your records.
3.  Meet in person, whenever possible, to interview potential entertainment.

Illustration Detailing DJ Skill Level vs Pricing

DJ Skill Level vs Price

Don't All DJ's Press Play The Same Way?

A major obstacle and misconception facing most Wedding & Event planners is understanding how unique each DJ is…and how to compare DJ skills, experience and talent into a fair price.

Planning a wedding on a budget can lead unwary wedding planners into assuming that all DJs are basically equal.   This is the first mistake people need to avoid when they begin their DJ search.  The second mistake is focusing solely on price…which seals the fate of events everyday.

Example: Comparing a First Grader, Senior in High School and someone earning their College Masters Degree as equally qualified “students” would be a rather obvious lapse in common sense. Their knowledge, experience, abilities and responsibilities vary greatly and relate directly to value.

Apply the same comparison to DJs and it becomes easier to understand how different DJ’s really are. This is why taking an active role in determining how competent the DJ’s you’re considering, as opposed to how cheaply they can be attained, is so important and ultimately plays a vital role in the overall success of your event.

Meeting potential DJs in person BEFORE you sign a contract can help you avoid choosing an inexperienced under-priced DJ that could potentially ruin your special day.

Keys To Unlocking The Answers To A Professional DJ

Key Questions To Ask Before You Hire A DJ

Nobody Wants A Bad DJ…
Some People Just Don’t Ask The Right Questions To Avoid One!

The following list has evolved over several years as a result of questions and concerns posed by potential clients as they planned their events. We feel it is beneficial for you to look over these questions and view your event through the eyes of another.

Keep in mind, the DJ Industry is largely un-regulated. It is up to you to take the time necessary to carefully investigate your entertainment options.

“Praemonitus Praemunitus” is a Latin saying, translated “Forewarned is forearmed”

1: What Company Have I Reached?

HINT: Make sure that you reach the company you dialed. Be cautious if the company answers by a name different from the phone listing. You may have reached a company intercepting phone calls intended for another company – or – you may have reached a company operating under different names due to poor customer service, or for failure to show up for performances.

Take note of how professionally your phone call is answered and what background noises are evident.

2: Are you a full-time (career) DJ, do you do this part-time or only as a hobby?

Hint: Determining the level of expertise and commitment you’ll expect from your DJ entertainment will directly affect how well your event evolves. In short, full-time DJs have a vested interest in the success of your event because their livelihood rests in their ability to produce results for you. Pay careful attention to how long your DJ has been entertaining, what their status is and why.

Avoid DJs that make feigned claims that they are part-time but give full-time attention.

Benefits of Hiring A Full-Time (Career) DJ:

Possesses the talent and business skills necessary to DJ Full-Time
Primary focus is handling your needs
Ability to take your calls during regular business hours
Ability return your calls during regular business hours
Ability to meet with you during regular business hours
Ability to respond to your emails promptly
Ability to communicate with you well
Ability to communicate directly with your other vendors
No need to arrange time off from other employment to handle your needs

3: Should I Meet In Person and Interview Entertainers Before Booking.

Absolutely! Whenever possible meet in person with entertainers that you are planning on hiring to assess whether or not they are the right fit for you. Attempt to meet during regular business hours to locate serious full-time entertainers that will focus on you and your event with the attention that you deserve. Pay close attention to attire, mannerisms and professional courtesy. If the entertainment you are considering shows up to your interview intoxicated or high, they are showing what little respect they have for you and your event. If this is common behavior for the entertainer they could be one DUI or arrest away from being unable to fulfill the contract for your event.

4: Did You Really Earn Your “Best of Title” or “Award”?

Hint: Most “Best of Title” or “Awards” are scams used to embellish the value of inferior products or services. Also included in these scams can be popularity polls sponsored by local media where unknown entities solicit friends to vote early and often to receive awards they’ve not earned through years of experience.

Scam Awards:

US Local Business Association

5: Is My Date Available?

HINT: Most Event Planners that are looking for the same date as your event date will be looking around the same time you are.

6: Am I being taken advantage of?

Hint: “Don’t pay their high prices, all you’re paying for is the name”… This is a common ploy used by inferior DJ services to feign the appearance that they care about you and your finances. In reality, it’s just a powerplay for your wallet and they want your dollars. Generally speaking, people aspire for more…not less, in how they earn their living. There are DJ companies that will go out of their way to prove why they are worth less.

7: What Is The Deadline To Reserve My Date?

HINT: Generally speaking Professional Mobile DJs will allow you a reasonable window of time to make an informed decision for entertainment. However, keep in mind that some dates are more popular than others. It is up to you to make your intentions clear and to take the initiative to secure your entertainment.

8: Should I obtain Wedding Event or Wedding Liability Insurance?

Hint: Check to see if your venue requires these coverages. Planning a wedding is a substantial financial investment. Wedding Event and Wedding Liability coverages can help protect your investment for your wedding day. What happens if a vendor goes bankrupt or fails to show up? What if a guest is injured during your event?

Wedding Event and Wedding Liability Insurance

9: What Type of Event Do You Specialize in?

HINT: Ask how much experience they have & how many events they’ve done. 100 events per year for 10 years is more experience than 10 events per year for 20 years. Be EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS of embellishments that relate to experience. Recently several upstart DJs have been laying claim to years of experience far beyond their actual experience. Do the math! It’s highly unlikely that a 30 yr old DJ has been DJing for 20yrs.

10: How Many Years Have You Been in Business?

Hint: Experience is the key to any successful event. Being knowledgeable about music and gear is only a portion of being a well rounded DJ. There are social graces and performance skills that DJs develop over years. These graces and skills are rarely duplicated by amateur DJs. DJs that attend conventions, conferences and seminars to continue their education and further their skills are qualities that represent an entertainer that takes your best interests at heart.

11: Are you currently registered with the Secretary of State?

Hint: If the answer is NO…hang up the phone an move on. Never hire a DJ or Entertainment that is NOT state registered. Most states require some form of business registration with the Secretary of State or State Tax Department. Establishing and Reserving a business Trade Name is the very first decision any legitimate business makes. DJ Entertainment is no exception. Several companies choose to operate “off-radar” to avoid taxes & other legitimate business expenses. Additional drawbacks may include difficulty seeking recovery and finding the person responsible for a failure to show up for an event.

12: Do you carry General Liability Insurance?

Hint: If the DJ you plan on hiring damages the reception facility or injures a guest you could be liable since you are hosting the event.

Are You Liable if Your Guests Get Too Jolly

13: Is Your Equipment Insured?

Hint: Non-insured or Under-insured DJ Companies are extremely risky to hire. If the DJ you plan on hiring loses their music & equipment due to theft, fire, flood, storm…etc, will they be able to replace the music & equipment to be ready for your event without causing you undue stress?

14: Do You Currently Have Workers Compensation Insurance to Cover Your DJs?

Hint: Demand Proof! Most states require workers compensation insurance coverage for workers. Demand to view a Valid Workers Compensation Insurance Certificate, Independent Contractor Verification or Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) before hiring entertainment for your event. If the entertainment you plan on hiring doesn’t carry Workers Compensation Insurance for themselves or their staff, you could be liable for the injuries since you are hosting the event and their performance is for your benefit.

15: How Do You Charge by the hour, flat rate, etc.?

Hint: Legitimate businesses will charge for products and services that are are provided to you, for your benefit. Determine how you will compensate your entertainment before you sign a contract to avoid any hidden costs.

Wedding Packages

16: What Are Your Rates For Dances?

Wedding Packages

Hint: Keep in mind that price is a statement of value. That value is set by the company owner and is generally a fair representation of how much or little their services are actually worth. Lowest price usually equals lowest value.

Good Rule of Thumb: ** You can’t be the “BEST” if you’re cheaper than the rest! **

17: Can You Provide Background Music During Dinner & Cocktails?

Hint: Finding the right entertainer with the stamina and experience to keep your guests engaged and feeling invited and involved is a vital part of any successful event. Be cautious of DJs that try to “woo” you with “Free Dinner Music”. Most people don’t work for free and competent DJs don’t either. You generally get what you pay for and “free” isn’t worth much. Insist that your DJ is present during the Background Music During Dinner & Cocktails to assist you and emcee announcements when needed.

18: Can You Assist Us With Our Wedding Ceremony If Needed?

Hint: Experience is the key in handling a Wedding Ceremony. Whether it’s a religious or secular ceremony, be cautious of DJs that appear unfamiliar with Wedding Ceremony protocols. Your DJ should be ready to offer you Wedding related suggestions to assist you in planning and handling your event. REQUIRE:That your DJ be on-site with their sound equipment a minimum of 2hrs and be completed with setup at a minimum of 1hrprior to the start of the ceremony. Insist that your DJ is present during the Wedding Ceremony to assist you with any technical needs. Also insist that there is sufficient staff to tear-down and load-out the equipment used for your wedding ceremony to avoid additional location charges and to insure your wedding reception starts on time.

19: Do You Charge a Deposit? If so, how much?

HINT: DO NOT pay a deposit to a company that is not registered with the Secretary of State or Tax Department. Be cautious about paying a deposit to a company that does not maintain an established and published business address where they can be located. Be equally cautious about companies that may be on the verge of bankruptcy. Avoid companies that have a poor track record or minimal experience.

20: When Is The Balance Due For Our Event?

Hint: If you expected your entertainment to perform on a certain date and time, expect full payment to be provided on or before that date and time. Look over your contract carefully and determine if full payment is due prior to your event to insure that your entertainment will be on time and on location. Be sure that your contract states what payment methods are acceptable. Do not expect a vendor to accept credit cards, and if they do, while they are away from their place of business. Generally speaking it’s awkward or cumbersome to “settle up” during the event or at the end of the evening. Most event planners would rather enjoy their evening and complete their vendor payments in advance of the event.

21: Do Your Performance Fees Include Lighting?

Hint: Verify if lighting is included, what is included and whether or not it is commercial grade. A common trick among lower end DJs is to claim they provide lighting to appear more worthy and end up bringing shabby novelty store lighting designed for a basement of bedroom incapable of being effective in most venues.

22: What Is Your Travel Charge?

Hint: This is great way to identify whether or not you’re dealing with a credible business person. There are DJs that use gimmicks to entice potential clients. One of those gimmicks is “Free Mileage” or “No Travel Charge”. One of the most vital things to a Mobile Disc Jockey is mobility which involves travel, insurance, fuel, vehicle maintenance, meals, parking and in some cases lodging. DJs that itemize a travel or mileage charge are simply passing on a regular cost of doing business.

23: What Is Your Cancellation and/or Postponement Policy?

Hint: Date availability is a perishable thing. Service begins when you book your event and the DJ system becomes unavailable to other potential clients. Make sure that the contract you receive contains specific details pertaining to Cancellations or Postponements.

24: Do You Offer a Written Contract?

HINT: Although “oral contracts” are recognized by several states it’s always a good idea to your agreement in writing. Make sure you review your event details for accuracy. Refuse to pay a deposit if the company does not offer a written contract and never send cash in the mail. Remember the saying: “A fool and their money are soon parted”.

25: How Do I Book Your Services? Be Cautious of “Assumed Contracts”.

HINT: If you did not specifically request a contract from a specific company…don’t sign it. Some companies make a practice of sending contracts to everyone that calls for information. Some unfortunate wedding planners end up hiring a company they did not intend to hire. Only request a contract from the company you intend to hire & read the contract carefully. Always ask for clarification if you are unsure of a term or item in a contract.

26: If We Hire Your Company, Will You Subcontract Our Event to Another Company?

Hint: Read your contract carefully. For example: If you hire a DJ through a Radio Station be specific about which ON AIR DJ you expect & will receive. Make sure that the contract clearly states the NAME & LOGO of the Radio Station you are hiring. Be EXTRA cautious of Mobile DJ clearing houses that make empty promises of low rates and great results. Generally speaking, DJ clearing houses give lacklustre DJs that have failed in business a second chance to impose their inadequate services on potential clients. In many cases Mobile DJ clearing houses con DJs into paying a yearly fee to connect them with potential clients and then use “bait and switch” tactics to entice unwitting clients into hiring inferior entertainment.

27: How Many Events Can Your Company Handle On A Given Day?

Hint: It’s very important to know how distracted your DJ or DJ company will be on the day of your event. There have been situations where local Mobile DJ companies have hired, briefly trained and assigned events to DJs the day they were hired. Distractions can lead to disaster but lack of experience guarantees it. Inquire about company protocols that are in place to assure that your event will be handled correctly and on time. Low rates that attempt to maximize bookings also maximize the risks to your event.

Those risks can include but are not limited to:

Lack of Customer Service
Lack of Pre-Event Planning
Lack of Performance Consistency
Failure To Show Up
Drunken DJ
DJ Under The Influence of Controlled Substances
Convicted Felons
Sexual Predators

ND Sex Offender Search
MN Sex Offender Search
SD Sex Offender Search
Family Watchdog
Sex Offenders

28: What Type of Guarantee Do You Offer in the Event You Don’t Show Up?

Hint: Listen very carefully and to how well recited – what protocols are in place to handle your event details in case an unforeseen health or family emergency occurs.

29: Will You Be A Master of Ceremonies or Only Play Music?

Hint: Don’t assume that all DJ entertainers are appealing. Meeting in person can help you discover whether your DJ is interactive and fun or simply someone that pushes play.

30: Do You Encourage Audience Participation? If So, How?

Hint: Pick an item that they give as an example & have them explain how it is done. Keep in mind that if they can’t explain it over the phone they probably won’t be able to explain it over the microphone the night of your event.

31: Do You Use Props, Inflatable Toys, etc?

If we don’t want them, can we negotiate a discount?

Hint: Each entertainer possesses different skills. Some have the ability to engage your guests with their personality and music. Other DJs rely on props and inflatable toys to give the appearance of being more dynamic. Think about how you want your event to come across and how you want your guests treated.

32: Will You Be Selling Glow Products or Props To Our Guests?

Hint: There is a professional line that gets crossed when DJ begin selling Glow Products or Props to guests. It’s a tactic used to offset low rates and in most cases is being done illegally without a proper tax permit. Avoid sending the wrong message to your guests of you being cheap.

33: Do You Offer 3-Hour Events with Ability to Add Additional Time?

Hint: Several reception facilities will not allow music to play until 1am; more reputable companies know this & should not contract for time after the music is required to shut down.

34: Do You Take Breaks? If So, How Long Are They?

Hint: Unlike bands, by design, DJs do not normally need breaks every hour. DJs have the ability to keep more guests dancing for a longer period of time with the songs, exactly how they were meant to be. Keep in mind that is not uncommon for a DJ to make a quick run to the restroom during an evening. However, scheduling an hourly smoke or drinking break lacks professional courtesy towards you and your guests.

35: Do You Expect Food and Beverages To Be Provided During The Evening?

Hint: While it is a generous gesture to offer to feed your DJ, it can become awkward. In many cases your DJ will need to emcee at the precise time that they receive their food. It is your choice to offer a meal to your DJ as opposed to having them help themselves to the food intended for your guests.

36: Will You Be Drinking Alcohol During My Event?

Hint: There is a big difference between participating in a Champagne Toast and getting “lit” during an event. There are no other work environments that condone drinking and DJing is no exception. There are many misconceptions that DJs impart to justify drinking on the job. One of the greatest misconceptions: “I’m a better entertainer after a few drinks – it makes me the life of the party!” Alcohol leads to belligerence. There’s nothing more shameful than a rude, drunken DJ, hitting on or offending your guests.

Need a visual? Adam Sandler as The Wedding Singer where the father of the Bride punched Adam Sandler in the nose after offending guests at the reception.

Perhaps a better question to ask would be: What if the DJ gets a DUI the night before your wedding due to their drinking habits?

37: Do You Offer a Pre-Event Music Meeting?

Hint: Pre-Event Music Meetings are a great way to convey your wishes and ideas to your DJ. It’s gives you the opportunity to make requests, arrange introductions and finalize your event itinerary so that you make feel assured that your event will be handled in the correct way.

38: Will I Be Able To Speak With The DJ That’ll Be Performing At My Event?

Hint: It is also a good idea to speak directly with the DJ that will be the emcee for your event. It ensures that nothing is lost in translation and that your DJ has your best interests at heart. A great way to defend against unqualified DJs is to reference phone numbers in the Help Wanted classified listings. If you call a DJ Help Wanted number and reach the DJ company that you’ve hired for your event it’s time to regroup! INSIST on receiving in writing that you will not receive a brand new hired DJ without experience or ask for your money back.

39: How involved can we be in selecting music for our event?

Hint: Determine early on whether your DJ intend on controlling the play list or if they’ll allow input from you. Professional DJs will accommodate your music tastes and use their expertise in guiding you into a successful event with their experience and knowledge. It is important that you comfortable with your DJ and how much involvement you’ll be able to provide in choosing music for your event.

40: How Do We Choose The Music That Will Be Played?

Hint: Most credible DJ companies will offer to meet with you in person to go over music selections for your event. If travel is an issue, they should provide you with the proper forms to make your selections. BE CAUTIOUS of “online only” request forms. Your data could become lost or corrupted. Always make copies of related event forms for your records. They may come in handy if you find you need to change DJs at the last minute.

41: Is The Play List Predetermined?

Hint: There are DJs that fall into the fatal trap of music sets. The common misconception behind music sets is that a certain series of songs will always work no matter what. In reality, music is a fluid energy that changes as dynamically as the guests in attendance. DJs that rely heavily on music sets are failing you and your guest as an entertainer. Reading a crowd and dance floor and responding appropriately, with music that promotes dancing, is the best way to maintain a successful event.

42: Do You Take Requests?

Hint: Requests are important, however, they are requests…not demands. Music knowledge is the foundation to any qualified DJ. That knowledge includes experience of how well most genre’s of music work on the dance floor. If you do not feel the DJ you’re considering is familiar with your music tastes, test them on a few song titles or artists to see if they have what it takes to be your DJ. Sadly, many young DJs don’t even know what artist does the YMCA or the Chicken Dance

Little Known Fact: Most would be DJs that enter our training program score between 7% – 18% on their initial music quantification test. Dude Walker’s Music On Wheels requires a score of 100% or the applicant DJ never performs at one of our events.

43: What Kind Of Equipment Do You Use?

Hint: Commercial Audio Equipment and Lighting is essential to the success of any performance. There are DJs that get hung up on a brand name over durability and performance. It all boils down to performance. Home end gear simply cannot meet the demands presented by most dance environments.

BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS of DJs that build their value upon the brand name of their equipment rather than their performing abilities. A lousy DJ can use top of the line equipment to chase guests out the door. Whereas, a great DJ can use any equipment and keep the guests entertained at your event.

44: Can The Volume Be Adjusted During The Event If It’s Too Loud?

Hint: Volume is relative to the surroundings in which the event is taking place. Larger rooms may require more sound reinforcement, whereas, smaller venues may require less. Placing guests with sensitive hearing next to speakers or in corner is a recipe for disaster. DJs that are knowledgeable with audio equipment generally know how to address challenging rooms.

KEEP IN MIND: The volume can change dramatically from the DJ side of the sound system to the dance floor side. It is not uncommon for a DJ to be unaware how the volume level may be affecting you and your guests. Never hesitate to ask if you would like to have the music turned down or up to suit your needs. Courteous DJs should happily oblige.

45: Can You Provide A Sound System For Partial or Fully Deaf People?

Hint: It is not uncommon for deaf people to dance. There are specific application sound systems that can assist guests and dancers with hearing impairments so that they may enjoy their evening. Be sure to arrange with your venue and DJ as to what and how these systems may affect adjacent events.

46: What Age Groups Do You Usually Cater To?

Hint: DJs that lack experience and music knowledge tend to identify with the age group and music they are most familiar with. In many cases, what they grew up with. Consider your event and the ages of your guests while making your choice for DJ entertainment. A bar DJ may be great in a bar…but lousy at a wedding. Choose wisely!

47: What Is the Standard Attire for Your DJs? Are Jeans & T-shirt acceptable to you?

Hint: Dressing for success plays a vital role in business. Meeting in person, before your book your event, can give you a good indication of the professionalism or success of the DJ entertainment you’re considering. You have the choice to instruct your DJ on whether to come in formal or casual attire. Take the necessary steps to ensure that casual doesn’t cross over to sloppy. It is not out of line to expect that your DJ own a Tuxedo or Business Suit.

48: Do You Offer Packages?

HINT: Weddings have become more complex and Packages can be confusing. Make sure that packages list the specific times & itemized prices to assure that you’re getting a fair deal. BE CAREFUL when selecting entry level packages. They are designed to limit your choices to keep the price low in order to appeal to price-shoppers. Never assume that a basic package will be “good enough to get by”. In most case they include basic gear & minimum experience talent.

49: When Do You Typically Set Up Your Equipment?

Hint: Make sure you arrange with your DJ entertainment when they plan on arriving and setting up for your event. Before the guests arrive, during the reception or just before the dance starts? Overlooking this detail could cause unnecessary stress and disruption to you and your event.

50: How Long Does It Take To Set Up and Will It Be Completed Before The Guests Arrive?

Hint: Specifying a completion time for setup can help you avoid stress on the day of your event. It is difficult, in most venues, to setup equipment during a reception without causing a major disruption or delay for guests or venue support staff.

Be sure to check with your venue to see if they require a specific time for vendors to move in.

Click Here To Unlock MORE Key Questions & Secrets
To Finding A Professional Quality DJ 

For Booking or Additional Information: 701-234-9492

Email: dudewalker@dudewalker.org

Unlocking The Secrets To DJ’s Is As Easy As Asking A Few Questions

51: How Much Power and Space Is …….Required For Your Equipment?

Hint: When choosing your venue be sure and set aside adequate space adjacent to the dance floor to allow your DJ entertainment the ability to carry out your needs. Also make sure that your DJ understands how much power their equipment draws and that there is adequate power supplied to ensure that power breakers don’t trip and disrupt your festivities.

52: Will You Be Doing Any Forms Of …….Advertising During My Event?

Hint: It isn’t uncommon for DJ entertainment to have their company logo displayed on their equipment. However, discuss with your DJ in advance whether it will fit the decor for your wedding. There is also a big difference between passing out a few discreet business cards when asked and making self promotion (hire us for your next event) plugs over the microphone.

53: Do You Have Any Recommended Vendors Who You Have Been Impressed With?

Hint: DJs have a unique opportunity to work closely with many vendors and can observe how well they deal with their clients. Pay close attention to what vendors your DJ associates with and how well they seem to work together. To avoid name dropping, check with the vendors mentioned to check that references are valid.

54: Where Are Your Main Offices Located?

Hint: Most legitimate companies will have a business office or store front that you can make an appointment to visit & view their equipment & staff. Knowing where and how to find your DJ may prove to be useful if your DJ fails to show up.

55: What makes you different from your competitors?

Hint: Listen closely to what is being said by the DJ you’re interviewing. This is an opportunity for the DJ to display their pride and confidence in their work as opposed to making disparaging remarks about their competitors. Be looking for innovative and creative ideas that can allow you to personalize your event. Be open about the choices you’re considering and study how each DJ reacts. There is a big difference between sharing “what” to watch out for and naming “who” to watch out for. If a DJ relies on gossip and disparaging remarks about a competitor to build themselves up…they obviously have nothing to offer. Time to move on!

56: Where Do You Obtain Your Music?

Hint: Legitimate and Professional DJ services should have a subscription to an industry music supplier such as TM Century Prime Cuts, RPM, Promo Only, ERG or Core (CMS). Avoid DJs that openly reference access to large libraries of MP3 music using broadband or wi-fi access to download music for your event. Aside from the legal issues that accompany downloaded music. Introducing files during your event could cause a DJs computer system to become unstable and potentially ruin your event due to a Virus, Trojan or non-previewed EXPLICIT content. DJs that routinely and illegally download and file-share music may be on the RIAA’s watch list and may find themselves incapable of performing for you if they are named in a suit.

57: How Extensive Is Your Music Library?

Hint: Whether the DJ boasts a library of 10,000 or 1,000,000 songs…it still comes down the 50 – 60 playable songs during an average length event. Generally speaking, there is a core list of 200 songs that get played most frequently. Be specific about your music tastes and convey them to your DJ. If your DJ seems unfamiliar with your choices in music, investigate further to ensure you have the DJ with the most knowledge to meet your specific genre needs. It is always a good sign when a DJ is willing to purchase music to expand their music library to meet client needs.

58: How Can I View A Listing Of Your Music Library?

Hint: Professional DJ services will have their music library catalogued. Depending on how large and extensively catalogued the music library is, it may need to viewed in person. It is up to you to provide a listing of important song selections to your DJ that includes Artist and Song Name so that they may research their library to better serve you.

59: How do you keep your music collection up-to-date?

Hint: Professional DJ services that maintain active subscriptions via major music services such as TM Century Prime Cuts, RPM, Promo Only, ERG or Core (CMS) should have the most current main stream (radio edited) music selections. Inquire how often your DJ conducts music research and how they implement that research into a benefit for you.

60: Have you played at our reception site before?

Hint: If your DJ does not have experience playing at the venue where you are holding your event, they could face some difficult challenges.

Things that can vary by venue:

Load In Time
Set Up Time
Tear Down Time
Load Out Time
Security Procedures
Potential Personality Conflicts With Venue Staff
Room Size and Configurations
Acoustical Anomalies and Challenges
Electrical Supply and Location of Outlets
Open Ground Issues
Competing Wireless Signals

Your DJ will need to be familiar with your venue to give you the assurance that you won’t have any problems on your event day. Having your DJ do a venue walk through with you and your facility contact to ensure good communication between all parties that pertain to your specific need is a great way to avoid event day problems.

61: What Happens If You Experience An Accident, Illness or Emergency?

Hint: Full-Time Professional DJ Entertainers are not immortal. Career DJs are meticulous about their planning and preparation. Career DJs will network with other Professional DJs in the regular course of business. Should an unforeseen accident, illness or emergency occur – responsible professionals have carefully planned backup strategies to initiate should this situation ever arise.

62: What Type Of Formal Training Have You Received As A DJ?

Hint: In 1999, Shawn Fanning (creator of Napster) inadvertently made it more difficult to obtain a qualified DJ for an event. P2P file sharing enticed several DJs to amass large libraries of illegal music and to build sub-par DJ systems in search of a quick buck. The number of Mobile DJs has more than tripled since 2000 and the majority of those DJs have no formal DJ training. The majority of DJs that chose to forgo traditional means of Mobile DJ training exert a negative effect on the Mobile DJ Industry by ( practicing rather than performing for clients ) not having been pre-screened by apprenticeship under established DJ companies capable of separating the “wheat from the chaff“.

63: How Are We Guaranteed That You’ll DJ My Event?

Hint: Many single-op DJs use this tactic in an attempt to bolster confidence in their personal abilities. In reality, many of those DJs lack the necessary training and experience to back up their claims. Generally speaking, this claim can be validated by price. A single-op DJ relies on revenue generated by one event per day. If a DJ uses the “If You Hire My Company, You Get Me” pitch and they price themselves among the lowest prices in the market, they’re admitting they’re not that good. Time to move on! However, if a DJ uses the “If You Hire My Company, You Get Me” pitch and they price themselves among the highest prices in the market, they’re worth meeting in person.

64: Do You Perform For More Than One Event In A Day?

Hint: Handling an event from load-in to performance to load-out can be physically exhausting. Staying alert and energetic takes disciplines that are lost when you’re being pulled in multiple directions by multiple events. It is best to hire a DJ that performs one event per day. They can give you the undivided attention you deserve.

65: What Is The DJs Personal Philosophy On DJing? Why Are They In The Business?

Hint: DJ entertainers sacrifice their social lives and weekends on a regular basis to allow you to enjoy your social life. Discover what motivates the DJ that your considering to take time away from family and friends. Put yourself in the DJs shoes: Imagine an event that is so important that you would do anything to attend. ( concert, family get-together, reunion, sporting event) Will the DJ that you’re considering honor their contract…or will they try a wiggle out of it? The lower the contract price, the greater the odds of having a DJ try to back out of their contract.

66: What do you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing?

Hint: Professional DJs that have actual “in the field” performing experience create a “bag of tricks” to motivate guests. Ask for specific examples of what they do and have them explain “in detail” how they would implement their plan to benefit your your event and make it successful.

67: Does it make sense to risk my whole event on a cheap, inexperienced DJ?

Hint: Consider the amount that you are spending on your overall event. Then consider what the DJ is telling you about their service and abilities in reference to rate they are quoting you. Higher end Professional DJs can always limit what they do to help you stay on budget, however, you can’t take the “cheap” out of cheap.

68: How Long Have You Been DJing and What Are Your Credentials?

Hint: Do your homework and check credentials.

Check into the credentials of the:

Company
Person You’re Speaking With
DJ That Will Be Handling Your Event

Pay close attention to what:

Schooling
Training
Testing
Related Work Experience
Seminars
Conventions
Continuing Education

Don’t be fooled by fabricated credentials. You’re conducting an interview / audition. If you don’t take the time to dig deeper into the DJs credentials, they could make any embellished credential claim and mislead you into a purchase that doesn’t meet your needs.

69: How Many Hours Of Preparation Will Go Into My Event?

Hint: Pay close attention to how much prep time will be related to your event. Be wary of DJs that attempt to downplay prep time as not being important to your event. Your event is unique and it requires preparation and practice specific to your needs, which includes a multitude of various skills, to ensure that you receive adequate value related to your contract.

DJs that reduce the importance of prep time for events are more likely to take advantage of their clients by neglecting their clients needs and by providing an inferior quality performance.

70: Why Is A Personalized Event So Important?

Hint: Events are a living thing.

Any event can be defined by three things:

Organization and Information
Energy
Evolution

Events evolve uniquely and can function independently as a social society. Events require “planning energy” and “performance energy” to create “party energy”. None of which, can be achieved, without information and pre-planning.

Take into consideration what type event you are planning and find a DJ that can reflect your unique personality and style. Recreating and fulfilling dreams does not happen by accident. Working one on one with a Professional DJ that is interested in you and your event can allow you a stress-free day giving you the opportunity to enjoy your special occasion and your guests. Select a DJ that has the desire to assist you in making your individuality a part of every aspect of your event.

71: Tell Me Why I Should Hire You?

Hint: Every form of employment has it’s own unique set of dues that are paid when experience is being earned. Within the DJ industry, the dues that are paid define the character, caliber and capabilities of the DJ. If you don’t feel that the DJ has paid the necessary dues to handle your event it’s in your best interest to keep searching for the right fit.

72: Are You The Best Mobile DJ Entertainer In The Region? If So, Why?

Hint: Every DJ thinks that they’re the best, however, many lack the skill sets that provide the “why”. Don’t accept vague answers that attempt to sidestep your questions in an appeal to get you to book. Ask for specific information and examples until you’re satisfied.

73: List 5 Examples Of Unique Things You’ve Done Recently?

Hint: DJs that have legitimate performing experience should be able to rattle off 5 unique things they’ve done, upon request. If they seem evasive or unsure of themselves, they’re not being honest with you. Time to move on!

74: Does Your DJ Seem Rushed On The Phone?

Hint: Your event is important. Professional DJs should take the time necessary to understand your needs and offer suggestion when necessary. If your DJ is unable to take your call immediately, they should set aside a time to give you their undivided attention. Part-Time and Hobbyist DJs may not be able to handle personal calls at their day-job. This situation won’t change for better and could leave you constantly inconvenienced.

75: Does Your DJ Seem Genuinely Interested In YOU?

Hint: There is nothing more distressing in the entertainment business than indifference. Planning an event requires the building of relationships that work towards YOUR common goals rather than making you just a number on folder and date on a calendar. From the moment you call, your DJ should have your best interests at heart to ensure that you‘re treated fairly and that you receive the highest caliber of service for an appropriate price.

76: How Is Your DJs Phone Number Listed?

Hint: Determining how your DJs phone number is listed in the phone directory and online could save you headaches in the final weeks before your wedding. Legitimate businesses make their number easily available and searchable for customers in phone directories and online. Cell phones are vital fixtures in the business world, however, directory listing of cell phone numbers is tragically inadequate. DJs that neglect to maintain a prominent phone listing are likely to neglect other areas that are important to your event as well. Choosing a legitimate DJ starts with a legitimate business listing.

77: Are You Really Endorsed By…?

Hint: Be cautious of DJs that make “Endorsed By….” statements to increase your confidence in their company. Statements such as “Endorsed by Coke or Endorsed by Pepsi“…etc, could be a false claim. Always contact the “endorsement source” to verify whether or not the “endorsement” is untrue, deceptive or misleading.

78: If You Received A Referral – Is The Referrer Doing You or The DJ A Bigger Favor?

Hint: There is an unprecedented amount DJs entering the DJ Industry. These Disc Jockeys have a great network of family, friends and co-workers rallying support for them. This can put event planners in an awkward position of choosing between a Qualified Professional DJ or an unqualified DJ with little to no training. It’s YOUR event, take control and resist the peer-pressure of making the wrong choice.

79: Why Are You Offering A Discount Before I Know What You Can Do For Me?

Hint: There is a difference between slashing a price and offering an upgrade. DJs that are over-charging for inferior services usually use a variety of schemes to bait the purchase. “$100 off”, “FREE dinner music”, “free time with minimum purchase”, “no time limit for one low price”…the schemes are never ending. There’s a simple rule of thumb to spot con-artists. Incentives should add value to your purchase…not decrease the value of what you’re purchasing. Genuine offers will always contain a time limit.

80: How Will Your Equipment Be Displayed, Presented and Placed In Our Event?

Hint:Generally speaking DJs enter the industry with nothing more than their love for music and little to no business sense. One of the first decisions that any DJ owner faces is choosing solid commercial sound and lighting gear, which requires a substantial business decision and investment. “Sticker Shock” compels many to use home stereo equipment or purchase inferior equipment to “get by” until they can afford equipment that’s adequate for commercial equipment. However, DJs with inferior equipment generally have inferior rates which prevents them from ever attaining the proper equipment necessary to handle your event or improve their overall show appearance.

Other things to consider is “how well” the DJs equipment is cared for and maintained. Weddings and Corporate functions are a different environment than a college, bar or barn dance. Professional DJs have multiple systems, each with a specific purpose in mind. Bringing stale beer soaked audio equipment, speakers and cables smelling of smoke or farm animals into a formal event can ruin the atmosphere that you’re trying to achieve.

Make sure your DJ keeps their equipment well maintaining and physically appealing for the venue where you are holding your event.

Ensuring that you and your guests won’t be embarrassed or offended by the DJs can be as easily addressed by a few simple questions.

For Booking or Additional Information: 701-234-9492

Email: dudewalker@dudewalker.org

How Much Do You Charge

How Much Do You Charge?
By Dude Walker

How Much Do You Charge? Perhaps the 5 most dangerous words you can ask any vendor as your initial question, especially entertainment. Date availability, areas of expertise and event length can play a significant role in determining the investment.  How Much Do You Charge has become the question that traps many of those planning a wedding, and setting them up for buyer’s remorse after the hysteria around the wedding subsides. Planning your wedding today is fraught with seemingly endless options. You may find yourself long on want, but short on means. Finding qualified and experienced wedding vendors is very important and needs to be a priority when starting your wedding planning process. There are few areas of your reception that are as important as entertainment, being as music is absolutely vital to the overall success of your reception.

There are some very simple steps that you can take to help turn the wedding bell whoa and woes into WOW’s during these times of economic uncertainty.

Step 1: Put yourself into the right frame of mind. When it comes to quality, it can’t be the best if it’s cheaper than the rest. No matter how long you polish a penny you can’t turn it into gold.

Step 2: Set two budgets.

Budget #1: The Ballpark Budget: Generally speaking around 30% of the bride and groom’s total annual income or around $100 per guest.

Budget #2: The Commitment Budget: Generally speaking your comfort zone. Pick an amount within reason, in reference to your ballpark budget, that you and your fiance can feel good about as you plan your special day. Don’t be scared, but be cautious about exceeding your commitment budget.

SAMPLE WEDDING BUDGET CHECKLIST HERE

Step 3: Get your priorities straight. Prioritize your wedding plans by importance. If a wedding dance is not a number one priority to you, go without and consider using that portion of your wedding budget elsewhere. However, if you recognize that entertainment is the lifeblood of your reception, consider prioritizing your budget to reflect your needs. Keep in mind that a hasty decision to hire an under-qualified low priced mobile DJ, in reality, ends up costing you more when they fail to connect with your guests and your guests end up wandering off or leaving early.

Step 4: Set up a separate account for your wedding. It will help you keep an eye on costs and assure you that you only use those funds for your wedding purchases.

Step 5: Choose your wedding date and reserve your church or reception site immediately. Wedding costs can vary greatly depending on the time of year they occur.

Step 6: Get control of your guest list. Build a guest list of family and friends that are closest to you and work your way out to your outer circle friends and co-workers who might not make the guest list cut if cutbacks need to be made. Keep a close eye on your commitment budget. Difficult as it may be, you may find it necessary to trim the guest list or go without to stay on budget. Sacrificing quality for quantity is one of the quickest ways to experience wedding buyer’s remorse.

Step 7: Choose wedding entertainment wisely. Make your entertainment selection based on experience and talent first, price second. Be wary of false testimonials and credentials. The wedding industry is filled with impostors that are long on promise and short on delivery. Don’t hire entertainment that is not fully insured and registered with the secretary of state. Insist on meeting in person to interview potential entertainment and require that you get everything in writing.

Step 8: Know what you want and why. Wedding vendors want your business, however, there are real costs involved in making your dreams come true. There’s nothing wrong with asking to scale back the services offered by the wedding vendor you want if those services don’t fit you or your wedding day. However, not asking guarantees you’ll make the wrong choice by focusing on price associated with things you don’t want or need.

Step 9: Avoid the iPod! There has been a recent trend among today’s couples to load an iPod with songs and let that be their wedding entertainment. One thing most of them forget until they are in the midst of a failing iPod reception (look on YouTube for examples of iPod wedding nightmares), is that the entertainer, not the equipment, can make or break your wedding reception. Qualified mobile DJs know that there is little margin for error when reading a room, crowd and dance floor. An iPod completely ignores the essence of drawing upon experience of knowing what to play and when to play it to keep your dance floor alive. If your reception is a back yard barbeque without any desires for dancing, then maybe an iPod would be for you. But, very few have looked back on the iPod route as a good decision for their reception.

Investing a little bit of time and asking your potential vendors the right questions and basing your decisions on the things that truly matter will go a long way in assuring you that WOW wedding most couples dream of!

Dude Walker can be reached at :   dudewalker@dudewalker.org

Elegant Wedding Lighting Ambiance, Customize Your Wedding Decor To Suit Your Needs

We are the original Wedding Dance Specialists. Setting the standard for Quality, Dependability and Affordability in Wedding Entertainment for over 2 decades.

The Right Fit…The Right Price…Every Time! Making the right decisions about the wedding event services for your wedding reception DJ can be a difficult & time-consuming task.  We work closely with wedding reception venues to assure our reception entertainment service is the right fit for your wedding event center.  That’s why our clients don’t settle for second best.  Whether you are getting married now or planning your wedding for a later date, we will meet with you when it is convenient for you.

Your wedding music list is important and we have the experience and wedding song list to keep your wedding reception dance music going all night long.  From the pre- wedding planning materials, to your introduction, to your first dance, until the evenings last note, we strive to make your wedding dance memorable.

We offer no-obligation “in person” consultations to assist you in finding the right services to suit your needs.  Peace of Mind and a Premium DJ Company are just a phone call away (701)234-9492.

We have several Wedding Packages to choose from.  If we’re not the right fit for you…we’ll help you find someone that is.  We associate with the best talent in the business!

Understanding DJ Skill Level vs Pricing

Key Questions To Ask Before You Hire A DJ

Packages:

• Compare All Wedding Packages

• Economy Package

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• Dude Walker Signature Series Package

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