Regardless of the type of event you may be putting on, the choice of a DJ or entertainment coordinator is one of the most important decisions you need to make to ensure that your guests have a great time. Finding a truly professional DJ who offers several entertainment options can be a bit challenging, but well-worth the effort.
We have found during our time performing DJ services in the San Antonio area that many people get so overwhelmed when planning their event, that their choice in entertainment often is decided solely by who offers the best price. This can be a big mistake, as the lowest price option may be completely unsuitable for your event. While a fast-talking "go-getter" type may seem like a reasonable choice, it pays to be a bit cautious in who you hire to avoid a situation in which your entertainment is completely inappropriate for your event.
As a part of our San Antonio DJ experiences, we have developed a list of criteria that people should consider when seeking to hire a DJ. The following are some tips for helping to distinguish a true professional, who is likely to do a good job for you and make your event fun and entertaining for your guests, from a "hobbyist" who is more concerned with his or her own entertainment and making a few bucks as a bonus.
One of the simplest things to tell you that a DJ is a professional is that he or she carries liability insurance. It is unusual for the insurance to be important in terms of a liability claim arising from a situation at your event, but the fact that the DJ has insurance indicated that he or she is a serious businessperson.
A second indication of a professional DJ is membership in one or more of the official DJ associations. Not only is this a sign that the DJ is dedicated to his profession, there are potential benefits to you the customer, such as the DJ can usually find replacement talent for you in case of an emergency in which he or she is unable to perform at your event.
Professional equipment is another sign of a good DJ. A serious DJ will be proud of his or her equipment and will be happy to discuss it with you. In addition to having professional-grade equipment in good condition, it is important that the DJ has backup equipment on hand at your event. Even the best equipment can break down without warning, so it's very important that the DJ have backups for all of his critical equipment.
Lastly, it is important to consider the personality and appearance of a DJ you are considering hiring. If the DJ shows up for your initial meeting without a professional appearance and demeanor, he or she may not be a good choice. Ultimately, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not you feel you have a "meeting of the minds" when interviewing a DJ. It is important to feel confident that the DJ is going to work with you to give you what you want, and not ignore your wishes in favor of "doing their own thing".