An Article
from Martha Stewart on Hiring a Disc Jockey
Even the most versatile and talented band on earth could never provide the
range of songs and performers that a disc jockey can. The best way to find a
disc jockey is through referrals from friends who have had a good experience
using one; you can also ask your wedding coordinator, caterer, photographer,
florist, or banquet manager for referrals.
What to Look For Since most disc jockeys' music libraries are huge, you will rarely find
musical reasons to hire one DJ or service over another. Focus instead on
credentials and references. Ask about rates; if they are considerably lower than
the industry norm ($500 to $1,000 for a four-hour event), there may be a reason.
If they are higher, ask for justification.
Meeting With the DJ Never hire a DJ you haven't met in person. This is your opportunity
to assess his personality and style. Viewing a videotape of a disc jockey's work
can be helpful, but you must bear in mind that what you are viewing has been
edited to include only the most flattering material.
Equipment and Backup Plans A professional disc jockey will bring professional digital
equipment, not just an impressive home system. In addition to a dual-CD player
to ensure continuous music and a good-quality amplifier and speakers, a disc
jockey should be equipped with a wireless microphone for announcements and
toasts. Make sure that the DJ has adequate backups because equipment
failures, though rare, can occur.
Selecting the Music When you meet with a disc jockey, he will generally give you a
list of his most requested tracks -- often ranging from several hundred to a
thousand titles -- from which you can select songs. You should also feel free to
add any favorites that may not be included in his library. You can either supply
them yourself or ask the DJ to purchase the CDs. At most weddings, requests
from guests will be encouraged, unless you direct otherwise. But tell your disc
jockey about any songs, or even genres of music, you don't want played (even if
requested).
Booking the DJ Try to book a DJ at least six months ahead of your wedding
day. You should both sign a detailed contract specifying all logistics of the
reception: date, location, time (including setup time; one hour prior to the
start of the event is the norm), and projected length. Other things the contract
should do is stipulate price and overtime charges (with a guarantee that the
disc jockey will not leave for another event if you need him to stay beyond the
scheduled end of the reception); list the sound equipment the deejay will be
using and specify that backup equipment and personnel are available; and
indicate that the disc jockey is covered by liability insurance. It could even
spell out what the disc jockey is expected to wear.
Here is an example of somebody who
didn't see the value in hiring a professional for their wedding.
As you watch this video please understand this is NOT Atlantic
Coast Entertainment and we would hope
that you would certainly not want your special day in the hands of an amateur
with an iPod and docking station.
This video is painful to watch and we're sure that it was even worse to be
there.
Don't leave your event to chance. Hire a Professional.
Good example of a bad iPod DJ
"You might have downloaded 10,000 songs to your iPod but you can't download
experience, personality and talent." - Erv Schmidt, Owner of Atlantic
Coast Entertainment
Atlantic Coast Entertainment understands our clients needs and we respect your comfort level for every event...
Don't entrust the success of your next
event to an untrained and unprofessional kid with an iPod® and home stereo
speakers. See the example above and judge for yourself if it's worth cutting
corners when it comes to your entertainment. True professional entertainers
dedicate as much time as is needed to perform for every event at the level Atlantic Coast
Entertainment does and they spend thousands of dollars on professional audio
equipment to ensure that their performance is flawless. There is a difference and that difference is
ATLANTIC
COAST ENTERTAINMENT!
Contact Information:
Erv Schmidt
Owner
Atlantic Coast Entertainment
524 Long Hill Road
Groton, CT 06340
(860) 448-DJ4U (3548)
"iPod Wedding" Video courtesy of The American Disc
Jockey Association (ADJA).
