TIPS

When hiring a disc jockey for your event, its important to know who you're getting and what you can expect.  To make sure you're getting a qualified person as well as to improve the quality of your event, Chameleon DJs has compiled a list of tips and questions to ask to help you plan your big day.

1.  What type of equipment does the DJ use - A professional disc jockey will use specialized equipment designed for the purposes of playing events.  If you can purchase the same equipment they use from major electronics retailers, then it isn't professional equipment. Your DJ should also have access to backup equipment in case there are problems.

2.  Make sure the DJ uses licensed music - It is illegal for disc jockeys to play unlicensed music at any event.  Unfortunately, there are many companies that operate using unlicensed music, which is often downloaded illegally.

3. Can the DJ help to plan the event? - Our disc jockeys can help select music for your event, MC, arrange party games and assist in many other ways.  We make sure that we have all the necessary information to ensure your event goes perfectly and that nothing is left to chance.

4. Does the DJ carry liability insurance? - Its important for disc jockeys as business owners to carry liability insurance, as this helps to protect both ourselves and our clients. 

5.  Do you have a written contract? - You should have a contract between yourself and the DJ to protect your financial investment.  Our DJs have standard contracts outlining the requirements of both parties such as date, time, length of event, cancellation and refund policies, and payment.

6.  Ask about training and experience - Our disc jockeys are trained by people who have decades of experience in the business.  If they're new, we send people with experience to accompany them on their first few jobs until they get used to being on their own. 

7.  Work out a price beforehand  - At Chameleon DJs, we allow each disc jockey to set their own prices as each city and town is different.  There are many factors that determine price such as the DJ, the date and time, the location and type of event.  Saturdays during the summer are usually the busiest times for DJs as this is when most weddings take place.  To reduce your costs, consider moving to an off-peak time for your event.

8.  Does The DJ take requests?  - Some disc jockeys don't take requests, much to the dissatisfaction of their clients.  Our DJs, with your permission, may want to strike up a conversation with your guests to find out what they would like to hear.  A good DJ will also filter requests to make sure that the right songs actually get played.

9.  Consider taking requests for music beforehand - When you can present the DJ with a list of songs your guests want to hear, the night improves for everybody.  We get to play your guests favorite music and a lot of the guesswork is taken out of your event. While you're compiling music, create a list of songs you don't want played at your event as well as any ceremonial songs such as the first dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.  If you're having a hard time thinking of these songs, your DJ can help you select some good music.

10.  Pay attention to your seating arrangement - Seating a table with elderly guests next to the DJ table and speakers may not be the greatest idea, especially during the dance portion of the evening.  Similarly, if you have included the DJ in your seating arrangement, he or she should be close to the equipment.