Shopping around for your ideal DJ Service ?

Here are some suggestions to inquire about:

1. First of all, ask if they available for your date ?

- there is no reason to take your time asking questions about the DJ service if they are not available

2. Services offered ?

- do they offer what you want or can customize a package for you ?

3. Their DJ's attire ?

- of course you want the DJ to be dressed appropriately for your event, as it looks for the DJ service and looks good for you

- Classy DJ's are always dressed for the occasion (such as a shirt, tie, dress pants for a wedding reception)

4. Music Library ?

- illegally downloaded and possible poor quality or professional CD library ?

- Yes Classy DJ will accept CD music from our customers (but only in advance of the event, not the day of)

5. Equipment Quality ?

- home stereo or old dated band equipment (and we have seen many times over our 24+ years in the industry) or modern high quality and reliable  ?

- Classy DJ only uses professional series equipment names such as JBL, Mackie, Samson, Stanton, American DJ, Audio Technica and more....

6. The DJ service confirmation and price guaranteed in a contract (this is a must !) ?

- for both the DJ service and your "peace of mind"

- some companies will require a deposit

- also if a customer is from out of the province, payment by certified cheque, money order or cash may be requested

7. Early Set-up time ?

- this may be important if you do not want any possible distractions or disruptions during your event

- if possible, Classy DJ does prefer to set up in the afternoon of your event day

8. Will the DJ take requests ?

- you would be surprised how many DJ's have a limited music library, or wont take any requests and play just what they want to hear

- Classy DJ's are pleased to accept requests from your guests (but we do "filter" them to make sure the songs are appropriate for your event

9. Will the DJ accept a written request list from the customer and follow it to the best of their ability ?

- most DJ services appreciate knowing what you want (in writing)

- however some of our customers have offered way too many songs for an event, not allowing for requests from guests and not giving the DJ flexibility to change the music to make the "party happen". A suggestion list of 20-30 songs is more than enough.

10. Is there a light show included ?

- some DJ services will include, others charge extra

- lighting "styles" also depend on your event location and what "atmosphere" you want to create

- special effects such as fog machines, hazers and bubble machines may not be allowed, due to the event location policies (smoke machines can set off sensitive smoke detectors, bubble machines can make a dance floor slippery). Also, it is very rare to see strobe lights anymore but you may want to ask anyway...

- Classy DJ does offer various light show options that would be appropriate for your specific event

11. How many hours will they play for a specific fee ?

- sometimes there may be overtime or all inclusive

- remember that your event location will have rules on how late a DJ is allowed to play for you (example: St. Mary's Boat Club, Halifax must end a 12midnight, The Lord Nelson in Halifax can be 2am)

- most dances will begin from 8-10pm, for a 9-1 dance, our DJ will return around 8pm in case your dance can begin earlier (so your guests do not have to be waiting) 

12. Travel ?

- usually there would be an extra charge for gas, time, meals and possible lodgings depending on the distance required

- some DJ services will not travel outside the HRM area

- also consider possible travel delays for scheduling (traffic, vehicle break down, accidents,etc.) so make sure your DJ arrives early

13. Can we talk directly to our event DJ ?

- this may or may not be important to you

- most DJ services encourage communication directly with customers (by the event DJ) assuring total confidence

- Classy DJ's do call our customers directly (if requested) to review your event details

14. Drinking or Smoking policy ?

- when a DJ is working, it may not look professional to your guests if there are a few empty beer bottles on the DJ equipment table or the DJ leaves for a few minutes to go outside and just puts on a premixed cd for 10-20 minutes (we have seen it happen which is why we are mentioning this)

- Classy DJ's do not drink (alcohol) or smoke when working

15. Will the DJ service accept other music besides what the DJ has in his library ?

- most DJ's will, but should insist on having the music before the event date (just to check the quality and become familiar)

16. Are they familiar with your event locations ?

- this may not be important but some locations may have unique challanges such as power, location set up, loading DJ equipment in/out, other events going on earlier in the same room, security, parking, etc.

17. Insurance ?

- most professional DJ companies have insurance polices, either through their household insurance or with a organization/agency it is still the same.

17. Price ? The #1 question

- believe it or not, not all DJ services are the same !

Their music library, quality of equipment, company policies and procedures, DJ training, experience, familiarity with venue's, attention to detail are all very important considerations.

You don't need to pay a lot for high quality DJ services - but the more economical the DJ service, the more questions you may wish to ask (of course depending on what level of DJ service you want).

As an example only, in our HRM area most DJ service charge from $400. - $600. (on average for a 4 hour dance). Depending on what additional services you may require, that could increase to $800.+ (such as the possible addition of Background, Cocktail Hour or Dinner Music, Audio/Video Equipment Rentals, Travel, etc.)

Your cost should be specific in your written DJ service contract.

If you have any other questions, just email us - we would be pleased to assist.