1. How many weddings or events (like your event) has the DJ actually done?
An experienced pro DJ, will have done 30, 40 or more successful events each year they've been in business. If they're a Wedding DJ, then the bulk of those events should be weddings.
(we design a wedding plan based on a unique formula...while we have done many weddings...each one we do we want to make as unique as our clients!)
2. Has the DJ performed at your venue before?
While not imperative, it's reassuring to know the DJ has performed in the room 0r facility you're considering. It's helpful if the DJ knows the floor plan, the traffic patterns and the DJ may have an established working relationship with the venue. If not,,,a site survey may be a great thing to schedule.
(Our service is refered by many of the most popular places to get wed in Bend and surrounding areas. We even do back yard weddings as well!)
3. Does the DJ provide references?
References are an important part of hiring any vendor. A pro DJ will be proud to offer you several recent references for you to check.
(take a look at our references at www.starproductionsdjs.com.)
4. Does the DJ have proof of insurance?
Insurance is a must, and many wedding reception locations will insist that all your vendor provide proof of adequate insurance coverage. Some banquet facilities will require it!
(We carry 1 million in liability to each event and can add our clients as additional insured at no additional expense!)
5. Is a deposit required to hold your date?
A deposit is the professionally accepted method of securing your date and DJ. A deposit gives you and your DJ a firm sense of professional trust, commitment and well being. Ask also if there is a refund policy!
(We require a 200.00 deposit, which is refundable up to 60 days prior to your event.)
6. When is the balance due?
Varies. Some DJs expect 1/3 deposit, 1/3 a month before the event and 1/3 when the event is finished. Others expect a smaller deposit with the balance paid in full before the event. (Balance is due up to 14 days prior to the event. We have easy payment terms too!)
7. Is there a charge for over-time?
Varies. It's fair for the DJ to ask for over-time pay if the amount of over-time is significant. You'd be disappointed if your guests were having a great time at your wedding reception and found at the last minute that the DJ can't or won't stay for an extra hour. Find out ahead if the DJ is available for over-time. (Based on the package)
8. Does the DJ offer extra options? (event assistance, extra mics, lights, etc)?
This is important for big or complex events and wedding receptions. These days, it's common for brides and grooms to want two or more sound systems, amplifying and or recording of vows, up lighting, dance floor initials, color washes and other options. If your DJ can't provide these services, you may have to find the services through another vendor. Getting everything through one DJ service is less stressful and generally more economical.
9. Does the DJ network with other vendors? (photographers, musicians, officiates, etc).
A DJ with a network of other vendors can save the day. Plus getting extra services through one vendor saves time and is more convenient.
Star Productions was Founder of the C.O.E.P.A. (Central Oregon Event Professionals Association) you can find our list of prerferred vendors at www.centraloregonevents.net!
10. Does the DJ Service belong to a professional organization?
A pro DJ is usually a member of at least one or two local and national industry groups. Through their membership the DJ gets valuable info on the latest trends in style and music. With membership they keep up to date on event trends!
(We are members of the National Mobile Entertainers Assoc. and the American Disc Jockey Assn as well as Central Oregon Wedding professionals.)
11. Does the DJ have back up equipment for your event?
Very important. It's rare, but electronics can fail and when a CD player, microphone or cable fails, the DJ needs to have a replacement unit on site. (and YES...we do!).
12. Does the DJ offer event assistance with unlimited phone and email and web planning tools?
A pro DJ will not only meet with you in person one or two times, but will make themselves available in person, by phone and or email to discuss any detail relating to your event. (Try our speedy service right now! go to http://www.starproductionsdjs.djintelligence.com/answers/
13. Does the DJ Service provide free Event Planning tools and resources?
A pro DJ will have worksheets, articles, tip sheets and music suggestions that you can use to plan and organize your event. If the tools are online, then you can use them from the comfort of your home or office. (Yes...you'll love our planning tools and helpful money saving advice!)
14. Can you choose some or all of your own music?
Pro DJs have massive music libraries for you to choose from and will gladly allow you to contribute your own music on CD or through mp3s. Contributing your own music should never be a problem.
(Our planning sites allow you to choose must play songs and do not play songs too!)
15. Is there more than one DJ to choose from?
Some DJs are single operators and the DJ you meet is the DJ you get. Other DJ services may have several performers for you to choose from.
(We have several talented partner djs that can assist you!)
16. Can you meet your specific DJ?
You should insist on meeting your DJ. If the service has more than one DJ available on your date, then ask to meet two or three. The DJ you choose doesn't have to be your new best friend, but you should feel comfortable and at ease with your DJ.
17. How will the DJ be dressed?
A pro DJ will dress the way you want them too. If you require a tux, three piece suit, jacket and tie or a Hawaiian shirt the DJ should willingly accommodate you.
18. Does the DJ take any breaks?
Laws and customs vary, however common sense should prevail. For a four or five hour wedding reception, a pro DJ will not take any breaks and your service should be uninterrupted. For a seven hour event, the DJ may require a thirty-minute break or add a second DJ or assistant.
19. Do you have to feed and tip your DJ?
A pro DJ does not eat when they are working. A meal is a nice gesture, but you should not feel as though you have to provide one. No DJ should ever drink alcohol before or during an event. Tipping is a very nice way to let the DJ know they did a great job. Tip only if you feel the DJ provided outstanding service throughout the entire process. (Not required)
20. Is the DJ a full-time or part-time DJ?
A pro DJ is usually a full-time DJ, with no other employment obligations to get in the way of meetings, phone calls or any unexpected issues you may need to have handled. (We are full time lighting sound professionals).
21. Why should you choose this DJ Service over another?
Listen carefully to the answer to this question. A pro DJ will respond with a few brief and reassuring benefits as to why you should hire his or her company.
(Call me and ask me now...541.419.4090.).
An experienced pro DJ, will have done 30, 40 or more successful events each year they've been in business. If they're a Wedding DJ, then the bulk of those events should be weddings.
(we design a wedding plan based on a unique formula...while we have done many weddings...each one we do we want to make as unique as our clients!)
2. Has the DJ performed at your venue before?
While not imperative, it's reassuring to know the DJ has performed in the room 0r facility you're considering. It's helpful if the DJ knows the floor plan, the traffic patterns and the DJ may have an established working relationship with the venue. If not,,,a site survey may be a great thing to schedule.
(Our service is refered by many of the most popular places to get wed in Bend and surrounding areas. We even do back yard weddings as well!)
3. Does the DJ provide references?
References are an important part of hiring any vendor. A pro DJ will be proud to offer you several recent references for you to check.
(take a look at our references at www.starproductionsdjs.com.)
4. Does the DJ have proof of insurance?
Insurance is a must, and many wedding reception locations will insist that all your vendor provide proof of adequate insurance coverage. Some banquet facilities will require it!
(We carry 1 million in liability to each event and can add our clients as additional insured at no additional expense!)
5. Is a deposit required to hold your date?
A deposit is the professionally accepted method of securing your date and DJ. A deposit gives you and your DJ a firm sense of professional trust, commitment and well being. Ask also if there is a refund policy!
(We require a 200.00 deposit, which is refundable up to 60 days prior to your event.)
6. When is the balance due?
Varies. Some DJs expect 1/3 deposit, 1/3 a month before the event and 1/3 when the event is finished. Others expect a smaller deposit with the balance paid in full before the event. (Balance is due up to 14 days prior to the event. We have easy payment terms too!)
7. Is there a charge for over-time?
Varies. It's fair for the DJ to ask for over-time pay if the amount of over-time is significant. You'd be disappointed if your guests were having a great time at your wedding reception and found at the last minute that the DJ can't or won't stay for an extra hour. Find out ahead if the DJ is available for over-time. (Based on the package)
8. Does the DJ offer extra options? (event assistance, extra mics, lights, etc)?
This is important for big or complex events and wedding receptions. These days, it's common for brides and grooms to want two or more sound systems, amplifying and or recording of vows, up lighting, dance floor initials, color washes and other options. If your DJ can't provide these services, you may have to find the services through another vendor. Getting everything through one DJ service is less stressful and generally more economical.
9. Does the DJ network with other vendors? (photographers, musicians, officiates, etc).
A DJ with a network of other vendors can save the day. Plus getting extra services through one vendor saves time and is more convenient.
Star Productions was Founder of the C.O.E.P.A. (Central Oregon Event Professionals Association) you can find our list of prerferred vendors at www.centraloregonevents.net!
10. Does the DJ Service belong to a professional organization?
A pro DJ is usually a member of at least one or two local and national industry groups. Through their membership the DJ gets valuable info on the latest trends in style and music. With membership they keep up to date on event trends!
(We are members of the National Mobile Entertainers Assoc. and the American Disc Jockey Assn as well as Central Oregon Wedding professionals.)
11. Does the DJ have back up equipment for your event?
Very important. It's rare, but electronics can fail and when a CD player, microphone or cable fails, the DJ needs to have a replacement unit on site. (and YES...we do!).
12. Does the DJ offer event assistance with unlimited phone and email and web planning tools?
A pro DJ will not only meet with you in person one or two times, but will make themselves available in person, by phone and or email to discuss any detail relating to your event. (Try our speedy service right now! go to http://www.starproductionsdjs.djintelligence.com/answers/
13. Does the DJ Service provide free Event Planning tools and resources?
A pro DJ will have worksheets, articles, tip sheets and music suggestions that you can use to plan and organize your event. If the tools are online, then you can use them from the comfort of your home or office. (Yes...you'll love our planning tools and helpful money saving advice!)
14. Can you choose some or all of your own music?
Pro DJs have massive music libraries for you to choose from and will gladly allow you to contribute your own music on CD or through mp3s. Contributing your own music should never be a problem.
(Our planning sites allow you to choose must play songs and do not play songs too!)
15. Is there more than one DJ to choose from?
Some DJs are single operators and the DJ you meet is the DJ you get. Other DJ services may have several performers for you to choose from.
(We have several talented partner djs that can assist you!)
16. Can you meet your specific DJ?
You should insist on meeting your DJ. If the service has more than one DJ available on your date, then ask to meet two or three. The DJ you choose doesn't have to be your new best friend, but you should feel comfortable and at ease with your DJ.
17. How will the DJ be dressed?
A pro DJ will dress the way you want them too. If you require a tux, three piece suit, jacket and tie or a Hawaiian shirt the DJ should willingly accommodate you.
18. Does the DJ take any breaks?
Laws and customs vary, however common sense should prevail. For a four or five hour wedding reception, a pro DJ will not take any breaks and your service should be uninterrupted. For a seven hour event, the DJ may require a thirty-minute break or add a second DJ or assistant.
19. Do you have to feed and tip your DJ?
A pro DJ does not eat when they are working. A meal is a nice gesture, but you should not feel as though you have to provide one. No DJ should ever drink alcohol before or during an event. Tipping is a very nice way to let the DJ know they did a great job. Tip only if you feel the DJ provided outstanding service throughout the entire process. (Not required)
20. Is the DJ a full-time or part-time DJ?
A pro DJ is usually a full-time DJ, with no other employment obligations to get in the way of meetings, phone calls or any unexpected issues you may need to have handled. (We are full time lighting sound professionals).
21. Why should you choose this DJ Service over another?
Listen carefully to the answer to this question. A pro DJ will respond with a few brief and reassuring benefits as to why you should hire his or her company.
(Call me and ask me now...541.419.4090.).
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Thank you for posting on our site. Please keep your posts specific and tailored to alot of different readers who are getting married..thanks!