Finding the right DJ

From:
DJ Francisco Perez
Elegante Entertainment
Houston, Texas
832-465-1161

Dear Friend,

Are you searching for the perfect company to meet your music and entertainment needs? What makes a company the “right” choice? Do you want someone who truly understands your needs and expectations? Is this your first time looking for a DJ? Are you seeking an unbiased guide to help you make the best decision?

If you live in or near Houston, and you want more than just “The Top 10 Questions to Ask a DJ” (which you can easily find on Google), this letter is for you. Whether you stumbled upon it by chance, were referred by a satisfied customer, or met me at a recent trade show, you’re here now—and you would be wise to take what I’m about to share seriously. Even if this isn’t your first time searching for a DJ company, the information here will be so valuable that it will transform how you hire DJs in the future.

Four Golden Steps to Hiring the Right DJ

There are four crucial steps to follow when selecting a DJ:

Step 1: Plan Every Detail Clearly

The first and most important step is to plan every aspect of your event clearly and in detail. This will serve as the foundation for your “Service Selection Plan.” It’s not just about having a clear vision in your mind; you need to document your ideas on paper. It’s easy to forget details, but by writing everything down, you create a concrete plan that you can organize into an actionable list. Think through everything from dinner to the final dance in chronological order. Consider the sequence of events—what should happen first, second, third, and so on. Don’t worry about the exact timing right now; just focus on the order of events. Your final list should resemble a chronological scorecard of activities (click here for an example). This list will serve as a checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten.

The 10/90 rule states that the first 10% of time spent planning will save you 90% of the time required to execute those activities. As an activity, grab a clean sheet of paper or open your planning notebook to a fresh page. At the top, write “Service Selection Plan – DJ” and start detailing the chronological order of events for your DJ to follow.

Now that you have your chronological plan, visualize how you want the DJ to handle each part of your event. Note the mood you want to create at different moments. For example, the DJ should generate excitement during the main introduction, while during cocktails, the music should be more relaxed. Consider if you want the music to stop during the cake-cutting or if you’d prefer a smooth announcement over the background music. Make detailed notes, as this will form the basis for hiring the right DJ. (For a generic example, click here.)

Step 2: Conduct a Phone Interview

Next, get the DJ on the phone for the first of two interviews. Remember, you are the client. You want to find a DJ who aligns with your vision and treats you as their priority. By now, you should already have a budget set for how much you’re going to be spending on your DJ. The more DJs you interview, the better comparison you’ll have. If the DJ doesn’t start by asking questions about your event, that should be a red flag. Have a long conversation to understand their personality and approach. Ask thoughtful questions that require them to think, rather than relying on generic questions found online. Take notes during this phone interview. Record the DJ’s name, the date of the call, and any other notable details, such as their communication style, professionalism, or any concerns you may have.

Step 3: Schedule a Face-to-Face Meeting

It’s highly recommended to meet the DJ in person. After all, this person will represent you in front of your friends and family, so you want to see how they present themselves and assess their professionalism. Take notes on what you like about them and areas where you’d like to see improvement. Discuss your event’s schedule in detail and ask them to walk you through how they would manage each aspect. Pay attention to whether they fully understand your vision and if they can visualize the event in the way you want it. Once you find the right DJ, book them quickly, as good DJs tend to get booked up fast.

Step 4: Review the Schedule One Last Time

Finally, go over the event schedule with your DJ one last time, whether it’s a week before or on the day of the event. Things can change, so it’s important to ensure you’re both on the same page regarding any updates. Use this opportunity to ask any final questions and get the DJ’s input on areas where you might need additional guidance.

In Conclusion

And there you have it—four simple steps to ensure you hire the right DJ for your event! While this may seem like a lot of information, it’s designed to guide you in making an informed decision. This approach can be applied not only to selecting a DJ but also when hiring other vendors such as photographers, videographers, and caterers for your wedding, quinceañera, or corporate event.

Remember, knowledge is power, and having the right information will ensure you make the best choices for your special day.

P.S.
If you would like us to assist with the organization and preparation described in the first step, we would be delighted to help you plan your wedding. It would be our pleasure to be a vital part of making your special day truly memorable.

Warm regards,