Okay. You’ve looked at all your options and decided to utilise the help of a DJ for your next big event. Now comes the time when you need to figure out exactly how to choose the right one, and how their versatility will suit your occasion best. This brief guide will steer you through, pointing out things to keep in mind and what to avoid.
Genre and style
Most DJs are fairly adaptable, but they also have their specialties. Finding out what your musical tastes are is probably the biggest first hurdle to tackle. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to pin this down, even if you aren’t unaware of what that might include. Think about:
- Radio – What are you prone to listening to in the car? It could be something new or old. Maybe it’s even a tune that made you forget you were heading in to work. These are all good signs of genres you enjoy jamming out to.
- Collection – Take a look through your CD collection; is there a theme? When booking the DJ, throw them some of the albums you already own so they can build a playlist around your tastes.
- Streaming services– if you subscribe to a streaming service like Spotify, there are plenty of playlist recommendations you can dabble with. Which songs hit the mark and which ones didn’t? Shed light on these to your DJ so they can cater to these suggestions too.
Event structure
Knowing exactly what kind of vision you have for your event will also dictate what kind of music you’re after. Think carefully about who will be attending, their ages and the types of songs they’re likely to prefer over others.
If you’re unsure, don’t be scared to ask some of your guests or invitees prior to the event, so that you can get their input and create an accurate database of tunes for the occasion.
Beyond the guests, consider where the event is being held. There may be restrictions on what can be played and during what times. Hosting a wedding on a public beach? There are likely to be council restrictions in place, so it pays to do your research first.
Timing of the event is also a good consideration. If it’s at night, you may want to wind down with some slower songs that still align with your personality and style. Also think about the timeline of the event; what time do you want people moving and when would you like them to start cooling off? Communicate all of this with the DJ you have in mind.
Get plenty of examples
When booking, ask for samples of the DJs previous work. A good collection of professionals (like us) will have many options on hand, all equipped with the details you need to make the right decision.
If they are lacking material or information, ask if they have an upcoming show you can attend to have a listen.
Ultimately, gearing up to hire a DJ takes a bit of research and planning from the outset, but is well worth the hard yards on the day of your big event. Instead of having to deal with keeping the tunes going while you’re trying to enjoy yourself, these professionals are equipped with the skill sets and talents to do it all for you – and with passion for their work, too.
If you’re not sure where to start, browse through our website to see how we can help you kick off your party without a hitch.
