Q: What should I look for in a DJ/Entertainer?
A: When looking for someone to fit the description of emcee, entertainer, or deejay at your event look for the three "P’s" of a good entertainer
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Passion - The person you select should be enthusiastic about helping you plan your event and should enjoy what they do.
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Professionalism - The person you choose for your event should have a professional appearance, professional equipment, and a professional commitment to his or her entertainment specialty
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Poise – The person you choose for your event should have experience in all types of entertainment to make them equipped to handle anything an event may throw their way.
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Q: Will the person I talk to on the phone be the person actually performing at my event?
A: In many cases the answer is no. This is one area where the smaller DJ companies have a huge advantage over larger ones. You may want to consider choosing an entertainer that you can talk to and/or meet with if necessary. In your search for entertainment for your event keep in mind how important it may be to you to have direct contact with your specific entertainer.
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Q: How much should I pay for entertainment?
A: The answer to this question generally starts with budget. Budget shopping can be deceptive as the considerations of the role an entertainer plays in your event become clear. Consider this; When all is said and done with regards to your event you will most likely have one or two things that will stick out as memorable; pictures (if you are having them) and entertainment. These two things whether good or bad can outweigh all other aspects of your event. When shopping for either keep in mind that the law of supply and demand generally rules these two industries. The photographers and entertainers that are in the greatest demand generally have the highest prices, and quite simply, there is a reason that they are in demand. If you goal is to have a truly excellent memory of your event don’t skimp on either. A quality DJ in New Orleans will generally cost between $500 and $1000 for a 5 hour wedding.
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Q: Is my entertainer a member of a national organization and/or are they insured?
A: This is an important question to ask for several reasons. By registering with one of the national mobile entertainer’s organizations your entertainer demonstrates a commitment to excellence and going the extra mile to get the latest information on events, music, and entertaining. Many of these organizations offer informational services to event planners that can help answer many of the frequently asked questions. Perhaps most importantly these organizations provide the insurance that protects your entertainers equipment and liability against damage caused by your entertainer to the event facility or guests. One such organization the National Association of Mobile Entertainers goes so far as to offer to ship an emergency DJ system to a member that has suffered an equipment loss and has to make it to a performance – how’s that for insurance!
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These questions are provided so that you can shop for an entertainer intelligently and diligently. Good luck in your search, let instinct be your guide, and don’t settle for anything less than world class entertainment for your special event!
Below are some additional questions you may want to ask potential entertainers to feel out if their style will meet your needs:
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What does the fee quoted include?
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What will you do if an emergency prevents you from performing?
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Is the deposit refundable?
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How will you handle special requests?
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Can we view a song list?
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Can we control the volume?
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What types of equipment do you use?
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What type of attire will you wear?
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What are your background music choices?
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Besides announcements, how much do you talk?
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Do you have the ability to ad-lib if changes are necessary?
- Will an extra microphone be available for us to use if needed?
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