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Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a DJ

An informed mobile music purchase requires asking the right questions. Here are some suggestions to ask other services along with Star One DJ's response to each.

What staff will be at my reception?	Choosing Star One DJ Service means you can be assured of seeing me or Dan, and not a replacement at your event. It's my name and business on the line, so I can't afford a poor performance as I find many future clients through referrals. Some services will subcontract their bookings to a third-party, even at the very last minute, leaving you with a DJ who is completely unprepared for your event. In the very rare event that Star One DJ needs to hire outside talent, you will know well in advance. However, in 25 years, this has only happened once!
How will the staff dress?	Standard attire at Star One DJ wedding receptions and events is a dress shirt, dress pants and a tie, or, for a more formal wedding, a tuxedo shirt, bow-tie and vest. I present myself professionally, not flashy.
Will you invite client prospects to my wedding reception?	No. Inviting prospective clients to someone else's reception can lead to an inappropriate, if not embarrassing situation for you, them and myself. I believe in giving the bride and groom my undivided attention at the wedding reception. As an alternative to "seeing me live," I offer prospective clients a free demo cassette containing further information about my service and samples from previous engagements.
Will the DJ appearing be experienced in weddings?	I have been "DJ'ing" since 1978 and playing weddings since 1985. That's the key.I have been playing weddings. I've played in clubs, roller rinks, and, yes, even radio. I've found, that of all events I've ever played, none is more demanding and challenging than a wedding reception. I know, personally, that no radio or club DJ can properly play a reception like someone who specializes in weddings. Although it may sound exciting to have your favorite on-air radio personality hosting your night, chances are you'll go home terribly disappointed.
Will you display any banner or pass out business cards at my event?	I do not use any event as an opportunity to advertise my services. My equipment and my table drapes are unobtrusive. The event is my focus, not promoting my services. Satisfied clients and guests do a much better job of marketing my service than any gaudy banner or sign could ever do. Business cards will be available only at the DJ table for any guests who request them.
What music will be played at my party or reception?	I play music with tremendous mass appeal, special requests by the bride, groom or party host, and requests made by your guests during the night. I will meet you about one week before your event to discuss what music you feel is appropriate and what activities (hokey pokey, chicken dance, dollar dance,.) you'd like to do during the evening. The music I play will fit these guidelines. If necessary, I can adjust accordingly to the styles your crowd dictates, while still staying within your guidelines.
Are there any extra or hidden costs?	Any additional costs above my base price will be discussed long before your reception, but you may be surprised as I have very few compared to other services. Extra DJ: Some services offer a two-DJ setup and charge more for it. I've been DJ'ing since 1978 and know DJ'ing is a one-man operation. So often, the extra man, whose purpose is to be on the floor "MC'ing" the night, spends 90% of the reception behind the DJ table. I will occasionally bring an assistant, but do not charge you extra for his services. Additional Music: You may need that "special" song or two for your event that I don't already own. I never charge extra to acquire those songs (within reason, of course). Some other services charge a per-song fee. Lighting: Lighting is no longer a flashly expensive effect, but a mood-intesifying excitement-heightening perfect addition to the perfect reception. Some services charge extra for lighting. At Star One, it's included at no extra charge. First Floor Entrance: This is a odd add-on in my mind. Many services will charge you extra because the location of the room is not on the first floor or not accessible via elevator. Although it may make loading and unloading difficult, it's not uncommon to have to deal with carrying equipment up or down a flight of stairs. I see no reason to charge you extra just becuase I have to work a little harder. Setup/Teardown: Be careful what you pay for. Sometimes, a 6-hour wedding package is 6-hours of time the DJ is onsite. The DJ's clock starts when he enters the building. With setup and teardown taking up to an hour each, you could lose 2-full hours of your "6-hour package". Star One NEVER considers this to be part of my billable time. Setup and Teardown time is always free, and should be!