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Advice for Booking a DJ
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Booking a DJ needn't be a daunting prospect. Our tips below
give a guideline to what you should expect and questions to ask
of your DJ.
Insist on your booking being confirmed in writing and both
parties signing the form. Check the day, date, timings and
service are as you agreed. Always read the DJ's terms and
conditions.
 Check with your venue that sufficient time has been allowed for
your DJ to set up before your event and pack away at the end.
Also ask your DJ how long he requires. Set up times vary from DJ
to DJ, often depending on the services you have booked and the
amount of equipment your DJ is supplying.
For deposits, booking fees and any advance payments, ensure you
have a receipt.
Read the small print of your venue contract carefully. Some
insist that your DJ has PLI (Public Liability Insurance) and all
of their equipment has PAT (Portable Appliance Test)
Certificates.
Ask your DJ if they carry back up equipment.
Ask your DJ what would happen if they were unable to attend your
function. Many DJs operate in a network of local DJs who they
are able to call on in cases of crisis.
 Tell your DJ what atmosphere you want to create at your party,
the type of music you and your guests like and the age of your
guests. The more information you give your DJ, the better the
party will be.Prices vary greatly between individual
companies - it is recommended that your final decision is
influenced more by the service provided and it being compatible
with your requirements, than price alone.
What these terms mean ...
Below are explanations of some unfamiliar terms that you may
come across on DJ websites:
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PLI - Public Liability InsuranceIf someone should sustain an injury as
a result of the DJ or his equipment, he has the means to deal
with the situation rather than you being liable. PLI may also cover damage to the venue
caused by the DJ or his equipment.
PAT - Portable Appliance Test is an annual test of any portable
electrical equipment (including cables). It checks for safety at
the time of the test.
Produb - is a licence purchased by the DJ
giving him permission to 'format shift' music. DJs working from
computer having ripped their music from CD need this license.
WDJA - The Wedding DJ Association
NADJ (National Association of Disc Jockeys)NADJ, DJ Associates and SEDA (South
Eastern Discotheque Association) are organisations which
accept all calibre of DJs from the hobbyist to the more
experienced.
DJ marks or accreditations - many of these are non regulated systems,
privately set up by individuals. Whilst some are credible, others are
not and caution needs to be exercised.
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