• The DJ you select is experienced and professional in his or her presentation. The DJ should provide you with a written agreement for the services to be provided that outlines all details including on site arrival and booked music playing times.
• The DJ you select, if he or she uses compilation self-recorded or non-store purchased compact discs, should be licensed by the music industry to use their discs. Ask the DJ to show you the AVLA License before hiring them them to work your function. This license is required by law and enforced by some banquet halls and hotels. All members of the Canadian Disc Jockey Association are legally licensed through the association and carry their license(s) for your inspection and the inspection of authorities.
• The DJ you select is a member of the Canadian Disc Jockey Association. This is your assurance that you will receive the service you are paying for and entitled to.
• Ask for referrals that relate to the type of engagement you are booking.
• Does the service offer both backup staff and equipment?
• Is the service Liability insured? Since you are in the liability loop it makes sense.

What About Price?

A "big price" does not necessarily guarantee a good DJ, but a poor price usually guarantees a "poor" DJ. The market for DJ's today is so high that even a poor quality DJ can get a good fee for a night's work. Beware of the low priced "bargain" DJ who probably is using below standard equipment and skills along with a low price to compete in a market where he or she shouldn't be. No matter what the price, a good quality DJ is still a very economical alternative to a live band which could cost up to three times as much as a professional DJ. Remember that this DJ represents you to your guests. The more professional your DJ is, the better for you, and for your guests.

Some Interesting Statistics:

1) 72% of brides surveyed say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment if they had it to do over.
2) 100% of brides surveyed said they would have budgeted more for their entertainment.
3) 78% of brides surveyed said they would have made the entertainment a higher priority when planning their wedding.
4) 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about the wedding (after the vows of course) was the entertainment.
5) 65% of all couples that had hired a band to entertain at their wedding said that if they had it to do over again they would choose a DJ.

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