Some people view DJ's as a commodity and choose the cheapest one they can find. However, an inexperienced entertainer can make the difference between a memorable occasion and an unforgettable nightmare. The checklist below is just an idea of some of the factors that distinguish a true professional from an amateur. You should also consider the personality of the party host and the ability of the person to involve your guests in the festivities. Courteousness, politeness, general appearance and announcing skills are other important factors to evaluate. Clearly, there is a lot to consider if you want the very best entertainment for your event. Don't take unnecessary risks, thoroughly check out the entertainer you are considering hiring because you deserve nothing but the best!

 Experience - The first thing to consider is experience, specifically with wedding receptions. A DJ who does primarily club work will most likely not have the variety of music that is necessary to perform at weddings, nor will he or she have the experience necessary to professionally emcee the reception events. A good reception entertainer has many responsibilities. He or she needs to be an event manager, know the kinds of music that will satisfy your guests, and how to work with other professionals. A reception is a coordinated effort between many professionals. You want someone who has had experience working with caterers, photographers, and videographers so that everything runs smoothly. One indication of an experienced reception DJ is that he or she will have a thorough event planner for you to complete or that will be completed with you during a planning meeting. A professional DJ is aware that they cannot possibly know everything there is to know about your musical preferences and entertainment needs. By the same token, an experienced DJ also knows what works and what does not work.  Listen to their advice.  They should be willing to listen to your ideas and suggestions as well.  They should make themselves available prior to your wedding to discuss selections. This will cover everything from the names of your bridal party, songs to be played for your formal dances, special requests, songs to NOT play, and many other factors that will help things run smoothly.

 Music Library - This factor alone varies greatly amongst people who provide this service. Is their library all-digital or does it include cassette? Compact disc is the medium of choice for mobile professionals who keep their libraries current. In addition, while it can be expected that any DJ have a variety of music that includes several genres, are they really equipped to play the music that you and your guests want? How many selections does the DJ have? While 300-400 CDs may sound like a lot compared to your personal collection that will almost always be insufficient for a professional. Even if the DJ is using primarily compilation discs, they will most likely not be able to handle many of your guests' requests. For a reception or any type of function you may have a variety of ages and music tastes, so it is important for you to select a DJ who has the music that your want.

 Equipment - Your disc jockey should have high quality, professional equipment that is designed for mobile use and that is neatly cased. Cordless mics are also a nice touch for the blessing & the toasts. This is another feature that you often don't find with a budget DJ. Although you might not be familiar with brands for professional equipment, it will not be the brands that you find at electronics stores. While it is highly unlikely that your disc jockey will experience any equipment problems, he or she should have back-up equipment readily available.

 Personality/Interaction - It is important for you to select a DJ who will provide the style and personality that you prefer. Do you want an energetic who will interact with your guests, or do you prefer that the disc jockey provide a more low key approach and only make necessary announcements? These are questions you should ask yourself, and the disc jockey. Make sure that you have a match between your needs and tastes to the ability and style of the disc jockey. A professional service will be capable of providing any style that you prefer. They will keep perspective and perform knowing that it is YOUR day and not their show.

Appearance/Dress - Unfortunately, this is an issue that must be examined prior to hiring your disc jockey. If your wedding is a formal event, your DJ should be dressed appropriately in a tuxedo or formalwear. A DJ who is dressed casually will take away from the overall look of your reception.

 Contracts/Reliability - The importance of getting a written contract from your disc jockey cannot be overemphasized. In a vast majority of cases where there have been last minute problems, there was NO written contract or the DJ was a "friend" of the family. You may have a very capable friend who has offered to provide you disc jockey services at a discounted rate. The most important social event of your life is NOT the time to mix business with friendship. What if the performance is not up to your expectations? Your reception is disappointing and a friendship is compromised. If you have no contract do you really want to take the chance of the DJ not showing up for your event, or canceling at the last minute? A written contract is imperative. You want it to clearly state who your DJ will be, what hours are covered, and what is included in the price.

 Probably the worst way to choose a DJ is on price alone. With prices starting as low as $150 for the night, it's tempting to choose the cheapest one available. However, there is a reason professional DJs charge more. They are usually worth it. They are more experienced and can charge a premium because they have a lot of jobs, a higher quality of service and a good reputation. Keep in mind, the nonprofessional may offer a lower price, but typically also offer a lower level of experience, quality, planning and commitment. Remember, when it comes to the success of your event, less expensive does not mean a better value! You will never be sorry when you invest in quality. Experience & quality are the most important factors in hiring your entertainment.