8 Questions to ask before you hire a DJ in Ottawa   

Hiring a DJ can make or break your event. Ottawa has plenty of great DJ services but finding the right one for your event can seem like a daunting task.

Here are a few short tips on how you can find a DJ service that would meet your music preferences, create the right atmosphere for your event and won’t break your budget. 

Start with arranging a meeting with 2-3 shortlisted candidates. Whether you’re planning a corporate party, birthday or anniversary gathering, wedding, prom, or a school dance it is recommended that you meet your DJ in person. Virtual meetings are ok too. The important thing is that you ask all your questions and see how he/she responds. 

Think of it as a job interview. You are the employer who is about to hire an employee. 

1. Ask them About the Business. Start with easy questions to get the conversation going. Is your DJ company a full-time business? When was it established? This should give a fairly good idea of how serious they are and if you can rely on them. A lot of DJs in the Ottawa area are a one-man operation so the fact that the company consists of only one or two people should not be a huge concern. However, do ask them about their plan B in case of emergencies (DJ’s getting sick, having family emergencies, etc.) We will talk about backup plans later. 
2. How many years of experience does a DJ have? Have they performed at an event similar to yours? Someone who has only done weddings may not be the best candidate for a church function or a prom dance.
3. Have they performed at the venue that you selected? This may seem like a trivial question but familiarity with the venue plays a big role in the overall atmosphere of the event. Technical aspects like acoustics, access to AC power, placement of DJ gear, available lighting are all important to create the proper ambience.
4. Style. What kind of style does the DJ have? Will he/she create a custom playlist for my event? Will they take requests? It’s important to choose a DJ who’s familiar with the type of music you prefer. Talk about your preferences, artists, styles formats. Come prepared with your own list. Do they mix their own music? 
5. Ask how DJ would get the crowd energized. Any DJ worth his/her salt has a few tricks up their sleeve to get the party going. Ask them for specifics. Don’t be shy. 
6. Equipment. Ask them about their gear. Do they rent or own it? Most importantly, do they have digital music libraries? You’d be surprised to know that not every DJ these days has the right equipment for the job. 
7. Financials. What is the total cost for the event? What about extras? What if the event runs late and he/she will have to perform a couple of hours more? Do they have a contract? What is the deposit required? Do you have a money-back guarantee?
8. The final question is what makes them unique? This should help you tip the scales in the right direction in case you get stuck choosing between two very similar contenders. I creative, funny, poignant answer may help you give the preference to one DJ over the other. 

Hope this helps. And don’t forget to contact us if you need a DJ in Ottawa to energize your event!