Want to make it ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR and POSITIVELY MEMORABLE?…
Well read on…
Tip #1 – Get a Pro!
You see there used to be a time when anyone with a couple of CD players, a basic PA and a few flashing coloured lights could be your DJ. Today, everything has changed! Click HERE for more information!
Tip #2 – You get exactly what you pay for!
There is a vast difference between the top professional and the amateur who wants to make a few bucks on the side! Compare the top restaurant with the corner burger bar, the 5 star hotel with the backpackers hostel, the Ferrari 599 with the Datsun 120Y. Click HERE to find out why you need to very best there is!
Tip #3 – Meet the DJ!
Get to know the personality who will be working your party. A professional DJ will want to meet with you to discuss your important event. They will want to know about how they can best serve your needs and make the event as SPECTACULAR and POSITIVELY MEMORABLE as possible!
Tip #4 – Explain the organisational structure to your DJ
Where possible introduce the DJ to the person to whom they are to report and from whom they can expect to receive instructions during an event. To avoid confusion provide one person. This way if a DJ gets conflicting requests from guests they know whose instructions to follow.
Tip #5 – Use the talents of your DJ
A top professional DJ is a highly versatile and dynamic personality and is extremely capable of working with you and your team. Consider how else your DJ might help you. e.g. making announcements, organising games, awarding prizes, MCing the event, etc., or just playing music. Let them know!
Tip #6 – Visit the venue with your DJ
The DJ will want to view the premises, hear how you want the event to proceed. Viewing the layout of the venue, confirming adequate power requirements, and checking whether there are smoke detectors that might interfere with the use of a smoke machine, etc., will all be important.
Tip #7 – Get the DJ involved in the detail
Sometimes there are special prizes, cake cutting ceremonies, announcements, etc., at events. Let the DJ know about these and they are sure to come up with some great ways to complement these with sound effects, Lighting, and sound reinforcement of the speaker’s voice. Sometimes there is an order to the dances such as starting with a waltz and with partners breaking off and introducing new partners to the floor. Make your DJ part of the plan!
Tip #8 – Make sure your DJ provides Bubble Machines!
No party should be without one! Bubbles are one of the most beautiful effects available today and children and adults alike love them. Ask your DJ to provide at least one and preferably two!
Tip #9 – Insist on lasers to create the ULTIMATE SPECTACLE!
Of all the lighting that you use at a disco there is nothing so exciting as a colour laser light show. Lasers give your event the professional nightclub feel. Dancing with a brilliant laser show is ABSOLUTELY EXHILARATING! Lasers take your party out of the ballroom and into a top London or New York nightclub! Check out the photo galleries of your favourite top DJ to see what this looks like!
Tip #10 – Demand ROBOTIC lighting to create the ULTIMATE ACTION!
Ok, so lasers look incredible but robotic lighting takes your event to the concert stadium arena! It is well known that motion creates emotion. Robotics does more than any other light to bring your evening to life! Robotic lighting is the ULTIMATE in hi-tech lighting available today and you can have it all at your party!
Tip #11 – A mirror ball is an ABSOLUTE must!
Ok, so lasers and robotics make for the most exciting action-packed show in town, but there’s nothing more beautiful than the mirror ball! There are a few secrets to getting this one right. The mirror balls to use are the largest in size and with the largest possible density of facets. This leaves a room filled with the most beautiful starry night effect. Now for the effect to be complete you have to get the speed of the mirror ball rotation just right. And, too many DJs get this one wrong! Results such as dizzy guests and streaks of light on the wall are all too common. To get technical for just a moment, the larger the mirror ball, the higher the velocity of the outer edge and therefore more facets pass the beam of light per second. Therefore, a slower speed motor is required. The larger 20” balls require a speed of between 0.75 and 0.8 rpm whilst smaller balls such as 8” to 12” balls require 1.75 and 1.5 rpm motors. To complete the picture your mirror ball also requires a high power colour changer spotlight. This means that the thousands of spots that slowly circle the room will change colour and create a fabulous setting for your event.
Tip #12 – Strobes are very cool – but can cause dizziness for some guests!
If you or anyone you know if feeling uncomfortable with strobe lighting or other effects used, just tell the DJ. A top DJ is very sensitive to the needs and wellbeing of all guests. Just let him or her know!
Tip #13 – Add searchlights outside the front of your venue!
Anyone who has ever been to the movies will remember the 20th Century Fox search lights! It’s what they do before the Oscars – and it looks ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR. Everyone for miles around can see it and wonder what big event is taking place! Searchlights are the way to go!
Tip #14 – Ask your DJ to provide Spotlights!
Another great idea is to add spotlights to your event. Perhaps you wish to illuminate a product display or exhibition. Maybe you have a complementary act that needs highlighting. Ever given a speech? Well its one thing to hold a mic – but under the spotlight you give the speaker twice the impact! Birthday cakes, Wedding cakes and other centrepieces look ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR under spots!
Tip #15 – Add flood lighting to your event!
While it is true that many DJs are only concerned about the lighting for the immediate dance floor, a top professional DJ will be more interested in the whole picture! To create a mood or feel for your event ask about flood lighting. Too many DJs today just use flashing lights and its not really possible to see other people, hold a proper conversation with an unfamiliar face or see what you are eating! Get a top DJ involved in a total lighting solution for you!
Tip #16 – Make sure you get smoke!
It’s probably worth remembering that without smoke, your lights, spectacular as they might seem, will just make pretty patterns on the walls and floor. Smoke or haze will bring your lighting to life! So spectacular is the effect of smoke, it is definitely worth considering a change of venue if smoke machines cannot be used!
Tip #17 – Avoid setting off those smoke alarms!
So why would you decide against smoke? Well quite often the venue rather than yourself decide this. If you have smoke detectors then smoke machines may not work well for you or your local fire brigade. In fact most fire services use smoke machines to test the effectiveness of detectors. There are some venues that use heat detectors rather than smoke detectors which work fine with smoke machines. In some buildings it is possible to turn detectors off either centrally or locally. Nearly every theatre will allow smoke machines. It is also worth noting that pretty much every type of particle output device will trigger a smoke detector of the particle detecting variety. These also include ALL foggers, hazers (yes, even those that use dry ice) and bubble machines. It would be true to say that bubble machines are less likely to cause this problem – but they can and do!
Tip #18 – Choose non-toxic smoke
It is true that some DJs might choose cheaper machines that emit hazardous chemicals. However, a top DJ will only create smoke that is specially formulated using food-grade ingredients and complies fully with ministry of health guidelines. A top DJ will also provide smoke that is a low irritant formula and scented so that you actually want to dance in it!
Tip #19 – Glow sticks are great fun for all ages
Ok, so balloons are great, but glow sticks are just wild! Kids and Adults alike are crazy about glow sticks. They can be joined together to form bracelets, necklaces and chains! There are many different makes of glow sticks available today. Some last only a few minutes, others will be glowing 48 hours later! A top DJ will be able to organise a good variety of top quality brightly coloured glow sticks that are non-toxic and that don’t use radiation to glow!
Tip #20 – Add balloons to your event
Kids love balloons and teens love to pop them. Every kid likes to leave with at least one helium balloon! This is something that any professional DJ will organise on request.
Tip #21 – A balloon drop creates the ultimate party atmosphere!
Ever been to a party where the audience was showered with balloons, which cascaded like a waterfall from the ceiling? For many parties it is THE highlight of the evening and can be used to signal the height of the festivities. Ask your DJ to organise a balloon drop for your party! Do this to make your event truly SPECTACULAR and MEMORABLE!
Tip #22 – Ask the DJ to provide a wireless mic
Sometimes it is a great idea to have a high quality wireless mic that can be handed around for a number of guests to say a few words. DJs frequently get this request at wedding receptions. Some guests are microphone shy and tend to speak away from the mic. It will then be the DJs job to ensure clarity of sound is preserved while reducing any possibility of feedback through the system.
Tip #23 – Ask the DJ to exercise discretion with regards to song choice
Sometimes it is inappropriate to play songs with vulgar lyrics or with lyrics that might offend some people. If this is such a occasion make sure you organise this well in advance so that the DJ has a reasonable time to remove such tracks from his/her play list or where possible replace these with radio versions.
Tip #24 – Get a DJ for your children’s party that has professional experience working with children
When working effectively with children some specialist experience can certainly help! There are lots of tricks of the trade here; but here is an example…
Sometimes Children’s discos have a set of rules that you require to be explained to the participant. To get this information across in the most effective manner, use the following approach:
1. Tell them what you’re going to tell them
2. Tell them
3. Tell them what you told them!
Get a DJ who understands how children process information and the event will run very smoothly!
Tip #25 – Get a DJ who has a sound system that represents the latest technology and best possible quality
Many amateur DJs use old sound systems and these create very poor sound quality. You will know if it’s old because it will look it and sound it! Poor sound quality is very fatiguing to listen to. This is because low powered systems need to be pushed quite hard to reach acceptable volumes. When this is done distortion is created and increased. And increased distortion compresses the dynamic qualities the music once had making all frequencies of a similar volume. It is this that makes a sound system harsh to the ear and should be avoided. On the other hand High-powered sound systems are like high-powered cars: they can produce greater levels of comfort and performance with absolute ease, whilst still driving within the same speed limit. A top DJ will only use systems with an abundance of power and will match the system to the acoustical requirements of a venue.
Tip #26 – Get a DJ who is first aid trained
A top DJs will constantly survey the dance floor for events such as drink spillages and tripping hazards. If there is an emergency on the dance floor, the DJ will probably be the first to spot the incident, the most able to restore full flood lighting to the dance floor, and the only person who can quickly stop the music. Remember, your DJ has the microphone and will be able to raise the alarm quickly should someone collapse, suffer a seizure or other unanticipated condition. Top DJs carry fully charged cell phones at all times during a disco, so after a quick assessment of a deteriorating situation the DJ can quickly instigate a 111 call as required by the event co-ordinator. A top DJ can administer CPR. He or she also carries a fully equipped first aid kit and knows how to use it!
Tip #27 – Work with your DJ on the health and safety aspects of your event
A top DJ will work along side any health and safety officer, event co-ordinator, security service and any other service provider you specify. A top DJ will also be delighted to attend any health and safety briefings you require. The DJ will be aware of fire alarm signals and can issue all the necessary evacuation procedures, as required by the event co-ordinator. Where the dance floor is raised the DJ will be able to highlight this tripping hazard with White parameter tape, which will glow brightly under UV lighting and then complement this with rope light. Other tripping hazards such as unsightly cables are all tucked away or gaffer-taped securely with the use of highlighting strips where necessary. This leaves you with clear unhindered access ways. Remember, your safety is a top DJs absolute priority.
Tip #28 – What you can expect from a top DJ
A top DJ will NEVER flirt with guests, take breaks, smoke, or consume any alcohol or drugs. Additionally a top DJ will never use profanities, and maintain a highly professional composure and disposition at all times, even in the most trying of situations. A top DJ will always adhere to strict dress and personal hygiene standards and behave in a manner that does him/her credit and HONOURS YOU and YOUR GUESTS! A top DJ will always confirm just how formal an event is to be and will wear a polo shirt, suit or tuxedo as you require. If you choose someone other than a top DJ, make your expectations clear so that they understand what you expect of him/her.
Tip #29 – Be Hearing Safety conscious
First up – how loud you want your DJ to play is up to you. DJs wear sealed closed-back monitor headphones so their hearing is protected. If you would like your DJ to comply with any specific sound pressure level guidelines a top DJ always carries a highly accurate newly calibrated Sound Pressure Level meter and is very happy to play at the level you require. Please note your DJ is legally obliged to follow all instructions from noise control officers. If you are a school you may wish your DJ to establish a specific sound pressure level for the evening. Ministry recommendations are between 88 and 91dB for the duration of your event. This is based upon legal limit of 85dB for the 8-hour day. Every 3 decibel increase over this halves the recommended exposure time. Remember you control the volume.
Tip #30 – If you are pregnant avoid loud noises
If you are pregnant it is most important that you don’t expose your unborn child to high sound pressure levels. Remember a child’s auditory system is already well developed at just 16 weeks. Babies also have sensitive hearing so a getting a baby sitter is highly recommended.
Tip #31 – Get a DJ that is responsive the needs of all guests
Sometimes people attend a disco but don’t want to be subjected to even moderate sound pressure levels. Such people might include caterers, security, teachers, parents, police, etc. A top DJ will carry quality hygienically sealed disposable earplugs available FREE to anyone upon request. Remember a Top DJ is there to give everyone the best time possible.
Tip #32 – Get a DJ who has a Backup System
A top DJ is fully prepared for all eventualities and carries a complete fully loaded backup computer in case of system failure. A new sound system and lighting rig is only a phone call away. A top DJ is also a technician and can, should the occasion require, make on-the-fly repairs to many aspects of the system.
Tip #33 – Get a DJ who can play pretty much ANYTHING
Today there are many DJs specialise in one main type of music. However a top DJ will be able to obtain ANYTHING! He or she will also have an amazing knowledge of music repertoire and will be able to source the music that you want!
Tip #34 – Find a DJ that LOVES to play requests
Ever attended an event where the DJ begrudgingly played your request? Did it feel like the DJ was doing you a favour? Did the DJ make you feel like you were somehow inconveniencing them by interrupting their evening’s pre-programmed play-list? This story is all too familiar! Choose a top DJ who loves to play requests and dedications. A top DJ is very approachable and will be absolutely delighted to play what you want from a MASSIVE collection of tracks! A top DJ gets massive pleasure from seeing you dance to the music YOU love. There is NOTHING more exciting to a professional DJ than playing music to an audience that absolutely loves it!
Tip #35 – Get a DJ that accepts txt requests!
Too scared to go up and make a request? Teenagers are very self-conscious and many secretly like music to which they are not willing to publicly admit. Never be concerned if you think your DJ will like the track or not! A top DJ is here to serve you! That is their ONLY concern. To make life even easier, a top DJ will display a cell number on a screen. If you want to make a request – just text it and your DJ will play it – simple!
Tip #36 – I remember that song! – what was it called, who sung it?
Also, if you hear a track that you really like and would like to know the name of the track and the artist a top DJ is always delighted to share this with you. DJs have an exceptional knowledge of repertoire and love to talk shop! If you want to catch up with the DJ after the show, go and have a chat. Top DJs are always VERY happy to talk to the people they entertain!
Tip #37 – Get the complete play-list of your DJ
For some events, such as weddings and anniversaries it is often a wonderful keepsake to have a complete song list that was played for your event. Ask your DJ who will be happy to print one out for you. Remember to let the DJ know in advance.
Tip #38 – Theme nights are a real hit!
A top professional DJ loves theme nights and will be absolutely delighted to dress appropriately, play the necessary music and work in any other facets of this event that you require. This might include use of additional lighting. For example, a Barbie and Ken Disco might involve a pink wash of colour, a blues night, lots of blues, and reggae the colours of the Jamaican flag. A 70s night might involve your DJ projecting a massive moving lava lamp image onto a wall or screen. Your professional DJ can do it all. Remember to let your DJ know in reasonable time so that he or she can help make your evening a smash hit!
Tip #39 – Use action songs!
There are lots of songs that have actions to go with them. Good examples are: “the Macarena”, “Doing the time warp” and “YMCA”. If you would like to lead these let your DJ know. Or, if you would like your DJ to lead these, get him or her to lead the way.
Tip #40 – Children LOVE organised games!
Games are so much fun at a disco. Pass the parcel, Musical chairs, Statues, Dance competitions, Limbo, etc. Get your DJ to organise and lead these events!
Eleven Bonus Top Tips
Tip #41 – Get a DJ involved in other aspects of your event
A top DJ can complement so much of what you might have planned. Here’s one such example… at one recent job a small child got up to tell a story and in the story there was a farm (and the DJ was able to complement this with farm animal sounds), later there was a thunder storm in the story and the DJ was able to use Thunder sounds and an impressive lightning simulation using the high powered lighting rig.
Top DJs carry an impressive sound FX library. Again if you have a specific sound request, let the DJ know so that they can be sure to source it in time for the event if they don’t have it!
Tip #42 – Use lasers for special announcements!
Seeing your name in lights is always exciting! But seeing an announcement such as a ‘happy birthday’ message along with your name projected in stunning laser beams is just spectacular! Make this part of the extraordinary evening ahead of you!
Tip #43 – Ask for a data projector and large screen display!
Large screens can be used to display special announcements, the words to songs, exciting video images, footage of dancers on the floor and photos of the birthday boy or girl at various stages of life! The large screen is an invaluable tool at almost any party event! If you have special photos and video clips that you would like to be displayed, just speak to your DJ and they will be happy to organise this for you.
Tip #44 – Ask the DJ to help you find other acts
Sometimes it is difficult to find the people you need in the industry. Maybe it’s a marriage celebrant, a bouncy castle, an acrobat or magician. Any top DJ will be very well connected in the industry and will be know many professional performers such as dancers, fire eaters, fire dancers, clowns, face painters, balloon twisters, decorators, bouncers, and photographers. A top DJ will also give some great tips on party hire, limousines, and bridal and suit hire specialists! Your DJ will be delighted to either point you in the best direction, or in many cases, will be able to organise things for you. Just ask!
Tip #45 – Get the DJ involved in your whole programme
If you have a clearly timed programme let the DJ know by giving them a copy of the schedule so they can follow it exactly. This might include announcements of the readiness of meals in an adjoining room, or the arrival of a special guest. Give the DJ the heads up and he or she can make any announcement you need.
Tip #46 – Ask for a deal!
There are lots of ways that a top DJ can minimise costs to you. A good example of this might be when providing primary school disco services the DJ could complete the junior school function from 5 till 7 and then continue on for the seniors from 7:30 till 9:30… essentially two discos for the price of one. And you only need book the hall and decorate it once! Ask the DJ what can be done! Top DJs are very flexible!
Tip #47 – Ask about specials for that week
Every week top DJs will have specials on items that give added value to your event. These might include: Top Sound Systems, Robotic Lighting, Colour Lasers, Bubble Machines, UV lighting, high powered data projectors with Large Screen Video Displays. Also, make sure you ask about their specials on glow bracelets, glow sticks, balloons and other items.
Tip #48 – Book as far in advance as possible!
Securing a booking from a Professional DJ will usually involve booking several months in advance. Book your wedding reception DJ at least 6 months in advance and Christmas parties a whole year ahead! School discos are great fun if you get a great DJ, but start working a DJ into your plans at least 3 months ahead! Friday and Saturday’s are a DJs prime time. Expect that any dates that fall on these weekdays to be particularly busy!
Tip #49 – Ask about charity events
A top DJ is a civic-minded person who will be happy to help fund rasing and other community projects. Gala days and school fairs are often a specialty for the best DJs. Please talk to your DJ about this and see how they can help!
Tip #50 – Keeping the dance floor cool will encourage dancing
Hot guests in a hot venue don’t tend to dance! Consider turning down air conditioning, adding fans and additional ventilation options.
Tip #51 – The larger the dance floor, the less likely people will want to dance.
The hardest part of a dance is always getting the first dancers up. The larger the dance floor appears, the less willing most people are to be first on the floor. Try to make the dance floor appear smaller compared to the number of guests. If people feel that they’d better get on the floor soon otherwise there may be less room you will have a much easier time!
nchs09
Wtf is all this bull?
iammesol
I got to number three and it wasn't funny anymore.
Vernon_H
quote:
A top DJs will constantly survey the dance floor for events such as drink spillages and tripping hazards.
trewqy
Thanks for the tip..now I can become number in DJMAG!
nchs09
quote:
Originally posted by trewqy
Thanks for the tip..now I can become number in DJMAG!
You know you need to learn cpr.... apparently.
iammesol
quote:
Originally posted by Vernon_H
Bahahahahahaha
Elec
This makes throwing a party look like rocket science :haha:
kadomony
Tip #28 – What you can expect from a top DJ
A top DJ will NEVER flirt with guests, take breaks, smoke, or consume any alcohol or drugs. Additionally a top DJ will never use profanities, and maintain a highly professional composure and disposition at all times, even in the most trying of situations. A top DJ will always adhere to strict dress and personal hygiene standards and behave in a manner that does him/her credit and HONOURS YOU and YOUR GUESTS! A top DJ will always confirm just how formal an event is to be and will wear a polo shirt, suit or tuxedo as you require. If you choose someone other than a top DJ, make your expectations clear so that they understand what you expect of him/her.
HJAHAHAH HAHHA
oh god hahahah
bas
quote:
Originally posted by placebo
Tip #1 – Get a Pro!
You see there used to be a time when anyone with a couple of CD players, a basic PA and a few flashing coloured lights could be your DJ. Today, everything has changed!
