Party Planning Tips for Booking a Disco DJ

Help! the DJ we hired, hasn't turned up.

This phrase is said far more often than you might think. Lets put it into context how often have you waited in for a delivery that was promised in the morning and arrives the following afternoon, or been let down by a builder who has been held up on another job. These things happen; it’s an unfortunate fact of life, inconvenient but hardly the end of the world. However if the Mobile disco does not turn up for your Wedding reception it will seem worse than the end of the world.

Every Dj in the world claims to be 100% reliable, and never fails to turn up or been late etc, but you need to be sure. Here are our tips to ensure you do not Hire a no show Mobile disco.

If you don’t already have a reliable DJ in mind speak to several. You can usually get a feel of who seems the most reliable and committed to your special occasion.

References, A good Mobile disco will have lots but watch out for works of fiction. Check our references on Pro Mobile Disco Letters

Get a written contract with an address and a land line telephone number you can contact at anytime. Dodgy DJs will not want to put anything in writing and always prefer to use a mobile Number. Don't be surprised if this type of DJ lets you down at the last minute.

If you have booked the disco a long time in advance, keep in contact. The night before your big day you don't want to find out your DJ moved to Australia six months ago.

Phone a final time, a day or so before your party to double check everything is still ok and to get the DJ’s mobile number just in case, also be sure to give him yours (or the number of someone who can solve problems in an emergency).

Organise the whole thing yourself. Most of the last minute calls we get are because someone else arranged the Mobile disco hire. We often hear a story along the lines of “my friend said he would get his brother’s mate to do the disco and he hasn't turn up”.

Don’t hire anyone who hasn't been a DJ for at least 5 years. Everyone has got to learn some how, but you will regret letting an inexperienced DJ experiment on your special occasion.

For some separate advice on organising a surprise party check out our Mobile Disco for a surprise party page.

Planning a party can be a very stressful experience. So we suggest you also consider these points when you are hiring a mobile disco.

Things to consider when booking a DJ

Always find out how long it will take a DJ to set up and pack away. Some venues will charge extra if everyone, including the dj is not out by the agreed time.

Avoid hiring a mobile disco that will accept more than one booking per night per DJ or you will be sharing resources with someone else - we only accept one booking per night.

If you want a reliable disco, find out whether the DJ is full-time, ask about their experience. Avoid part time DJ's who do it for fun, and want to have a night out. If you book one of these don't be surprised if the DJ brings a loads of his friends to your party.

Check that your DJ supplier is happy to play any special requested music you may have. However don't over do it, 100% play lists do not work, somewhere around the 10 to 30 pre requested tunes is about right.

Check and recheck your DJ has the extra special requests you have such as Wedding first dance. Even better bring your own copy just in case.

For some occasions it may be useful to know the age of your DJ i.e. an 18 year old with minimum experience would not be appropriate for a 50th Wedding anniversary.

Be prepared to send a bit more on a quality Mobile disco, its a fact the vast majority of people will only remember the entertainment after the event. Spending a fortune on the food or the finest wines will be nice at the time, but soon forgotten. Most brides one month after their Wedding wished they had spent more on the entertainment.

Check with your venue beforehand regarding any restrictions they may have, i.e.: the presence of a noise limiter or if you want the DJ to use a smoke machine; will this set off the smoke detector.

Best advice…… Book Pro Mobile Disco.