Questions to ask when hiring a DJ

Are you Available?

Begin your call by indicating the date, time, and location of your event. There is no sense asking any questions if the DJ is already booked for your date!

How much do you charge?

The biggest mistake most people make is that this is the ONLY question they ask! The DJ is the most important factor in the success of your event. Price should be your last consideration in looking for a DJ. Find out how good the DJ is, then consider the price. And don’t be fooled – you do "get what you pay for!"

We aren’t the cheapest but we ARE THE BEST. There are some DJs with whom we simply can’t compete in terms of price. This is because our standards are high, and so are our operational costs. We believe that the entertainment will decide the success of your event. Because of this we don’t cut corners!!!

What type of equipment do you use?

You may not know anything about the equipment, but you can find out if your prospective DJ uses professional equipment with the most up-to-date technology. Do they use all CD players, or are they still using tapes or records? Are they using equipment made for home use, or equipment specifically made to withstand the vigor’s of mobile DJing. Also -- find out if they use professional cases to transport their equipment. Professional cases keep the equipment working like new, and keeps things looking neat and presentable.

Surround Sound Entertainment uses the industry’s most up-to-date professional DJ equipment by the top manufacturers. In fact, much of the equipment we use is the same stuff you would find in the world’s finest nightclubs and on-tour with the biggest touring sound companies. We use all digital technology. All of our equipment is housed in professional road cases for neatness & protection.

How long have you been in business and what type of experience do you have?

A company that has been in business five years is going to have more experience than someone who has just started. Ask what types of events the company has the most experience in: Weddings, Dances, Etc.

Surround Sound Entertainment has been providing top-quality DJ entertainment in NJ for over 13 years! We are experienced in every type of event –.

What time will you show up for my event?

Good DJs allow extra time in case of problems. A DJ that shows up 20 minutes before start time to setup is a risk you don’t want to take. Also be sure you are not charged for setup/teardown time.

Surround Sound Entertainment always shows up approx. 1 hour before your events' start time. Setup usually takes only 20 minutes. We are always ready to begin no less than 20 minutes before your event start time. Setup/Teardown time is on our own time, not yours. You pay only from the time we begin playing to the time we finish.

What type of attire will you wear?

Tuxedos should always be worn for all weddings and formal affairs.

Surround Sound Entertainment’ DJs always wear tuxedoes to weddings and formal events, a shirt, tie, and dress pants to semi-formal affairs, and a staff shirt to informal affairs.

How do I know you will send a talented DJ to host my event?

Find out how the company selects their DJs. Do they just hire kids and send them out hoping they’ll do good? Or do they provide well-trained DJs that have the proven experience to make your event a success.

Surround Sound Entertainment begins by selecting talented individuals. We then put them through an extensive training and evaluation course including classroom and on-site training. Only after they have passed this training, and our strict approval, do we send them out to host an event.

Will you just play music at my wedding reception, or will you also MC and coordinate it?

There is much more to a wedding reception than just playing music. Make sure your DJ provides you with a written order of events, and various other paperwork and aides to help you through the details of your reception. You want a DJ who is organized, and will take full control of all the details at your reception. Part of this should include announcing and coordinating all of the special events for you. Also, be sure your DJ is flexible enough to handle any changes you would like to make to the order of events.

Surround Sound Entertainment will begin by sending you a comprehensive 8 page wedding packet with questionnaires, song lists, and tips to help make your wedding reception a success. This will also include an order of events which you may modify to your satisfaction. We will then speak with you prior to your reception to go over any final details. During you reception we will guide you through each traditional event from start to finish. This includes announcements, coordination with the other wedding professionals at your event (caterer, photographer, videographer, etc.), and, of course, a carefully selected variety of music.

What selection of music do you have?

This is a point often overlooked, even though it is the basic purpose of all DJs! Many DJs have a very poor selection of music. Find out what sources your DJ uses to get his music. Does he just buy albums like everyone else? Or does he have specific resources that allow him to be up-to-date and have a wide selection of music. Also, be sure your prospective DJs use compact discs. After all, should you be paying good money to have a DJ that still uses outdated tapes and 45rpm records? Ask the potential DJ to send you some type of a song list. Or you could even ask if they have specific songs or artists you like. A DJ with a good selection of music and professional attitude will be happy to oblige!

We use all compact discs. In fact, we haven’t used tapes or 45rpm records since we started business over 8 years ago! All of our music is acquired through industry businesses which specifically provide music to radio stations, clubs, and DJs. We have thousands of songs from the 40’s through the 90’s, and are updated monthly with the same new music radio stations and clubs receive. We realize that the selection of music a DJ has is a very important factor, and we are fanatics about maintaining a comprehensive CD music library.

Are you insured?

A DJ who has taken the time and expense to insure their respective business shows that they are true professional and a full-time business who will still be around in the years to come.

Surround Sound Entertainment carries $2 million dollars of liability insurance.

Ask Around

Ask your wedding reception hall or photographer if they have ever worked with your prospective DJ, and if they would recommend them.

Surround Sound Entertainment has an excellent working relationship with area dance halls, caterers, and photographers.