The Ten Commandments of Hiring A Professional DJ!

Our friends at Community Dj's offer this advice when looking for a DJ for your gay or lesbian wedding, commitment ceremony, civil union, or domestic partnership celebrations:

I. Thou shalt not hire someone with CHEAP EQUIPMENT.
There is a difference between home audio equipment and a professional disc jockey's. A professional should promise that their equipment will not cause electrical fires, crackling sounds or high-pitched tones.

II. Thou shalt hire someone LICENSED and INSURED.
Professional mobile disc jockeys are entrepreneurs who are masters of their craft on a full-time basis. They are lots of other things too. But, for the most part, they are a pretty clean bunch of musical militia. They take their business seriously.

III. Thou shalt come with a BOOKING AGREEMENT.
All conditions and terms of employment for your event should be set into a legally binding agreement. With a written contract, everything is spelled out, including choice of music, duration of event and compensation. Everything is spelled out in black and white.

IV. Thou shalt take PRIDE in one's ATTIRE.
Just as equipment makes a difference, so does attire. A professional must have the appropriate and proper apparel at no extra charge and in line with your expectations for your gay or lesbian union celebration.

V. Thou shalt offer a large MUSIC SELECTION.
Any eclectic music enthusiast may have quite a selection of music but a professional will have much more. This enables them to provide music for any occasion.

VI. Thou shalt field ANNOUNCEMENTS and REQUESTS.
A professional entertainer can locate even the most obscure tunes at a moment's notice. Then, they offer key announcements at the correct times. Or, they can rearrange the announcements for practical jokes. They can also tap dance, juggle fire and swallow swords during announcements - if that is your desire;-).

VII. Thou shalt understand ETIQUETTE.
Ambiance must be created. A professional must have the experience necessary to read your guests and provide the 'right' music for the 'right' moments. You can't follow a Metallica song with a Ella Fitzgerald song. Actually you could, but people might question upcoming music selections.

VIII. Thou shalt provide REFERENCES.
Any experienced professional, in any profession, can provide ample references from satisfied clients.

IX. Thou shalt always have a TIMELY ARRIVAL.
Professionals always arrive at least 1 to 1.5 hours ahead of schedule--not only to move the equipment and set up for the event but, to field last minute changes in the event. And if they are really good, they'll even get to an event earlier, in order to chant to the God of Excellent Events to bless the festivity.

X. Thou shalt always have a BACK UP PLAN.
In the rare event that your entertainer is not able to perform at your function, make sure you have a back-up plan, like Community Dj's who can provide substitute Dj's as well as backup equipment.