Entertainment is the only constant throughout every occasion. It begins and ends the event, is prevalent all the way through, and is chiefly responsible for the overall outcome. Your meal, photographs, and any special segments will be finished well before your guests leave but their last memories will be of the entertainment.

The entertainment fee is affected by season, locale, day of the week, number of hours required, ceremonies, lighting and sound system, and quality of the entertainment. On average, you'll pay $250 to $400 per hour for a first class Musical Host with a four-hour minimum. Run of the mill or low experienced DJ's will be available from $150 to $200 per hour. Agencies will charge between $150 to $300 per hour though you'll actually be provided with an 'weekend employee' earning between $50 to $100 per hour. Ultimately, trying to cut corners with the entertainment budget after investing all the planning and finances, is like playing Russian Roulette.

Be extremly wary of agencies or subcontractors which collect a large portion of the event fee as "commission" and utilize part-time low-paid employees and revolving equipment scenarios. Do you want your entertainment company juggling five or ten other events on your special day ?  Why pay $1000 or more and get an agency's $200 or $400 "weekend DJ" ?  If the person you are making out the event fee check to, isn't the same as the Entertainer that will be present at your occasion, there is the first red flag. Something is wrong. You will not be getting what you paid for. Owner operators on the other hand, maintain their professional and business reputations every single performance. Their personal customer assistance will be much, much greater and will do whatever it necessary, and more, to ensure client satisfaction.

You want to find a Host that will listen closely to your hopes and goals. The Entertainer should provide suggestions and direction when asked, and help plan the entire event, but ultimately bring your vision to fruition, not enforce "his ideas or style". In doing so, he will take time to find out your likes, dislikes, and exactly what type of interaction level and Disc Jockey personality you are looking for, and match his performance to your preferences.

Above all else, find a Musical Host that you feel comfortable with. The Mobile Entertainer selection can "make or break" an event. The Disc Jockey that takes the time to meet and get to know you and your entertainment needs and expectations is the one that you want to hire. They will work with you and your location management to make sure that your special event is a success and that all of your guests have a great time. 

Get several references from previous clients of the Mobile Entertainer. Make sure the references are from recent events preferably within the last year, and are for the exact Disc Jockey that will perform at your event. References for a Musical Host that won't personally be at your event mean absolutely nothing. The quality of the show depends entirely on the specific Host at your event. Trust the comments of previous customers much more than a slick marketing brochure or fast talk. Don't ask if you can come to an event to " hear the DJ ". Musical Hosts are independent contractors at private events and do not have the right to invite guests. Instead ask to meet with the Entertainer for a consultation.

The experience of Mobile Entertainers varies greatly. Find out how much experience the actual Disc Jockey performing at your event will have. Look for someone that has been a Musical Host for years, not months, and has experience at events like yours. An experienced Disc Jockey will have performed at hundreds of events, worked with many the area's top locations, and is a master at crowd interaction and music selection. You'll pay more for an experienced DJ, but it's a good investment if you want a successful event.

Your Host should entertain everyone at your event by gearing music to you and your guests. Their music library should be extensive and contain everything from oldies and disco to the latest dance hits. The Disc Jockey company must provide a list of the songs they will bring to your event. Most importantly, the Musical Host should play the music you want to hear and have requested not their 'personal favorites'.

There is a tremendous difference in sound quality and reliability between home stereo components and professional duty sound equipment. With professional equipment you will be reasonably assured of quality sound and reliable operation. If you like, ask the Mobile Entertainment company the make of their equipment. If you recognize the names, and they are available at consumer electronic stores like Best Buy and Circuit City, they are using equipment designed for home and not professional use.

The Disc Jockey should be dressed appropriately for your special event. You will need to ask the Mobile Entertainer exactly what they will be wearing. Professional Musical Hosts will wear a full tuxedo to a wedding reception, not slacks and a dress shirt, and less formal attire although still proper and presentable to other occasions. Jeans and a Polo shirt are never appropriate for a Disc Jockey at any special event.

Top Entertainers are typically booked up to a year in advance. Start your search for a professional Musical Host early to ensure that you find quality entertainment. Do not wait to select a Disc Jockey, as your choices will be severely limited if you wait until only a few months before your date. You will almost always pay a non-refundable retaining fee to the Entertainment company to reserve them for your event.

(c) 2002 The Last Dance DJ Productions

In truth, entertainment is 80% or more of the success factor in any event, while it is often amazingly as little as 5% of the event budget. A late ceremony start, a few flowers missing, even an average meal will hardly be noticed by any of your guests and will be more than made up for with experienced entertainment.  Conversely, the most beautiful ceremony, filet mignon and lobster, and charming decor can be ruined with a poor performance.

It's the entertainment that drives every function. Professional appearance of the sound equipment and MC,  smooth agenda flow,  perfect atmosphere,  great music - before and during your meal, and exciting dance segments targeted to your guests all lead to a standout occasion.

A true professional Host is highly involved throught the pre-event planning stages. During the occasion, he always ensures that each part of the agenda does not take place until every necessary factor is accounted for and ready.

Never assume that recorded music makes the playing field level. Most importantly, the MC's ability to coordinate hand-in-hand with the venue management and staff and other vendors on site, and especially respecting client's requests and wishes, are all vital to the smooth flow and success of any celebration.

A presentation at a wedding, retirement dinner, or corporate party will vary greatly. A first-class, experienced Musical Host knows these differences and many more. You should be aware of the subtle and substantial characteristics that distinguish an average Mobile Entertainer from a dedicated, top-flight one.

A magical, memorable, celebration with great dancing,  professional emceeing, polished presentation, etc...  a "10!" =  Priceless

 

© 1994-2003 The Last Dance DJ Productions