Back-Up Equipment

One of the standard questions wedding guides suggest brides ask prospective DJs is "Do you carry back-up equipment with you to each event"?

Good question. The only problem is, every DJ you interview will answer "Yes" regardless of whether it's true.

I arrive at each event in a full-size Chevy van chock-full with speakers, mixers, CD players, microphones, cables and cords, and various accessories. I have extras of everything with me on-hand -- not back in my home/office.

But I often see DJs arrive at events in a regular-size passenger car stuffed to the brim. There is no possible way for back-up equipment to fit in such a vehicle. There's barely enough room for one set of everything, no possible room for extras.

Does it matter? Most of the time, no.

But what if your wedding is the one in 100 at which a major piece of equipment malfunctions? Then you'll sorely wish that your DJ was speaking the truth when he told you he carries backup equipment.

Of course, the DJ who didn't invest in a larger vehicle and all that extra equipment has lower expenses, so he can afford to charge you less. You get what you pay for.