MEET YOUR DJ -- NOT YOUR SALESPERSON

When you call a DJ company, who are you talking to: the person who will actually DJ and MC your wedding, or a salesperson?

If you call one of the large entertainment companies, you are most definitely talking with a salesperson, NOT with your DJ. You can rest assured that person is good. Very good. At salesmanship.

He'll tell you he has the perfect DJ for you. But unless you meet your actual DJ in advance, you're don't really know what you're getting. Even if you select the specific DJ in advance, the contact may well reserve the company's right to switch the DJ for any reason. You might get an orange instead of an apple. Worse, you might get a lemon.

If you call a medium-size DJ company with a small roster of DJs, the person you speak to is likely also one of the working DJs. You should clarify whether he will be your DJ, or whether one of his associates (an employee or independent contractor) will be assigned to you. If the latter, check out the associate in advance. Remember, the actual DJ that performs at your wedding will be the one who makes or breaks your event.

Now, if you call a single-DJ operation (like mine!), you know from the get-go that the person you're talking with and meeting with is the person who'll be with you every step of the way, from the advance planning right up to the last dance of your reception.