Advice on finding and hiring a suitable DJ or Entertainment provider

Be covered by Public Liability Insurance
Have a PAT certificate for their equipment
Operate a Booking System
Be contactable by phone, email, or website
Provide a personal service, and keep in regular touch prior to your event
Provide their services under written contract/agreement
Confirm receipt/acceptance of bookings
Provide a value for money service
Refund fees for cancelled events, based on agreements and circumstances
Always have back-up cover in cases of emergencies

For disco

Allow you to specify the music you want, or not want, prior to your event
Guarantee to be set up and ready to start on time
Provide extras, such as smoke machines, confetti cannons, glow products

For Karaoke

Provide clean Alphabetical song lists
Have all the latest karaoke tracks in their list
Provide printed request slips
Cater for more than 1 singer a at time
Fit in as many singers as possible
Not sing themselves when people are waiting to sing.
Ensure a good sound system for voice amplification

For Weddings

In addition to all the above, at least the following
Liaise with the Bride/Groom about their agenda for the event
Work with other operators/artists engaged by the Bride and Groom for the event
Liaise with the venue as appropriate
Provide PA facilities for the wedding party, if required

For Kids Parties

provide games to suit the ages of kids
provide the services of a professional children's entertainer
be able to offer a variety of entertainment, including if allowed by the venue, bubble and or smoke machines.

When hiring equipment, look for a provider who will

Provide a clear description of the equipment for hire, with photographs where possible
Deliver/Pick-up and set-up the equipment where possible
Cover all hiring by individual contracts/agreements, that are clearly written
Ensure refunds of deposits are made as soon as possible

General Advice

The cheapest DJ/provider is rarely the best option
Don't assume your DJ will turn up, if you do not have a written agreement
Check the venue's licensing hours before you book the times with your DJ
Check the venue has a reliable and safe properly earthed and fused 13 amp electricity socket for the DJ's use
Your DJ will need sufficient space at the venue to operate equipment
Your DJ will need sufficient time to set-up 'before' and dismantle 'after' the event
Your DJ will need if possible, parking space near to the venue entrance
Some venues may have sound limiters installed, which prevent your DJ playing at the volume you may like. Always check with your venue and inform your DJ if a limiter is installed
Always pay your DJ before he/she starts, this avoids confusion and possible embarrassment at the end of the event

Public liability insurance (PLI) Is a must in case anything should accidentally happen to you or your guests, which was caused by the DJ or his/her equipment. PLI cover provides reassurance that should anything unforeseen happened during your event, then any resulting damage costs will be covered by your DJ's PLI, subject to the terms and conditions of their insurance. A good DJ will be covered for Public Liability. Some venues will not allow a DJ to perform, if he/she does not have PLI.

Portable Appliance Test (PAT) A certificate that shows your DJ has had this test done on his/her equipment. Seeing this certificate assures you that your DJ's equipment is safe and sound and conforms with Health & Safety requirements. A PAT certificate may also be a requirement of the DJ's PLI terms and conditions.