Tips for booking a disco...

This is not something you do very often so we give some advice if you wish to read the tips below.

 1. Try to see what you will get by visiting a website or a function where the dj is working.  So many people are disappointed when the dj ‘with everything’ arrives with a couple of speakers, borrows a table and has a couple of lights.

 2. Book a disco as early as possible. We for example, Abracadabra disco, are so often saying ‘Sorry we are already booked’.

 3. Lots of dj’s will tell you about all their latest equipment ( maybe they have just bought their disco gear) and that they have many thousands of music tracks on their laptop but anyone can go to Maplin’s and buy some equipment before downloading music.

 4. A good experienced dj will listen to your function requirements and advise you if you ask for details of functions he has catered for throughout his/her career.

 5. Make sure you get a contract for the booking or at least a letter of confirmation. A signed contract from the disco will reassure you and a deposit or confirmation booking fee can be paid in advance for further security.

 6. Will the dj have the music suitable for your event? You should always ask this before booking. A good dj/disco will have a very wide range of music suitable for all ages. If you will require background music through your wedding breakfast ask if they can provide it. Tell them if you want light jazz or orchestral for instance.

 7. Does the dj use a microphone? Is he/she experienced in making announcements? Some dj’s do not even own a microphone. If you hire a dj/disco for an all day wedding will they have radio microphone(s) that you can use for speeches?

 8. Many venues ask for discos to have a certificate confirming Public Liability Insurance. They will not allow the disco to work if they can not see this. The certificate indemnifies the venue in the event of an accident involving the disco.

 9. PAT (Portable Appliance Test) certificates are also often required as proof that the equipment is safety checked and recorded by a competent tester.

 10. How will you know the dj you booked will turn up with the equipment he said he will bring? You may get a call saying the dj cannot help you a few days before your function. They may have a more lucrative booking. Then they may pass the work to someone you have never seen or heard of or just fail to turn up. If you have a contract this should not happen.

 11. Will the dj be dressed suitably? He may set up the equipment in T-shirt and jeans but should change before commencing the entertainment to dress for the occasion.

 12. How important is the disco equipment? Experienced dj’s will invest in quality professional equipment but brand names often mean little to many people. The difference between home hi-fi and equipment made for regular use at functions is very noticeable.  Even the best equipment can break down so does the dj carry back up facilities?

 13. There is no rule that equipment should be flightcased but a good experienced dj looks after his equipment as being his trade it is used regularly.

 14. Pricing. By saving a few pounds when booking a disco you may spoil the longest part of your wedding day or whatever your function is. For an example, if your budget for your wedding is £8,000 and the evening disco is for 5 hours, probably between 30 and 50% of your day, would you expect to pay 5% of your budget for the evening entertainment. That would be £400. The dj has to travel and set up before working the 5 hours and then load and get home so for possibly 10 hours or more you get a very good deal.

The above does not mean that Abracadabra Disco charges £400.00

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