How to Hire A Professional Disc Jockey or
Entertainment Personality

The vast majority of our Clients have not hired a DJ or professional Entertainer before. But, we find that once our Client has chosen Avalanche Entertainment, they keep finding a way to bring us back again & again! The following information we give you is a good start as to why you should choose Avalanche Entertainment!

Let's just say...you've hired a DJ, they'll play your music and throw in the lights! What's the difference? All you need is someone to play music, right? Experience, Expertise & Professionalism does matter! Statistics show that over 80% of guests at any event will remember the event from the entertainment. Here are a few important questions to keep in mind while hiring your event entertainment:

Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of liability?

Many responsible businesses carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Disc Jockey's receive a Certificate of Liability which can be used as proof. Avalanche Entertainment can provide you with this necessary information.

Do you have a dedicated phone number & office location for proper planning/review?

A true full scale entertainment company has at least one dedicated office location for the companies staff to properly answer all incoming phone calls and perform the necessary day to day operations. At Avalanche Entertainment we have two office locations in the Metro Atlanta area.

Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?

A versatile Disc Jockey/Entertainer is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Disc Jockey/Entertainer will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication. Avalanche Entertainment provides their Client's with a fully interactive planning section on the Web site. This service is included at no additional cost!

Do you use Professional Equipment?

Ask whether your prospective Disc Jockey/Entertainer works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an Entertainer's talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event. Avalanche Entertainment's Equipment & Supply is stocked with only top-of-the-line audio equipment.

Do you provide backup equipment at my event?

Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. Avalanche Entertainment has many resources available to them in case of an emergency.

Does the Disc Jockey/Entertainer know the proper etiquette for your type of party?

A professional Disc Jockey/Entertainer will assist you with the planning of your special event. Most professional Entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event. Again, Avalanche Entertainment provides a complete and professional source to convey your planning needs to your DJ/Entertainer.

How much time do you allow for set-up?

Punctuality is a necessity. Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one hour prior to the start time you've given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door. Avalanche Entertainment arrives one hour before the contracted start time. You do not get charged for this hour.

Do you provide a written contract?

It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well. Avalanche Entertainment requires a written contract, signed both by the Client & the DJ/Entertainer. This contract also states who will be your DJ/Entertainer. Again, no surprises!

Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?

Specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey/Entertainer is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure your entertainer is informed. On Avalanche's planning forms there is an area where you get to tell them what you want your DJ/Entertainer to wear.

Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group?

Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the companies willingness to network, learn and grow. Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional. Avalanche Entertainment is a member of the American Disc Jockey Association.

What is the difference between you & my iPod?

A lot. If you already understand or [even better] witnessed the difference between a live DJ and a pre-programmed iPod then you can agree that an iPod does not "host" your event. With any iPod you get music you choose in the order you have selected on a sound system, if any, that may not sound so good! With an Avalanche Atlanta DJ you get music you choose in the order that is best for the evening on an excellent professional sound system. Along with:

Multiple microphones for toasts, etc.
Dance Lighting
Professional Introductions (with music of your choice!)
Event Hosting...

...which is a very "simply put" line item, however, a very important factor throughout the entire afternoon or evening! Whether your special party be a corporate outing or wedding reception, the event hosting is what keeps everything smooth & seamless. Give yourself the opportunity to find out why & call us today. We'll invite you over to our facility to learn more about us - at no obligation!

iPod is a registered trademark of Apple™. Avalanche Entertainment has nothing against iPods! We like them. However, we want our potential clientele to know that an iPod can not replace the job of a professional Disc Jockey & Entertainment Personality.

Keeping the above questions in mind, we also urge our potential Clients not to always hire the DJ or company who is the cheapest! In most cases you should find that we are one of your lower and reasonably priced professional and it's our "buy in bulk" theory that allows us to do this - Our Clientele and event calendar is large, bringing us multiple events and you a better bargain! Avalanche Entertainment's packages are very competitive & we will strive to work with your budget. Another Avalanche Advantage in working with a full-time entertainment outfit!

The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight. Recent surveys show:

72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.

Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.

During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is there attire, followed by the reception site and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!

When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.

65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.

A full-service disc jockey company, like Avalanche Entertainment, will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours". Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion. With Avalanche Entertainment, you always receive quality entertainment.