Most people hire a DJ to provide a mobile sound system and play music as entertainment during an event, such as a wedding or birthday party. But you can hire a local DJ for any type of event, including corporate events, junior high or high school dances, graduation parties, family reunions, class reunions, anniversary parties, engagement parties, wedding receptions, or any other type of party where tunes are needed. You can even hire a DJ to provide appropriate musical backing at a celebration of life for a loved one. You don’t need to have a major event to hire a DJ; a summer barbecue is an occasion enough to hire a pro to set the right mood. Depending on the type of event you are hosting, you may want to request a musical theme such as pop/rock, hip-hop/rap, country, Top 40, Latin, electronic dance music, oldies, Indian/Bollywood, or more. With millions of songs available electronically these days, DJs can work with your theme and create playlists tailor-made for your event.
Included in the cost of most DJ services is the creation of custom playlists. When you hire a DJ, explain clearly the styles of music you love, specific songs you’re dying to hear, songs you absolutely do not want to hear, and the musical pacing of the event. Often, DJs can start an event with mellower music that welcomes people in and gets them comfortable, then gradually bring up the tempo and energy to get people mingling and moving around. Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, you may want to have time specifically for dancing, and once the party is nearing an end, the DJs can play the music that helps everyone wind down. Many DJs offer playlist planning portals on their websites. This means that in the days leading up to the event you can add songs when you think of them — even if it’s 3 a.m. You can also add songs you don’t want to hear to a “no playlist.” Many DJs will put them on creative spin on the music selection and mixing unless you specify during hiring that you have pre-selected playlists.