| In planning your next party, take time to consider the | | | | or any other equipment that is necessary for a large |
| various options for entertainment. One option that | | | | event. Any home stereo equipment is designed just for |
| many people use is a live DJ. DJ's can be found either | | | | that - home use. The equipment a DJ uses is |
| online or in phone book publications. To find a DJ online, | | | | specifically designed for heavy use, and its sound will fill |
| just type in DJ and your city or state. For example, | | | | a large reception center. |
| "Utah DJs" or "DJs in Utah." Both of these are | | | | 4) An experienced DJ consults with you to determine |
| essentially the same search. Instead of hiring a live DJ, | | | | what the best music would be to entertain your |
| some people opt to use an iPod or similar mp3 device. | | | | guests. Someone running an iPod does not have the |
| While an iPod can get the job done, it will not be done | | | | experience that a professional DJ has. |
| nearly as well as what a live DJ would do. The | | | | 5) The DJ will also act as your MC (Master of |
| purpose of this article is to convince you of the value | | | | Ceremonies), unless you have an MC already. This is a |
| of hiring a live DJ service. | | | | great bonus, as they will take care of announcing the |
| 1) An experienced DJ has valuable skills that someone | | | | events, and keep the flow of your party going. This is |
| running an iPod does not. First, a DJ knows how to | | | | an essential part of your event. |
| read a crowd. They know how to read the signs and | | | | 6) A DJ can take requests. Can your iPod playlist take |
| cues that the crowd is giving them, so they can then | | | | a request? Didn't think so.... |
| adjust the music so the party can really get going well. | | | | 7) A professional DJ will have liability insurance. If |
| An iPod cannot read the crowd, and even if you have | | | | something happens at the event, they are covered. If |
| someone in charge of the iPod playlist, how many gigs | | | | you bring in your own iPod setup, and an accident |
| have they done? How will the person operating the | | | | happens, you will probably not be covered for any |
| iPod know what to play and when to play it? | | | | injuries that may occur, such as someone tripping over |
| 2) An experienced DJ boasts a large music collection. | | | | cords. |
| They have a collection of different genres of music, | | | | People may forget the food, dresses, and decorations, |
| and will have the perfect music for your occasion. The | | | | but they will surely remember the entertainment. Do |
| iPod might have your favorite tunes, but your favorite | | | | not scrimp on how much you spend on entertainment, |
| songs might not be the best songs for the occasion. | | | | as the guests are sure to notice. The entertainment is |
| 3) An experienced DJ knows their equipment, and has | | | | what keeps people at the party. Make it the most |
| backup equipment if anything goes wrong. The iPod | | | | memorable party you will ever experience. Hire a |
| does not include a microphone, mixer, amplifier, lighting | | | | great DJ. |