If you've not booked a disco before . . .

Choosing the right disco

When looking to book a mobile disco for your party, do not make your decision based on price.   There are lots of DJs on the Web and in Yellow Pages who will quote a low price, which may appear a bargain at the time, but they are likely to be unreliable, turn up late or not at all.

There are several important factors to consider when choosing which mobile disco to book, and some important questions you should be asking.   If you haven't booked a disco or DJ before, hopefully these pointers will help ensure you book with a reputable company.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that you only book with a company that has Public Liabilities Insurance.   This is very important, should anything happen to you or one of your guests, for example if a lighting stand were to fall and injure someone.   If something like this were to happen, you need to be assured the DJ has sufficient insurance against such accidents.

A reputable company will send you a copy of their Public Liabilities Insurance certificate with your booking paperwork to prove they have the insurance cover.   Don't just take a DJ's word for this, make sure you do get a copy of the Insurance certificate, your venue may also want to see it.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

All portable electrical equipment should undergo an annual safety check, by an electrician, commonly known as a PAT test (Portable Appliance Test).

This test is similar to the MOT on your car, and helps ensure compliance with the Health & Safety Executive's Electricity at Work Regulations.

A reputable disco company should be able to send you a copy of the DJ's PAT test certificate on request, also if you look at any piece of equipment, or cable, that is connected to the mains, if it has been tested it will have a green "pass" sticker on it, also showing the date the test was carried out and the equipment is due to be retested.

THE BOOKING AGREEMENT

Make sure the disco company will issue you a formal Booking Agreement to confirm your booking.   This is a legal and binding contract which is signed by yourself and the disco company.   Check all the details on the booking agreement, and always read any "small print" before signing.

Insist that you have full contact details for the disco company, in case of any problems on the day of your function.   That means a landline - not just a mobile phone number.   Make sure they answer this line at all times - including Friday and Saturday nights.   A phone number is only any good if it's answered - put it to the test.

MUSIC AND PLAYLISTS

Check what types of music the DJ will play.   All good DJs carry a wide selection of music, however if you are looking for particular styles and genres, put together a playlist.   An experienced professional DJ will select tracks from your playlist, together with those they know will work with the styles you have selected, whilst also taking requests from your guests on the evening.

Steve Kaye
Steve Kaye Entertainments