The success of a social event is often dictated by the activities that keep guests busy. At many parties, dancing is the primary activity. And as veteran party hosts know, who you hire to keep the music flowing and the guests dancing can make or break a party.

When the party is over, guests want to remember dancing to their favorite songs and how the music complemented the event. A professional disk jockey, or DJ, can be instrumental in setting the mood of a party, helping to create a festive atmosphere while choosing the right songs to enhance certain moments throughout the event. Here is how to choose a DJ that will fit with your goals and the scope of your event.

Why hire a DJ?

One reason many party hosts choose a DJ is affordability. Disc jockeys are traditionally less expensive than bands, and a DJ will have access to a selection of music that spans various generations and genres.

Some hosts prefer a DJ because they enjoy hearing the real thing instead of a band covering a favorite artist. Whereas a band may be playing their own rendition of songs, a DJ will have the original recordings or particular dance mixes that are familiar to guests. While the music is playing, a DJ may offer some type of entertainment, such as leading guests on guided dances or distributing toys to those on the dance floor. Some DJs work in conjunction with emcees or party professionals who mingle with the crowd and dance along. These people help guests overcome their inhibitions, encouraging them to dance and enjoy the party.

Selecting a DJ

When choosing a DJ, it is important to first get recommendations from friends and family or to witness in person how the DJ has performed at a prior function. It is always better to choose a DJ who has a proven track record. If guests walked away from a particular party with glowing accounts of a DJ's work, then that should bear considerable weight as you make your decision. It is one thing to simply play music, but a DJ will need to establish a rapport with the crowd and recognize when to liven things up and get the crowd back on the dance floor.

If you are employing a DJ from an entertainment service, be sure to request that a particular DJ be present at your party. Companies that farm out work to a variety of vendors may not guarantee that a particular person will provide the music for your event. You may need to specify the name of the DJ you prefer in writing.

The music mix

Talk to the DJ about your preferences as to the playlist. Together you can work out a playlist that will accommodate as many guests as possible. The DJ also will help keep the party on track, alerting guests as to when food is served or when certain games or activities will be played. If ever during a consultation you feel that the DJ is not listening to your suggestions or is unwilling to play the type of music you would like, then this is not the person for you. Most DJs will listen to requests and make suggestions for certain songs that will fit in with the party theme. Remember to mention if any songs should not be played. Depending on the age group at the party, off-color songs or ones with explicit lyrics may be discouraged.

In addition to keeping in touch and working with you on the planning of the event, the DJ should confirm your reservation and arrive early to set up.

Carefully researching your DJ options prior to hosting a party can mean the difference between a successful party where guests had a good time and a dull event that lacked a spark.