Should DJ have a signed agreement?

I was told to not book a DJ without a contract at all in fact anything you book should give you a contract. Now if he does not have one I would definitely make one of my own for him to sign. $400 is a lot of money to just hand someone and not know if he will make it to your wedding so either propose to hand some now and some later or make a contract stating if he doesnt show up for the money back.

Adele, my opinion, you're playing with fire (friend/cash/up-front). If he does not have a written contract that is thorough and does spell out refund conditions, then DO NOT BOOK THAT DJ FOR ANY PRICE.

Not sure what part of the country you're in but you also need to know that, around here at least, $400 will only get you the guys that will screw your event up more often than they'll help it. Good luck and I hope yours turns out to be the exception.

Here are a couple of blogs that you might find helpful. I hope this helps.

http://rickryan.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/13-tips-on-how-to-find-the-right-dj-for-your-wedding-day/

http://rickryan.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/hiring-the-cheapest-dj-possible/

http://rickryan.wordpress.com/2010/07/08/how-much-should-you-spend-on-a-wedding-dj/

He's a DJ that is a friend of the person that's I'm coordinating the wedding with (at the venue), so I'm sure he wants to make sure he doesn't let us down (especially knowing that several key folks will be at our wedding). But I was thinking the same thing... I don't wanna just hand over the cash and expect that he shows up. I just want to protect our interest too.

My DJ was contracted through our venue so we did have a contract with our DJ. I would suggest that you do get a contract so it will ease your nerves even if he's a family friend.. Nowadays people seem to be really sneaky and slowly stealing your money and if you don't have a contract on file you are pretty much short of ever getting your money back.. I would think about it before you give him your cash..

You never give anyone any money with out a clear contract. NEVER !

Just in case he doesn't have a contract, does someone have a sample that I could simply type up and have ready for him to sign when I meet with him?

I think it is always good to have a contract to protect yourself. If this guy is a professional DJ see if he is a member of the American Disc Jockey Association. Most areas have a local chapter and president that can help you out in the case of a last minute emergency, etc. My DJ contract provided us with all of the information for ours in case, God forbid, something happened to our DJ right before the wedding.

Wait a minute. So the DJ shows up without a contract and you're still going to hire him/her?

(banging head against the wall)

I would ask him for a copy of one first - that way you can look it over and make sure that he's not bringing any little surprises that you're not aware of. Most vendors will always have some type of contract that they'll provide, they want to cover their butt just as much as you want to cover yours.

Thanks everyone... I get it... lol. Best to have a contract. I'm checking out Rocketlawyer now for examples.

I would think for a professional wedding DJ you would not need to bring a contract, HE should bring one and go over it with you or allow you time to review it beforw handing over any money.

ALWAYS get it in writing. Without his signature and yours, you have no legal recourse if something doesn't go right.

Ok... I got confirmation from the DJ that he'll have a contract for us to sign phew!

I WOULD NOT give him the full amount up front. Friend or not. I wouldn't give him more than half. And, it doesn't hurt to draft your own contract and have this clause written in it, and have both party sign it. Just add it as an addendum to his contract.

Have you ever met him or seen him work?

I didnt have a contract with our dj but he is a close family friend but if you dont know him then yes you should have a contact

All professionals have contracts. They are not only for your protection, but also for the vendor.

Never ever hand over cash without a contract.

I think you need a written commitment. To insure your date and that the Dj will be there. Personally $400. is a very low rate and that worries me. I would ask your Dj if he has insurance to insure that if anything happend or someone tripped over a wire that he is covered and a real business man. If he is not insured and anything goes wrong you could be held with the bill. Please make sure you are covered or that the Dj or venue will be responsible for any mishaps.

Anyone with a ipod or a laptop can say they are a Dj but when it comes to your wedding day you need a Dj that meets all your needs and has a good handle on the run of show and the timing of your music. If something feels off to you about this Dj then for sure go with your gut. And may I ask why this Dj is giving you such a great deal? A true Dj always has a contract in place. To protect him and you.

I'd honestly be leery of the cash. I've paid all deposits with check or card so I have record of the payment.

No cash, and definitely no cash without a contract. AND definitely not all of it up front in cash, contract or not.

Meet with him, get the contract, look it over with a cool head, and then meet him with half.

Pros don't work this way.