1. Make sure that whomever you hire has been in business for some time.

2. Beware of companies that have 30 dee-jays working for them as they split their equipment and music into many pieces and you don't know what will show up at your party.

3. Look at the list of music and make sure you are getting what you expect.

4. Watch out for companies that brag about their ability to talk on the microphone, you probably don't want Casey Kasem at your event.

5. What is their back-up plan if they have an emergency and cannot perform?

6. What equipment are they going to bring?

7. Ask for a list of references

8. Check out austinweddings.com's bride talk message board for reports about poor service from D-J companies.

9. How thorough are they at planning your event with you?

10. See if they have played at your reception facility before.

11. Do other local vendors reccommend them?

12. Don't look for the cheapest d-j in town, some of these shady companies have been known to not show up at all!

13. Do they have a wireless mic for the minister and for toasts?

14. Do they mind if you provide some music for them to play?

15. Will you need them there during your ceremony as well as your reception, and if so, will they charge by the hour even if they are not performing?

16. Beware of companies not based in Austin. Even if you do not call an 800#, ask where they are based, you probably do not want a d-j company in New Jersey to provide your music.

17. How is their dinner / cocktail selection of music?

18. Is there music on a laptop and if so, what happens if it crashes?

19. Watch out for companies that price their service by the number of years of experience their many D-J's have. Are you really trying to pay for more ability to yap on a microphone? Also watch out if they price their rates by the equipment they can provide. A good sound system should be appropriate for 50-500 guests and companies that price different packages are just trying to get you for more money.