Q How easy is it to get a good disco for a wedding or a party

A.� Anyone can set up as a DJ and charge money for doing so, but it doesn't mean you're always going to get value for money. In the disco game, you don't necessarily get what you pay for.

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Q. Sounds ominous, what about some more background information

A.� No problem. First, you need to decide what sort of disco you want to use. If you're having a party or wedding reception in a hotel, or regular venue, they may have their own resident disco. This gives you a chance to see the DJ at work in advance, and decide if they provide the sort of entertainment you want for your occasion. If you don't fancy what you see, ask the hotel or room owner if you can book your own disco and have them in for that one night. If the owner is not happy, consider moving your party elsewhere.

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Q. Isn't that a bit drastic

A.� Not at all�- the success of your disco will make or break your evening, it's not worth letting yourself and your guests down with sub-standard entertainment because you didn't like to upset complete strangers who you'll probably never see again.

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Q. So how do I go about finding a good disco

A. Word of mouth is the best recommendation, so ask around friends and relatives and people at work. Get as many opinions as you can, and you'll get an idea of who is good, and more importantly who isn't!

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Q. How can I be sure they'll play the kind of music I want

A.� Check in advance, at the booking stage. Remember, this is your special night, and you are paying for it, so you are entitled to get what you want. Assuming you've found a reputable DJ, and not some spotty kid who plays obscure dance music through two old shoe boxes and tries to get any single female guests drunk, you should be able to give�the DJ a rough idea of the sort of party you are having. Be reasonable; don't start listing reams and reams of records down the phone, that's what you pay him or her to organise. Tell him the basic age range of the guests, any specific records you'd really like, but keep to about three or four, and leave the rest up to him or her.

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Q. It seems that running a disco is something anyone can do.

A.� You'd think so wouldn't you What can be hard about spinning a few sounds and jabbering down a microphone In fact, a good DJ is a skilled entertainer who is going to take a group of shy and reserved people and turn them into a heaving mass of blissful party animals who will be talking about your shindig for weeks afterwards.

Q. How

A. That's the skill you are paying for. Assuming you've chosen carefully, you've got an experienced professional (remember you are paying for this!) who can read an audience and know what will get them dancing, and keep them dancing the whole night.�The DJ should be able to run any type of party, from old-time and ballroom for Aunty Marge's 60^th birthday party, to a red-hot rave for your daughter's 18^th, and should be able to provide something for everyone if the ages are mixed.

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Q. So DJ's don't play the same records every time

A.Only if they don't know what they are doing! What can happen is that a young lad goes to a couple of weddings or parties, sees a DJ, thinks 'I could do that!' and buys some gear and starts ruining parties everywhere until bookings dry up, or he gets tired of the hard work and gives up. The DJ who gets regular work is the DJ who knows what each crowd wants, and gives it to them. The 'amateur' jock will play everything he and his mates like, and sulk when no-one dances and people complain. The professional will gauge the reaction to what's playing, and adjust it to fit the mood and atmosphere, and then build a successful night gradually.

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Q. What happens if people say the music is too loud

A.� The perennial DJ nightmare. Be patient�- if the disco is too quiet, people will simply ignore it, and sit and chat all night. After�people have had a few drinks and are relaxed enough to have a dance, that's when the lights, and volume can go up, and you'll find less people are complaining. If you have older guests, try and arrange a separate room, or quiet area, where they can sit out the dancing without feeling excluded. If you think it's too loud, say so, and the DJ should�adjust the volume. Remember,�the DJ is behind the speakers, so gauging volume isn't easy for him or her. Be polite, you'll get the volume you want.

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Q. Any final tips

A. Do not, under any circumstances pay in advance. Any reliable DJ will turn up and play and ask for�the fee at the end of the night. A deposit is reasonable, however�- to ensure you don't cancel as well, . Make sure a time is agreed to set up equipment, preferably before your guests arrive, it saves time and tension when the party starts.�

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Q. Couldn't I just do it myself, with my own�CD player

A. Of course you could, if this is the last party you plan on having! Get a professional in. It's like cutting hair�- if it was that easy, we'd all do it ourselves. It isn't, that's why DJ's charge money to do a good job for you, so you can relax and enjoy yourself.

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