Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire a DJ instead of a band?
Bands play the standard wedding songs of their choice and regardless of how good a band is, they do not sound like the original artists. Wedding band members may vary in age from 20-50 and if you have a band with an older lead singer, they're probably way out of their element trying to sing (or even rap) Top 40 hits. A professional DJ carries thousands of songs of many different genres including brand new Top 40 hits. The advantage of having a DJ is you have more control over the playlist and bands will take two, 15-20 minute breaks for 4 hours of contracted service. A DJ plays non-stop from start to finish. As far as pricing goes, you can hire a professional wedding DJ for $2,000-$4,000 less than the price of a wedding band.
Is set-up time included in your price?
Yes. I typically arrive 45-60 minutes to set up the system prior to your scheduled start time.
Do you take breaks?
No. My services are non-stop from your contracted start time until the conclusion of your event.
Do you take requests?
Yes. I not only play them, I encourage them. I will play requests as long as they can be implemented into the proper flow of music and the request is appropriate for the event. If given a suitable request, I will make every effort to play it.
Can we choose the music to be played at our wedding or other Event?
Yes. I suggest you provide me with a request list of 10 "must play" songs. This will leave plenty of room for guest requests and DJ selections. I can read the crowd and I know what songs work and won't work by evaluating crowd response and the age demographic of your guests. It's not in your best interest to select every song. If you insist on programming the entire evening of music, I'm probably not the DJ for you.
Can we have a "Do Not Play" list?
Yes. I highly recommend you create a Do Not Play list. This list is as important as your request playlist. I understand you don't want to hear you and your ex's "song" or the many overplayed wedding songs. If you don't want to hear The Macarena or The Chicken Dance, you won't ! If a guest requests a song that is on your Do Not Play list, it will not be played.
What types of music do you have?
I carry thousands of songs of various genres such as Top 40, Oldies, Motown, Easy Listening, Disco, Country, Classic Rock, Modern Rock, Hip Hop, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, R & B, etc. My collection is updated regularly.
What if we want a song that you don't have?
While my music library covers many genres, you may have a few obscure requests that I do not carry. If given ample time, I will make every attempt to obtain your requested music. If it is unobtainable, I would be more than happy to play your CD.
What is the music video package you are offering?
When the Platinum Package is purchased, you get music videos at your event. The videos are played on a large monitor that is on a special stand and cranked up to a height of 6 to 10 feet. I use special Disc Jockey video mixing software that allows me to play,mix and add special effects as the videos are played. The videos are then played through the monitor and the audio is routed through the digitally enhanced sound system. I offer music videos from the 1950's to current in many different styles. This package is very unique and creates a custom event that you and your guests will love.
Do you have professional equipment?
Yes. My sound system is highly maintained, well-organized and consists of all top-of-the-line digital audio products from the most trusted names in DJ business. All audio components are rack-mounted and can accommodate any venue, small or large.
Do you have back-up equipment?
Yes. My sound system is tested often and highly maintained to insure optimum performance. I've never had to delay or cancel an event due to a system problem. I perform with the latest professional DJ products. I carry backup equipment if needed.
Do you have a wireless microphones for a speech or toast?
Yes. I carry one wireless and one wired. These microphones are for speeches and toasts only. Also, aside from the traditional best man or maid/matron of honor toast, I will not hand a microphone to a guest who suddenly decides to take it upon themselves to make an impromptu speech. All toasts and speeches must be approved by you prior to your event because overzealous, intoxicated guests will ramble, use profanity and make off-color remarks and it's embarrassing for everyone. My speech and toast policy will prevent this type of incident from occurring.
Do you offer a written contract?
Yes. My contract is straight-forward, written in plain English so you can understand the terms. Your signed contract and deposit officially reserves your date. A binding contract not only protects you, but it offers you peace of mind that you have hired a professional who will be in business when your wedding day arrives. I've booked a few last minute events whose DJ either disappeared off the face of the earth or booked another job. In every instance, they didn't have a written contract with their DJ. Do not hire any vendor who does not offer a written contract.
What is the deposit to reserve the date of my function and when is the final payment due?
I require a $100 retainer fee and signed contract returned within 15 days to reserve your requested date. The remaining balance is due on your events date before the start of your event. There is a $50 fee for checks returned for insufficient funds for any reason.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept checks (personal or certified), money orders, and major credit cards.
What is your cancellation policy?
1. Cancellation for any reason forfeits the retainer fee, no exceptions.
2. Cancellation within 90 days of date requires 50% of the balance.
3. Cancellation within 30 days of date requires full payment of the balance.
4. Cancellation due to inclement weather must be received no later than 12pm on your event date. Your deposit (non-transferable) may be applied to a future event booking within one year of your original contracted date.
Why should I hire a DJ through a small DJ company versus booking one through an entertainment agency?
When you book services with a small DJ company, you receive the personalized service every event needs. You will work with one person, me, from start to finish. You won't meet with a fast-talking, high-pressure booking agent for a consultation and never see them again. You meet with me. You won't plan your music and events with a wedding coordinator who won't be at your wedding. I will help you create your music playlists and customize your reception events and introductions. I enjoy working with people personally because the better I get to know you, the better understanding I have of what you want.
Can we see you perform at an upcoming wedding or private event?
Unfortunately, no. I do not invite prospective clients to weddings or private events I am performing at out of respect for all clients to keep their wedding or private event private as I am sure you would not want uninvited guests coming to your event. Its very unprofessional to conduct prospective business on someone else's watch. I do not conduct any prospective business aside from a simple business card, if a guest should ask for one.
Do you have references?
Yes. I have references available upon request.
Do you offer karaoke?
Yes. Karaoke is offered if requested and only with the Platinum package (see packages page). Advance notice is required due to the fact that not all customers want this services at there event but still enjoy the music video package.
Do you offer lighting and special effects?
Yes. I do offer lighting and special effect lighting. This is included with the premium and platinum packages.
Why should I hire you? What separates you from the rest?
My low-key professional approach, knowledge of old and new music and my ability to read the crowd. I also provide interactive entertainment to keep your guests entertained, dancing and having a great time. My new digitally enhanced entertainment system allows me to spend more time with you and your guests at your event allowing me to customize and create the perfect event for you.
I'm getting married at my wedding venue. Can you provide music for the ceremony?
My sound system is available for your ceremony for an additional fee of $150. After the ceremony has ended, I will break down and load into the function room and set up immediately.
How loud do you play the music?
During cocktail and dinner hours, music is set at a lower listening volume. When it's time to get your guests on the dance floor, the speakers will be angled towards the center of the dance floor and the volume is increased for optimum sound. This will minimize the volume throughout the rest of the function room. If the volume is ever deemed too loud, I will reduce the volume immediately.
*One additional issue with music volume : I highly recommend when you create your seating plan that you seat any elderly guests or hearing-impaired guests away from the immediate DJ area. If you seat a table of grandparents or older aunts and uncles directly in front of the DJ area, it will hinder my ability to play music to the entire room. Older guests are very sensitive to music volume and they will repeatedly ask me to reduce the volume. If I lower the music volume to a much lower level, the music may not be audible in all areas of your function room. To avoid this problem, consider seating younger guests or people who don't mind music a little louder than usual near the DJ area.
How early should I book your services?
You should be prepared to sign a contract as soon as you have booked your event location. Friday and Saturday availability during the summer and fall months often book one year in advance. However, if you are planning an event on short notice, it's still worth your while inquiring for availability.
Is overtime available?
After the contracted time has expired, overtime is available (with consent of reception venue). Your overtime rate is listed in the price clause of your contract. Overtime is available in 1/2 hour increments and must be requested one hour prior to the conclusion of your event.What are your rates?
It is very important that you place ability and professionalism over pricing. Hiring a DJ by price alone is the worst method of comparison. It’s too risky. I've heard the stories about budget DJs not showing up, showing up late, DJs who use poor quality/home stereo systems or DJs who simply botch weddings because of lack of experience and ability. Hire your DJ by style and ability first, then consider pricing. When all is said and done, no one remembers the dresses, flowers, appetizers or what kind of chicken they had for dinner, but everyone remembers a bad DJ. Aside from professionalism and ability, there are other factors to pricing. The most important is the day of the week. Friday and Saturday evenings during April-November are the most requested dates. Pricing is also determined by the number of hours of service and location. For a no-obligation price quote please email or call me.
Are there any other fees applicable to your services?
No. My services do not have hidden fees.
Are your rates negotiable? Will you match a price quote of a competitor?
No. My rates are non-negotiable. I do not match price quotes because most DJs cannot deliver the quality service I can. There's a misconception that a DJ shows up, plays 5 hours of music and goes home. I wish it were that easy, but it's much more work than it seems. I make phone calls and answer emails everyday. I work drafting contracts, placing calls to your wedding coordinator or reception manager, follow-up emails and phone calls regarding introductions and music, creating a timeline for your reception and searching for and purchasing your requested music. This work is all prior to your wedding or private event, prior to my actual performance. In addition to preparation and performance, there are many expenses that are not directly associated with your event that I need to account for. System maintenance and upgrades, insurance, gas, website domain and hosting fees, cellular and business phone bills, Internet broadband service, office supplies, postage, advertising, monthly CD subscriptions, etc. The cost of doing business as a reputable DJ company is always overlooked when people are price shopping.
I'm confident you will find my prices are exceptionally competitive. I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the lowest priced DJ around, but I'm not the most expensive either. Too often, people forget, you get what you pay for. The truth of the matter is no experienced DJ with a professional grade system, and professional ability will perform your event for below market rate. Budget DJs who rely on low prices to attract clients offer very little in return. They use cheap equipment, carry a meager, music library, and leave much to be desired as far as their DJ skills or the type of impression they make. It's worth spending more for an experienced, professional DJ. I am well worth your investment.