Do you provide a written contract and How much of a deposit do you require to reserve a date?
It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. The standard initial retainer for entertainment services is 50%. We provide a written contract and require 25% of the booking fee, which is an average of $250 retainer for our wedding packages.
When do you arrive to set up for the event?
Punctuality is a necessity. I usually arrive at least 2 hours before I start unless otherwise instructed. I like to be punctual and prepared. I will be set up well before your guests arrive.
How involved can I be in selecting music for my event?
You can select as much music as you would like. Most of my clients want me to select the majority of the music based on how the crowd responds. However, I’m here to work for you and will play exactly what you want.
A versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication.
What do you wear when your Djing?
Please specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a “themed” event, make sure your entertainer is informed.
Do you take request from guest?
Absolutely, but this is up to you. If you want me to take guest requests, that’s great. If you only want me choosing the music I think your guests will enjoy, that’s great too.
Are you insured?
Yes. We are insured by Geico. Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability. Disc Jockey’s receive a Certificate of Liability which can be used as proof. We are insured by Geico. Our liability policy covers up to $1,000,000 per incident and $2,000,000 per year. We’ve never made a claim.
What do you do to get the dance floor going?
This can’t be answered quickly, but I’m asked this a lot. First, I work on creating a good dance floor atmosphere before the wedding even begins. I discuss with my clients what music their guests will like. I also set up dance floor lighting, which sets a great atmosphere for dancing.
When dance time starts, I read the dance floor and play songs based on this.
When the dance floor needs more people, I often announce I take song requests … as long as the person will dance to it!
If a dance floor really needs a jump start, I grab a microphone, head to the dance floor, and teach everyone a dance like the Cupid Shuffle.
I’ll even pull older or younger folks onto the floor to dance with me (provided the bride/groom have okayed that in advance).
Will you work overtime at my event?
I can do this most of the time. Additional time available at $150 per hour. Please let me know if you are considering this so we can plan accordingly.
What is your equipment malfunction backup plan?
I have backup equipment for everything. Backup solutions are wired in so they can be implemented seamlessly. I don’t take chances with the most important day of your life.
Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. Members of the A.D.J.A. have many resources available to them in case of an emergency. You may also reach our Hotline number to get a Disc Jockey when you have an emergency. The toll-free number is 888-723-5776.
Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party. Selecting a Disc Jockey who is an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association will provide you with the confidence that you have selected a trained professional. A.D.J.A. members are more likely to be involved with other Disc Jockey’s who can help them out with an unexpected situation.
Why did you become a DJ?
A lot of people become DJ's for different reasons, whether it's because it runs in your family, you have a passion for music, and some do it just to make some money. I decided to become a DJ because I LOVE music, and all types of music.
I enjoy being a DJ for a number of reasons. I started DJing when I was just a kid around 15 years old simply because I loved music and entertaining others. Those passions have remained with me for most of my life.
I've always had an ear for music. I'm a pretty humble person with many things, but one of the things I pride myself with aside from my knowledge and commitment to great sound, is my ability to listen to a track that nobody has heard before, and be able to tell if it will be a hit or not. Different songs give me different feelings and it's almost as if I can feel there energy/potential to get people on the dance floor, as well as visualize how people will move to the music. Not to sound corny, but a lot of music moves me emotionally, whether it makes me sad, happy, hyper/energetic or relaxed. I find music to be extremely powerful.
As a DJ, you are largely responsible for keeping the crowd happy and content throughout the specific event. This requires a lot of attention to detail, communication skills, and people skills. I have always enjoyed reading people and helping people feel positive and full of energy. As a DJ I get to do just that.
For every gig I got, or will get in the future, you can bet your bottom dollar that prior to the gig, I will prepare as much as possible to make sure the gig goes exactly how I want it, and that I will give it my absolute all though out the entire duration of the gig. I'm always willing to learn new things, and always want to find out ways I can improve my performance, and my rig for my audiences maximum enjoyment.
Other Tips to Note:
Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.
Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.
A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for “4 hours”. Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.
Contact us today via email or phone (916) 238-8530 to discuss your Wedding/Event specifics.
What is included in the cost of my event?
Dj / Emcee, Professional Sound Equipment, Basic Lighting, Event Planning Tools and Wireless Mics. You can have Wireless Uplighting and Add-Ons for an additional cost.
