Pump Up The Volume

There are a few different routes you could take for playing music at your wedding. First, you could play music yourself, either from a cd or a computer, but this requires that you own some necessary equipment, like speakers, amp, wires, etc. You could hire a live band to play, but they have to be able to play what kind of music you want to hear, and the live band can get rather expensive. So what to do? Hire a professional Wedding DJ! These are true professionals who will keep your party going for hours.

What should you consider when looking for a dj? Well, they should be professional. They should have a good collection of music, either as actual albums or on a computer. A diverse range of music is necessary to play all types of events. The Wedding DJ should be able to plan the event, know what he wants to play and when, and be able to cue the tracks up at will. He should be able to work his own equipment in the case of a malfunction, and his equipment should be top notch and in good working shape.

Ask to meet with the Wedding DJ before hand. Find out about where you can see the DJ perform, or how to get a better idea of the show they put on. Try to see them before you book them so you know they are what you are looking for. If you meet the DJ, find out if that is the DJ that will play your event, or if another DJ will play it. Also, always meet the DJ before signing any contracts.

Depending on the length of time you book the Wedding DJ, or what type of services they provide, such as lighting or karaoke, the DJ could cost more or less. The average price per hour is around 50 dollars per hour, and most don’t charge much more if they are. Be mindful of the fact that, a DJ who charges a lot less might not be the greatest DJ, and good entertainment is expensive and hard to come by. Factor these things in when you meet your Wedding DJ. After that, simple sit back and have some fun!

By: John F Black

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When you are planning a gathering of any sort, the first thing that comes to mind is guest entertainment. A live band is nice if you can find a band that can play a diverse range of musical styles, depending on your tastes. If not then your best bet is a DJ, or disc jockey. If the DJ is for your wedding, no doubt it is the most important decision you could make up until that point. The quality of the DJ can make or break your wedding, so it is important to know what to look for in a quality Wedding DJ.

The first thing I look for in a quality Wedding DJ is where they get their music. These days there are a lot of copyright infringement laws, and DJ’s must purchase the rights to play some songs. Some might get them from a downloadable source like ITunes, others might play actual CD’s. If you’re a little more into the dance aspect and want a true memorable experience, look into a true vinyl DJ. These DJ’s play mostly breakbeats on records at a higher tempo which means dancing all night long! These are true artists and true DJ’s.

You’ll want to make sure the Wedding DJ can play your event successfully. I have known DJ’s who use extremely weak and cheap equipment and expect to be able to play larger venues, which is not possible. It is important that their speakers and amp can project the sounds the distance they need to go to be heard and not blow out in the process. Make sure it is the actually owner of the company or somebody who has played a few larger events before booking the DJ. Last but not least, don’t spend too much: any DJ charging over 50$ an hour should be a real, true professional beat matching DJ and not just somebody who plays music off their laptop. Because truthfully, anybody can do that right?

If you are planning a wedding and are looking for a Wedding DJ you should check your local listings in the yellow pages for local DJ’s. Also the internet is a useful tool for checking local listings or the yellow pages online. Just be mindful of what you want out of your DJ and you certainly can’t go wrong.

By: John F Black

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The cheesy wedding Disc Jockey.

I’ve heard the stories from wedding vendors and I have spoken to hundreds of people who have attended weddings as a guest, but until the YouTube sensation I did not fully realize how many cheesy wedding Disc jockey’s there really are out there. I don’t ever get a chance to be a guest at a wedding myself simply because I’m always working them, but today because of YouTube and other on-line resources you can find an endless amount of what used to be private wedding receptions videos. I constantly study the wedding industry, and keep up with the latest trends. One trend I have noticed in the past year is that more & more brides are choosing a band over a DJ for their wedding. If a band is out of the budget, brides & grooms will provide their own music using an I pod or computer. When I ask why? The number one answer is… “I don’t want some cheesy DJ at my wedding.” For the most part I don’t blame them. I would rather have a band or use an I pod at my own reception than have some cheesy DJ embarrassing me on my wedding day. What do you mean by cheesy?

When I talk about a cheesy DJ, it’s just that, the DJ himself, not so much the music the DJ plays. Sure there are numerous songs you may consider cheesy. YMCA, Chicken Dance etc.. Keep in mind there are also Brides & Grooms that like cheesy music. After all it is their wedding and I don’t think you would want to deny them of the music they want for their reception. I will play whatever type of music the Bride & Groom wants, and if it’s cheesy music so be it. But does that make me a cheesy DJ? If a DJ plays the same common cheesy reception songs for every wedding, you could label that DJ “cheesy”, but in all reality, that is someone who really isn’t professional and someone who does not know music, know how to read a crowd, and had never learned music programming & formatting. When I speak of a cheesy DJ I mean the DJ’s mannerisms, personality, and the way they present themselves on the microphone in front of guests.

The Cheese Factor Why are so many cheesy wedding DJ’s?

There are a few factors why wedding DJ’s are cheesy. Going by what I have seen in over 20 years in the business, DJ’s would rather spend money on new gear and lighting than on education and training. Most DJ’s do not have the time or take the time to get proper training & education they need. (I’m talking real education & training, you know the kind you have to pay for and not just copying what other DJ’s do). The biggest problem is DJ’s do not take the time necessary to get to know the couple that they are representing on their wedding day. A DJ should know much more than the couples name, favorite songs and the date of the wedding. How can a DJ represent a Bride & Groom on the mic without getting to really know them first? i.e. their style, hobbies, interests, how they met, etc.. Nearly 80% of all mobile DJ’s have full-time day jobs. They don’t have the time to get proper education, properly plan, and prepare for the weddings they perform at on the weekends. Therefore the average wedding DJ will perform the same cheesy schtik and play the same cheesy music for every wedding. These DJ’s may seem to appear very normal in meetings. But when they pull that microphone up to their face at a reception in front of a hundred plus guests (strangers) for the first time, the DJ turns into DJ Super Cheese with the Weekly Top 40 Countdown radio voice. Even worse, possibly wearing some silly costume. In some scenarios the Best Man would make a better MC than the DJ simply because the Best Man knows the couple well. Most importantly people tend to forget that DJ/MC entertainment is a talent based business, where most should just stick to what they know best and not attempt to be the weekend wedding warrior.

How do you find a DJ won’t bring the cheese factor to your wedding?

You need to find a real professional Disc Jockey / Master of Ceremonies. This can be somewhat difficult but they are out there.

1. Ask for referrals from other experienced knowledgeable wedding professionals, coordinators, photographers, videographers, the vendors who work directly with DJ’s.

2. Ask for proof from a potential DJ. Video of a wedding performance, mainly MC performance of the introductions, toast, 1st dance, cake cut. Be aware of repetitive phrases like “At this time” or screaming on the mic. Look for appearance how their dressed and how their sound system looks. Ask for credentials of paid education & training as a Master of Ceremonies and other DJ education.

3. Ask a DJ if this is their full-time career or just a weekend hobby.

4. Ask for the names, dates, locations, and emails of the last 10 weddings they performed for, not just a select few from a potential DJ. Bands can play live music well and bring a lot of energy, but a fantastic professional DJ / MC can add personalization, direction, custom craft your wedding to your style and add so much more to a reception than just music.

By all means, leave the cheese for the crackers.

By: Mark B Sanchez

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Okay, let’s start hunting for a band or disc jockey to provide the music at your reception! Which one do you want?

A disc jockey will save you some money, play a variety of music, original songs played as guests remember them, require a minimal space for their equipment, continuous music, and a skilled announcer.

If you choose to hire a band ask your friends or relatives which ones they liked and enjoyed. If it sounds good to you, try to see a live performance ~ see how loud the music was, how the announcer did when introducing songs or other details. the clothes the members of the band were wearing (If you’re having a formal wedding you wouldn’t want the band showing up in jeans) and how the bandleader was in introducing songs and other details.

Make an appointment to meet with the band leader. Tell him the type of music you want played ~ pop, jazz, motown, reggae, Polish polkas, songs of the ’50s or 60′s, Irish ballads ~ just to name a few.

Before booking the band find out if your wedding location has any restrictions.. Some places have laws that music can’t be played above certain decibels.

Ask the musicians if they bring their own sound system. If so, be sure to check with the reception site to make sure that the electrical system is compatible with the sound system. If not what has to be done and the cost of providing it. Extra generator available? Price if necessary to use it. Location of electrical outlets.

How long does he play? How many breaks? How many in the band? What is the arrival time and when is the departure?

Is the band available on your wedding date and time?

Also give him a list of any special songs you’d like played. Also any songs you don’t want played. Inform the band leader of any special introductions you’d like him to make.

Let the musician know, how and when the wedding party will be announced, when you want the first dance of the bride and groom announced, the dance between father and daughter and dance between mother and son, and when the best man will offer a toast.

Ask the total price and how much is required to book them? Generally a 50% or higher deposit is required at the time of the contract.

Before signing the contract make sure all the details which were discussed are included in the written contract.

By: Ashlee Williams

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For some events, paying a DJ can be a complicated process. Some DJs prefer cash; others are okay with personal checks. In certain cases, a DJ may be able to accept credit or debit cards. Sometimes terms of payment can be unclear. It’s very important that you understand the terms of payment and the potential risks involved with each form of payment. Fraud does exist in the DJ industry like in all other sectors, so being alert and aware of your money at all times is crucial.

First and foremost, make sure you receive a receipt for any and all payments you make to the disc jockey. Payments made by personal check or credit/debit cards can be traced, but cash and money order payments are nearly impossible to trace. Obtaining a certified receipt from your disc jockey ensures that you won’t be double-billed and that he has been paid for the services you are expecting.

Some DJs may demand cash upfront. Many do this to avoid paying fees to the IRS. This under the table payment system may seem okay and reasonable, but it is against the law for any individual to collect income without claiming it. By paying in cash upfront, you’re doing an injustice to our taxing system. In addition, you’re putting yourself at risk by giving payment that cannot be reversed in the event that the disc jockey is a fraud. Paying the disc jockey a deposit, not the full amount, upfront after signing the contract is okay, but be sure to check the legitimacy of his business. It is never okay for a DJ to demand payment in full upfront. If you choose to pay the disc jockey the full amount upfront, that is your decisions, but it is quite sketchy for the DJ to be asking for payment without having provided services yet.

Be sure that the payment information is outlined in your contract. If you sign a contract, you should be aware of what you’re agreeing to. Some DJs can be sneaky and include hidden fees that you were not aware of and expect payment at the time of the event. Understanding the payment terms before signing the contract allows you to address any concerns and back out of the agreement before it’s too late. You don’t want to have to worry about unreasonable terms during your wedding. You should be able to enjoy your wedding without any of these concerns.

Ultimately, choosing a DJ that supports the payment method your most comfortable with is extremely importable. A cash deposit is usually reasonable as it prevents the DJ from being liable for a bounced check and it ensures the DJ that you’ll hold up your end of the bargain; however, final payment does not need to be in cash, and it is usually safer to avoid cash payments as much as possible. If and when cash payments are made, along with any other form of payment, be sure to request and collect a receipt from the DJ. Keep track of your payments and stick with the payment terms agreed upon at the contract signing. Most DJs are safe and reliable, and usually make the payment process painless, but remain vigilant and be sure that you’re working with a reliable and responsible disc jockey.

By: Craig Fowler

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If you plan to secure your wedding entertainment any time soon, finding out that they are covered by your wedding insurance policy is vital. One of the most important vendors for your wedding day is your wedding band, disc jockey, or music providers. Of all of the different parts of your one and only wedding day, it is your MC, DJ, band, etc. that will either make or break the overall success of your reception. Take a minute to contemplate the following: Will your relatives & guests bail out early because the flowers don’t go with the rest of the décor? Will your guests get bored because they dislike how your wedding dress fits you? Will your guests start looking at their watches to see if it’s too early to leave because of the room’s illumination, the cake, the hors d’oeuvres, the linens, the style of bridesmaid dresses, or even the photographer? Of course not! But if the disc jockey is really, really bad or the band is not entertaining, you can bet people will be stepping on it to tell you congrats so they can quit being bored and go.

Having wedding insurance probably won’t cover you if your DJ is horrendous, so that is why it’s important to book a true professional right up front. What else is very critical is that your wedding DJ or band has wedding liability insurance. This will protect you in case one of their speakers smashes up the place or if the music is so terrible it disintegrates someone’s eardrum and they need eardrum surgery. I’m joking here, but it would be a tragedy if someone got hurt due to the entertainment and you got a case brought against you.

One thing you can make sure of is that your wedding insurance policy will cover you if your band or DJ/MC pulls a no-show, wreck their car on the way to the reception, or if an important member flakes. Without your disc jockey, you might be able to use the speakers at the hall to play some nice and quiet background music during dinner. After everyone eats, though, there wouldn’t be any dancing or fun so your wedding celebration would simply become a wedding dinner. Everyone would make for the door as soon as the cake was served. Having wedding insurance coverage should allow you to recover not only the money for the disc jockey and/or band, but even more for your guests leaving extremely early!

Another consideration is to have a back up plan for your band or disc jockey. You probably can’t afford to have two separate DJ companies on hold for your special day, but knowing where to look in case of an emergency is a good idea. While searching for your entertainment, keep the contact information for all of the companies you contact. If it turns out your number one choice isn’t going to work out, you can call your other leads to see if they still have your wedding date uncommitted. You can also check out your local associations, like the ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association) and keep their website within reach. Some carry an emergency phone number just in case a band member runs into issues and can’t make it to your reception. No matter what, your wedding insurance should kick in to cover your losses if you have issues with your entertainment.

Again, your entertainment is the only part of your wedding day that will either make your reception incredible or ruin it by being dreadful or even nonexistent. Put the best in place. Obviously, this is the area you DON’T WANT TO skimp on! You can spend $75,000 on all the other aspects of your wedding, but if your DJ or band is less than professional (or just plain bad, for that matter), your people will leave early and all that time and investment will be squandered. You can always be a penny-pincher with your entertainment if you have wedding insurance since you’ll be covered anyway, but why put it all on the line?

By: James Loram

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The choice of a wedding DJ is important in a number of ways since the Deejay will play a pivotal role in the success of the wedding day. Thus, it is important to carefully select a Disc jockey that is going to accentuate the overall mood of the event and act to satisfy the entertainment needs of the invited guests. Perhaps the presence of such a high number of nuptial disc jockeys is a pointer that one has a difficult task. However, by following a few tips one should be able to get this decision right.

Firstly, it is important to consider one’s financial capabilities to ascertain one’s starting point. If one is looking to hire an exceptional Disc jockey, they must also be ready to spend a good sum of money when hiring such a Deejay. The highly professional DJ with lots of experience in the field will cost a lot more than a novice. Furthermore, a DJ who will come with their own equipment may also charge a slightly higher rate than one who will use provided equipment at the event. In the same light, the period, which the DJ is hired for, is also a determinant factor in the overall costs of the entire event. Hiring an experienced Disc jockey and one who has performed at past functions will greatly boost one’s chances of having a flawless event, as the likelihood of hiccups will be greatly reduced.

When one is planning for their wedding party, the issue of whether to hire nuptial or a wedding DJ is likely to come up. This decision will be heavily influenced by experiences at nuptials especially if one thought highly of the band or Deejay that was performing at a past wedding. Wedding bands have several advantages but one should consider the several pitfalls that they may present to their nuptials. For one the bands will cost more than a Deejay. In addition, the Disc jockey will provide continuous entertainment while the band may want to take some time off to relax thus leaving gaps that one will find somewhat difficult to fill.

One must watch out against making the bad choice for wedding disc jockey. Such an individual may ruin what would otherwise have been a wonderful nuptial party. If a DJ fails to come along with the required equipment one having ordered for them then one may fall into a really a serious problem of making last minute arrangements. Thus, it is highly important to have a contract agreement with the Disc jockey prior to hiring them to avert any inconveniences. This in essence provides one with some legal reprieve in case the Deejay does not live up to their end of the bargain. Finally, it is important to hire a confident wedding DJ; this thus makes certain that one has a flawless, memorable and an outstanding ceremony and preceding event. It is for this reason that one should exercise caution when hiring a DJ for one’s nuptial to ensure that the event remains an exceptional reference point for one’s married life.

By: Rafi Michael

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Tipping has become a common occurrence in the disc jockey industry in many regions. Although tipping is always optional, many brides and grooms question whether it is the right thing to tip their DJ after an exceptional night. This article is meant to guide these brides and grooms to help reach a final decision about tipping.

First and foremost, tipping should be something you do if you feel your disc jockey went above and beyond the call of duty and provided you with an exceptional evening. If you do not feel that the DJ went out of his way to assist you, then it is certainly not necessary to even consider tipping him. If the DJ did provide exceptional service, then throwing him a few bucks may be a nice thing to do.

If the DJ works for a larger company, then providing a tip may actually provide him with the salary he truly deserves. Oftentimes, DJs in more urban areas work for a “mega DJ company” that hires loads of inexperienced DJs and allows them the opportunity to work events without having to invest in their own equipment. This means that they don’t have to make investments out of pocket, but it also means that they get paid significantly less than private DJ company owners. In most cases, they receive no more than 10-20% of the entire DJ fee. If you feel that one of these DJs provided exceptional service that deserves being recognized, providing him or her with a tip will help them invest in their own equipment and earn the paycheck that they truly deserve.

Most DJs do not expect to be tipped. In some regions, such as New York City, it has become very common for guests to tip their DJs just as they tip their waiters and waitresses. Although the origin of this tipping is not known, there is a strong inclination for guests to even open their wallets and thrown down a few bucks on the DJ’s table. If your region does not fall under any sort of tipping guideline, you don’t need to worry about getting dirty looks from the DJ or your guests at the end of the event. DJs are paid very well for their services and unlike waitresses, none of their salary is based off of tips. If it comes down to peer pressure whether you’re going to tip your DJ or not, then do what you feel is right in the situation.

In the end, it is your decision whether to tip the DJ or not. It isn’t required that you tip your DJ and in many cases it is unnecessary. DJs include a decent markup fee in their costs that allow them to make a significant profit. Although DJs who use their business as they’re sole source of income don’t usually live a life of luxury, you must keep in prospective the amount of work they do in the time they work. They are paid well enough in most cases. Even though they put a great deal of work in before and after the event, the overall event fee, if divided into the hours worked in total, still amounts to a reasonable hourly salary for any employee. The tip you provide is simply a gesture of extra appreciate for the DJs service, but unlike other occupations within the service industry, not leaving a tip doesn’t mean that you don’t appreciate the disc jockey. A heartfelt thank you is usually enough for the DJ to feel truly appreciated.

By: Craig Fowler

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Finding a mobile wedding DJ in your area can be as easy as opening the yellow pages or asking a friend for a recommendation, but in the twenty first century, it’s much easier to find a quality wedding disc jockey to service to your needs using Internet resources.

Google is the first site that comes to mind when one thinks of searching, well, anything. However, Google can be used more than just a website search engine. Google Maps has been enhanced to cater to those looking for specific locations, prices, and reviews from customers. By searching what you want, in this case a wedding DJ, followed by the town you are hosting your event, the first link that will appear will bring you to Google maps. Little red dots indicate where mobile DJs are located and as you zoom across the map, new mobile DJs in different areas will begin to appear on the map with their details and website link information listed on the left. This is a great way to begin searching around for DJs and their websites because it literally sifts through the “garbage” that is usually splurged out of Google and organizes in a manner that can be quite useful.

Although it usually isn’t the best idea to simply go with the DJ nearest to your catering center, disc jockey travel costs are always something to consider when hiring a DJ. By starting with DJs who are located near your reception center, you’ll be able to determine whether or not you can avoid those hefty travel costs that sometimes accompany a DJ who must travel an hour or two to reach your reception hall. Starting with DJs who are closest to the hall is a very smart way to begin your search for a disc jockey.

As you are searching through Google Maps, begin to look at the information displayed on the left of the page. You’ll see address information, a phone number, a link to their website, and a link to view reviews. Sometimes, if the company has been rated, you’ll see stars. By clicking on the companies name, more information will appear on the map. Be sure to begin visiting the DJs’ websites to get more information on the companies and begin selecting prospective DJs for the interview process.

In addition to Google Maps, a plethora of resources can be found on other websites such as WeDJ.com, Eventective.com, and DJapprove.com. Most DJs list themselves on at least one of these websites. Some of these websites offer honest testimonials from previous customers and event guests who have worked with the DJ in the past. By giving yourself a full view of the disc jockey, you’ll be much more prepared for the interview and one step closer to choosing the right disc jockey for your event.

Using the yellow pages, contacting a friend, and attending wedding shows are all still very good ways to look for mobile wedding DJs, but in the twenty first century, don’t hold yourself back from using the resources on the Internet to help you find a disc jockey. Not only will these resources save you time, but they’ll provide you with valuable feedback and other information that is not available anywhere else.

By: Craig Fowler

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Do you want to add some spice and fun to your or your friends’ or dear one’s wedding? Then perhaps the best option would be to take advantage of the services of a professional wedding disk jockey, otherwise known as a DJ. Nowadays, wedding receptions are incomplete without fun and entertainment, and DJ’s can help to make a wedding function really lively as well as memorable. In other words, an expert wedding DJ takes all steps to make your wedding reception entertaining through live shows as well as playing your favorite songs.

However, the role of a wedding disc jockey is not just limited to playing your favorite songs or conducting shows. A DJ also undertakes the role of Master of spokesperson in order to make announcements as well as to guide and entertain the guests. There are a host of companies in the scenario that make available the services of wedding DJ’s. Some of them even render services in the form of packages.

But it is important to consider certain factors prior to choosing a wedding disc jockey. Since music is an integral part of wedding functions, the DJ you have chosen must have ability to play right songs to suit the situation as well as ambience. Another important thing that must be considered for the right selection of wedding DJ’s is appropriateness, ie whether they are adept enough to handle your unique needs.

Personality is also an inevitable factor that should be considered for selecting a wedding DJ. A wedding is an event attended by different types of guests. Hence, the DJ you have chosen must be able to entertain all levels of people. Further, a wedding DJ must have adequate knowledge in several music genres and subgenres as well as the usage of right back up equipments. Above all, a professional DJ must also be able to undertake the role of an event organizer, a light and sound technician, an emcee or a karaoke in order to make your wedding reception unforgettable.

By: Suganya Shekar

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