Basic Questions To Ask A Dj

Below are some of the basic questions you should ask any disc jockey company before hiring their services.

Who will be entertaining at my event?
Hiring an entertainer is a very personal choice, so make sure that it is a person you choose, not just a company name. Be sure that you meet the disc jockey prior to signing a contract. You should also be guaranteed in writing that the person promised will be the same person who will entertain at your event.
Will you play the music I want at my event?
Any reputable disc jockey company will not only let you make a list of music that you wish to have played, but you should also be allowed to make a list of songs that you do not want to be played. In many cases, people know what they do not like more than what they do. You should also be able to provide any specialty music that you wish played that the company does not own and cannot locate; this is particularly important when dealing with ethnic music.
How much experience does my entertainer have?
Experience can be measured in years or by number of events. Keep in mind that you should be hiring a specific entertainer, and that the person’s experience is what counts, not the years of experience that the company has.
Do you use commercial grade equipment, and do you carry back-up equipment?
Most reputable disc jockey companies use equipment that was designed to handle the everyday wear that mobile disc jockey equipment is subjected to. Although a consumer grade compact disc player can deliver just as clear of a sound as a commercial grade player, most consumer equipment was not designed to be transported once put in service. Back-up equipment is a must; any disc jockey who does not carry back-up equipment is putting your event at risk.
Can you provide me with references?
There are two kinds of references that you should look for: the first kind is references from recent satisfied customers; the second source is from industry professionals; photographers, videographers, and venue personnel are all very good sources for references as well as referrals.
Do you carry liability insurance?
This sounds like a strange question, but not only is liability insurance good business practice, it is good common sense. Ask yourself the following two questions: If a speaker fell and injured one of my guests, who would be responsible; If the disc jockey causes any damage to the venue while working for me, who is responsible. You might think, things like these never happen. Both incidents happened to disc jockey companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, and luckily, both companies had liability insurance to cover the damages.

Dj or a Band ?

So you’re getting married! Congratulations!! But before that can happen you have to survive planning a wedding and one of the decisions you will have to make is what to do about the music. Should you hire a wedding DJ or hire a live band? Fortunately you came to Wedding DJ for some help.
Here are four reasons why hiring a wedding DJ is better than hiring a band:
§ Music Quality - “I love how a live band sounds” is one thing I hear when people are looking into who to hire. You know what? I love how a live band sounds too. But they have to be a great band that really knows their material. And the hall has to sound good housing a band. But you know what I hate? Hearing a mediocre band or listening to a band that has terrible sound quality. Or watching a band that doesn’t look interested. Or hearing mistakes from the band. Or watching them try to perform songs they have no business playing! Your solution? Hire a wedding DJ! With a DJ you make sure you are getting the original song as it was intended to be heard. A good DJ will also have a sound system that will better distribute the music across the hall than a band will. With a DJ you don’t have to worry about one band member having a bad day and making mistakes all over the place.
§ How much actual music time are you getting? - With a band you have to remember that they will need to take breaks. Quite possibly they may need breaks every 30 minutes. So what happens during a band break? Silence? Will they play anything during the meal? How about while the guests enter the reception area? Will the band play the actual wedding? Will they play the cocktail reception? If they are they’ll have to setup and break down their instruments a number of times (and it will cost a lot more). A wedding DJ has the ability to cover your ceremony, cocktail, and reception relatively easily. And during times when you don’t want active dance music a wedding DJ can play some nice ambiance music such as during dinner or as the guests enter the reception area. When a DJ needs a break he can set it up so music will be playing while he’s gone.
§ Music Selection - How many genres of music can a band cover well? Many bands have one particular specialty. But can they really play whatever is required of them? Will they play jazz as well as rock as well as disco as well as pop? A wedding DJ can!
§ Cost - Here’s the biggie…a wedding band will easily cost much more than a wedding DJ will! Remember you’re paying for the services of a group a people. Playing the gig will have to be worthwhile to the entire band which means a lot of money! You can save hundreds if not thousands by hiring a wedding DJ over a wedding band. “But my cousin’s friend’s brother’s band will do it for free” you say. Are they professionals? Or will you find them partaking in the open bar a little too much? Will they excel in the three reasons above? Free is great but you get what you pay for too.
So there you go. Four compelling reasons why you should hire a wedding DJ over a wedding band. Now I don’t want you to think I dislike a live band. I don’t. I just think a wedding DJ is a better all-around option as your source of music for a wedding.

Wedding Time Line

This is only sugestion

9 To 12 Months Before

Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
Select a wedding date and time.
Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
Determine how many guests may attend.
Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme).
Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses.
Establish a preliminary budget.
Select and secure a photographer.
Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception.
Select and secure your reception location.
Select and secure your ceremony location.
Select and secure your DJ / MC.
Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, and florist. Sign necessary contracts.
Pick out engagement ring with fiancé.

6 To 9 Months Before

Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
Select the attendants for your wedding party.
Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.
Start planning for honeymoon.
Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store.

4 To 6 Months Before

Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
Shop for wedding rings.
Select and order the invitations and stationery.
Decide where to live after the wedding.
Complete the guest lists.
Begin shopping for trousseau.
Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
Inform mothers to select their dresses.
Select and order the men's attire.
Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

2 To 4 Months Before

Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
Select your wedding rings.
Buy a wedding guest book.
Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal.
Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties.
Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, DJ/MC, etc.
Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

6 To 8 Weeks Before

Mail invitations and announcements.
Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.
Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
Select gifts for all your attendants.
Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.
Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

4 To 6 Weeks Before

Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests.
Buy a gift for the groom.
Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait.
Purchase a going away outfit.
Pick up your wedding rings.
Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
Confirm florist details and delivery times.
Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception. Start writing placement cards.
Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted.
Buy a gift for the bride.

2 Weeks Before

Set up final consultation with your DJ/MC.
Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.
Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
Reconfirm your guests' accommodations.
Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed.
The Week Before
Review any seating details with the ushers.
Make sure all wedding attire fits.
Finalize the seating arrangements.
Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets.
Start packing for your honeymoon.
Call any guests who have not responded yet.
Finish all the place cards for the reception.
Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
Give a final head count to the caterer.
Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.

The Day Before
Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
Stay with your family the night before and go to sleep early.
Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.

The Big Day
Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!!!
Be sure to eat properly.
Rest and relax with a good bath.
Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.

How much is a Billion?

This is too true to be funny.
The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it's releases.
A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago was the hight of the roman empire alive.
A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
A billion days ago no one walked on the earth on two feet.
A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.
While this thought is still fresh in our brain... let's take a look at New Orleans...
It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division. Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu is presently asking Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans. Interesting number...what does it mean?Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans(every man, woman, and child) you each get $516,528. Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home gets $1,329,787. Or... if you are a family of four... your family gets $2,066,012.
Washington, D. C <> Are all your calculators broken??
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal UnemploymentTax
(FUTA) Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
Sales Taxes Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges
Tax Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago... and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt...
We had the largest middle class in the world... and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. What happened?
Can you spell 'politicians!' And I still have to press '1' for English.I hope this goes around the USA at least 100 times

What to do

Looking for the professional DJ

An article from NAME the Nat'l Assn for Mobile Entertainers.

FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM
Your big day is in the planning stages and now you must provide for the musical entertainment of your guests. How do you go about finding what it is that you have in mind for the perfect reception? If you want a full evening of entertainment, no breaks, and quality emceeing, then your choice is simple - hire a professional mobile entertainer!
Yes, everybody knows someone who claims to be a "disc jockey", for the neighborhood kid, to the guy at your local pub. But this is a very special occasion and you just might want to seek out a true professional. Someone who has the experience and can guide you and your guests through a memorable evening. Keep in mind that those guests will not likely remember what they had to eat, but they will remember the great time they had when entertained by a professional.
Where do brides and grooms start to shop for their professional disc jockey? There are a variety of suggestions on that topic. Many can be found right here online, some even attached to this site. Bridal Shows or Expos can offer you the opportunity to compare many on the same day. The phone book is another good source and of course, there is always the recommendation of a friend or relative. There are also associations for professional disc jockeys who will refer professionals in your area.
Now that you have the source narrowed down to a few, the next step is selecting that company or individual that best suits your needs. Once you and your prospective spouse have agreed on the type of music you would like played, you can shop from those professionals in your area. Please keep in mind that the lowest price does not guarantee you the best choice, in fact when you hire only on price, you may find yourself losing in the long run. Most professionals will arrange to meet with you and your spouse, even your parents and future in-laws, and that first meeting will give you an idea of what you can expect.
Some brides and grooms request that they have the opportunity to see their disc jockey in action prior to signing a contract. The industry takes a dim view of this event, since he or she is contracted to entertain and at the same time he or she must take his attention away from their duties to speak with you at someone else's function. Ask yourself if you would want this to be taking place at your reception? Some disc jockeys will provide you with videotapes, but then again these tapes may be staged events to make the entertainer look good.
You should be able to make a rational decision when you meet with your prospective disc jockey simply by following these few suggestions:
Does he or she - - Present a professional business manner? - Readily accept your requests or makes suggestions to help with special circumstances? - Provide you with current references? - Carry insurance to cover not only his or her equipment, but also liability insurance to cover any unfortunate occurrences? - Provide backup equipment in case of a failure? - Provide a professional contract? - Have any ties to professional organizations?
There is no harm in interviewing several different companies or individuals until you are comfortable with your selection. Here are a few ideas that your should also keep in mind prior to signing that contract. Make sure that the contract specifically states that the disc jockey your hire is the one who will show up at your reception. (Unless there is an unforeseen accident, the disc jockey you've requested should be the one you get, not a substitution because the company overbooked). Make sure the time, date and location is stated so that there will be no mix-ups, (a true professional will be set up and ready to go before your guests arrive) and the balance due is clearly stated, with any overtime charges also spelled out. Also, there should be contact with your entertainer prior to the date of the reception to make sure that you have no last minute requests or changes.
This may seem to be a lot to remember, but keep in mind, once you hire a true professional; you may sit back and enjoy your special day with few if any worries that your guests will also be enjoying the day.