What services should your Disc Jockey/Master of Ceremonies be able to provide in the new millennium?

• Reception Planning
• Reception Coordination
• Master Of Ceremonies
• Disc Jockey & Professional Music Programming
• Referral to other Professional Vendors

Most people know that your DJ brings the sound system, microphone and music library to your reception site. However, this is just the beginning, and truly only plays a small part in the overall success of any event. Dj's should be in charge of coordinating the reception. They need to work closely with your banquet manager, photographer, videographer, and perhaps a family member, in order to maximize the potential outcome of your event. Your entertainer's job is to keep the event flowing and allow you and your guests to relax and enjoy the festivities. When your Dj is not able to help coordinate, and is instead taking directions from others, the event can get out of control. Receptions should be planned in the entertainment perspective, because it is, of course, an entertainment driven program. Your Dj should be the team captain, but also should be a team player with all of the vendors. top

What services can DJ’s provide that will enhance the outcome of my event?

If your Dj is a master mixer and can create a music program for the evening, then you are truly dealing with someone who knows how to make the most of the desired music for the duration of your event. Smooth transitions from one song to the next will allow your guests to stay on the dance-floor for a longer period of time. Sadly, only about 5% of all professional disc jockeys in Southern California can bring this superior and essential skill to your event.

Dj's can also provide group interaction (if desired), and actually step out from behind the Dj booth. This can be as little as organizing and leading in activities like the Macarena, Chicken Dance and Electric Slide, to teaching follow along and line dances. Most importantly, you want a Disc Jockey who has the skills to help organize even the simplest of activities like YMCA or Party Train. top

How can I weed out the part-time or “hobbyist” DJ’s?

One of the best ways is to simply ask them if they do this full time? You definitely want to deal with a service that is full time. This way they can give you the full time attention you need and deserve. Also, a full time service has nothing else to fall back on, so they will generally provide you with a better level of service. This, alone, still doesn't guarantee that you are getting an experienced and professional Dj that will make this a day to remember.

Next, you could call 411 and see if they are listed. If they are not, then you know that they are using a home number, and therefore, are most likely a part-time Dj Ask if they have a business license, and operate with liability insurance. A one million dollar policy is the recommended amount. Remember, if someone is injured at your event due to an accident, you want to make sure they don't go after you instead! You are not an event planner, and will need assistance on creating a successful event program. Make sure they will provide you with planning materials that will help optimize the outcome of your event. top

Now that I’ve weeded out the non-professionals from the full-time professionals what else can I look for that will help me avoid a DJ nightmare?

Dj's should be continuing their training to enhance their abilities through seminars and courses that are available throughout the year. Ask the proposed Dj Company if they are involved with any LOCAL organizations such as "The Southern California American Disc Jockey Association", or the "Professional Association of Disc Jockeys". In addition, there are conventions relating to Disc Jockey Entertainment including Mobile Beat, Dj Times, National Association of Music Merchants, National Association of Catering Executives and Event Planners International just to name a few!

Does your company have a place for you to meet, or do you have to settle for meeting at your home or perhaps the reception venue. This will help you determine how much time they invest in their Mobile Dj Entertainment Company, and in turn your event! Next, do they have a website, and/or a comprehensive reception planning portfolio? top

I’ve met with several Disc Jockey services so how do I know which companies are dealing in volume verses those that are focusing on fewer events and higher quality?

Do they work in volume or quality? If they work based on quantity and not on quality, they will typically not list your actual Disc Jockey's name on your contract agreement, they will most likely advertise in the Yellow Pages, and vendors and reception sites will not include them on their preferred vendor list. Disc Jockey companies that are exceeding expectations and providing stellar service will be recommended by more reception sites and other professional vendors because they love working with a company that has a positive attitude and is fun to work with.

There are four major pricing levels for Mobile Dj Entertainment. The least expensive is your Yellow Page Dj's ($500 or less). Second, will be your multi-operation companies who deals in high volume, which I would determine to be over 300 events per year ($500 - $750 on average). Next, are the companies that advertise at many bridal shows and might be recommended by a few locations, but still perform between 200 - 300 shows per year ($750 - $1000). After that, there are the services that might advertise at a few bridal shows and are recommended by even more reception venues and professional vendors ($999.00 - 1750.00). Finally, we get to the Dj's who don't advertise at all and rely strictly on recommendations from previous clients and reception venues ($1750.00 - $5000.00).

Yellow Page Dj's are the least expensive, however, they rely on prospective clients who have never heard of them. Therefore, prospective clients, most likely, have not heard about their reputation. On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Dj's who don't advertise at all, they tend to be very expensive, highly requested and are not always available. You have just been introduced to the truth in Dj pricing, as it stands right now. This information is invaluable in enabling you to make a better decision regarding your Dj entertainment. top

Will the prospective DJ service help plan and coordinate our event?

Make sure your entertainment will do the following things over and above what's considered to be the normal amount of coordination. Will they have a professional looking reception program that you and your fiancé have approved? Will they send an advance copy of the reception program to your reception venue and photographer? Will they make sure that the reception site has the best location for your Dj to set-up their equipment?

Will they make sure that everything and everyone is in place before making the next announcement? Even when it means helping the groom put on his jacket, and making sure both sets of parents are in the room to witness the "First Dance"! The previous examples may not seem important by themselves, but add them all up, and they make for either a smooth flowing reception or a disastrous reception! top

Do we really need dance lighting?

Unless your event is during the day, AND sunlight pours through the windows, the answer is absolutely YES! First of all, without the added Dj lighting, you are left with the ambience of the room, the flowers, and the hotel or country club house lights alone. These are usually white to yellowish lighting, and are simply designed for you to see what you are eating and where you are walking! No matter what your tastes, there is lighting for you! The purpose of Dj lighting is to generate interest in your dance floor. This is where you want your guests to be, right?

We have many different lighting packages to suit your tastes and budgets. We suggest checking out our Sound & Lighting page for examples. We only use professional decorative and effect lighting. We do not use freestanding models. These freestanding lights are usually thrown into packages at no extra charge and are not as professional, which I know most brides and grooms are trying to avoid! They exist in many forms and many names such as helicopters, spinners, beacons, and strobes. Rather than enhance your reception, they will only take away from the elegance of your special day. top

Will they carry on-sight back-up equipment?

The three most important pieces of equipment to back-up are your CD player, Amplifier, and Wireless Microphone. We actually have a wired back-up microphone that is already plugged in and ready to go. Can you imagine what would happen if your amplifier went dead on your special day? Well, it wouldn't ruin the event if your Dj had a back up ready to take its place. We hope you have found this information valuable. Our goal, is to make sure your special event reaches the depths and heights of perfection. Congratulations to you! Please send us your event information by going to our Availability page!  top