 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
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 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 four 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 $3,000-$5,000 less than the price of a wedding band.
Is set-up time included in your price?
Yes. I typically arrive one hour prior to your scheduled start time to set up my sound system and perform a soundcheck.
Do you take breaks?
No. My services are non-stop from your contracted start time until the conclusion of your reception.
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 a wedding. I'm not going to play Metallica during dinner or clear the dance floor with Rage Against The Machine just because it was requested. If given a suitable request, I will make every effort to play it.
Can we choose the music to be played at our wedding?
Yes. I suggest you provide me with a request list of 10 "must play" songs and 10-15 "play if possible" songs. This will leave plenty of room for 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?
Plenty of old and new music. 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. I receive new music through a weekly CD subscription, exclusive to DJs. These CD compilations contain projected radio hits 2-3 months before these songs are played on Boston/Cape Cod radio stations.
What if we want a song that you don't have?
While my music library covers many formats, you may have a few obscure requests that I do not carry. If given ample time, I will obtain your requested music. If it is unobtainable, I would be more than happy to play your CD.
I've seen DJs who use a laptop. Do you use a laptop?
No, I do not use a laptop. I never converted to a laptop because I never had 100% faith in its reliability and I do not like its appearance. Rebooting your PC or laptop is a fairly common practice, but I cannot reboot with a dance floor full of people. The #1 fear of a DJ is system failure. With spyware, viruses and file corruption, a laptop is much more vulnerable to malfunction than an MP3 media player created exclusively for the mobile disc jockey. I always said, "If there was a high quality MP3 player that was flawless and could store my entire library of music, I would welcome the upgrade. Until then, I'm staying with the CD." Well, that day has come. I have upgraded to the Denon DN-HD2500. No laptop issues and outstanding sound quality.
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. I use a Denon DN-HD2500 Professional Media Player, Denon DN-X500 digital mixer, Shure wireless microphones and RCF powered loudspeakers. All audio components are rack-mounted in compact road cases and can accommodate any venue, small or large.
Do you have back-up equipment?
Yes. My primary sound system is tested weekly and highly maintained to insure optimum performance. I've never had to delay or cancel an event due to a system problem. I upgrade systems every two years (most recently January 2009) with the latest professional DJ products. For over 30 years, all DJs used non-powered speakers and amplifiers. The most common cause for DJ system failure was due to (1) the amplifier overheating or (2) excessive "clipping" (the amplifier pushing the speakers beyond it's limitations) and eventual woofer blow-out. In 2009, this is no longer an issue. I use RCF 325-A powered loudspeakers. These speakers are self-powered and monitored separately from the main system. No more risk of an amplifier overheating and virtually no possibility of a blow-out. In the unlikely event of system failure, I carry a backup system with the same exact components as my primary system (Denon DN-HD2500 and Denon DN-X500).
Do you have a wireless microphones for a speech or toast?
Yes. I carry two Shure SM58 microphones, one wireless, one wired. These microphones are for speeches and toasts only. Please note : I do not allow my microphones to be passed around to guests for singing. 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 reception 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 from occurring.
Are you insured?
Yes. I have a general liability insurance policy with Firemans Fund Insurance Company, certificate of liability insurance furnished upon request in person. Providing proof of insurance has become a common practice and it may become a requirement with select hotels and venues. While it's not currently required by every venue, you should only consider booking a disc jockey who is insured. In fact, asking a DJ you are considering if they are insured is a simple question that will show you how dedicated and professional they are. Most amateur DJs steal music off the Internet, so if they don't reinvest any money back into their business, they certainly aren't going to obtain liability insurance. If you book a DJ without liability insurance and a guest injures themselves due to DJ negligence, you could be held liable. If your DJ is uninsured, they may be refused entry to your venue and you could be left without entertainment for your wedding. It's not worth the risk. Hire an insured DJ.
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 weddings from hysterical brides 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 wedding vendor who does not offer a written contract.
What is the deposit to reserve the date of my wedding and when is the final payment due?
I require a $500 non-refundable deposit and signed contract returned within 10 days to reserve your requested date. The remaining balance is due fourteen (14) days before your wedding date. There is a $50 fee for checks returned for insufficient funds for any reason. Note : I do not accept credit cards.
What is your cancellation policy?
1. Cancellation for any reason forfeits the deposit, 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 wedding date. Your deposit (non-transferable) may be applied to a future wedding 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 one-on-one, personalized service every wedding needs. You will work with one person, me, from start to finish. You won't meet with a booking agent for a consultation and never see them again. You meet with me. You won't plan your music and events with an office manager who won't be at your wedding. I will help you create your music playlists and customize your reception events and introductions. Last but not least, you will not work with a DJ who has no idea who you are and was handed your music and introductions on your wedding day. I enjoy working with people personally because the better I get to know you, the better understanding I have of what you want. I handle all ends of my business, from meeting with prospective clients for consultations, answering every phone call and email personally, the design and upkeep of this website... and performing at each and every wedding.
Do you subcontract bookings to other DJs under your company name?
Absolutely not. When you book services with Cape Cod Wedding DJs, I am your DJ. I do not subcontract bookings to DJs for a few extra bucks. "Bait and switch" is very common with DJ companies. If I receive a booking inquiry for a date I have booked, I respectfully decline the job and will offer you a referral to a professional DJ in my business network.
What backup resources do you have if you suddenly become ill and cannot perform at our wedding?
In the unlikely event of an illness, physical injury or personal emergency, I have DJ associates that would be able to cover my booking. I have never been late or missed a function.
Can we see you perform at an upcoming wedding?
I do not invite prospective clients to weddings I am performing at out of respect for all clients to keep their wedding private. Weddings are a formal event and very close attention is paid to the guest list and I'm sure you would not want uninvited guests at your wedding. Since the release of the 2005 hit movie Wedding Crashers, there's a popular trend of uninvited guests crashing weddings. Here is a great article from the Boston Globe on the subject of wedding crashers. This article is the perfect example why I do not invite clients to observe my services firsthand. It's very unprofessional to conduct prospective business on someone else's watch. I do not conduct any prospective business aside from a simple exchange of a business card, if a guest should ask for one.
Do you have a video?
Yes, but before you view my video, I will offer you some advice and my opinion. A promotional video clip does not give a detailed impression of what a DJ has to offer. DJs who do not have a video say this when asked if they have a video. I'm saying this and I have a video. It's 2009 and industry standard that wedding DJs provide a sample of their services online. While the performance style presented in the video below is accurate, it's just a glimpse of what I do. Your best resources for researching a DJ are a personal consultation with your prospective DJ (the actual DJ, not a booking agent), a professional, updated website, references from past weddings and your better judgment. To view my video, please click here.
Do you have references?
Yes. I have references, available upon request.
Do you offer karaoke?
No.
Do you offer lighting and special effects?
No. I do not offer lighting, disco balls, fog machines, etc. In my opinion, a huge truss of lights is unattractive to the eye and I believe lights/special effects are more appropriate for general functions and nightclubs. Your wedding is a formal event and beat-activated, flashing lights are more distracting than entertaining.
Are you an interactive DJ? We want a DJ who uses props. Do you offer props and this type of entertainment?
Well, no. While my music performance is flexible, my reputation is not. What I do, I do well. I don't dance around or perform cheesy routines. I don't yell over the music or dress your guests in cheap costumes and parade them around the room. Let me be perfectly clear on this issue. I am not a prop DJ. In my opinion, the prop DJ concept has been done to death and I keep this style of entertainment as far away from my reputation as possible. If you're looking for games, hats, wigs, props and constant interaction, I'm not the DJ for you.
Why should I hire you? What separates you from other DJs?
My low-key, professional approach, knowledge of old and new music and my ability to read the crowd. The self-serving wedding DJ who announces every song and mingles among your guests with a wireless mic wants to be the center of attention. These DJs want to steal the limelight from the bride and groom and will go beyond the boundaries of good taste to get it. I recognize that this is your wedding day and I focus on the music, not the microphone.
What attire will you wear at my wedding?
I do not wear a tuxedo as I am not in the wedding party. When it is a more formal wedding, my wedding attire is a quality pressed dark suit, conservative necktie and dress shoes. Since Cape weddings are becoming more laid back, some bypass the traditional tux and opt for a more casual attire. For the casual or outdoor wedding, I wear the Cape Cod tuxedo (navy sportcoat, khakis, white dress shirt, tie and dress shoes).
What are your requirements that I need to inform my wedding coordinator or function manager prior to my wedding?
I require one sturdy, 6-8 foot, rectangular, banquet-style table with skirting, located near the dance floor and within 25 feet of a grounded 120 volt, 15 amp power source in good working order. Please discuss where your DJ will be stationed with your wedding coordinator. Some reception venues will place the DJ at the far end of the room away from everyone or 15 feet above the dance floor to save table space. It's very important that I am located near the dance floor for your First Dance, Cake Cutting, Parent Dances and the dancing segment of your reception.
I'm getting married at my reception venue. Can you provide music for the ceremony?
I am available for sound for your ceremony for an additional fee of $250. Please note : I do not provide lavalier microphones for the officiant. I will allow the officiant and readers use my wireless microphone. After the ceremony has ended, I will break down and set up in the reception room immediately.
How loud do you play the music?
Loudspeakers are mounted on tripod stands between 6-7 feet high to project sound above your guests, not directly at them. Some DJs do not use tripod stands because it's another piece of equipment to set up and breakdown. They set them on the floor and it not only looks bad, but the sound is not properly distributed throughout the room. Proper speaker placement on tripod stands provides ample sound without having to use extreme volumes. 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 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.
Do you hang banners or signs telling everyone who you are?
No. You would be surprised to see how DJs shamelessly plug their business. Their incessant self-promotion is deplorable. DJs constantly dropping their DJ company name on the microphone, displaying huge banners with company logos draped in front of the DJ table, blinking neon signs/lights, playing recorded sound bytes ("DJ JOHN DOE PRODUCTIONS!") before almost every song. I've seen DJs who place stacks of business cards on every table and ask trivia questions and award prizes with their business logo. Very tacky! This is a wedding, not a nightclub spot. I do not display or promote my business name with any signs, banners or any promotional materials aside from a unobtrusive stack of business cards. I let my style and performance do my advertising for me. If someone is interested in my services from observing my performance, they don't need a sales pitch, they need a business card.
Is tipping expected?
By no means is gratuity expected and you'll never see a tip jar on my table. If you feel I have surpassed your expectations and you wanted to offer me a gratuity, I would accept it as the utmost compliment.
Should we feed the DJ?
Providing meals is completely up to you. If you choose to provide meals, I would greatly appreciate it, but you are not obligated.
How early should I book your services?
You should be prepared to sign a contract as soon as you have booked your reception venue. Friday and Saturday availability during the summer and fall months often book one or two years in advance. However, if you are planning a wedding 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.
Are there any other fees applicable to your services?
No. My services do not have hidden fees. However, additional fees are applicable and will be noted on the contract if your place of reception :
(a) *is located on Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard (vehicle ferry service required).
(b) *Services for your onsite ceremony.
(c) *Cocktail hour set-up outside the reception room.
(d) *is in an upstairs facility without elevator access and/or difficult set-ups.
(e) *is held on Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard and ends after the last ferry leaves the island for the evening. One night's hotel accommodations is required.
(f) *requires paid parking. Please inquire for pricing.
What are your rates? Are your rates negotiable and will you match a price quote of a competitor?
I do not list pricing online because every wedding is different. Please contact me for a price quote. My rates are non-negotiable and I do not match prices because most DJs cannot deliver the quality of service I can. There's a misconception that a DJ shows up, plays a few 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 to your wedding coordinator, 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, prior to my actual performance. In addition to preparation and performance, there are many expenses that are not directly associated with your wedding that I need to account for. System maintenance and upgrades, auto and liability 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 recognize the importance of this day and I take every wedding very seriously. This business isn't a hobby to me unlike the hacks with beat-up systems who dabble on the weekends and have little to no wedding experience. My service (sales, administration, event preparation and performance) is one of the best on the Cape and my experience, overall ability and easygoing personality is why I book over 60 weddings every year.
The best mix of new and classic hits... without gimmicks.
DJ Gregg MacDonald
Cape Cod Wedding DJs
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
