Question 1

Is set-up time included in your price?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I typically arrive one hour prior to your scheduled start time, set up my sound system and perform a soundcheck.

Question 2

Do you take breaks?

Accepted Answer

No. My services are non-stop from your contracted start time until the conclusion of your reception.

Question 3

Can we choose the music to be played at our wedding?

Accepted Answer

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 not the DJ for you.

Question 4

Do you take requests?

Accepted Answer

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 just because it was requested. If given a suitable request, I will make every effort to play it.

Question 5

Can we have a "Do Not Play" list?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. I highly recommend you create a Do Not Play list. I understand you don't want to hear many of the overplayed wedding songs or certain genres. We can certainly avoid them. If a guest requests a song that is on your Do Not Play list, it will not be played.

Question 6

What types of music do you have?

Accepted Answer

I carry 70,000 songs of many genres such as Top 40, Oldies, Motown, Easy Listening, Disco, Country, Classic Rock, Modern Rock, 80's Rock, Hip Hop, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, R & B, etc. I obtain new music every week through a professional media service that is exclusive to radio stations and DJs. These compilations contain projected radio hits 2-3 months before these songs are played on Boston radio stations.

Question 7

My wedding is at an outdoor venue. Do you require Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

No, I do not require Wi-Fi or stream audio. All music played is in MP3 format stored on solid state external hard drives. No internet needed.

Question 8

Do you have professional equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. My sound system is clean, well maintained and consists of top-of-the-line digital audio products from the most trusted names in DJ business. I use a Denon MC6000MK2 DJ Controller, Shure wireless microphones and the EV Evolve 50 Systems.

Question 9

Do you have back-up equipment?

Accepted Answer

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 carry a backup sound system with backup laptops and external hard drives in case of a technical issue.

Question 10

Do you have a wireless microphone for a speech or toast?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I have a general liability insurance policy with Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, certificate of insurance furnished upon request in person. Providing proof of insurance has become a common practice and it may be required with select hotels and venues. While it's not currently required, you should only consider booking a DJ who is insured. In fact, asking a DJ if they are insured is a simple question that will determined how dedicated and professional they are. Budget/amateur DJs most likely obtained their music library by buying a hard drive of poor-quality pirated music from Craigslist or eBay to cut start-up costs and don't put money back into their product. If they don't reinvest back into the 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 liable and they may be refused entry to your venue. It's not worth the risk. Hire an insured DJ.

Question 12

Do you offer a written contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes. My contract is straight-forward so you can easily 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. I have booked 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

Question 13

What is the deposit to reserve the date of my wedding and when is the final payment due?

Accepted Answer

I require a $500 non-refundable retainer and a signed contract returned within 7 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.

Question 14

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation for any reason forfeits the deposit, no exceptions. Cancellation within 120 days of date requires 50% of the balance. Cancellation within 30 days of date requires full payment of the balance. 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. 2021 : Postponement due to COVID-19 or similar variant due to venue restrictions is allowed up to two (2) calendar years from your wedding date

Question 15

If I book you, will I get you?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you book services with Cape Cod Wedding DJs, Gregg MacDonald is your DJ and I do not subcontract bookings. (Warning : Bait and switch is common with multi-system DJ companies). If I receive an inquiry for a date I have already booked, I respectfully decline the lead and will offer a referral to a professional DJ company in my business network.

Question 16

What backup resources do you have if you suddenly become ill and cannot perform at our wedding?

Accepted Answer

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, ever.

Question 17

Can we see you perform at an upcoming wedding?

Accepted Answer

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 unprofessional to conduct prospective business on someone else's dime.

Question 18

Do you have references?

Accepted Answer

I no longer maintain a reference list from past weddings as it was very difficult to keep current as years go by, email addresses and phone numbers change and people get divorced and don't want to be contacted. I have a page with WeddingWire reviews and past wedding testimonials posted here.

Question 19

Do you offer uplighting, lighting or special effects?"

Accepted Answer

No. I do not offer lighting, disco balls, fog machines, etc. In my opinion, a huge truss of lights is unattractive 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. Please note : I have discontinued offering uplighting in 2017 as many wedding venues now have offer uplighting as an add-on option (sometimes free) or have a preferred lighting vendor.

Question 20

Are you an interactive DJ? Do you offer props, trivia or any other entertainment?"

Accepted Answer

No. 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. The prop 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, silly hats, wigs, props and constant interaction, please don’t book me.

Question 21

What attire will you wear at my wedding?

Accepted Answer

I do not wear a tuxedo as I am not in the wedding party. When it's a more formal wedding, my wedding attire is a pressed dark suit. For summer and outdoor weddings, I wear a sportcoat, tie and khakis.

Question 22

What are your requirements that I need to inform my wedding coordinator or function manager prior to my wedding?

Accepted Answer

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, 20 amp power source in good working order. I also require a minimum of 8' of clearance to properly mount my speaker system as Evolve 50 loudspeakers stand just over 7 feet.

Question 23

I'm getting married at my wedding venue. Can you provide music for the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

My sound system is available for your ceremony for an additional fee of $300 (as it requires a second system setup). Please note : I do not provide lavalier microphones for the officiant. I will allow the officiant and readers to use my wireless microphone. After the ceremony has ended, I will break down and set up in the reception room immediately.

Question 24

Do you hang banners or signs telling everyone who you are?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. I do not display or promote my business name with any signs, banners or any promotional materials. If someone is interested in my services after observing my performance, they don't need a sales pitch, they need a business card.

Question 25

Is tipping expected?

Accepted Answer

By no means is gratuity ever expected and you'll never see a tip jar on my table. If you feel I have surpassed your expectations and wanted to offer me a gratuity, I would accept it as the utmost compliment.

Question 26

Should we feed the DJ?

Accepted Answer

Providing meals isn't required. If you choose to provide meals, I would greatly appreciate it, but you are not obligated.

Question 27

How early should I book you?

Accepted Answer

You should be prepared to book as soon as you have secured your venue. Friday and Saturday availability during the summer and fall months can book one or two years in advance.

Question 28

Is overtime available?

Accepted Answer

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 30 minute increments and must be requested one hour prior to the conclusion of your event.

Question 29

Are there any other fees applicable to your services?

Accepted Answer

No. My services do not have hidden fees. However, additional fees are applicable and noted on the contract if your place of reception : (a) *is located on Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard (vehicle ferry service required)
(b) *Sound support for your onsite ceremony
(c) *Sound for your cocktail hour outside your reception room (2nd system setup)
(d) *is held in an upstairs facility without elevator access and/or difficult set-ups 
(e) *Weddings held on Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard that end 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.

Question 30

What are your rates and are they negotiable? Will you match a price quote of a competitor?

Accepted Answer

I do not post pricingonline as every wedding is different. Please contact me for a price quote. I also 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 will exchange emails/phone calls to your wedding coordinator regarding introductions and music, creating a timeline for your reception and purchasing 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, phone bills, internet service, office supplies, postage, advertising, music 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 who dabble on the weekends with 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 am one of the most requested DJs on the Cape. 
 Gregg MacDonald
Cape Cod Wedding DJs

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