YOUR EVENT. YOUR WAY.
Q: How would you define your “style” or approach to providing DJ entertainment?
A: My DJ presentation is polished and understated, marked by artistic mixing and a professional “cheese-free” approach to announcements and microphone work. Many DJs think that it is their job to put on a show and be the center of attention at the reception. I firmly believe that your wedding is YOUR show, and I have no interest in taking the spotlight away from you. I will not tell stories, make jokes, or plug my company on the microphone. I do not hang any signs or advertise in ANY way at your event. The best advertisement I can offer is a superb DJ performance.
Q: I don’t want the music at my wedding to be traditional wedding music. Can you do that?
A: Of course! I am not at all attached to tradition – I am here to incorporate the music you request, and to mix it in a way that will create the kind of wedding you’ve envisioned. Somewhere along the line, the phrase “wedding DJ” became a bad word, synonymous with cheesiness. I couldn’t be any further from that image.
Q: Do you use party props?
A: No. I do not dress in any type of costume or distribute funny hats and inflatable instruments. I do not harass your guests into getting on the dance floor, nor do I teach people to line dance. If you are seeking a performer to motivate your guests in this way, you would probably be happier with another DJ company.
Q: How will I know who my DJ will be?
A: Plain and simple, your wedding DJ will be me. I am a single operator, meaning that I do not book weddings and then hire others to perform. I pride myself on my personal attention to detail and my connection with my clients. I have performed over 300 weddings in the past few years and I have never missed a performance. From the moment you book with me, to the last song of the night, I am your guy.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: Prices range from $1300-1500. I base the pricing on an objective structure that only factors in the month and day of the event, which ensures consistency and fairness to all of my clients. I am not in the practice of subjectively pricing events based on an estimation of your budget — for example, I don’t price events higher if a client is using an expensive reception site or if they were referred by a well-known wedding planner. A complete and accurate price quote will be provided to you in our first email to you, and specific information on my pricing structure and services can be found on the Services and Rates page. I offer a 10% discount to couples who pay in full up front.
Q: What is included in the cost of my event?
A: Everything. Five hours of performance time, setup time, breakdown time, travel up to 90 miles (one way from Schenectady, NY), any applicable taxes, and ALL equipment (including additional sound systems, wireless microphones and subwoofer) for weddings up to 300 guests. For weddings over 300 guests, a custom quote may be necessary. My flat-rate pricing is refreshingly easy to understand — there are no hidden charges, and all fees are clearly stated in your contract.
Q: Do you offer event lighting?
A: Uplighting AND dance floor lighting is included for every wedding. This is often an extra charge with other DJ companies.
Q: How involved are you in helping us to plan our music?
A: Just as you pay a caterer for his or her expertise in food, you are paying a DJ in large part for their expertise in music. I am more than willing to provide you with a multitude of suggestions based on your preferences, and I am perfectly comfortable selecting most (or all) of the music if you aren’t interested in doing so. My extensive knowledge of music enables me to work with your requests and create a mood that reflects your tastes while creating a great atmosphere for all of your guests. In addition, I specialize in addressing music “challenges,” whether combining multicultural musical styles or adapting unique or eclectic music tastes to the formality of a wedding. I am always available to answer questions or assist you in choosing the songs that will reflect your vision of your special day.
Q: How involved can we be in selecting music for our event?
A: I encourage you to be as involved as you would like to be! Most of my clients place great value on music and probably have very distinct ideas about what they want to hear. If you would like to select every song, I am happy to accommodate you. The majority of my couples, however, prefer to discuss, in depth, their preferences and at least a few specific requests. I pride myself on listening to my clients and respecting their input and wishes, while providing additional suggestions and guidance when appropriate. Rest assured, you will never hear songs you have asked not to be played, or genres you’ve told me you don’t like. I provide a worksheet with a MUST PLAY and a DO NOT play list.
Q: What kinds of music are included in your collection?
A: I own an enormous library of music. I update my collection constantly, ensuring that I am able to provide the songs that my clients and their guests are currently enjoying. Furthermore, I work closely with my clients in selecting the music for their event, and will gladly acquire any commercially available song that I don’t already own, at no additional cost. Because of this, I can virtually guarantee that I will be able to accommodate any request. I have EVERY song to hit the Billboard charts since its inception in 1940. I have music as far back as 1920.
Q: How do you dress for an event?
A: My typical “uniform” is a formal dark business suit or a shirt and tie. If a tuxedo or other attire would be more appropriate for your event, simply let me know your preference.
Q: When do you arrive to set up for an event?
A: I always arrive on-site at least an hour and a half prior to the contracted start time of the event, and earlier as necessitated by the setup requirements of the site.
Q: What kind of equipment do you use?
A: I use all Bose Audio systems. They are elegant and the sound quality is fantastic. I run Serato DJ, the industry leading DJ software. I use Shure and Sennheiser wireless microphones. LED lighting is used for uplighting.
Q: What are the terms of payment if I book your services?
A: A 50% nonrefundable retainer is due with your signed contract within two weeks of our initial meeting. The balance is collected the day of your event. Clients who elect to take advantage of the full payment discount (offered to anyone signing a contract at least four months prior to their wedding) would remit the full amount, less 10%, with their signed contract. I accept cash, personal checks, and certified checks or money orders. I also accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover via PayPal.
Q: Can we speak with your previous clients?
A: I will gladly provide you with references upon request, who are more than happy to discuss the quality of my performance and customer service. You will not be asked to “cold call” people to check my references; I will be sure to let them know to expect your call. I want you to feel completely comfortable in researching my services.
Q: Can we visit you at a performance?
A: Out of respect for the privacy of others on their special day, I do not permit prospective clients to “drop in” on a wedding. However, my references, online reviews, and the information I provide you in our initial meeting will speak volumes of my experience, style, and professionalism.
