Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I look for when selecting my entertainment?
• Why do prices vary so drastically between companies?
• What is the difference between a Disc Jockey and a Master of Ceremonies?
• Why do I need a lighting package?
• What is intelligent lighting?
• What music is appropriate for my event and who picks it?
• What does it mean when they say my disc jockey can beat mix?
• How do I know if my entertainer is using professional equipment?
• How should my entertainer(s) dress?
• How soon before my wedding should I book my DJ?
• Where should the entertainers set up their equipment?
• Are we responsible for providing the entertainers with a meal?
• Should I tip my entertainers?

What should I look for when selecting my entertainment?
This is a very common question asked among new customers. Here are some basic questions you can ask when looking into different companies and the services they offer. One of the main questions you should be concerned with is their experience. Have they worked similar styles of parties to provide them with the experience necessary to entertain and interact with your guests. It is also a good idea to ask if they have liability insurance in the unlikely event something should happen at your engagement. We would suggest asking for a reference list so you can call customers first hand and ask them about the services provided.

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Why do prices vary so drastically between companies?
You will most likely find a large discrepancy in prices between different companies. It is important that you make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Often the packages you are comparing do not have the same contents. You should also make sure you are aware of what you are getting in your package. If you do not understand something, ask! Price is usually an accurate reflection of the services rendered. Chances are if a company's price is low, they are usually inexperienced, uninsured, or they are not confident in the services they are about to provide. On the other hand if a company is really expensive, they probably have other expenses such as an office, sales team, promotions, etc. This does not mean that their services are over priced. In fact in our experience many of these companies have an extremely large amount of experience and are prepared to handle many different situations. Understand that price alone does not determine the quality of the entertainment, you should look into all aspects of a company before making your decision. Often the best recommendation is customer referrals.

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What is the difference between a Disc Jockey (DJ) and a Master of Ceremonies (MC)?
These two terms are usually used in entertainment package descriptions and it is important that you understand the difference between them. A disc jockey is the individual selecting your music and operating the sound and lighting equipment. The Master of Ceremonies, is the individual who interacts with your guests and makes all formal announcements. In some cases there may be one entertainer who handles both of these responsibilities. If you are looking for a party in which there is a large amount of interaction with your guests, it is usually recommended to contract a two-man team (DJ & MC) because it allows for greater flexibility.

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Why do I need a lighting package?
Many companies offer lighting as an additional service and in many cases we suggest at least getting a small package. Oftentimes lighting can help create an atmosphere in which your guests feel more comfortable to dance. (Hint - Many guests, especially males, do not like to be seen dancing.) Make sure you pick a lighting package that is appropriate for your event. If you are looking for a sophisticated setting, some lighting packages may look out of place or inappropriate. Discuss various options with your entertainment company. If you decide that lighting is not appropriate for your event, we still suggest dimming the room lighting to make a comfortable setting for those dancing.

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What is intelligent lighting?
Intelligent lighting is a term used to describe computerized lighting. As in everything there are different levels of intelligent lighting from low output lights to complex rotating heads. Intelligent lighting is usually programmed by an operator and in many cases is in sync with the music. These light shows are usually much more sophisticated than typical lighting packages. They can also provide the operator with the capability of changing programs during the party as well as programming the lights to follow a guest for introductions, cake cutting or other formalities. In addition, they can be more spectacular because they do not keep repeating the same pattern as in non-intelligent lighting, which is typically turned on and off by a switch. These packages are usually seen at larger events especially large weddings, corporate events or school and college functions.

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What music is appropriate for my event and who picks it?
We usually suggest that our customers make a list of music with three categories. Music you definitely want played, music selections you would like played if time permits and selections you definitely do not want to hear. This will provide your entertainer with a basis from which to play. Understand that the ability of an entertainer to "read" a crowd comes with experience. Your entertainer should base his/her musical decisions on the guests' responses, but should still respect your musical wishes. Some clients have actually made complete play lists and requested their dj to play directly from them. In some cases this works (especially if your guests have a very unique taste in music), but in most cases it prohibits the success of a party. We always suggest taking guests' requests, as they are the ones we are hired to entertain. Make sure your company does not have pre-arranged set lists which they will not break from. If your entertainer is not going to fluctuate with your needs or your guests' requests, then you would be better off playing your own cds!

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What does it mean when they say my disc jockey
can beat mix?
Mixing is a term used for the transition of music. Usually if they say a disc jockey can beat mix, it means they are capable of switching between two songs seamlessly, unlike a radio station where one song fades out and the next starts. You may ask what's the benefit? Well usually this can keep guests on the dance floor longer and make the transitions less obvious and disturbing. It can help make a party more successful, but is not a necessity.

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How do I know if my entertainer is using professional equipment?
In many cases you can't get the answer to this question. Especially if you don't know what is professional in this business. However, you can ask if they have back-up cd players and microphones. Ask them what would happen in the case of an emergency? Do they have a second set of equipment available? You can also look through their literature and/or website at pictures, to observe the condition of their equipment. Ask yourself does it have a professional appearance? Does their look fit the atmosphere I am trying to create?

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How should my entertainer(s) dress?
We always suggest telling your entertainment company the type of atmosphere you are looking to create. This will help the entertainer dress appropriately for your event. For weddings, it is an industry standard for your entertainers to wear tuxedos.

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How soon before my wedding should I book my entertainment?
You should book your entertainment as soon as possible, especially if it is someone you definitely want to have! Usually 12 to 18 months is enough lead time. Remember, booking a DJ is like booking a catering hall or photographer, the really good and popular ones are booked very early.

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Where should the entertainers set up their equipment.
The best place for your entertainment is near the dance floor. Try to avoid having tables between the entertainment and the dance floor as it will most likely disturb those guests and make for an unenjoyable evening. In addition, it is always a good idea to sit younger guests near the entertainment and older guests further away. This way the older guests can exchange in conversation without the music hindering them. Chances are your friends won't mind.

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Are we responsible for providing the entertainers with a meal?
Every company has their own policy when it comes to meals. Most companies do not require feeding their employees, but it is always appreciated (especially for longer and more formal events). However, we would recommend feeding photographers and videographers as they usually work all day and may not have the opportunity to break (especially at weddings). If you do not provide a meal for them, their contract may allow them to leave to obtain food, if it is not provided for them. Make sure you read their contract prior to your event. If you do not mind your entertainers eating, please let them know as they usually will not eat unless told to do so. Also, if you have paid for meals for your entertainers, at some point you might want to check if they received what you paid for. Some of the larger hotel chains are notorious for charging their clients for a full meal, but the venue may provide the entertainers with club sandwiches in another room where you can't see.

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Should I tip my entertainer?
As in any service industry, tips are always appreciated and a nice way of showing your satisfaction with the services rendered. If you choose to tip, the average is 15-20%.

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