Questions you should ask your DJ before booking them for you
wedding
At A&M Sounds Disc Jockey Service
we wish to stress the importance of the DJ decision making process. We recognize that most of our clients don't hire music entertainment very often. In fact, many people don't even know what to ask when hiring a DJ service. We've assembled this list of most frequently asked questions to help you learn more about our service and to help you make a more informed decision about the music entertainment at your event.
Remember: Not all DJs are created equal and your name is on the line if you are the one booking entertainment for your event!!! Some are experienced, some are not. Some dress formal, some don't. Some have great equipment and song selection, some don't. Some are flexible, polite, accommodating and professional, some don't have a clue!
Keep in mind: Most D.J.s charge what they feel they are worth, which sometimes can be a direct reflection on confidence and ability! Choosing a professional mobile entertainer for your event should be similar to hiring a new employee. Any potential employee must sell themselves and so should a quality professional entertainer. You should receive candid answers to your questions and feel comfortable with your decision.
Today's professional mobile DJ entertainers bear very little resemblance to the "record spinners" of the past. The new millennium DJ entertainer has advanced to a degree where it would not be uncommon for them to utilize in excess of $15,000 in equipment and 18,000 songs in a music library for a single event!
If you ask the right questions,
you'll feel confident that when you choose your DJ service, it's the right one
for your wedding. We've posted questions that we feel are important, and then
given our own answers to them, to get you started.
1. Are you available for my event?
(Date/Availability)
You can call us at the office 519-773-2685 or e-mail us at
amsounds20@yahoo.ca with your required dates we will promptly get back to you.
Please tell us the date, city, venue, capacity of venue, time frame needed from us.
If you're not yet sure of your time frame, we can discuss the plans you have in
place for the day to get a better understanding of what you might need.
1.b) Can you prove to you they have a business license This will be the first proof they are at least serious about their business
2. How much experience do you have?
How long has the Disc Jockey Service been in business? If you are hiring for a wedding reception, you might want to ask how much of their
experience and their business is wedding-related. Are they knowledgeable about wedding etiquette? Are they flexible enough to accommodate your special requests?
We have 3 staff Vince Domenichini with 10 years of experience, Huan Le training at this time, Phil Anseeuw 18 years of experience, and myself 25 years of experience.
Requests are what makes your day special.
3. Do you use a contract?
You should get a written contract from all of your event services. No professional service operates without written contracts, and if a potential service tells you that you don't need one, turn and run! Make sure the contract includes the date, times and location of your event. We always send a written contract, guaranteeing your event details.
4. What are your rates?
Our rates vary depending upon the date, time needed, location, package chosen, your specific needs and other variables that can impact the final rate. Rather than just creating a generic menu of prices, we prefer to work with each individual client to create a package that best suits their needs.
Please see A&M's pricing for details.
Our service has been referred to as priceless.
5. I've looked at several DJ
websites. How do I know the difference between various DJ's prices and packages?
Why are the prices so different?
Great question. Look at it this way, when you go out for fast food if the meal was good then you received good value and you are happy, if you then go out for a fancy evening and pay more for this meal you expect more. If this also is a good experience then you are also happy, but I can guarantee you if you paid a lot for fast food and you were not happy you would complain. It's is easy to get testimonials for a service which is cheap in the first place but getting them consistently with a premier service says a lot more. If your guests are important the difference in the pricing is minimal in comparison.
One very important question when surfing the web is ask what the name of the dj will be who will performing at your function and can
it be written on the contract. If they need time to answer hang up and go to the next business.
6. Do you have any current music?
We update our music library every week, so we always have the most current music. Please let us know if you have specific songs or artists you want played at your event. You may go to
www.multimusic.ca to see approx 80% of our library online not including the phat traxx.
7. Is there a charge for set-up.
Set-up time is included. If we are required to set up and come back there will be an additional charge for the time and gas needed to perform this task. You are usually better off to have us there for the dinner music and utilize our sound system for speeches. Only under extreme cases will you ever be charged extra for set-up. Usually, additional charges will apply if the venue is extremely difficult to load into, or your event requires extra equipment. We will typically arrive at the venue approximately sixty minutes prior to the start time. Regardless, we will never load equipment into the facility while guests are present.
8. How far ahead should we book your service?
It depends upon the date. Some clients choose to contract a year or more in advance, while some are comfortable waiting until several months prior. Saturdays are the busiest nights, so waiting too long to hire a DJ (or any service) for a Saturday night might lead to disappointment.
9.Face to face meeting.
Is your DJ willing to meet with you and discuss your likes and dislikes, both musically and otherwise? Can they be easily reached for last minute additions, changes and suggestions? Our initial meeting is the only one necessary for the regular wedding package and I encourage e-mail and phone calling for the rest. If you contact the office you will get personal service for all your last minute needs.
10.Do we need to feed the DJ?
Our DJs do expect a meal at your event if it runs through the dinner portion. In truth, caterers typically offer the DJ some food regardless of what our client does.
11. Do you do the sound for ceremonies and what is involved?
This is a very complex question but here is the answer in a nutshell, yes!
We can do everything from a simple ceremony on-site where we use the same equipment just before the reception which costs generally $200 up to an elaborate outdoor setting off-site with wireless microphones for singers, and instruments depending on what is required, prices vary for this. We can supply an extra sound system for off-site wedding so the flow of the evening is not interrupted from the ceremony to the cocktail music. We help you with your song choices as well as arm with you information to make these choices. The time allotted for a ceremony is 1.5 hours not including set up and tear down.
12. Do you charge GST/HST?
Do you know that a business that charges
GST/HST proves that they are busy enough all year. We do between 85-120 functions a year with 3 djs which means we keep busy.
13. How much is your deposit requirement?
Our deposit fee is $100.00.Cancellation within 60 days of event requires payment of half of the outstanding minimum 5 hour booking.
14. Do lights and effects cost extra?
Although we do not recommend lighting for many events we do charge for lighting if you wish for us to supply them.
15. Can we choose the music?
Absolutely! It's your party! While we are happy to make suggestions, you have total control over the music that is played at your event. We don’t recommend clients to choose every single song to be played; we have clients who leave it entirely up to us, and everything in between.
16.Our event is not located in the London area. Do you travel? If so, what is the charge? How far will you travel?
Again, travel charges depend upon the circumstances, which is why we customize packages for each client. We normally do not charge travel for events in the London area. Beyond that, it depends upon the distance involved, whether or not the trip will require an overnight stay or us having to set up early and return at a later time .At this time it is charged at 42 cents a k.m. after the first 50 km of driving.
Our regular locations span from St. Thomas Ontario, London Ontario, Ingersoll Ontario, Woodstock Ontario, Tillsonburg Ontario,Simcoe Ontario, Aylmer Ontario, Port Stanley Ontario, Shedden Ontario, Dutton Ontario, West Lorne Ontario, Strathroy Ontario, Komoka Ontario, Glencoe Ontario, Exeter Ontario, Grand Bend, Goderich Ontario, Kincardine Ontario, Stratford Ontario, Kitchener Ontario, Waterloo Ontario, Hamilton Ontario, Dorchester Ontario and surrounding area . We have been known to go as far as New York City and Dominique Republic.
17. What happens if you don’t have a song we want--can we bring our own CDs?
Many of our clients bring their own CDs. We are happy to play any music you wish to provide in addition to our normal library of choices. Should there be a special song you need that neither of us has, we will attempt to locate that song for you. We cannot guarantee that a particular song is in print or is available, but we rarely come across a client request that we cannot accommodate.
18. What are the traditional ceremony songs?
Most of our clients ask us to play prelude music prior to the ceremony, along with a wedding processional for the bridal entrance and a wedding recessional for the exit from the ceremony. Occasionally, we are asked to play special songs for the seating of special family members or the entrance of the bridal party. Also, music can accompany any special moments that sometimes occur during the wedding ceremony (like a candle lighting, for instance). We are happy to make suggestions for these selections.
19. Can your DJ help with announcements?
Our D.J.s come equipped with a microphone and are happy to make announcements and to help coordinate activities at your event, if you want them to. We prefer to plan these activities and announcements with you ahead of time so there are no surprises or disappointments at your event.
20. Your DJ won’t be obnoxious, will they?
No, Our DJs are trained to be professional, friendly, courteous and helpful. Additionally, they are trained to handle your event to your specifications. If you prefer a more low-key approach, the DJ will gladly accommodate your wishes. At a wedding reception, our DJs are trained to enhance the enjoyment of the event, not to try to be the "star". A wedding day is about you, the bride and groom, not about our DJ.
21. What do your D.J'.s wear?
Unless directed otherwise, our DJs wear semi-formal attire (shirt, tie, dress shoes & slacks). For casual outdoor events our DJs wear something like a Polo shirt and Khakis. We do not dress our DJ’s in a tuxedo, as the DJ ends up looking like they are in the wedding party.
22. What type of equipment do you use?
The A&M Sound industry standard sound equipment including powered speakers namely Mackie and FBT as well as Elite Bass bins where needed and high end microphones matched with our music library which is 100% CD for optimal sound quality.
Ask this simple question to other disc-jockeys. Where do you get your music from? If they say it is a subscription library made for disc-jockeys only. Then ask them what format do you use (compact disc players or computer).
If they say computer they are first doing an illegal service and your sound quality will be jeopardized due to them compressing the sound. So now you are getting a poor product from someone that is doing the business illegally. Be careful!
We use subscription music called multi-music you can access their web-site at
www.multimusic.ca, we carry everything in the library except Phatt Trakks which are long dance remixes of songs that are not popular in Southwestern Ontario.
23. What does your setup look like?
Our sound gear is housed in professional road cases with wires hidden and taped down. . Our set up is designed to enhance the decor of any room. We require a dressed 8 foot table. The powered speakers are on stands.
24. What time will your DJ arrive?
Typically our DJs arrive 1 hour before start time. Our sound systems are
pre-wired and usually take only 30 minutes to set up, so we've allowed plenty of cushion . Please let us know if you have special needs.
25. Is there a charge to have my DJ setup early, even if they won’t be playing music?
Your contract is set up so that you only pay from the time you want the DJ to be completely ready until the last song ends. In some cases the DJ is required to set up an hour or two before the start time. If we are within 20 minutes of the venue we have been known to set up the day before if this is easier, depending on our availability . If we must travel a long distance, we always play music for the whole event which allows us to get there before anyone arrives and have music ready for the first guest to arrive. If set up is required hours before then a charge will apply for our time and gas
26. What do you need the facility to provide for you?
A standard 8 foot banquet table decorated in the events theme and access to one or two standard electrical outlets where the speakers will be placed.
27. What happens if my DJ doesn’t show up?
If this happens, you've hired someone else. In twenty five years and over 2000 events, we've never missed a single event.
28. Do you need to see the room before the day of my event?
Almost always. We've worked in every possible situation in our 125+ events
over the years and can make virtually any room or area work. Again, please let
us know if you have special needs. If you have a layout from the hall this is normally enough for us to go off of.
29. How much should I tip the DJ?
Tipping is not expected, but our DJs do work hard to provide you with the best possible event and appreciate any show of recognition that you might deem appropriate. Tips typically range from 2% or 10%.
30. Why should we choose The A&M Sounds Disc Jockey Service over any other service?
We believe that we provide the best service in the South Western Ontario. We pay attention to every detail and make every effort to make every event we do absolutely perfect. Finally, at most wedding receptions, the DJ or band "makes-or-breaks" the party. A great DJ means a great party and an event you will never forget, practically regardless of any other circumstances. A bad DJ will send people home early and probably ruin the night. Truly, the DJ might be the most critical decision one can make when planning a party. We believe you cannot find a higher quality DJ service in the region, and our prices are fair. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Did you know...
We belong to the Canadian Disc Jockey Association which is the longest standing association helping and educating disc-jockeys to be better informed about the industry.
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We d.j. all of or own events, if businesses say they don't charge gas for distances more than 75 kms they are more than likely sub-contracting your event out! Be safe ask if they subcontract
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We do not sub-contract work out – we only book the functions we can handle. We have been in the disc jockey business for 25 years, requests are always welcome all of our dj’s have over 10 years experience each. Ask for the name of the dj who will performing and make sure they have liability insurance. There are companies that say they are a part of the Canadian Disc Jockey Association which means they SHOULD have liability insurance but then they sub-contract out the work to someone else and leaving you in the middle.
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Beware of businesses that say they perform over 1000 events per year , this
may mean they do karaoke as their main business and weddings as a sideline.
Make sure their experience is with weddings or the event your are inquiring about.
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We are AVLA licensed
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We have liability insurance
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Our library of music is a monthly subscription giving us the best variety possible (to date approx.18000 songs available) available at
www.multimusic.ca
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We set up equipment and do a sound check before any of your guests arrive.
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We would be happy to answer any / all of your questions call us at 519-773-2685 or e-mail us at
amsounds20@yahoo.ca
Recommendations
A wedding is
made up of a number of professionals. These are some of the vendors A&M Sounds
recommends to our clients.
Bartending Service
Here’s to you Bartending Service
| Vera 519-631-5219 vera@aylmerexpress.ca
Catering Service
Kathy’s Catering Kathy 519-633-0101 kathyscatering@sympatico.ca
Flowers
Petals of Love 519-637-5757 petalsofloveweddings@yahoo.ca
Silk flowers by design Melanie 519-773-8137 silkflowersbydesign@gmail.com
Decorating Service
Wish Designs, Trish or Tara 519-773-5081 or 519-765-3390 e-mail
wishdesigns@amtelecom.net
Petals of Love, Angela 519-637-5777 petalsofloveweddings@yahoo.ca
Shower Ideas A cleaner way to a healthy start
Enjo- Looking for a new wedding shower idea ask Tamara 519-673-9754
For a “green wedding shower idea" Tamara's e-mail
tamaraw@enjo-canada.com
Tupperware- Lona Quenneville 246-1308 lonabrianne@yahoo.ca
Tuxedo Rentals
Collins Formal Wear
Curt 519-680-2986
curt@collinsformalwear.com
Bud Gowan Formal wear 519-672-6210 markb@budgowan.com
Wedding Planner
RG Corporate Options Wendy 519-633-1909 wendy@rg-options.com
Photographers
Robert Miedema Photography- Robert 519-681-9382
miedemar@rogers.com
Ministers
Romantic Wedding Ceremonies Lori Siska 519-680 2429 www.romanticweddingceremonies.com lorisiska@rogers.com
Celebrations Marriages Karel Barnett 785-1375 karel.barnett@gmail.com
Favours
Xocai Chocolate Jane Hawley 519-773-9704 hawley@amtelecom.net
Cancer Society Nancy McFadden 519-432-1137 nmcfadden@ONTARIO.CANCER.CA
Harpist
Tracy Sweet tmsweet@hotmail.com www.harpist-tracysweet.com
Venues
Please go to my From Clients page for the list of these
Harpist
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