Facts, Answers and Questions ABOUT THE DJ TO GO Why hire the Dj to go? Seems like agencies and some other DJs cost less than you do, why? What's so hard about being a DJ, anybody could do it? How easy is it to contact you? What happens to our event if something happens to you? How do you dress for weddings? How far in advance do you book? Should we book you in advance? Do you meet with potential clients and those how have hired you? Are you insured? What if we want a friend or family member to MC our event? When using a microphone, what's your style? How do you "entertain" the crowd? Can you provide any references? Do you take breaks? Will you have backup equipment at my event? ABOUT THE COST How much does a wedding package cost? You mention not having to make a final payment if I'm not satisfied with your service...really? Do you require a deposit, and when is the balance due? ABOUT THE MUSIC What type of music and "how much" will you bring my reception? We are particular about the music we want played and the announcements that are to be made. How will you accommodate our needs? Can you provide music during our ceremony? Can you play music for cocktails, dinner? Will you play a song that we provide in either CD or mp3/computer format? Do you provide a complementary recording of all the songs you play at our reception? ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT What type of Professional Equipment do you use? Can you provide music outdoors? How early do you show up at our event to set-up? How much space do you need to set up? Do you use a wireless (cordless) microphone? Why Hire the Dj To Go, instead of a larger entertainment agency? You talk with, book and get me. I'm with you every step of the way. You don't have to worry about somebody else showing up at your reception that is not vested in your special day. Entertainment agencies stress sales and quantity. Odds are they are working many events a week. I work with your total satisfaction in mind...I'm invested in your special day. Instead of quantity, I base my product on quality. I normally play at one event per weekend - that being yours. I do this while offering professional equipment, music, and anything else an agency might offer. I also make sure I have back up gear at my ready to serve you in case of any type of malfunction or emergency (hasn't happened yet since I constantly reinvest and upgrade my gear). Another reason I will forgo your final payment should you feel I did not provide you world-class service. Will any agency or other DJ do that? Seems like agencies and some other DJs cost less than you do, why? Quality versus quantity. It's easy to say you get what you pay for, but I'll try to provide an example... Why does your caterer charge more than some fast food chain? Because you know your caterer uses better quality ingredients and prepares your food in a more professional manner resulting in fresh and better tasting dishes while serving it in a manner you see fit, such as classy or elegant. There's no difference with my professional DJ and emcee services. I don't use cheap substandard equipment, illegally copied music, I invest more time in preparing for you, my dress for your occasion, nor am I trying to make a quick sale. You are investing in a unique and special service for a talented and experienced individual who has a lifetime experience in entertaining and over 13 years as a professional wedding disc jockey. My aim is to offer you the best wedding DJ service. I have many positive references and reviews available to back this up as well as being recognized as a top 5% Northern Virginia Bride's Choice Award. And the bottom line is I have to pay my bills in order to be able to do what I love, taking care of brides and grooms such as you. What's so hard about being a DJ, anybody could do it? A statement equivalent to anybody could be your heart surgeon, but the odds are you want somebody who is going to do it right the first time since there isn't a redo for this important moment. Anybody can call him or herself a DJ; but to have the experience, background and ability to mix both the latest hits, yesterdays hits and the classics while keeping your guest entertained takes skill. There are not many DJ's that also have a Master's in Human Relations and the ability to work with just about anybody (and the experience of a retired Navy Senior Chief who has been around the world and worked with many diverse cultures and challenging situations). According to the Knot, 4 out of 5 guests report that the thing they remember most is the entertainment, and 4 out of 5 brides report that they wished they had made the entertainment a higher priority in their planning and budgeting. How easy is it to contact you when I have a question? I'm not going to make you promises saying you can call 24/7 and I will pick up the phone (I have to sleep sometime). But I will promise if you call me or send an e-mail I will be in touch with you as soon as I can. I also get to know you and your work schedule, so when I call you, I'll do so at the time of day that is convenient for you (many people have to work during the day and talking about important details on your special day while at work may not be to conducive to both your work or your special day). Call me at (540) 455-3830 or e-mail jeff@djiigo.com and I will reply to you promptly. What happens to our event if something happens to you? As an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association and networking with others, I can contact another professional (I stress, professional) DJ to take care of you should I become ill or some act of God occur. IF there was a cost difference, I would pay it. Within this network, I've been called upon by another DJ to fill in with less than 48 hours notice. I did this very successfully because I am a professional who meets with and works with other professionals on a monthly basis. I have yet to have a need to call anybody, and I don't want to start with you. How do you dress for weddings? To your liking is the simple and quick answer. You are the boss, I can wear a tuxedo, or a suit and tie, or business casual. I often try to complement your wedding colors and If cannot, I wear conservative colors such as black and white...I want the attention focused on you...not a DJ trying to look cute. How far in advance do you book? Should we book you in advance? I'm booked for weddings well into next year. Should you like to book me, I would recommend sooner than later, but it's entirely up to you. I do not want to ever sound like I'm pressuring a prospective bride or groom (or other family members who might be paying). I hate to tell anybody I'm already booked. You can check my availability by clicking here. Do you meet with potential clients and those how have hired you? Yes. I encourage we meet, it well help you and me decide if we're a good fit for each other. Should you hire me, we can schedule an additional meeting to go over all the details (in addition to talking via phone and e-mail correspondence). You want to be comfortable and trust your wedding DJ/emcee; meeting in person is one way to help make sure that happens. Are you insured? Yes, I have liability insurance that meet the standards for the professional DJ industry through the American Disc Jockey Association Insurance Program, administered by R.V. Nuccio & Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. and underwritten by the Fireman's Fund. What if we want a friend or family member to MC our event? That is not a problem and I have no problem honoring your wishes. I'm happy to work with such an arrangement. It will be important for me to work closely with your designated MC. I prefer to meet or speak in advance with him or her so we can go over the schedule of events together. Attention to detail and commitment to your successful reception is a hallmark of my professional services, regardless of who serves as MC. When using a microphone, what's your style? How do you "entertain" the crowd? I match my style to your reception. I prefer to be low-key and professional while keeping the focus on you. I make your announcements, in a clear and pleasant voice. I do so in my natural voice and tone and not a want'ta be game show host tone. I can use props or keep them in the van, the fact is different couples want different things. If guests are allowed to make requests, I will mingle a bit during cocktails to introduce myself and let them know you want everybody to have a great time and I will take requests. Other than that, I do not believe in talking obtrusively over the microphone or trying to be the center of attraction because the fact is, YOU are the reason everybody is present. Can you provide any references? Yes. I have many highly satisfied clients, but out of respect to them, I prefer we meet first to see if you feel I'm a good fit for your special day. If you feel like I am, I have phone numbers and e-mail addresses to customers who are willing to attest to my professional services. I have many quotes on my web page as well as reviews on third party web sites, such as weddingwire.com. All quotes and references are 100 percent guaranteed from actual clients whom I've had the honor of serving. Do you take breaks? No, I keep the music flowing for you and your guests. I don't smoke so I don't take smoke breaks either and for the record, I do not drink during your event...it would be equivalent to me drinking on the job...who does that? I'm also focused on the bride and groom...not the bride maids! I'm totally dedicated to you, not trying to pull digits from any of your respected guests. ABOUT THE COST How much does a wedding package cost? Price quotes provided in my web page offer a very good ball park figure. However, please keep in mind everything is tailored to you and your guests. I really do need to talk with you to give you an exact price quote. Things that add on to expenses are having a special monogram light shining yours and your fiancé’s initials on the floor, ceiling or a wall, up lighting, or the whole light package that includes several of those lights you see at concerts (moving heads), light towers, etc. The point is, I don’t force any single canned wedding package on my clients since each and every wedding has special requirements … no one wedding is exactly alike from my professional point of view. I offer my services starting the first day we meet, and when you sign a contract with me. So I don't really have a "six or four hour package." I invest numerous hours working with you through planning, preparing, and creating your schedule of events. I also obtain any special music required, formulate playlist for those special moments; arrive early to carefully set up neatly to include breaking down (this is so you don’t have to worry about me damaging the facility due to being rushed and also for the safety of your guests). I complete a lot of work for you before your very special day. I do this without punching a clock or each time I e-mail you, call you, work on your music play list, as I drive to a meeting, tweak your schedule of events, etc. You mention not having to make a final payment if I'm not satisfied with your service...really? I pledge to provide you the best service I can; this is my way of demonstrating to you I'm not just about pitching a sale or some type of hype. I've never had to do this and I certainly do not want to start with you. The fact is, I deliver and simply don't make empty promises. This guarantee is put in our contract - if you're not happy with my services, you don't make a final payment .<replace this -- I'm a wedding DJ professional to create happy and found memories>; if you're not happy with my service, then I really haven't done my job. Do you require a deposit, and when is the balance due? I request a 50 percent deposit/secural payment. I have worked with many couples on different payment plans...some prefer to pay everything at once, some 50 percent up front and 50 percent as final payment. In most all cases, the balance is not due until the day of your event after I've provided my services. You trust in me, and I trust in you...I've never had a problem with this. ABOUT THE MUSIC What type of music and "how much" will you bring my reception? I bring thousands upon thousands of songs to your wedding. All in easy to retrieve quality digital format. I also bring several computers along with back up hard drives to make sure I play the songs you want to hear all throughout your special day. I use quality Mac Systems that have many less problems than PC's do when it comes to composing and playing music (I can share stories about PC nightmares if you want to hear them). Although I believe in coming prepared with all the songs you want to hear, I also have the capability to download and play a song on the spot. I also provide you your own password protected web portal so you can request songs you want to hear...you can do this 24/7 from anywhere you have Internet connectivity. Not everybody wants to hear the Y.M.C.A. or Macarena at their wedding reception; you can also list songs you DON'T want played. We are particular about the music we want played and the announcements that are to be made. How will you accommodate our needs? Working with couples who care as much about music is a treat. I offer various ways to make sure I don't play anything you don't want or may offend any of your guests. Part of my vision is to play music that both you and your guests will enjoy listening and dancing to, while respecting your musical tastes. I plan well in advance and put a schedule of events in writing for both of our review. I do this so when your wedding day comes, you can relax knowing you will be taken care of. The last thing you need to do is have to worry about what your DJ will say or play! And I don't mind if you come up to me and ask me to play a particular song next; I'm happy to play any song you want, anytime. I'm also happy to take requests from your guest and even encourage it, while keeping your musical likes and dislikes at the forefront (however, my goal is to take care of you first). Should you have a specific list of songs you want played and not allow guest to make requests, I will honor that, but caution you may alienate some of your guest. Can you provide music during our ceremony? Yes. I can provide all your ceremonial music - prelude, processional, and recessional. I have a smaller, very portable system that can be used for ceremonial music. IF this is at the same location as the reception, it's highly possible I can do this for no additional expense. If I have to travel to another area, then we will need to negotiate the fee (please understand time, vehicle gas/maintenance, set-up, breakdown, etc.). Can you play music for cocktails, dinner? Yes, it's all part of my professional service. Background music during cocktails and dinner is not a problem. You can even specify any special songs you might want played during this time. I can recommend various types of music that create a nice ambiance depending on your musical taste and the ambiance you would like during cocktails and dinner. Even if the cocktail hour is located in a separate area, it's usually no problem for me through the use of extra speakers or another smaller system. Whether it's melodic jazz , contemporary love songs, motown, country, or a mix of all the above, I will take care of you and your guests. With my extensive music library, I can customize the cocktail and dinner music to your taste. Will you play a song that we provide in either CD or mp3/computer format? Yes. I will do my best to get the song for you through a legitimate and legal source if I don't have the song, that is one of the reasons for hiring a professional. However, if it is a special song that is not widely available and I can't locate the song, I'd be delighted to play the CD or mp3 that you provide me. Do you provide a complementary recording of all the songs you play at our reception? No. I'm sorry, as a professional DJ I've signed agreements that I will not make copies nor disseminate any music provided to professional DJs. ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT Will you have backup equipment at my event? Yes. I bring extra speakers, computers, mixers, cords, etc.. And I’m not talking about a cheap boom box. Not to mention, I maintain my van with regular and all suggested maintenance. I've heard horror stories of other professional wedding vendors breaking down and the fact is I do not want to have that happen to me while serving you! What type of Professional Equipment do you use? I am constantly upgrading my system and use top-of-the-line line professional equipment, from manufacturers such as Pioneer, QSC, Shure and Apple (computers). By constantly upgrading my system, it also substantially decreases any chance of system failure. I use professional wireless microphones that do not pick up the local fire house or trucker dispatcher transmissions. Mixers that are used in professional venues that provide clear highs and lows throughout the venue. I have several systems that are suited for small or large venues for 1000 people. I've successfully played at bed and breakfasts, the Wolftrap and large ballrooms/larger exposition venues. I can also include the name Honda in my inventory, and it's not because I drive a Honda. You might ask yourself, "why would a DJ include Honda?" I have a very portable and quite generator so if you are having an event where power is not readily available, I can help. I can provide music near a river, lake or in the middle of a field (being able to drive into those areas in my van is the major requirement). I'm happy to explain all my components should there be an audiophile wanting to know the particulars of my set-up. Can you provide music outdoors? Yes and I don't even need a power outlet in extreme situations. I prefer direct access to a power outlet and use high grade heavy-duty extension cords to help get me to the power. However, please keep in mind that rain, direct sunlight, or extremes of heat or cold can damage professional equipment. We can negotiate the need to protect both my equipment, me and your guests from the elements (such as a tent, patio or covered area). I also recommend you check with your venue to make sure that outdoors amplification is permitted. If so, odds are that after a sight visit, we can work it out. How early do you show up at our event to set-up? I prefer to arrive two hours before the first guests arrive (not before you want me to perform...there is a big difference). I arrive so I can set-up, sound check and professionally secure all wires while keeping safety at the forefront along with world-class service. I'd rather arrive early vice late. And if the venue hints of charging you more money because of an early arrival due to a vendor, I will make sure that doesn't happen to you (but I will be in the vicinity if not the parking lot waiting for the soonest second I can get in to take care of you). How much space do you need to set up? I can take as little as a 8 x 6 foot area ... but prefer more room to spread the speakers out for better sound. I can use a table as small as five feet or as large as 8 feet...I still use the same professional gear, I just arrange it to fit your needs. You are hiring an expert who can and has fit into just about any space. If I have not already played at the venue, I normally coordinate with them to make sure I'm familiar with the physical lay-out. Any information you have regarding the floor plan according to your requirements will also help. I prefer having electrical outlets (at least two) within 25 feet of where you want me to set up. Do you use a wireless (cordless) microphone? Yes. I have two professional quality wireless microphones that are certified by recent FCC regulations (in plain English that means you don't have to worry about local police or fire station announcements coming in during your special day). Your guests are welcome to use one of the microphones to make toasts and so on. I'm also mindful that if you don't want people talking over the microphone, I tactfully let such guest know that without putting you on the spot (not everybody wants Uncle Buck on the microphone talking about those glory days). |
Why Choose the Dj to Go to be your wedding DJ and Host?
Facts, Answers and Questions
Facts, Answers and Questions
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