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Weddings
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QUALITY WEDDING HINTS The following are not necessarily the terms or operating conditions of Quality Entertainment. This is only a general overview based on our years of experience.
WHERE TO START ? Before you hear one song at your ceremony or reception, there are decisions and choices that must be made regarding entertainment. Should you have a band or Disc Jockey? What's your entertainment budget? How do you pay the entertainer? What experience does the entertainer have? What music does he/she have?Knowing the right questions to ask when interviewing potential disc jockeys / bands will give you the information you need to make the correct choices and decisions. By having a contract you will have peace of mind when that one key element of your big day has been finalised. You'll rest assured knowing that your reception music is in good hands. Here are some general topics that should be given consideration before you sign an entertainment contract. Band or disc jockey. Bands are no longer the only choice for dance music at a wedding reception. Disc Jockeys have become as widely accepted as bands in providing musical entertainment for these special occasions. In some areas Disc Jockeys are even more popular than bands. There are several advantages in hiring a Disc Jockey for a wedding reception. Here's a light-hearted look at some of those advantages. Top 10 Reasons to Book a Disc Jockey:
10. Able to play any song, any artist Whatever your choice, you should feel confident that you will have a professional musical presentation for listening and dancing for your guests.
LOCATION, LOCATION Usually wedding ceremonies and receptions are held indoors. Many are now being held at outdoor gardens and other out-of-doors locations.If you plan to have an outdoor ceremony, or reception, be sure to tell any disc jockey who may be performing. Make arrangements to have suitable cover over the stage or Disc Jockey area in case of inclement weather. Make sure an electrical outlet is available for the Disc Jockey. Check with your entertainer to establish how many outlets are needed.
GET IT IN WRITING! The first thing you should do after selecting your entertainment is secure a contract from the individual or company. This will insure that you get what you want from the entertainment. It should be written in plain, easy to understand language and contain the following terms:
Date Most disc jockeys require a deposit when signing a contract for an engagement. Deposits may range in amounts from 20% to 50% of the total entertainment fee. The contract should specify under what circumstances you might forfeit the deposit. The deposit should be fully refundable if the disc jockey is unable to perform. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances can force the cancellation of a wedding. If you are required to cancel your wedding for personal reasons, you may forfeit all or part of your deposit. In some cases you may be responsible for the entire entertainment fee. Give ample notice to your disc jockey if you must cancel your reception. In such cases professionals will be willing to work with you. If the disc jockey is forced to cancel for a reason beyond their control, they should be responsible for making sure your reception is "covered" by an equally acceptable replacement if possible. You should be given sufficient notice of any such changes. Final payment for musical services may be paid any time before the end of the reception, or immediately upon its conclusion. The method of payment should be agreed upon prior to the engagement. When your entertainment contract is signed with a band or a Disc Jockey, you should have a great sense of satisfaction knowing that this major task in preparing for your wedding day is complete.
CONSIDERATIONS..... Prices will vary from Disc Jockey to Disc Jockey.When making your selection consider experience, reputation, availability, professionalism and style. Overtime is the extra time you would like your entertainment to perform beyond the contracted time. This may be appropriate should you require additional music due to "late-running" ceremonies, or because a great party is in progress and you'd like it to continue. Know beforehand if the entertainment is available for overtime and how much it will cost. This should be included in the contract. If you are considering going beyond the contracted time, discuss it with your disc jockey to allow them an opportunity to program the music accordingly. Waiting until the last minute may make it difficult to regain the momentum your party had just 15 minutes earlier. Be sure the reception facility can accommodate your overtime request if plans change during the reception. It is not unreasonable for entertainers to charge an additional fee for traveling outside a "local" area. This might apply for distances over 20 or 30 Kms. Fees may be charged by distance or by actual time traveled. If you choose a disc jockey that is not based in your "local" area, inquire about the amount and whether or not a travel charge is included in the price.
BEHIND THE CONSOLE One of the most important positions at a party is behind a pair of turntables or CD players. The success of the dance entertainment usually depends on him.Being a disc jockey is much more than standing there hour after hour playing records, tapes or CDs, and introducing your wedding party. >From the Disc Jockey position the mood of the reception is set. The right atmosphere is created for pre dinner drinks and dinner. Dancing is controlled. Festivities are announced. Musical pacing and timing is maintained. Requests are handled. Overall audience satisfaction is achieved. Disc Jockeys possess varying degrees of experience, music mixing skill, "crowd reading" ability or perception, musical knowledge, and other qualities which define their talent. Take into consideration all these qualifications when making your decision. The Disc Jockey you choose should also have an extensive music collection consisting of music for guests of all ages. The Disc Jockey should meet with you prior to the reception and discuss your musical needs. You should feel totally confident with your entertainment selection.
PRESENTATION IS IMPORTANT Proper dress is imperative. It may be appropriate for a Disc Jockey to wear a fashionable shirt and trousers. Some may prefer to wear a tuxedo.If you are not concerned with their attire, simply ask them to wear what they normally wear when performing a wedding reception. If your function is casual then the Disc Jockey should be made aware of your plans. If formal, they should be similarly advised. Overall, the appearance of any performer should be neat and appropriate for your particular function. You may request that the disc jockey does not drink alcohol. You may ask their policy on drinking alcohol and should you prefer them not drink, they should honor your wishes. They should be responsible when performing at your function.
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC Music comes in all styles. Casual or sophisticated; classical or rock; reggae or jazz; polka or pop. It is played loud or soft and fast or slow. It appeals to young and old. It can make you feel lively or bored.Music is a common element of everyday life, but for your wedding celebration, the music should be extraordinary. Playing a variety of music styles is a big part of programming that will make your wedding reception a huge success. Familiar tunes, oldies, and today's hits should be combined in a cohesive presentation to allow your guests the opportunity to participate in your celebration, and enjoy themselves on the dance floor. You may have specific songs, which you would like to have played during your reception, and you may prefer to eliminate certain songs or kinds of music. Your special selections and musical wishes should be given to the Disc jockey well in advance of your wedding day. When guests request music, remember that it is not possible for a Disc Jockey to have every song. People often request songs that do not "fit-in" with your intended programming, or they may request inappropriate songs. Professional Disc jockeys know when it is acceptable to honor requests. Some music types and songs are unsuitable to play at wedding receptions. Playing heavy metal or thrash music, for example, might upset or displease some of your guests. Also, songs containing objectionable language should not be played. Music volume should be kept at an appropriate level so it doesn't "interfere" with the function. Throughout all segments of the reception, pre dinner drinks, dinner and dancing, the music should add to, or help create the proper atmosphere. During dinner the music should be loud enough to fill in any "dead" air that may occur while people are enjoying their meal. The music level should not be so loud that it is distracting when guests are engaged in conversation. As the function progresses towards the dancing portion of the function, the volume should increase. The increase should be mainly concentrated on the dance floor. This will add to the excitement of the party. The volume increase should not take away from the enjoyment of any guest as it moves to the foreground. Some people may prefer conversation to dancing. They should be able to find quieter areas away from the dance floor.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES When you book a Disc Jockey, you will have someone on hand to MC the festivities. Alternatively you may choose one of your guests to perform the Master of ceremonies duties.Give the names of the wedding party and family members to be introduced to the MC prior to the wedding day. This gives the MC a chance to learn difficult pronunciations. If there is an unusual sounding name on your list, spell it out phonetically or call to clarify the correct pronunciation.
SIZE ISN'T IMPORTANT A moderate size sound system can provide plenty of quality sound for your reception. Depending on the number of guests invited, and room size, sound systems can be customized. If you are planning an unusually large wedding, or perhaps a reception at a large outdoor facility, additional sound equipment for the Disc Jockey may be required. Obtaining extra equipment should not be a problem, though it may mean a slightly higher entertainment fee.Unlike nightclubs, discotheques or live entertainment venues, it isn't necessary for the Disc jockey performing at your wedding reception to be equipped with an elaborate light show. Excessive lighting can be distracting. Some effects are disturbing and annoying to older guests. For example, strobe lights can trigger epileptic seizures; therefore, all guests would have to be warned that this effect was going to be used prior to the function. Lighting effects can also add significantly to the entertainment cost.
Please feel free to contact Quality Entertainment for any further information or questions you may have.
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