Hiring a wedding DJ is probably the most important decision you’ll make in terms of its impact on the success of your wedding reception, so here are the most important Wedding DJ Questions and Answers I have to offer. It’s important that you find a DJ that has a style and philosophy that matches your vision for your wedding – to find out if I’m a good match for you, read about me and why you should hire me. I would love to work with you to create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding, and help you throw a legendary party that is talked about for years to come… Like this one:
Why should I hire you for my wedding?
This is probably the most important question you need to ask any DJ you are considering for your wedding reception. For me, it’s a combination of talent, experience, and a positive attitude. I’m always trying to learn and grow as a DJ and as an entrepreneur, which I get to do on a daily basis running MyDeejay – the area’s #1 DJ agency. See my long answer by reading why you should hire me.
What kind of equipment do you use?
Unless you know a lot about professional audio gear, you probably wouldn’t recognize half the brands I’m going to mention here. Consumer brands like JBL and Bose have professional-level equipment as well, but most of the really great manufacturers of pro audio equipment aren’t “household names”. I use a Mac-based DJ system running Native Instruments’ Traktor Pro software and integrated hardware, the same system used by international club DJs like Carl Cox, Zedd, and Porter Robinson. My speakers are mostly self-amplified Electro-Voice cabinets, which look and sound amazing, and I occasionally use JBL or Bose setups if the situation calls for it. All of my microphones are either Shure, Sennheiser, or Electro-Voice.
If all of this sounds like Greek to you, all you need to know is that my gear looks and sounds incredible, and I will bring whatever I need to bring to your event to make sure it is a huge success.
Do you use wireless speakers?
I get asked this question a lot, which is strange. The short answer is yes – sometimes – but only when the venue’s floor plan makes it impossible for me to hard-wire my speakers. There are a handful of venues (like Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase or the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria) that need wireless speakers because of the layout of the venue even though it’s not the most desirable option.
Despite being billed by some DJs as a benefit, wireless technology should only be used when absolutely necessary – not just because the DJ is lazy and doesn’t want to take the time to run balanced audio cabling and tape it down properly. There is always a chance of interference with wireless systems, and there is a loss of sound quality converting from digital to analog and back to digital and then to analog again. I always show up early and tape down my XLR and power cables so they aren’t visible to your guests or in your wedding pictures, it’s an extra step but it ensures that my events both look and sound great.
If your venue requires me to use a wireless speaker setup, I always have the system with me – but I will only use it if I really need to.
What do you need from the venue in order to set up?
The only things I need from your venue are a standard 6-foot banquet table with linens, and a dedicated 15-amp circuit with a grounded outlet for electricity. If you will need me to play music or provide microphones for your ceremony, I will also need a small table there as well. Electricity needs to be available within 50 feet of anywhere my table will be placed, which is not an issue at most venues. I’ve played at nearly every event venue in the area, so chances are I already know exactly where and how to set things up.
What is the process for booking you?
After contacting me to check my availability for your date, I will email you a price quote and my availability to schedule an initial call/meeting so we can talk about your plans and see if I’m a good fit for your wedding. If I’m not available, then I will email you a few questions so I can recommend one of my associates at MyDeejay who would be a great fit based on your needs.
I typically conduct my meetings via Skype, FaceTime, or over the phone, but if you would like to meet in person you are more than welcome to come to my home in Ellicott City. Initial meetings typically take about 20 minutes and it’s a chance for us to get to know each other and ask questions. My contracts and payment are all handled through our office at MyDeejay, and everything can be done quickly and easily online.
How much do you charge?
I use the same all-inclusive flat-rate package for my own bookings as I do for my associates at MyDeejay, and pricing for weddings typically ranges between $1600 and $2400 total depending on the date, length, and travel time for each wedding. I require a minimum 50% deposit to hold the date, with the balance due 30 days before the wedding. My quote includes all the equipment needed for your wedding, including additional sound systems, extra speakers, and wireless microphones. I don’t charge extra for any equipment at all, and I will not come back after you sign a contract and try to “up-sell” you on anything.
Overtime can be added to any contract before or even during the wedding, and the overtime rate is specified on the contract as well. The entire process is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand – I’m really easy to work with!
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we often have discounts or promos at MyDeejay and those apply to my personal bookings as well. If any promos or specials are available, they will be included in the price quote you’re sent when you contact me. Fridays and Sundays are available at a discounted rate, as well as for weddings between November and March. Since we create a custom quote for each wedding, you’ll always get my best price the first time you contact me – I’m not in the business of charging my clients more than I need to.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I process all my bookings and payments through our system at MyDeejay, and we accept all major credit cards. You can complete the contract and make all payments online, it’s super easy.
How much music can we request?
That is entirely up to you! I’m super easy to work with, and you can be as involved as you would like to be in selecting what I play. Some of my clients are really into music and give me 15 hours of requests for a 4-hour reception, others give me a small handful of songs and leave the rest up to me. I’m happy to give you suggestions and advice on your playlist if you would like my input, or if you just want me to make sure everyone has a blast I can do that too. Either way, I will make sure your guests have a lot of fun and dance like crazy.
When do we need to submit our requests?
I have a super easy online planning system that you can use to send me your music requests, timeline, and all the details for your wedding. I like to have all of that information finalized and submitted to me about 30 days before your wedding, which is also when the balance is due. If you need help or advice putting together your playlist or timeline, or need help with song suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me at any time – I am happy to help!
Do we meet with you again before the wedding?
Definitely – I normally like to do final calls/meetings about two weeks before the wedding. Depending on how complicated the timeline is and how many questions I have, it should take us about 10-20 minutes to go over everything. I’ll check your timeline, music, and go over all of the name pronunciations and any announcements you need me to make. My goal is to have all the information I need before your wedding so I don’t have to ask you any questions that day.
Is there anything else we need to know?
I can’t imagine there is, but if you still have questions I would love to answer them personally. The next step is to contact me and check my availability for your date, and schedule a time for us to do our initial call/meeting. I look forward to hearing from you!