…I was looking through some DJ websites as of late, and I thought some of the setups were interesting to take a look at.  Much of the time – you do not get to preview your DJ’s setup until you walk into your reception.  First, here is my setup:

My Setup

Notice the lack of visual wires, equipment, etc.  It is very clean and blends right into the background.  Did you even notice the speaker?  That is the Bose L1 – and it is very powerful with amazing room coverage!  The only piece of equipment you do see is my Apple Macbook Pro – and that is because I am sponsered by Apply (JUST KIDDING!  I wish…)

Now, let’s look at some other DJ setups that have been posted online:

This is an amazing shot of a bride and her bridesmaids dancing – but what ruins this photo is the DJs messy setup.  Wires on the ground and in front of the table, a microphone and other table clutter, a bag on the floor, and the ever classic big box Mackie speakers.  I know for a fact an amazing photographer took this shot – but its a DJs lack of consideration for his setup that detracts from what should be a great image – and memory.

While it is very compact – it just screams messy!  Think of it this way – with a beautiful hotel room and fancy seat covers – the DJ setup looks like a orange pole with skateboard stickers on it!  Does this say “elegance” to you?  How much fun will your wedding be if one of your elder or younger guests trips on a wire and falls hard into the dance floor?

Could you imagine never seeing a setup on a DJs website – and then walking into your reception with music playing on four computer speakers and a sub?  Your home theatre sound system probably plays louder then this.  This is an important lesson:  Anyone can put pictures of a smiling bride and groom on their website – Google Image Search is made for this! – but if the DJ doesn’t put photos of their setup on their website – ASK FOR THEM!  Not having a photo of their setup is INEXCUSABLE!

And our final photo (there were many to choose from, but this one made the cut):

I am sure by now, you get the point.

Wedding Tips of the Day Wedding DJ Setup

I came across this blog post of a bride’s experience with a DJ company that promised her everything the “pros” offered – but at half the price!

Source:  http://www.weddingbycolor.com/s00n2bemrsb0lton/milestones/117440

Wedding Music And Songs

M.I.A DJ!!!

Wedding Tips of the Day Hiring A DJ

…do your homework on them!

This cannot be stressed enough – professional services – videographer, photographer, caterer, entertainers, etc. – range not only in price and quality – but also in the after-the-wedding experience as well.

The Video Link:
http://cbs3.com/services/popoff.aspx?categoryId=5&videoId=98055@kyw.dayport.com&videoPlayStatus=false&videoStoryIds=98055@kyw.dayport.com&videoTime=&stationName=KYW&

The best categories to save in money?  Flowers, decorations, centerpieces, invitations, etc.  Professional Vendors?  Never.

Trust me, as someone who has had to “Get Jesse“, the frustration and time wasted over consumer issues like these are not worth it!

Wedding Tips of the Day

With the wedding planning season in full swing, it is time for a tip that relates to my industry niche – the wedding DJ and how to hire one.

I have spoken with over two dozen brides this past weekend, and when I asked them if they have ever hired a wedding DJ before, or a DJ for that matter, none of them answered “Yes.”  So, the following is a list of tips and advice to use as a quick educational tool that will hopefully help you find the best entertainment value you can.

1. Narrow the list down to a few potentials.  Look at the DJ company’s marketing materials – is it professionally done?  Next, look at what they are saying – is it about “Us” or is it about “You”?  Remember, this is your day, your DJ service should speak about serving you.  Next, look at their website – does it look professional, clean, elegant?  Or does it look messy and unorganized?  How a DJ presents himself will be a direct reflection upon his service – pick the DJs whose presentation stands out and write their information on your list.
2. Meet with every DJ on your list, in person.  I know, email is convenient and much can be discussed over the phone – but it’s hard to fully disclose what a company’s service entails and the value you receive for your entertainment dollar in a ten minute conversation or via text documents.  Consider the DJ’s personality, his appearance, how he conducts himself, how he speaks - this is going to be the spokesperson that represents you!  The other need for a consultation is for comparing DJs – consider it a live performance (us professionals do!).  Not all DJs are the same, nor do they provide the same service.
3. Ask them questions, but make sure the question that uses the “P-word” is last.  Here is seven questions every bride should ask:

1. What do brides like best about your style?

2. Have you ever done a reception at our venue?

3. How good is your equipment?

4. What’s your secret to getting my guests on the dance floor?

5. Can you do anything special for my formalities?

6. What are the hottest ideas for wedding receptions these days?

If entertainment is a priority, and more brides are telling me it is, make sure your DJ company delivers on the level of service you are looking for.

4. Ask for demo announcements.  Go ahead, ask them how they introduce the wedding party.  I can guarantee mine will be much different than what others may come up with.  And then I’ll explain the reasoning behind it.  Call me right now at 253.988.8095.

5. Understand that a DJ can do much more than just play good music.  Ask your DJ what else he provides in his service.  Brides have been walking out of my consultation meetings going, “Wow, I didn’t know DJs can do that and I can see the value your services have!”  This is why a consultation meeting is a must!  I provide personalized packages – and simply asking me for an email quote based off what you desire is not going to convey the value or quality I provide my clients with.  Even the quality of the equipment can make a world of difference.

6. Price differences may shock you – but do your homework!  This is why I say ask for pricing after the consultation has been completed.  I have had some brides ask for some huge packages and quote over the phone and email - seven hours! karaoke! monogram gobo light! uplighting! two sounds systems for the ceremony and reception!  a photo montage!  love story! – and then been shocked at the price quote I put out – they simply didn’t think it would cost that much.  But ask the DJ to show you a copy of the planning process he uses – how much time is really invested into you?  The package before would easily include over 45 hours of time invested into that client – plus expense costs to create the magic she was looking for.  Add on top professional fees to do this full-time and perfect my craft – and it’s no wonder why $15 an hour wouldn’t make sense.   Find out if your DJ is full-time or part-time – and then ask him to breakdown his preparation hours.  Simply put, the day-of time for a reception-only service is generally 8 hours – if only 12 is being put into you, are you really getting a great service?

7. Have fun!  Remember, the reception is about you and the guests – make sure your DJ will inform you on how he will make your guests become apart of the reception – not just attending it.  And your search for a DJ should be fun – after all, this is entertainment and no one wants a boring wedding reception.  In an informal survey of my 2008 brides, I asked them, what have your friends commented on about your wedding?  Their answer: “The choice of the DJ.”  Make hiring a quality DJ a priority – and your friends will be saying, “Your wedding is the best wedding I have ever attended.”  That is, after all, what most brides want – the best wedding reception, ever!

I hope this helps – I understand most brides have no idea where to start.  Take what you have seen from other wedding DJs and start your basis there – and then see if you can find one that “WOWs” you.  If you need help looking for quality wedding DJs, please feel free to contact me at 253.988.8095 or Tony@TSWDJ.com.  Sometimes I am perfect for a bride, other times, I am not - but I will direct them to a DJ that is a better fit!

Wedding Tips of the Day How to hire a DJ

If you are hosting a wedding this holiday season, please do not think it is taboo to play Christmas music!  In fact, many of your guests will enjoy singing along to their favorite songs!

Another great idea for a holiday wedding is to use uplighting with either color schemes of blue & white or red & green.  It will add an awesome element to the atmosphere of the room!

Wedding Tips of the Day Wedding Tip of the Day

Today, I will briefly touch on designing a room layout for your reception.  At some venues, there is minimal to decide – they have everything already in place.  But that doesn’t mean that logistically it is always the best layout – especially as far as entertainment is concerned!  I have done venues where I was told to setup over 200 feet away from the nearest guest – and that is where the venue had every DJ perform from!

What is wrong with that, you may ask?  Well, yes, the DJ won’t blare the nearest table with high volume of music (which, by the way, my Bose sound system was engineered to combat anyways) – but also now the DJ is that much farther from the center of action.  If DJ entertainment is expected to play an impact on the event – the result will be less than desirable.

Other things to consider:  the relationship of the cake table, bar, buffet, dance floor, gift table, head table, and guest tables to one another.    Your professional vendors should be able to advise you with the best suggestions based off numerous factors – guest count, space available, reception flow, etc.

So as you interview your venues, ask about room layouts.  And when you talk to your entertainment vendors, see if they will do a site visit – quality DJs will be able to verify the room’s layout for creating the best party atmosphere – or offer advice on how to tweak the layout a bit to fit your reception flow.

Wedding Tips of the Day

In business, we have a word called K.I.S.S., which stands for:

Keep It Simple Silly

For brides, as you plan your wedding, keep K.I.S.S. in mind. Often times we get so caught up in every little detail – we miss out on the big picture. The little knick-knacks (the boxes with M&Ms in them, the seat covers, etc.) – they are nice gestures that show appreciation for your guests – but in the long run, it is not the memories people take with them.

It’s the memory of two smiling people celebrating the greatest day of their lives.

Keep It Simple Silly!

Wedding Tips of the Day Wedding Tip of the Day

I like to think of the first dance as the most sentimental and romantic moment of the wedding reception.

In the midst of a reception where you are being pulled in 150 directions – your first dance will be that one moment where it’s just you and the love of your life. How will you spend that moment?

There are several ways in which you can “present” your first dance. (For those that have talked to me before, presentation is one of my big focal points. I use it often!) There are three elements to consider, and I will be using the lingo of a magic act for effect here, and these elements are outlined as such:

The Setup

This is the element that captures your audience and puts everyone’s focus on you, the couple.  It can be as simple as a elegant announcement or as extravagant as a pre-planned stage production.  Even if you choose to be very simple here, discuss with your MC/DJ/Entertainer this announcement.  “Ladies and gentleman, the bride and groom will now have their first dance” is not acceptable!  Ask for an announcement with emotion and personalization built in – an announcement that will attach your guests to that moment in time.

For a great first dance presentation idea, email me at Tony@TSWDJ.com.

The Performance

Ah, your personal song has started - it’s your moment, what will you do with it?  Actually, your personality will answer that question for you – some couples stay very traditional and enjoy a slow, romantic dance.  Other couples will start slow and end fast – and others still will start fast and end that way – again, it is up to your style!

A word on choregraphed dances, since they are the newest trend:  They take practice!  Everyone fell in love with the first few that hit YouTube, and suddenly, a swarm of videos hit the web.  But some of them seemed unrehearsed and the effect wasn’t the same.  To do this right, it takes practice and dedication.  I can tell you first hand as a DJ and MC performer – I have practiced and rehearsed your wedding well in advance to ensure no mistakes, hitches, or glitches.

The Prestige

Finally, the last element – and the most powerful.  Where The Setup sets the mood and captures the audience’s attention, The Performance put their eyes on you, The Prestige  is where they either politely clap, stand and cheer or some action in between.  Now your Setup and Performance will slightly dictate the Prestige response, but if the dance is ended strong (gentlemen, sweep her off her feet and give her a passionate kiss!) and the DJ/MC/Entertainer knows how to make a powerful annoucement to motivate the crowd to stand and cheer, it will cap off an amazing moment you will always back on your wedding day.

As you sit and plan your wedding entertainment, make sure to consider these three elements for your first dance.  Presentation is very important – it engages guests, makes the moment your own, and allows everyone to share an unforgettable experience!

Wedding Tips of the Day Wedding Tip of the Day