FAQs
What about the consultation?
A DJs talent should reach far beyond just motivating the crowd or making the announcements at the right time. The DJ must be able to consult with the venue staff and other vendors throughout your event. There is no point having a significant event occur or announcement made only to find the photographer is not at the right place or guests are not ready.Our planning is a crucial and important part of our service that we offer you and we encourage you to contact us anytime regarding your event so we know exactly what is happening, this will make your event flow very smoothly.
Ask "What type of planning takes place before my event?"
What will the DJ be wearing?
What type of attire will your DJ be wearing at your wedding? Sounds like a no brainer, but you usually want them in a tuxedo or whatever type of dress that you request. Some DJs wear black jeans and a shirt and call this formal. Academy DJs wear professional clothing to all events and we will actually ask you the specifics of your dress code.
Ask "What will you wear to my event?"
What about the music?
Some DJs will have a stock list of songs they play and except for the first dance, do not give you much choice. Let your DJ be your guide as to what songs should be played. A good DJ will read the crowd and know what to play. Just make sure they know what not to play, or any specials songs that you do want them to play, and let them handle the rest. We have online forms for you to complete that structures your playlists. Ask if they will accept a request from your guests. You need a DJ who is flexible, and has a selection, so that requests from your guests can be fulfilled. This step is VERY crucial, because the DJ will be playing about 150 songs during your reception, and you want nothing but the best tunes to keep your dance floor full. You need a DJ who can adapt to any crowd. This DJ will be someone who is very well versed in all areas music.
Ask "What music do you have and how will you ensure my music choices are played?"
What about the venue?
Some hotel banquet halls are all carpeted, and just don't have a hard floor for dancing, check your venue will be laying a dancefloor out or ask us and we will consult with your chosen location direct to establish all facts relating to this area. You may not want a DJ who comes in and elevates themselves on the stage. We believe at Academy that the DJ should NEVER overshadow the bride and groom and usually do NOT want to be up on the stage. The location of the DJ is very important and we will consult with you when choosing a position to set up our equipment.
Ask " Will you visit the venue or establish exactly where to locate yourself before you arrive?"
How much do DJs cost?
There are moonlighting DJs that might only charge $200 but this is very risky and cut price means cut price.You'll find DJs charge $400 up to $1900 depending on the area. Your area may be less or more. In San Diego for example, you might expect to pay as much as $1100 for a true professional DJ, there really is such a wide range of pricing going on out there. Our DJs start at $395 and we believe in pricing ourselves reasonably. We are not the cheapest but offer an all inclusive prices,no hidden extra costs !.
Ask " How much do you charge and tell me in detail what I get for my money,are their any extra charges?"
Will you be selling?
There are so many DJs out there that have different vendors business cards sprawled out on top of speakers or on the table making the place look like a flea market. If anyone wants the DJs card, they will ask for one so why have a marketing display at your event. Your party is not a community bulletin board. All DJs take note: In our opinion, this is one of the tackiest things DJs do. Many guests at weddings we perform at agree. I've had a few DJs tell me that this is acceptable, as they claim people don't want to interrupt a DJ for their card. This will always be a controversial issue, but let me tell you DJs in this company will not produce banners or business cards for a display.
Ask " Will you be advertising or displaying a banner at my event?"
What about your lights and effects?
You don't want these at your wedding do you? we are talking about those rope lights or revolving flashing police lights. Check that the DJ is not using a strobe light, these can be harmful to certain individuals. Now at Academy DJs we know you may not be the expert in lighting,or you may not care but they do help create your event. You would notice the difference at any other entertainment event if the lighting was poor. We include within our price a full light show and provide full effects by using smoke and foggers. Our lighting is intelligent and will react to the beat of the music creating a special mood or atmosphere
Ask " Is the light show included in your price and is it modern equipment?"
What about the chicken dance, or the hokey pokey?
Some people love it, some people hate it. The consensus among Academy DJs is that we help clients make the right choice in NOT allowing them to be played. I believe these songs are outlawed in fifteen states now, anyway. Just kidding. Most guests feel Uncomfortable doing these cheesy dances. But it's your party, and you might want to hear them, so that's fine too. But the point is at least let the DJ know your preference. If you hate these songs, you would hate to be surprised by your DJ playing them at the reception. Group effort songs (i.e. the old "Electric Slide" always fills the floor. A good conga line will always fill the floor too. At Academy DJs we ensure that we understand fully your musical tastes and advise you with suggestive ways of making sure all your guests are involved as much as possible. We provide song books and request cards to ensure the music played is what everyone wants to hear.
Ask " How will you take requests and respect what I want to hear?"
Please call for your quote now on (877) 383- 6057 or complete our quick quote form
