Questions and Answers
August 12, 2008 – 3:46 pmPopular Questions and Answers
Q: Will I get to meet the actual DJ/MC doing my reception?
A: Absolutely! You will get to plan out the entire evening including music with the actual DJ/MC that will be at YOUR reception
Q: How many wedding receptions have you done as a company?
A: Having been in business since 1987, we have performed at over 5,000 events, 4,600 of them being wedding receptions. (as of 1998 95% of our business is weddings)
Q: Do you have any references?
A: Absolutely. After every wedding reception, we send out feedback forms and they reply. All of these are in many folders at our offices and are updated on a regular basis. These are available upon request and can be viewed in our studio during a consultation meeting.
Q: May we come and see you perform?
This is a very common question asked and the answer for the most part is no. Why do we say that, not because we are hiding something, rather that most of the venues we play at (country clubs, private halls, most hotels, ect) will not allow us to invite un-invited guests to a wedding reception. If you are having a reception at a reception venue that we play at regularly, they they may allow you to come to the reception at the early part of the evening. (Usually before or during cocktail hour) What we have done is taken some raw (not doctored to show you what you want to see) video footage up of some weddings to show you in our consultation meeting to make everyone feel more comfortable with their choice.
Q:How many weddings do you do a year? Are you a full time company?
We do approximately 100-140 wedding reception per year and 95% of all of our business is weddings only! We are a full time company and are very accessible and usually return phone calls and emails within hours, during business hours and evening.
Q:What do you do the rest of the week?
A: Plan wedding receptions, meet with clients, and coordinate with venues and other vendors for upcoming receptions. Customize music libraries. Prepare for upcoming receptions. Get all special requests for that weekend. Marketing, Sales ect..
Q:What kind of experience, background, and education do you have?
A: Selective Sound Ent. Has done over 4600 weddings as of 1987. We played at wedding receptions for as little as 28 guests to as many as 1300 guests. We continually go to DJ conferences throughout the United States at least twice, to as many as 5 times per year. We educate ourselves with the newest trends and music at various seminars. We have been formally trained through FAME (Florida Academy of Mobile Entertainers)
Q:Have you received any formal classroom training as a disc jockey?
A: Through fame (Florida Academy of Mobile Entertainers) completed their 101 and 201 training courses) and additionally other DJ seminars and conferences
Q: What is your policy on Food or Alcohol?
A: Remember your DJ is a hired service not a guest. Alcohol is for your guests. If the DJ tells you he or she needs a couple of drinks to loosen up it is our opinion that they are not very professional. The last thing you need is a drunk DJ up in front of your family and friends at your wedding reception. Food is normally provided for the DJ, Photographer, and Videographer. If your not going to feed the DJ or other services you should let them know ahead of time so they can make other arrangements.
Q:Do you also Emcee the reception?
A: Absolutely! Very formal announcements and only when needed. We are not game show hosts nor are we comedians and will not be telling jokes at your reception. Very formal announcements only!
Q:How many consultations do you provide in your package prices?
A: After meeting directly and booking with us (1) in person consultations and unlimited phone/internet consultations. (We understand people are busy and make it as easy as possible with their busy schedules)
Q:Do you provide an reception coordinator:
A: Included with every package. We do a lot of the same work that a wedding coordinator would do and its all part of our packages. We ensure your reception will run smooth and is stress free.
Q: Do you send out a wedding planner before the reception and if you do how far in advance?
A: We have an online wedding planner with unlimited resources and access. You will get a password and login code 7 to 8 weeks before your wedding reception. You will then be promted to plan your reception to the best of your knowledge through our site 24 hours a day.
Q:Do you carry liability insurance?
A: Absolutely (on file in our office) $3,000,000 (Its required by most venues)
Q: Are you a member of your local
Chamber of Commerce or BBB?
A: BBB
Q: Do you belong to any professional associations?
A: NAME (National Association of mobile entertainers) The benefits to you as clients are that we are nationally recognized through the industry as professionals. We are EPE certified through this organization (Endorsed professional Entertainers) we visit national DJ conventions throughought the year to learn new ideas of what the latest music and wedding trends are.
Q:What time do you arrive to setup your equipment?
A: 1-11/2 hours before the reception (music playing early at no charge) this is included in every package
Q:What do you wear to the reception?
We wear full tuxedos unless it is a themed event and then we discuss at the consultation meeting
Q:How many songs do you have in your library?
A: Remember its not the number of cd’s or songs we carry but the content of the media. We carry every hit song form 1940 to date. We stay current with every popular music category including Rap, Hip hop, Adult contemporary, Top 40, Country, Alternative, Christian, Dance ect.. We subscribe to a service that LEGALLY sends us full digital and edited versions of these titles. Our libraries consist of over 50,000 song titles.
Q: Will you take requests from our guests if we want?
A: Consider the policy of requests. The best DJs will take requests form the audience and work them into their routine. But don’t expect the DJ to play every request. An excellent DJ blends requests with songs that will get your guests up and moving. The art of a DJ is timing, and this takes experience. Forcing a DJ to ignore his or her instincts by making them play every request will result in an uneven (and less fun) party.
Q:What format is your music in? (i.e. records, cassettes, CD)
A: fully and legally digital music (all on computers) also carry cd libraries as a backup
Q:Do you provide cocktail/ dinner music?
A: Yes we do. We discuss formats like Jazz, lite rock,instrumentals, ect at meeting)
Q:Do you provide a wireless microphone for speeches?
A: Yes we do.
Q: Do you provide back up gear in case of an emergency?
A: Backup speakers, microphones,, amplifiers, cd’s, computers ect..
Q:Are basic effects lighting included?
A: in most packages yes. (very tasteful , fun lighting packages)
Q:Do you offer lighting and sound upgrades?
A: to be discussed with representative (if required)
Q: Do you take breaks?
A: Not one,, we play from the beginning start time till the contracted end time.
Q: How many people will cover the event?
A: in most cases there are 2, A DJ/MC and and assistant (adds versatility)
Q:Is a deposit required? If so, how much?
A: most deposits are 250.00 to 400.00. They are required to hold the date.
Q:When is the deposit due?
A: As quickly as possible. That is what ensures your date to be held.
Q:When is the final payment due?
A: Final payment is due 2 to 3 weeks before event, but only after you have met with your DJ/MC to go over the details and finalized all important information.
Q: What percentage are the taxes? All state and local taxes
A: ALL State and local taxes are included in every package.
Q::What is the overtime charge:
A: 100.00 per hour (pre-paid) or 75.00 per ½ hour (paid before overtime starts that evening.
Q::Are there any additional charges not mentioned? (i.e. travel) :
A: There are NO HIDDEN CHARGES. Travel fees only incur if over 50 miles or 1 hour of travel time is required.
Q: Do you provide a written contract and guarantee?
A: Yes we do. Lists all details and legally binds both parties to the engagement date.
Q: What are the refunds/cancellation terms?
A:: Deposit is non-refundable, and holds the said date for engagement. Cancellation of the event can be done, but must be done by hand written letter 120 days prior to engagement, or you are eligible for the full amount of the contract.
