1     Aren’t all DJ’s the same?

            You may think so (similar music, similar equipment, similar look) but like anything else sometimes you cannot spot the differences until it’s too late. There are full-time, part-time, hobby, club and mobile DJ’s. In addition, many DJ’s may only specialize in one type of event (weddings, schools) or music (Club = dance music/hip-hop). We at Dansations have over 20 years of entertaining at a wide variety of events including: Weddings, Corporate Events, School Dances, Fundraisers, Reunions, Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s, Sweet 16’s, themed-parties and even the occasional nightclub. We are a Full-Time company which means we’re accessible by phone/email/website, dedicated to our clients and have time to help personalize, plan and organize your event with you. We keep up on current as well as past music too. Since this is our business, we strive to make each event fun, exciting and a positive experience. We’re only as good as our last event; if you have a good time, we’ll get your referral for another event.

 2     I’ve never planned a wedding, company party or fundraiser before! Can you help me?

          ABSOLUTELY! We have many tools to help you as well as success stories of similar events to help guide you. Being a full-time company our job is to work with our clients so they have the best possible event; we don’t just show up and push play. We have online tools to help our contracted clients get creative, plan activities, choose music and set up timelines. We meet all our clients in advance; you get to know us & we get to know you and what you expect. If meeting isn’t possible, we’ll set up a conference call for all parties involved.

 3     Can I see you perform somewhere before I hire you?

            This may sound like a good idea at first, but think about this. You’re getting married / celebrating an anniversary. All of a sudden there are two strangers standing in the doorway staring at your entertainment. How would you feel? Occasionally, it may be possible to come to a public performance, but often-times not. We do have many testimonials on our website, a past client communications book (to review evaluation forms/cards submitted to us) and a few clients that you may call for references.

 4     Can I pick music I want played? Can I exclude songs I don’t want?

         YES. We have an online song selection tool that allows you to make a playlist, store it online and submit it when you’re finished. You may even add notes for songs (special songs, dedications, acknowledge someone’s birthday, anniversary, etc.) We’ll even go over you music list once it’s submitted and call with any questions (lyrical content, lack of familiarity to a wide audience, dance songs vs. slow songs disparity, etc.) We can set up a separte Guest Request link for you to evite or email to your guests that allows them to make requests before you event too. And of course we take requests at your celebration.

 5    How much do you charge? I can’t find a price online!              

         I’m sure you’ll agree that not all events are the same! They don’t all require the same equipment, planning, music, lighting or extras. Many are different lengths of time, days of the week, etc. Events that require more planning (i.e. weddings, corporate events) will cost more than others (school dance, private party). Other factors like the venue, travel, time of year or the need for upgraded / additional sound can affect price. It's important that we speak to you beforehand to get all the details associated with your event in order to give you an accurate quote.

6    Why do you charge 'x' and this 'other' DJ charges 'y'?

          It's not possible to speak about every 'other' DJ out there regarding price quotes but some factors that affect a difference in price: Full -Time company (see 1) vs. weekend DJ's. We have 20+ years of experience entertaining; others may have less or have only worked at certain types of events. Our music library has been built over 20 years and is added to monthly via high-quality MP3 subscription services; while others may illegally download music off the Internet. Not only is this illegal but the quality can vary widely from track to track making for an uneven, less than pleasing audio presentation. Wouldn’t you rather pay a little extra for peace of mind than try to save a few dollars and stress out wondering if the outcome will be successful?

          Here's another way to look at cost: Let's say you're having a wedding and your entertainment cost is quoted at $1200.00. The average wedding for a DJ is 20 hours of work

5 hrs. to interview, sign contract, initial consultation; detail music, timeline, itinerary, complete Event Planner.

5 hrs. to preview / purchase /prepare music playlist, prepare itinerary / event timeline, contact other vendors for the event, send approved itinerary to all vendors, view / visit facility / research facility if it's new / unfamiliar, learn any names / details needed for introductions.

5 hrs. Set-up, take-down, travel for event.

5 hrs. at event / play time.

            This averages $60.00 hour. Compare this to other professionals you may have a need to use:        

               Plumber at $95.00/hr.
               Auto mechanic shop rate at $130.00/hr.
               Attorney at $250-$450/hr.
               Doctor's visit $50.00 co-pay (w/ an average of 5 patients/hour is             $250.00/hr.

Your event is one that you and your guests will remember for many years to come. Using a professional entertainer, someone with years of experience performing at successful weddings helps ensure that memory is a positive one. Do you want to risk your memories trying to save a few dollars by hiring an amateur?

7     I'm on a budget, can you help me?

           Certainly! There are many expenses associated with an event: food, favors, prizes, facility and entertainment. The entertainment (DJ/Master of Ceremonies) will be in front of your audience for your entire event. Music / Entertainment plays a disproportionale role in the success of a wedding reception, school dance, fashion show or other special event. Martha Stewart says that “90% of the success of any event is directly related to the entertainment you hire”. If you’re hiring for a fundraiser, you want someone that can work a crowd, get them comfortable, show them a good time. If this happens, you’ll raise more money and help to ensure your guests will return the following year.  Weddings require someone that can relate to a wide variety of guests and ages; keep the reception on-time and create a celebratory atmosphere. The right DJ will make that happen.

A tough economy means more opportunity for fun because people are looking forward to having a great time. We'll help you design a program for your needs and suggest some ways to save enough to hire entertainment that willl enhance your event so everyone remembers the fun they had...instead of an event that people wish they could forget.

8    Why can't I just use my I-Pod?

            Great question! If the above reasons for hiring a professional entertainer still have you thinking this is a good idea then I invite you to take a few moments to watch this.

www.adja.org/general/ipodwedding.asp

9     What do I do next?

            Glad you asked! Give us a call at 707-575-8169 to check availability, ask for further information or book us for YOUR event!