DJ

LGBT Weddings / Ceremonies

1990

1

Cash, Check, Paypal, AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Acoustic, Big Band, Classic Rock, Classical, Country, Dance, Folk, Funk, Gospel, Hip Hop, Jazz, Motown, Oldies, Orchestra, Pop, Punk Rock, R&B, Rock, Soul, Strings, Swing, World

Yes

I am a Wedding Specialist DJ. I love what I do. I pride myself not only on extensive DJ skill and experience, but also the subtle things like listening, helping, and coordinating. I am fun and upbeat, but never overshadow the guests or the bride and groom. This day is not about me, or my agenda, or my ego. This is your day. I'm here to help make it one of the most memorable of your life.

There's no limit, however I have some tips & advice that I'll give you once we work together.

Whatever you prefer. I always ask what your preference is. Some expect a tux. Others want to see their DJ wearing anything BUT a tux! It's up to you!

If a pre-requested song is very difficult to find, and the couple has it, that makes sense to use their copy. However most of the time I can find that song, purchase it, and have it in my library for the wedding.

None! Perhaps the biggest benefit to choosing my company to DJ your wedding is that the person you initially meet and hire, email, talk to on the phone...is also the person at your wedding. This is one of the biggest reasons I have never become a multi-dj conglomeration. When 13 DJ's are in the company, details will be missed-and your wedding turns into just another "gig".

There is no minimum time. Your wedding will be great whether it's 1 hour or 10! Keep in mind due to demand, package prices are the same for everyone.

Yes! And I recommend that too. Please see my Tips & Advice section for more on this.

I've been a part of a number of ethnic events, probably not enough to say I specialize in this area, but I can definitely do the job.

Yes, and actually that is recommended. I have some very interesting information to share about this once we're working together!

Yes, in fact I bring at least 2 complete sound systems to every wedding. Be sure to check out my YouTube channel. I'm a thought leader nationally in terms of equipment in my industry.

I have a number of items available including special effect intelligent lighting, uplighting for your venue, video projectors and screens, trusses, and yes...the disco ball!

No wedding was ever ruined because the DJ arrived early! I usually set up 2-3 hours before the anticipated start time. Sometimes even 4-5 hours or more. This allows adequate time for set up and any last minute surprises. Some companies arrive an hour prior. My experience tells me that just isn't enough. What if the venue has an unforeseen power issue? It happens. A table is not required, that's completely up to you. I have my own.

No. I can easily fit everything on a 2'x4' table.

NEVER! The best form of advertising I can implement is a job well done. If people like what they see and hear, they generally will come and ask me for a business card. Same goes for the tip jar. You will not find one on my table.

Yes, and my interaction is based on your preference-from very few announcements, to full interaction and MC functions.

Dancing is never a guarantee. Many couples that I work with don't just measure the success of their wedding by the amount of dancing that happens. Rather, they are more concerned with how their guests feel about the overall experience. When we work together, we'll talk more in depth about this. It's an important question to discuss.

I'm flexible. If I eat, great. If I don't, that's fine too. My job is making your wedding perfect. Nowhere in my contract does is say that you need to feed me.

Yes, if I need to. But this is rare.

Absolutely. I have access to an entire network of qualified DJ's in the state.

Absolutely not. That's just one of the many things that makes my company unique. This is my full time profession. It's my company, my business, my reputation, and on your special day there is absolutely nothing else on my calendar except making your day spectacular.

My wedding packages are all-inclusive with unlimited hours. Think about that for just a minute, and the awkwardness that comes with figuring out how to pay the DJ for another hour. Does the music stop? Where is the checkbook? By having unlimited hours, it's one less thing you have to think about.

I am based in Oregon, but more and more couples are hiring me for their weddings in California, Washington, and Idaho. Travel expenses will be included in any wedding package you choose.

I generally ask for 1/2 down to book my services for your date. I do make exceptions to this from time to time based on specific needs of the couple.

  How important is it to hire a DJ for a Wedding reception?

Here are some interesting wedding statistics:

*AFTER THE VOWS...

72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.

Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
During Wedding planning, brides say their highest priority is their attire, followedd by the reception site and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities.  Within one week after their reception, 78% of brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!

When asked, 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a Wedding is the entertainment.

65% of couples that chose a band to entertain at their Wedding said, if they had it to do over again they would have chosen a DJ.

*These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.

  How much does it cost to have a DJ?

DJ rates vary based on a number of factors, including date & location of event, talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.  For literally a few hundred dollars, anyone can throw together some used gear and call themselves a professional.  As you gather more information, you may find that prices vary quite a bit from one DJ company to the next.  If you haven’t figured it out by now, you get what you pay for in this industry.

Rates for the Wedding DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from as little as a couple hundred bucks to $3,500 or more with an average 4-6 hour event around $1,200. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a Wedding. As an example, one company may have a package that is $795 and includes up to 4 hours of music.  Often times that DJ can end up costing more than the all-inclusive DJ, where the total number of hours can’t be known for sure ahead of time.

A full-service DJ company will normally invest 20-30 hours in your Wedding, but it may appear that you are only paying for "4-6 hours". Consultations, music purchasing, programming and editing, preparation, rehearsal, set-up and tear-down, education and other business-related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.  Please contact us for a specific quote.

 Which DJ will show up at my event?
Great question.  One of the biggest advantages our company offers is that it’s owned & operated by one person.  We are a one-DJ company, not a multi-dj conglomeration.  The person you meet initially, the person you speak with on the phone and email, the person you make plans with...is ALSO the person at your event.  That is a comforting advantage to you.  No details are missed!

Some DJ companies literally hire trainees for minimum wage to entertain your Wedding guests.  As you do your research, find out how companies operate.  Will your special day be in the hands of someone with limited skills and experience?  We take calls occasionally from other DJ companies that have booked too many events (even Weddings) and don’t have anyone to DJ for them.  No joke.

 Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of liability?
Yes!  Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance-that protects YOU and the business.  Some locations are beginning to require proof of insurance.  A Certificate of Liability which can be used as proof.  Bass is Loaded! Mobile Disc Jockey is insured for $2,000,000.

 Music selection...how do we pick music out?  Do you take requests? 
A versatile DJ is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list.  A professional DJ will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs or types of music played at all.  Some companies post their music list for clients to choose for themselves.  This is a time consuming process which usually ends up frustrating most clients.  We have always felt that the best Weddings are the ones which are naturally programmed with a sense of the "type" of music desired.  Clients are encouraged to choose a handful of specific songs, but then to allow other guests to make requests of their own. 

**While we’re on the subject, Bass is Loaded! Mobile DJ is an advocate for purchasing music legally.  On average, a DJ company should spend just under $1 per song in their collection.  With the reduced cost of hard drive space, many companies are waging a war to see who has the most songs-many times acquiring these songs illegally.  We have been in business since 1990, carefully building our collection of quality music-songs that could actually be played at an actual event!  In nearly 20 years in the business, we have just over 26,000 titles, with a total investment of approximately $20,000.  So in your search, beware of the companies out there that have hundreds of thousands of songs.  Did they spend hundreds of thousands to get those?  This is a matter of ethics, the law, and just decent business practice. 

 Do you use professional equipment?
Ask your prospective DJ and find out. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. And beware of "Cord Monsters!"  No Wedding should look trashy from bright orange extension cords piled all over the floor, tables, speakers, etc.  If nothing else, ask to see pictures of your DJ’s actual setup from different locations.  Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an entertainer’s talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event.  You can view a sampling of our equipment at our website. 

 What if your equipment fails?
Do you really want your special day ruined because your DJ did not come prepared?  We arrive at your Wedding with two complete sound systems.  We even have a backup for our backup...just in case!  Think about that one for just a second. 

 How much time do you allow for set-up?
Most DJ’s arrive one hour prior to the start time you’ve given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door.  Our policy at Bass is Loaded! Mobile DJ-The Wedding Specialist DJ company is to arrive at least 2-3 hours ahead of time.  No Wedding was ever ruined because the DJ arrived early.

 Do you provide a written contract?
Definitely!  You can’t rent a movie without a contract, much less hire a professional entertainer for your Wedding.  And the good news is that it protects both parties.  It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. We ask for a 50% advanced payment to book your date.  The remaining balance is due prior to the event.

 

 

I am happy to offer these tips for hiring a great Wedding DJ:

1)  There is a HUGE difference in quality from one DJ company to the next.  Find out all you can about the different companies you’re checking out.  Are they passionate about what they do?  Are they skilled and experienced at Weddings?  Do they listen to you?

2)  Try to meet with your prospective DJ in person before you decide.  Make sure you feel comfortable with that person.  And if the person you meet with is not the one who will ultimately be your DJ, then schedule that person for a meeting.  If you don’t feel that connection with the person who will be at your Wedding-pass on it!  You’re not just hiring a company to be a part of the Wedding, you’re hiring a person or people that will easily work WITH YOU!  The decision should feel natural.

3)  Get references!  And not necessarily from other couples or the DJ’s own website.  Any DJ can have one or two great events.  Rather, talk with facilities and venues that have a lot of Weddings, specifically the location of your own.  Ask questions about promptness, attitude, work ethic, skill, experience, past challenges, etc.  Venues have seen a ton of DJ’s.  Who would THEY recommend?

4)  Team up with the best Wedding vendors you can EARLY.  Good vendors get booked fast.    Then you can relax and allow the Wedding experience to really be an enjoyable one, free of stress.  Your Wedding will be in good hands.