DJ

Anniversaries, Bar / Bat Mitzvahs, Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Christenings, Corporate Events, Debutante Balls, Eco-Friendly / Green Weddings, Engagement Parties, Graduations, Holiday Parties, LGBT Weddings / Ceremonies, Memorials, Proms, Quinceaneras, Sweet 16s

1990

1

Cash, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

May 26, 2012

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

Since every wedding I do is different, I'm very diverse for all kinds of weddings. I custom craft each wedding to the Bride & Grooms style. Very classy, and very fun with unique ideas so that their wedding is not the same as every other wedding. I keep the focus on the Bride & Groom.

The limit would be the amount of time I have to play the requests.

Always in a FULL tux for weddings. If it's a certain theme wedding ie; tropical, then I will dress accordingly

No, only if the song is not accesable,i.e. local artists, or music that is out of print. Otherwise I will provide it.

Owner / operator It's just me.

No minimum time.

Always, every bride & groom should meet with the DJ that will be the one at their wedding before any commitment is made. You need to feel confident & comfortable with your DJ on a personal & professional level. All my consultations are without obligation.

I have provided service for every ethnic group mainly Latin.

I encourage it.

I always bring 2 complete Pro-sound systems. I will set up 2 systems if I'm providing music for the ceremony too. I am completly full service.

Bose L1 Speaker sysytem, and I use very classy DMX intellegent lighting at no extra cost. No cheap overbearing lights.

It takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to for me to set up depending on the package they choose. I do sound & light checks, review the check list & time line with the other vendors. I am aways on location 2 hour prior to start time. A pro should always be ready and have music playing when the first guests arrive. The table required.

No EXTRA space requirements, however, a true professional should be near if not next to the dance floor for easy access.

Absolutely NOT! A banner at a wedding reception is very tacky. I don't even display business cards. If people like your services they will come up and ask for a card.

Yes, I am the Master of Ceremonies for every wedding. If a DJ does not have professional MC training, he's just an announcer on a mic. Just about any one can do that. Very few mobile DJ's are real professional MC's. An MC's job is to direct & entertain without taking the focus off the bride & gromm. Without direction guests are lost. A good MC / DJ should only speak before or after a music set.

In this business it's not what you do, it's how you do it. A DJ has to connect, build a rapport, and create a lively environment with the guests at the beginning stages of a reception. A DJ should know how to read the crowd a program the music properly. If this is done right the dance floor will be a natural destination when it is time to dance.

Do not require a meal.

Music is always playing seamlessly while I'm away from the DJ area as I'm coordinating in the early stage of a reception.

I have never missed or have been late to a wedding in 20 years of service. If something were to happen to me I personally know every quality professional DJ in Phoenix. Plus I have an emergency phone# through the American DJ Association. My clients will never be without a DJ.

NEVER.

Depends on the type of event.

Depends on distance and season. I never charge travel fees if the event is in Maricopa County or if a wedding is up North during the Summer months.

Depend on the package they choose.

One of the most confusing things you will notice is the great disparity of pricing from one DJ service
to the next. You should ask about pricing, but I would suggest making it your last question.

First, you need to find out what makes the DJ worth their fee and what kind of service they provide.
Entertainment is a talent based service and each DJ entertainer will bring a different level of talent,
quality of service, experience, and expertise to your wedding day.

Your entertainment can make or break a reception, and remember there is no second chance to get
it right. Most people make the mistake thinking, "It’s just music, all DJ’s are the same," and that a
cheaper DJ is the better value.

While it may be attractive to shop for a DJ based on price, just as with every other wedding vendor,
price alone is not the definitive factor in this decision. All DJ services are NOT equal.

Here are some of the important questions you should ask before hiring your DJ (plus a few tips!):


Are you available for my date? - If I am not available, I will help you find a qualified professional DJ that is.
You are encouraged to book your disc jockey at least 6 to 9 months in advance.

Can you provide ceremony music? - Most professional wedding DJ’s can provide ceremony music service at
the reception site. I always bring 2 systems.

Ceremony services may include appropriate music during the seating of guests, wedding party processional, lighting
of the unity candle or sand ceremony and the recessional. A wireless lapel microphone is usually provided for the
ceremony minister.
Do you coordinate with the minister? - It is important for the DJ to be familiar with the order of the ceremony.


Are you the DJ who will be at the reception? - Keep in mind that some DJ companies subcontract their
services and they may always indicate that they are available. Will he guarantee in writing that they will be the DJ
at your event? Be sure the DJ you interview will be your DJ. I’m owner / operator it’s just me.

How many weddings have you performed?-  The bigger companies will claim they have over 20 years of combined experience,
or have performed over 10,000 events. It could be true for the company, however you need to know how much experience your DJ has.
The DJ they assign to you may have just been hired with little or no experience. 
I have personally performed over 1,200 weddings in 20 years.  

Is the DJ part-time or full-time. Have you ever heard of a part-time professional? Many DJ’s claim to be professional yet they do
weddings on the side, and work a day job during the week. 80% of mobile DJ’s are part-time. Most all other vendors you hire will be
full-time pros. Why hire a part-time DJ on one of the biggest days of your life. Most part-time DJ’s don’t bother to get the real training
they need. Can’t meet with you at your convenience or answer your calls right away.
This is all I do. I am there when you need me, a devote all my time nessesary to do a great job for you.

Where did you get your education? To be professional you need education. Ask your DJ where he got his education from to become a
professional DJ. Does he continue to get educated? A good DJ will always strive to improve by continued education. Remember this is also
a talent based service. A great wedding DJ is not only educated, but talented, with many years of experience. I always provide you with my
credentials at the initial consultation.

May we contact your references? - Ask for references make sure you get the most recents clients and
venues at which the DJ has performed. The reviews on this website can be made up by friends or family of the DJ.
You can find the actual recent client reviews on my website. The day of the consultation you will also get some of
my recent clients e-mail address with the name, date and location of their wedding.

Will you go over the wedding planning with us? - How will he handle the details of the introductions, first
dance, toast, blessing, cake cutting, bouquet & garter toss and special requested dances? What will they do at your
reception that makes their service unique? I spend 2 to 3 hours in personal planing sessions with each Bride & Groom.

Do you take requests? - An professional DJ can read a crowd, take requests, and program music with songs that will get your
guests up and dancing. The art of a DJ is timing, and this takes years of experience. A versatile Disc Jockey will be willing to listen
to your suggestions, and play from your desired song list. I always take requests.


How large is your music collection? - Will he provide any special music you require at your reception? Your
wedding will most likely require music to satisfy all ages and musical tastes so ask about variety. Many DJ’s today can provide
many titles of songs. Yet it’s not just about having music, it’s about knowing your music. It takes many years of experience to know
music well. Will your DJ know the difference between Big Band & Jazz, / Hip Hop & Rap, / Motown & Disco etc..?


Do you use professional equipment? -  A full-time professional DJ will always use the best in pro-audio equipment. It should be
protocal. If a DJ pastes pictures of their system on their website, or package their prices based only on what equipment they bring to your
wedding, this is a big red flag. To me their telling you, the only thing they know is how to set up and use their system to play music.

Can we see you at a wedding?  If a DJ invites you to see him at another wedding, he will also invite others to crash your wedding. Plus
he is creating split loyalties at the wedding trying to audition for you as well.
I would ask for references from past weddings he has performed, or from other vendors he has worked with. Also ask for unedited video
of him in action. Edited video can make anybody look good. (Ask Hollywood:) Also remember every wedding is different.

Do you belong to any professional associations? - Is the DJ a member of ADJA (American Disc Jockey
Association) or any other DJ organization which carefully screens their members? What are they currently doing to
improve their entertainment skills? Are they willing to learn their skill?
I am the current The President of The ADJA Phoenix chapter.

Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc
jockey, it may indicate the DJ’s willingness to network, learn and grow.

Are you insured? - This is a good sign of professionalism. A professional disc jockey will carry business liability
insurance to respond to any claims resulting from his services. I carry a million dollars worth of coverage.


What is included in your price? - Get all the details. Is a gratuity included in the price? Watch out for hidden
fees. Some companies will start with a low attractive price then nickle & dime everything.

Are there any hidden charges? - In addition to the base price, is there a set-up fee? Are there charges for additional
meetings, tear down, or travel time?

What are the reasons you think we should hire you? - Listen to his answer! Is he selling
you on just his equipment? Is he more concerned about you signing a contract and collecting a deposit
than the details of your wedding?


References are the best way to start your search. Some great resources to start with are other wedding professionals.
Photographers, catering managers, ministers, and wedding coordinators work sise-by-side with disc jockeys. An
experienced DJ will be able to handle unforeseen circumstances and work in concert with the other vendors.

He should provide a planner, a tentative time line, the music you want, and more. A professional DJ should provide
advance preparation as part of his service. A pro aways returns your phone calls promptly.

A reception should reflect the personalities of the bride and groom but there should also be some flexibility allotted
to the DJ to appeal to all of your guest’s varied tastes. This may include a few songs that you are not particularly
fond of. A good question to ask yourself is, "Can I trust the DJ I hired to use all the music at his disposal to ensure
everyone has fun?"

You should be able to meet with your prospective DJ first before any commitment is made. A professional DJ will
know music, communicate in a friendly and helpful manner, and should be genuinely interested in what you and
your guests want. He should entertain with style, microphone presence and proper volume.

The best weddings are classy yet fun, well planned and well run. Above all, you want your wedding reception to be
memorable, fun, worry-free and a good time for your family and guests.

A full-service, professional disc jockey will normally invest 12 to 30 hours in your special event although it may
appear that you are only paying for "4 or 5 hours." Face-to-face consultations, music purchasing & editing,
preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of
your very special day.

If there is one area of your reception where you shouldn’t try to cut corners, it’s your entertainment. Hire a DJ who is
an entertainer. Remember, there is a lot of prep work that should be done prior to your wedding by the DJ. He should
be able to explain what he will do for you in advance to ensure the success of your big day.

Not surprisingly, most professional, reputable DJs charge more for their services than a hobby DJ who is just looking
to make a few extra bucks on the side. Cutting corners on entertainment is a recipe for disaster. No one will
remember if the meal was overly cooked, or how nice the reception hall was decorated, but everyone will remember
if they had a great time at the reception because of DJ’s ability to entertain.

Be prepared to pay for quality, just like any other goods and services. Reception DJ’s only have one opportunity to
get it right once! The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

One final suggestion is for you to carefully listen to not only what an event professional says when you ask questions,
but how they say it. Do they speak with knowledge, passion, and a desire to truly help you create a successful event?
Trust your instincts. If you find a disc jockey that you consider a real pro. . . hire him! The choice dates for
professional DJs who are entertainers book up fast.

 Investment
When it comes to planning your event, a great amount of time and money is
invested in that one day, especially a wedding. When it comes time to select
your entertainment there's a few things you should know.

How much money should you pay for a Disc Jockey?

A DJ is  responsible for making sure your wedding or event is engaging, fun, and
memorable for you and your guests. Entertainment is a "get-what-you-pay-for"
business. Not all Disc Jockey's are the same, and a DJ can make it a great
celebration that everyone will remember, or a reception you would soon like to
forget.

When searching for a DJ for your event, you will notice a large disparity in prices.
You will find that Disc Jockey's charge anywhere from $300 to $5,000 depending
on what your needs are, and the type of event.

You can find many  non-professional Disc Jockeys (hobbyists) for less. Ask
yourself if you really want to take that risk.

Consider that if you are paying an average to below average price for your Disc
Jockey, you are taking a chance on a DJ who is most likely not a truly skilled
professional and may very well sell your reception to an even less qualified Disc
Jockey that you may meet for the very first time at your reception or special event.
Ask yourself again, on this important day;
Do you really want an average, or even a below average wedding reception?

Why don't you have your pricing packages posted on your website?

A DJ that is truly professional will probably not post his prices on his website.
                                    Why?
Every wedding or event is different and unique in their own way. I like to
find out what your needs and wants are first, then custom craft a package to
give you just the right service you want.
I'm not your typical  "run-of-the-mill" DJ, that does "cookie-cutter" events, which
means I do not, play the same music, make the same announcements, do the same
event formalities, and bring the same equipment at each event no matter how large
or small the event is.
Therefore I do not have cookie-cutter prices on my website.

Why is PME Disc Jockey Service the best value for my money?

                                      No Overhead.
PME is just Mark, there are no employees that work for me, and never will.
Your investment will not go to other people that won't even  be at your event.

                         No Monthly Rent Payment.
Since it's just me, there's no reason to have an outside office. Many of the
multi-system DJ services have outside offices that can be very costly. Who do
you think pays the rent  for the fancy offices?

                       No Advertising Costs
95% of my business comes from word-of-mouth referrals. The bigger companies
need to spend thousands of dollars per year on advertising to keep all of their Disc
Jockey's booked all year long. Guess who pays for that too?
You will not see PME in printed ads or at bridal shows to generate business.
Outside of business cards, I spend little to no money on advertising.

       What you should be paying a Disc Jockey for is....

                    ******** Talent ********
          ****** Experience ******
          *** Quality of Service ***
          ******* Expertise *******

   " That's how the level of my price is based."

   Your wedding or event is to important to just look for the lowest price.
          The bottom line is the best value for your money.
           "It's not what you do, It's how you do it"