FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How much do you charge? Do you have special packages? A simple flat rate of $120 per hour with a three hour ($360) minimum is charged for all events (includes travel, set up, and tear down).
However, IF a second sound system is required, a special $100 fee will be charged – see wedding “ceremony” clause below.
For weddings, the start time is when the ceremony begins or when guests begin to arrive for the reception, if the DJ is only playing for the reception.
If the DJ can play the ceremony music from the DJ table stationed at the reception without need of a second sound system, there is no added equipment charge.
However, if a second sound system is required for the ceremony, the added equipment charge is $100.
If the ceremony is held at a separate location from the reception, the ceremony must be held on the same property. Electrical power must be available at ceremony site.
2. What type of equipment do you bring? Do you have dancefloor lights and a disco ball? We provide a state-of the art sound system, dancefloor lighting – multicolor nightclub style lights and a digital disco ball, plus two microphones: a wired mic and a cordless mic for the reception, as well as a cordless mic for the ceremony officiant. A mic stand will be provided for the officiant, if they prefer to speak “hands free.” The ceremony mic is multi-directional with a sufficient coverage area for all three participants.
3. Do you have a minimum number of hours? YES, 3. Do you charge for the time spent playing dinner music? Yes, dinner music is part of the flat hourly rate.
Clients are encouraged Not to have a sizeable gap between the ceremony and the start of the reception. Once the DJ is on site and begins to play for the ceremony, they remain on the clock until the end of the reception that follows. See question # 1 above.
4. How do I pay? Do you require a deposit? Cash or check (payable the day of the event before the DJ leaves) NO DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED
5. How far will you travel? The service area is basically a 35 mile radius of Terre Haute: Rockville to the north / Sullivan-Linton to the south / Greencastle to the east / and Casey to the west.
Balconies and Second Stories: Due to the amount of equipment and labor involved, I must play from a main floor/street level location regardless of an elevator.
6. Do you provide a contract? YES, clients should have peace of mind knowing they have something in writing from the vendor, especially if the event is being booked farther than two months out. A contract is sent via email for the client to sign, date and return electronically within “7” days to guarantee their DJ reservation. If needed, the client can merely print the completed contract, take a photo of it, and email the picture to BryanThomasDJ@aol.com
7. Can you stay later than scheduled? YES (but the hourly rate remains the same, any additional time can be pro-rated by the half hour if necessary)
8. What kind of music do you play? Whatever it takes to make your event a success!
A well-tested library of Today’s Hits and Yesterday’s Favorites designed to make any event fun and memorable, including an incredible selection of cocktail hour/dinner music.
Today’s Hip Hop, Rap, and Pop
Throwbacks – ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘2000s
Oldies – ‘70s and ‘60s
Country – current and classic
Classic Rock Alternative and EDM Mainstream Contemporary Christian songs familiar to general audiences
Mainstream Hispanic songs familiar to general audiences
‘50s and‘40s Big Band
9. Will you accept a playlist in advance? YES, absolutely (but the song list should not be excessive or overly restrictive).
Lengthy playlists prepared in advance can become difficult to manage in real time. Most social functions are diverse, spontaneous, unpredictable, and take on a life of their own which makes it unrealistic to try and pre-program all the music. Having sufficient wiggle room to go with the flow and take requests is a must. Professional DJs with years of experience know how to read the room, monitor the pulse, and adjust to the shifting vibe to ensure a successful and memorable event.
10. Do you take requests during an event? YES, definitely
11. What experience do you have? Over 500 weddings and numerous other types of events: class reunions, company and retirement parties, birthdays, anniversaries, proms, etc., also longtime Terre Haute radio personality, including WBOW, HI-99, MIX FM, and others.
12. Can you serve as an MC and interact with the guests if needed? YES, absolutely.
13. Can you play for a wedding ceremony and reception? YES, see question #1
14. Do you meet with clients in person prior to an event? Unfortunately, most DJs do not have a shop/store to conduct DJ business and most have a regular full-time job. Clients are usually quite busy too and appreciate things being kept as simple as possible. Phone, email, and/or texting have worked extremely well over the many years.
15. Can you assist with some of the planning if needed? YES, I’m always happy to help. Certain clients do not have a wedding planner and they appreciate having firsthand professional input from a vendor.
For weddings, each client receives a comprehensive DJ checklist filled with useful ideas and possible itineraries. The checklist reduces the stress of planning a wedding ceremony and reception, especially if the client is going it alone without a wedding coordinator. The checklist offers “suggestions” regarding the various musical events and spotlight dances, as well as the order in which they normally occur and specific songs to accompany them. We are here to assist in every facet involving the DJ.
16. How much room do you need? Enough room is needed to accommodate the following:
A 6 or 8 foot standard banquet hall folding table with a speaker and stand on each side, as well as a light stand on one side. The event facility generally furnishes the table. The client is responsible for the table if the party is held at a private residence.
See picture below.
Given the amount of space needed for professional DJ sound and lighting equipment, it is difficult to operate efficiently if confined to a tight corner or any other highly-restrictive space. And it is best to be stationed as close as possible to the dancefloor (where the action is). The music should be loudest there.
17. Do you carry liability insurance? Yes. If the hall/facility requires DJs to furnish proof of liability insurance, a certificate of $1 million dollars liability coverage will be provided to the hall/facility, as per their request prior to the event.
18. Do you have karaoke? NO, not presently. But occasionally a guest will use one of the mics to sing over a song to provide a moment of live entertainment …their best Ice Ice Baby, Baby Got Back, Friends In Low Places, etc.
