FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
A La Carte - ceremony audio $250 - custom Snapchat geo-filter $85 - Dance floor lighting $350 - DJ / MC services for 4 hours $715 - monogram projection $150 - overtime rate 180/hr - up-lighting $395 - photo booth $650 Wedding Packages starting a $810 Private Event Packages starting $650 We offer military, first responder, and frontline healthcare worker discounts.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
1. Prompt return of your phone calls or Emails. Does the DJ you are thinking about hiring respond in a prompt manner? You should expect to get a call back or an email back within 24 hours. The only exception may be weekends when most DJs are performing. 2. Willingness to meet with you and present his/her service. Will the DJ try to meet with you or at least schedule a video conference? 3. Do you LIKE the person that shows up? There is NOTHING worse in the world than having to do business with someone you do not like. Choosing the person who feels right is the most important factor in picking the right entertainer for your party or reception. 4. Does the DJ have a music list or online system that shows you what sort of music he or she has available? You need to be assured that the DJ you hire not only has a sizable collection, but has a variety of music, especially for wedding receptions, where many different styles of music and guests will be in the same room together. 5. Does the DJ use professional grade equipment? The DJ should be able to tell you what he/she uses and characterize the equipment as professional grade. 6. Will the DJ offer to meet with you AFTER signing the contract to plan your event? A professional DJ is ALWAYS willing to discuss your event at any time before the event starts, and should display the flexibility to accommodate changes and help you solve problems. Meeting or phone/ video conferencing your DJ to plan your event is of paramount importance to a successful event such as a wedding reception. 7. Will the person that you interview be the person that will perform at your event? This is THE most common complaint about the DJ industry today. The person you meet turns out NOT to be the person that actually does your show. Often, you are not made aware of this. Ask the DJ you interview if he/she will be the actual person performing, or will someone else perform the event. You need to know this UP FRONT before you sign a contract.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
1. How long have your DJs been DJing? All of the DJs who work for AW Sound and Lighting have a minimum of 5 years’ professional DJing experience, with most of our DJs having 10 or more years of professional experience. 2. What type of equipment do you use? We only use top of the line professional DJ equipment. 3. Do you have any backup plans if something goes wrong or happens to the DJ? We always retain one DJ per weekend as a backup in the event of an emergency. In addition, all DJs have a backup system with them should something fail. 4. Will the DJ play requests? Our DJs only take requests if you allow it. If allowed, our DJs “filter” requests, meaning they will not play a song that you specifically asked them not to play or music from a genre you asked them not to play. If someone makes a request that fits in well with what the DJ is playing at the time and with the music you want, then the DJ will try and play it. 5. Can we request songs for the DJ to play? You are able to pick which songs you definitely want to hear, and ones you do not want to hear, for your event. 6. Can we provide our own music for the DJ to play? Sure, but we would like to get the music file(s) in advance of the event. If doing this, please consider the audience attending your event. 7. What are your payment terms? The deposit is required at the time of booking and the remaining balance is due the day of the event. Payments can be made debit or credit card, Venmo, PayPal, or by check. 8. Do I tip the DJ? We do not include gratuity in the final contract price. 10-20% is generally recommended if your DJ did a great job, but it is entirely up to you. Each DJ is equipped with a card “swiper” and able to accept tips or additional payments at or after the event. 9. Will the DJ play overtime if needed? Yes, DJs are able to play past the contracted time, but payment is due at that time if at all possible. Each DJ is equipped with a card “swiper” to accept payment for overtime. 10. When should we book a DJ? A good time frame is at least six to twelve months out for a wedding. Less for other events. However, we have DJs available for last minute events as well. 11. Should we feed the DJ? This is not required in our contract and is completely up to you. Typically, the catering director or event coordinator will set aside a meal or boxed dinner for the DJ if requested by the client. 12. What other services do you offer? We offer ceremony audio, lighting (uplighting & dance floor lighting), and photo booths. 13. How many songs should I request? We would like for you to at least give your DJ 15-20 songs of different genres and artists you would like to hear, as well as songs/artists you don’t, so your DJ has an idea of what music you’d like for the different parts of the event.