Questions to ask when meeting with your Dj (and other FAQ’s)Will you be the Dj at our wedding?
At Durban Djs you are guaranteed to meet with the person who will be in charge at your wedding beforehand and your Dj to get a one on one meeting & finalise all the details that weren’t covered via telephone or email.
Can we meet with you before we sign a contract?
Absolutely we actually insist on a meet to ensure we know what is expected of us and you the client feel comfortable with us handling your special day. Do we get a written contract?
Regardless of how big or small the event, we will always have a terms & conditions contract for you to sign, this form will have our company details, duration the contract is valid, how much deposit is required, insurance details, cancellation policy, accommodation requirements and there will be space provided for you to place your personal & event details, payment reference etc...
How long will you hold our requested date?
After initial contact we will hold your date for as long as is required, unless another enquiry for that same date comes up, we will contact you directly before quoting availability to anyone else. You may then choose to pay a 50% deposit immediately to secure your date or release the booking should you not wish to go ahead & book with us.
How long have you been a Dj and how many events have you done previously?
Our Dj’s have varying career lengths & depending on which Dj is booked for your event, so will the details of their employment history. However each individual Dj has had more than 4 years experience in his field to perform according to Durban Dj’s high standards.
How many other types of events do you do each year?
Each year varies, however Durban Dj’s perform at several major events throughout the year excluding our numerous weddings such as The Durban July and Official After Party, G & G Matric rage to name but a few.
Do you perform at more than one event per day?
The same Dj will never be booked for more than one function per day as this would compromise his ability to perform at either event with enough rest & preparation. Your Dj will be booked for your wedding only, on the day as to ensure the best possible performance.
What makes you different from your competitors? Durban Djs Prides itself in supplying a well rounded package to customers from all walks of life and within your budget requirements wherever possible. With superb equipment and a hugely experience technical team we offer the best of both worlds. A great Dj and awesome setup, are but just a few factors that set us apart. Our admin and liaison deal with your queries quickly and efficiently to give you the answers you’re looking for.
Have you played at our reception site before?
Durban Dj’s has an extensive site play record & most likely have played at the popular & recognised wedding venues in kzn, as well as club houses, conference venues & halls. However even the best Dj has not played at every single venue out there so we ensure that we familiarise ourselves with the floor plan, venue requirements and procedures.
Do you act as the emcee and make all of the announcements?
Should you require the Dj to emcee as well, there is an extra charge involved as a separate person will be used to ensure the announcements are made correctly & on time. While the main Dj ensures the music is played nonstop & correctly according to the events proceedings. All our Dj’s are comfortable with performing these duties should you require at a nominal fee.
How would you describe your style when making announcements?
This varies according to the Dj allocated to your event & this is judged according to your requirements for your special day, do you need an elegant, low key style or a party starter with high energy, what vibe & style you’re going for will influence the final result.
What do you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing? Song selection is very important when it comes to this situation, as well as use of the microphone to communicate with your guests, encouraging the party to dance is not always easy but our confident Dj’s will have no problem working with your guests.
What if something happens to you and you can’t make our wedding?
There will always be a back up Dj available should anything unfortunate happen to your primary Dj, and he cannot perform at your wedding. We always ensure that a Plan B is in place as even the most meticulous planning can be undone by unpredictable accidents.
Will we meet again before the wedding?
Should you require any additional assurance or information a second meeting can be arranged, Our staff are always available via email or telephone as well right up to the day of your wedding.
Can we visit you at another event to see you perform?
We prefer not to allow prospective clients “view” performances at other weddings as to respect the privacy of our current Bride & Groom, however should a Dj be playing at an open event or Club, you are welcome to make your way to the venue to “check them out”.
May we speak to your references?
Should you require speaking to anyone of our previous brides, we can contact them in advance to ensure they are ok with you contacting them, we have several testimonials on our website as well from previous clients for your perusal.
How do you keep your music collection up to date?
Durban Dj’s spends between R2000 and R5000 a month purchasing legal music from outlets and via the internet. We constantly watch trends in the music industry to ensure we are not only the most up to date Dj group but also anticipate the next big song or hit to ensure we have it on hand. Hours of research is undertaken every month to ensure you get a well rounded variety of music per your music requirements.
How involved can we be in selecting the music for our event?
As involved as possible, we would like you as the Bride & Groom to have full control over what gets played (or not played) at your wedding. We offer ample suggestion & accommodate all genres and tastes. We even submit a music programme to help you plan the music schedule. We but the music together in flowing sets to ensure the party continues and add in our choices of music based on our experience in doing weddings.
When do we need to submit our music requests & event details by?
The latest we require your music list by is two weeks prior to your wedding however the sooner the better. Any changes that need to be made closer to the time will be accommodated.
Do you take requests from our guests? Absolutely we endeavour to cater for everyone’s music taste within reason. We do from time to time decline to play a requested song purely based whether or not it is appropriate or fits in with the music being played.
Can we submit a “do not play” list? Yes! Most couples have certain genres or songs they do not like & knowing what they are beforehand helps the Dj make an appropriate selection according to your preferences, so please DO supply a “do not play” list wherever possible.
When do you arrive to set up for our wedding?
Durban Dj’s are always punctual for an event & our standard procedure is to arrive at least two hours if not more to have adequate time to set & get organised before playing must commence.
What will you wear to our wedding?
Durban Djs crew and Djs are always Neat & presentable. Collared Shirt and long pants
What will you wear when you set up & break down your equipment?
Comfortable shoes. Durban Djs branded wear to ensure that all parties are aware who is at the venue and doing what.
How much of a deposit is required to secure our date? 50% deposit is the industry standard and what we require to secure your date for you.
When is the remainder (over & above the initial 50%) of the payment due?
Beforehand is preferred or on the day of your wedding at the latest are our payment requirements, the technician will not set up gear & the Dj will not play until all monies outstanding are settled (excluding extra hours which can be settled after the event
What is included in the cost of my event?
Sound and lighting (standard gear only – any special requests will be quoted for separately) according to the number of guests, set up and strike crew, transport to & from the venue (as long as it falls under the first 40km which are free), wireless microphone & microphone stand for speeches, and of course the hours agreed upon that your Dj will be performing.
What do you require from us?
Shelter if the ceremony/reception is outside for the possibility of rain, A table for equipment and a power point to connect the gear to, as well as any other special requests and the regulations of the venue beforehand so there is no misunderstanding on your special day.
Do you require a meal?
Two meals are required for the technician & Dj.
Are you insured and do you carry liability insurance?
It is absolutely essential that a Dj Group carries liability insurance as it protects you & the site from any unlikely injury your guests might sustain during our performance due to a speaker falling on them or even a light. Liability insurance also protects us in the event of the venue burning to the ground due to a faulty plug etc. In essence you the client are responsible for the venue on the day. By having a Dj Group whom is covered should we be at fault, our insurance covers the costs.
Do you take any breaks during performance?
No
What kind of equipment do you use?
Durban Dj’s Prides itself in using JBL, Crown, Pioneer, DBX and Shure equipment. This is regarded as exceptional equipment and is also the industry standard for Touring Sound.
Do you bring backup gear with you to the wedding?
Yes, there is always backup gear available should anything go wrong with the current gear as even the most cared for and maintained gear can give problems
Do you have a wireless microphone?
Yes Durban Djs has 5 Wireless Microphones and 3 Lapel Microphones
Do you belong to any professional associations or trade groups?
Yes. SABIA the South Africa Bridal Industry Awards. www.tpsa.co.za , The TPSA Technical Productions South Africa www.tpsa.co.za
|