Your questions are always welcome. However, since few future Brides have little experience planning such an event, coming up with good questions in regard to the many different aspects of wedding entertainment is not always easy. This page purposely contains too much information. Feel welcome to use it while doing your comparison’s.

Why do you specialize in Weddings?

What do you cost compared to other DJ’s?

Do you have a "sign now" or other "book early" discounts?

Do you require a payment to secure our date?

How far in advance should we reserve our date with you?

Will send us a marketing blitz or bulky packet full of promotional stuff if we indicate interest in your services?

Do you meet with couples interested in your services?

What kind of attire do you usually wear at weddings?

How do you distinguish yourself from other DJ’s?

Are you a member of any professional DJ organizations?

Is your business insured?

Can you play music for our Wedding ceremony with a separate system?

Do you play requests?

Will you play the "cheesy" music some people don’t like?

Can you play music from a CD we provide?

How much freedom do have in choosing the music?

How many songs will you play in an evening?

Do you have backup equipment?

Do you have a backup DJ?

If we meet for a consultation, can we book you at the meeting?

How do you keep up with current music?

Do you have wireless mics?

Do you drink and/or smoke at events?

Do you require a meal or free drinks?

Do you hang banners or promotional items at your events?

What do you need at the venue?

What kind of equipment do you have?

What time will you arrive on our Wedding day?

Do you use a fog machine?

Do you have special effects lighting?

Do you bring an assistant that requires a meal and fills in for you while you take a break?

Do you offer other services like photography, videography, Limo services ect?

Can you give lessons for the Chicken dance or the Marcerena?

Do you have references?

Can we come see you perform?


Why do you specialize in Weddings?Although I will occasionally do other events, I love Weddings. The diversity of the music, the guests and the detailed planning involved is challenging, always refreshing and never gets boring. The emotion, smiling faces and great memories created at these celebrations cannot be duplicated by any other event and it makes me feel wonderful to share that experience with the clients I serve. RETURN TO TOP

What do you cost compared to other DJ’s?
That’s a frequently asked question. The cost of a DJ can be anywhere between $400, $900, up to and over $5000. It’s often said, "You get what you pay for". The question I ask is, which pricepoint or service is right for your Wedding? Typically my clients are looking for something better than simply the lowest price. They want service and experience.
An experienced DJ offering a quality service will provide so much more than just music. Whatever you ultimately spend on the entertainment will be money well spent if, and it usually does, play an important role in the celebration. 
Prioritizing your budget to get what you want can be the solution to having the perfect Wedding celebration. Chances are weeks later your guests won’t remember the chocolate fountain, food, ice sculptures or the table centerpieces but, they WILL remember the entertainment responsible for the level of fun they had.
My approach is to give clients the required service and attention to detail not just on their big day but also before the day arrives to ensure success. Appropriate planning and experienced handling of the details should not be left to chance.
I will pronounce names correctly and facilitate the right event at the right time. Toasts, dinner, cake cuttings and first dances all have their appropriate times.
When working with me you will always have reliability, professionalism, service, experience, flexibility, musical expertise (the ability to read the crowd) and I play the right music at the right time. RETURN TO TOP


Do you have "book early" discounts or "sign now" incentives?
It has never been my style to attempt to lure clients in with gimmicks or discounts. You will notice the TOP vendors in the area don’t offer any of these sales tricks. Quicker and cheaper are NOT better when it comes to hiring a Wedding DJ. The Dj is by far the most important Vendor at your reception and you should choose VERY carefully and not allow yourself to be distracted by "special deals". That said though I will tell you that popular dates, especially Saturday’s, do disappear quickly. If you wait too long many of the vendors you want to work with may not be available. RETURN TO TOP  


Do you require a payment to secure our date?
Yes, a payment of $200 will secure your date. The remaining balance is due 7 business days prior to the event. RETURN TO TOP


How far in advance should we reserve our date with you?
I tell potential clients to not book anyone until they are comfortable with the decision. Then they shouldn’t wait a moment longer. Many couples will book up to a year in advance, so do the research and book the company that is right for you.
RETURN TO TOP


Will you send us a marketing blitz or bulky packet full of promotional stuff if we express interest in your services?
No, I have purposely included more than enough information here at my website to give potential clients a very in depth view of my company and methods. This was done to save everyone time. Everything you may want to know about me and my company is pretty much right here.
RETURN TO TOP

 
Do you meet with couples interested in your services?
Yes, if it will be helpful. A personal meeting prior to booking can be valuable to get a better understanding of what I can provide. I also like to meet with clients approximately a month prior to their event to ensure every detail is covered including the correct pronunciations, time lines and be aware of any last minute changes by following up with a phone call 1 week prior to your event.
RETURN TO TOP


What kind of attire do you usually wear at weddings?
It is appropriate to expect your entertainer wear a suit or some other formal attire. I will perform the task of setting up prior to your guests arrival in casual dress and then change into formal attire before the event begins. I try to stay away from the cheesy Barnum & Bailey tuxedo fashions and stick with elegant, classy formal wear.
RETURN TO TOP

 
How do you distinguish yourself from other DJ’s?
I am always trying to improve my personalized service to clients from the first time we speak until the end of your event I make myself available to you most anytime you need me. I am also constantly striving to improve my abilities as a DJ in every aspect. That includes acquiring more music and updating equipment when something better is available and also learning and keeping informed of new trends within the industry. I also have a low pressure way of booking events. I am willing to meet with you, tell you what I can offer and then wait for you to decide. I will not call pressuring you to make a hasty decision and sign the contract. I have never claimed to be a "do it all" type of DJ. I offer one approach to Weddings, classy & fun. RETURN TO TOP


 Are you a member of any professional organizations?
Yes, I am a member of ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association) www.adja.org and belong to the Kansas City chapter. In addition to that I helped form the very first legitimate DJ organization in Missouri back in the late 80’s called Missouri’s Best DJ Association. It’s purpose was to work at raising the public perception of the mobile DJ industry and set standards of operation that all members had to meet in order to gain membership. There were 6 original charter members including myself who are still in the business and have many satisfied clients.
I also attend regional and national seminars and network with other professionals within the wedding industry. RETURN TO TOP

 
You seem really confident, why is that?
Confidence is a good thing and hopefully will not be mistaken for arrogance.
After working many years in this business I am well aware what the market has available. The DJ community is both large and small. The really good ones know the other really good ones.
I also know who else is out there and the level of service they currently provide, what kind of equipment they use, how extensive their music library is and how they conduct themselves at events. Although some may believe DJ’s are a dime a dozen, the good ones are not.
I do not feel that I should sell myself and services as being "one of the best", without explaining why I may be different and unique and also cost more.
You can get a very good understanding of how you stack up against others when professionals like catering managers, event planners, photographers and venue staff frequently comment how much they enjoy working events with you. That is where my confidence comes from. RETURN TO TOP

 
Can you provide music for our Wedding ceremony with a separate sound system?
Yes. This is becoming more common place each year. I provide a smaller audio system that can accommodate several microphones including the wireless type for singers, musicians and the minister.
RETURN TO TOP


Is your business insured? Yes, I can’t imagine any business owner operating without insurance. Many venues today will even require your outside vendors to produce documents of proof that insurance is in place before allowing them into the venue. RETURN TO TOP


Do you play requests? Yes danceable requests are always welcome. If someone makes a request for something inappropriate at your wedding I will often suggest an alternative and check with you personally if the guest is persistent that their request be played. Late in the evening when mostly adults are present things can then be allowed to loosen up a bit, but only if you wish to do so. |
RETURN TO TOP


Will you play the "cheesy" music some people don’t like?It is NOT a standard practice for me to play "the Hokey Pokey" or "Chicken Dance" unless they are specifically requested by the Bride and Groom. This is your day and you should be able to (here goes Burger King) "have it your way"! RETURN TO TOP


Can you play music from a CD provided by us or a guest?Yes, if you would like to hear something I could not obtain prior to your event and you have it handy I can certainly play it. Often couples or their close family will produce a waltz, a special salsa, polka or ethnic music which is no problem, I will play it. RETURN TO TOP


How much freedom do we have in choosing the music?Ultimately you’ll have total control if you want it. However, you are probably utilizing my services because you have a certain amount of confidence in my ability to play the right music at the right time.
You do not have to choose any music other than the special songs if you don’t want to. I do encourage input from the Bride and Groom if they know what their guests like. You can choose as much or as little as you like, it’s your Wedding.
RETURN TO TOP


 How many songs will you play in an evening? For the most part, 15 or so songs an hour is typical. Over the coarse of a 4 hour reception 60 songs give or take a few is a practical number. RETURN TO TOP


Do you have backup equipment? Yes I do. There are certain methods of system design that are more flexible to work with in the event of an unexpected failure. The approach I use, which I learned after years of experience and involvement within the audio/electronics industry, is to create systems with a certain amount of redundancy and flexibility built into them. This will ensure continued operation even when small problems arise short of a catastrophic failure.
In areas of source units several CD players or hard drives may be the answer for the music itself.
When it comes to amplification and speakers, I also believe using the best that can be acquired will help prevent failure in both of those areas. Those two elements of a Pro audio system are the workhorses and should be a top priority when purchasing. RETURN TO TOP


Do you have a backup DJ? Yes I do have a plan in place for that need if it ever arises. Since I began in the late 1980’s it has never happened. In the unlikely event I cannot attend your event after being booked you should first know that it will require a very serious circumstance for that to ever be an issue. I will provide you with a replacement DJ whom I would trust myself. I am blessed to have many friends who are also quality DJ’s so I have connections to call on them if ever needed. RETURN TO TOP


If we meet for a consultation, can we book you at the meeting? I will only offer you a contract when you indicate you have decided. I don’t believe in forcing the sales process along with pushy sales lines like "this offer is only good for 24 hours" or "if you don’t sign today, tomorrow will be too late" we’ve all been exposed to it and I simply don’t operate that way. This will be the biggest decision for your Wedding and you should not have to feel pressured into anything. Take your time and find the right person for you. RETURN TO TOP


How do you keep up with current music?Occasionally I’ll do the same as everyone else does, just buy it at a local retailer. However, I do subscribe to a weekly service available specifically to mobile DJ’s and entertainers. They keep me in the loop on new music and ANYTHING that is on the charts. RETURN TO TOP


Do you have wireless mics? Yes, I use the industry standard Shure SM58’s. These are recognized nearly anywhere by nearly anyone as being some of the best. I also have corded EV N/DYM mics on hand for immediate use if needed. These also enjoy the same reputation as being the best in the Pro-Touring world where high sound pressure levels are often present and not friendly to cheap inexpensive microphones. RETURN TO TOP


Do you drink and/or smoke at events? Of coarse not. You probably don’t drink while at work so why should I? I have actually heard of DJ’s getting sloshed at events so badly they could not pass a sobriety test if necessary. There is nothing more unprofessional than that….unless the drunk DJ was also hitting on your Bridesmaids! Know who you are working with. RETURN TO TOP


Do you require a meal or free drinks? No, I make arrangements for a meal prior to the event assuming that I’ll not eat while at work. I never help myself at the buffet line. RETURN TO TOP


Do you hang banners or promotional items at your events? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! I do not bring a big sign to hang on the wall behind me plastering my name all over the wall. I will never make announcements promoting my company at your Wedding. RETURN TO TOP


What do you need at the venue? Ideally I need to be located next to the dance floor with a clean line of sight to the entrance. The electrical requirements are access within 25-50 feet of two separate 20 amp receptacles. Stages can be more of an obstacle than anything else if there are steps onto them. The equipment is all on wheels for easy transport since it heavy, lifting it is not practical. RETURN TO TOP


What kind of equipment do you have? Keeping things simple, I own the best equipment money can buy. You will experience the cleanest, sharpest, tightest sound you’ve ever heard. Regardless of your taste in music it will have never sounded so sweet or been as bang’in on the dance floor as you’re about to experience. I use only the best names in Pro-audio and you can review a complete list on the equipment page. RETURN TO TOP


What time will you arrive on my Wedding day? I have always made it standard practice to show up several hours prior to guests scheduled arrival time. Setup usually takes a minimum of one hour depending on the venue, some can take longer. You are not charged for the setup or tear down time. RETURN TO TOP

 
Do you use a fog machine?
No, I do not bring a fog machine. It is my experience they create strange odors, have the potential to trigger fire alarms and can create slip hazards. RETURN TO TOP


Do you have special effects lighting? Yes lighting is provided for all my events. However flashing strobes that shine in your guests eyes are never part of my show. Bright, vivid color accents utilized with specific methods not only enhance the mood of your guests but also add a nice element to the background of your reception portraiture. Many photographers make very positive comments about the lighting I use. RETURN TO TOP


 Do you bring an assistant that requires a meal and fills in for you while you take a break? No, it is always just me. I do not have anyone carrying my equipment or filling in while I take a break.
RETURN TO TOP


Do you offer other services like Photography, Videography, Limo services ect? I am only a DJ and will not pretend to be any of the others mentioned. My expertise lies in one area…fun and elegant wedding celebrations.  I concentrate my efforts improving what I know about these events and experimenting with new ways to make them even more fun!
RETURN TO TOP


Can you give lessons on how to do the Chicken Dance or the Marcerena? No, I do not dance at your reception or lead others in line dances. You may however request these songs and I will play them if you wish.


Do you have references? Yes I do and will provide them to interested parties. Names have intentionally not been included on my website as a way to respect the privacy of my clients.


Can we come see you perform? This question has been asked several times and I must decline that request. I cannot in good faith invite potential clients to come see me at SOMEONE ELSE’S Wedding. Think about that for a moment it shouldn’t require further discussion. I will happily provide references. However I cannot go any further than that. To truly receive a complete and thorough screening of what I do from start to finish would require you to follow me for nearly an entire day and observe the setup, checklist and itinerary review, cocktail hour, the reception and teardown, all of this can easily mean a 10 hour day just the day of. RETURN TO TOP

Copyright© 2008 Jim Ollison's Sounds Good Pro Sound