Your Special Day.

Photo By Winfield Little

5150 Productions knows this day is very important to you and your family. We also know you probably have never shopped for a Disc Jockey before. With this being said we feel educating our brides on the basics of finding a Disc Jockey will help you understand just how important a decision this is. 5150 has decided to use this page as an educational resource rather than brag about our services.

  Our FAQ's link at the bottom of this page is a great way to find out what you should be getting out of a Disc Jockey.

What your entertainment REALLY does.

For example, on-site coordinator, crowd motivator, problem solver, announcer, event planner, technician, and the list goes on. ONLY a truly experienced professional Disc Jockey can handle all these tasks simultaneously with 100% perfection. Ultimately the decision is yours and you CANNOT undo this day after the event is over. You and your guests are there to CELEBRATE your marriage, participate in it, to share that special day for you. Which is where entertainment plays a MAJOR role in providing you and your guests a happy, festive and fun time!
 

Flat Fact.

* 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.
    * Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
    * During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!
    * When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.
    * 65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.

These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.
 

What is your entertainment worth?

Entertainment is almost always the last thing thought about and to many it's the place where couples try to find a bargain. There is just one problem with that theory: 80% of the success of your event will depend on the entertainment!

At 5150 we know you have many decisions to make about the most important day of your life. Understanding this, we encourage you to educate yourself on the importance of your entertainment decision. Keep in mind this day will only happen once in your life, therefore an unqualified disk jockey can completely devastate this event. The truth is your Disk Jockey plays more rolls in your event than you might realize.  

Cost Considerations.

So why do so many couples want to spend such a small amount on entertainment? After all, that is what will ultimately make or break your event, right? We think nothing of spending $20-$60 per person for food, but then we want to 'shop around' for the cheapest entertainment we can find, often spending less than 5% of the events costs.

Don't you think it's worth spending 10-20% on Entertainment if it makes up 80% of the time and, more importantly, the SUCCESS of your event? Of course it is.
Entertainment usually comes in two forms: Live bands or Disc Jockeys
Which should you choose? There are advantages to both.

In either case, it's important to keep in mind that there are good Disc Jockeys and bad Disc Jockeys. We have all heard the horror stories of having a bad Disc Jockey and nobody wants bad entertainment. But like food, the quality often depends on the price! Remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for most, and so you only get once chance.

So when trying to decide how much you can afford for entertainment, think about how much you can LOSE if your entertainment is poor or mediocre. Look for professionals and pay them what they are worth. After all, if you want the best, it will (and should) cost more, in the long run, they will provide more than a mediocre entertainer would.

Remember: "They'll forget the food, but not the fun!"

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE ASKING

1.       Are you insured?
Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability.

2.       Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?
A versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication.

3.       Do you use Professional Equipment?
Ask whether you’re prospective Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an entertainer's talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event.

4.       Do you provide backup equipment at my event?
Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident.  Keep in mind most DJ companies WILL NOT have a back-up system.
Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party. Professional Disc Jockey companies are more likely to be involved with other Disc Jockey's who can help them out with an unexpected situation.

5.       Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
A professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event.

6.       How much time do you allow for set-up?
Punctuality is a necessity. Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one hour prior to the start time you've given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door.

7.       Do you provide a written contract?
It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.

8.       Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?
Specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure your entertainer is informed.

9.       Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group?
Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the company’s willingness to network, learn and grow.

If you’re Disc Jockey is not willing to put all this in writing, you should ask yourself why.

So what makes 5150 different than so many others?

First, 5150 Productions offers more standard services than most companies charge for.

* Your guarantee of service in writing.
* Cordless microphone - FREE OF CHARGE
* Up to 3 hour advance set up - FREE OF CHARGE
* Unlimited personal consultations - FREE OF CHARGE
* 15 Minutes of overtime music if needed - FREE OF CHARGE

All services are available no-strings-attached with prior request.

 Over all

To be clear, 5150 does work with other Disc jockey companies who have the same high standards. So, they do exist, and we are proud to say they are friends.

No matter who you use as your entertainment you should feel like your needs came first on this special day.  Because on this day, you should be the entertainers ONLY concern. Demand Distinctive Entertainment.

-Philip Chancellor

MUSIC DATABASE

 

PLANNING FORM

  Use Our Interactive Planning Forms to Plan the Details of Your Event

 

Never shop for a Disc Jockey before? Click here for industry standard Frequently Asked Questions.

5150 Productions 210-887-7031