Why should I hire a DJ when I can play an iPod for free?
There are several roles that a DJ serves that are invaluable to the flow and success of the wedding. The DJ makes important and appropriate announcements, which include the introductions of the wedding party, recognizing those who may be giving toasts, and letting guests know when it is time for important events (sitting down for dinner, cutting of the cake, formal dances, etc.) A DJ also serves, to a certain extent, as the event coordinator. For example, the DJ makes sure that the photographer is ready before announcing the formal dances, or cutting of the cake, and makes sure the catering staff is prepared for the toasts and cake cutting. Lastly, the DJ also uses knowledge and experience to make sure the flow of music is appropriate for each group of guests. One reception may have completely different music than another, and may have a different flow to the music than expected.
Can we choose songs that are not in your library? Do we need to provide those songs to you?
We encourage everyone to make us a list of your favorite songs, or of songs that you would like played at your reception. In addition making these selections from our online song list, you may also choose music that is not in our library. Once we receive that list from you, we will find the music that you have requested here at our office, or we can download it. Many couples with several specific requests will burn a CD for us with the appropriate music included. (There are occasions when we cannot find a particular song. In those cases, we will contact you to discuss the missing music) We ask to receive all music requests four weeks prior to the wedding.
Is set up time a part of the 5 hour package?
No. We arrive approximately one hour prior to our scheduled start time to set up. (For example, if we are scheduled from 5:00 – 10:00 pm, we would arrive at approximately 4:00 pm to set up.) Setting up, and breaking down, is part of the service we provide.
We need you to set up two hours prior to your scheduled start time, as the ceremony is in the same location. Is that ok?
Yes. We generally arrive one hour prior to our scheduled start time to set up. If you need us there earlier, we charge a small fee of $50 per hour for early arrival and set up. (The most likely instances of this situation would be if the ceremony is in the same location, or you have arranged alternate entertainment for the cocktail hour.)
Do you have any additional charges, above and beyond the cost of the DJ services?
We don’t have any “hidden” charges, such as taxes or regular set up fees. The only additional charges might include special arrangements, such as projector and screen rental, an early set up fee (arrival more than one hour prior to our start time, as described above), a travel fee, or additional cost for overtime.
Can you provide services for the ceremony?
Yes. We provide a variety of services for a ceremony. Many couples hire us to provide a speaker and microphone for the person officiating the marriage. Others may ask us to include music for the ceremony. There is no special charge for this service; the five-hour package would just begin with the commencement of our ceremony services.
Is it appropriate to tip the DJ, and if so, how much?
Many people tip the DJ. If you feel that your DJ does an outstanding job, or that he or she has gone above and beyond your expectations, you may certainly give the DJ a tip. Most tips range from $50 - $200.
Please visit our DJ Wedding References, full of bride and groom comments from the last two years, to learn more about our services!
Beginning April 2nd, Top Hat Entertainment will be co-hosting 90s night at Club Metronome in Burlington! Every Friday, come down and check out music and videos from 1990 – 1999.
Visit our new Facebook page, with photos from our events! Click here!
Top Hat Entertainment 12 Gregory Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403 Phone: 802.862.2011 | Fax: | Email: info@tophatdj.com
Photographs provided by Barrie Fisher Photography