Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted you to start CJs Disc Jockey Service and how long have you been in business?
From a very early age I was introduced to music and the art of entertainment by of all people, my mother. She owned a roller skating rink while I was growing up and I was fascinated with all the variables of music, from charting the top 40 songs each week, to which songs were requested more frequently, to which songs were losing popularity. In 1992 I began to DJ semi-private events by request, but I wasn't mature enough to dedicate myself to the commitment just yet. I officially launched CJs Disc Jockey Service in January of 1994, when I realized there was a market for a mature, young DJ who understood that being a DJ wasn't about being the entertainment, it was about being the entertainer who through music provided the entertainment to the party.
Why do you think most brides hire a DJ for their wedding, and at times do it in conjunction with live entertainment?
Great question. First, no DJ in the world can replace live entertainment! Can you imagine going to a concert to see the Black Eyed Peas feat. Lady Gaga and when you get to your seats at the venue you see a DJ playing the greatest hits collection. Wedding Entertainment is extremely personal. With that said, many couples hire a DJ to provide the entertainment at their reception because of flexibility, personality and comfort. I believe many couples hire a DJ as well as live entertainment for peace of mind. I don't know of 1 band in the Metro area that enjoys the formal obligations (wedding party introduction, toast, blessings, ethnic traditions, etc) of a reception.
How far in advance should we contract a disc jockey, is a deposit required, and can we meet with our dj?
CJ's recommends contracting a disc jockey no later than 8 to 12 months prior to your reception. It is not uncommon for Brides & Grooms to request a specific DJ 8 months to a year prior to their reception. We do require a $250.00 retainer and the balance must be paid 14 days prior to your reception. We prefer to meet both the Bride & Groom prior to the reception. When we have the ability to meet with them it tends to answer all of their questions and some of our very own.
What advice can you offer a bride looking to hire a DJ?
That one is easy, CALL ME!! Just kidding. I have a couple small pieces of advice I would like to offer. First, meet YOUR DJ in person, if possible prior to signing a contract. This allows you to put a name with a face and also provides you the opportunity to make sure you like the personality of your DJ. Second, and just as important, remember your DJ is an investment in your reception. A qualified, professional DJ will keep the reception running stress free and on time, all while they enjoy their guests and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Do you strictly work in the St. Louis Area?
Although a large majority of the wedding and events I DJ are in the St. Louis Area, I have traveled in the past and I am always willing to travel to provide my services. I have been as far north as Wisconsin and as far south as Mexico. I am still looking for that special couple that wants me to be a part of their wedding in Hawaii.
What type of music will you play at our reception? How many songs do we have to choose from & can the Bride & Groom make requests prior to the reception?
What CJ's Disc Jockey Service will provide you with access to our fully interactive website that has an interactive music list of over 75,000 titles. Generally we can only play about 60 songs in a four hour period. However, a wide variety of music is played at every reception to satisfy guests of all ages. CJ's Disc Jockey Service understands that nobody knows your guests like you do. We ask every Bride & Groom to make a list of 10 to 15 songs they would like to hear at their reception. On that same note we will accept request from your guests, however we will never play anything that has inappropriate language, behavior, or that we feel is questionable.
What is the most common misconception brides tend to have regarding DJs & how do you get past them?
The most common misconception about DJs is they are all the same. They are in your face with crazy props (i.e. - YMCA outfits), they are on the dance floor most of the night, they don't follow the direction of the bride and groom (i.e. - must play and Do-Not-Play songs) & they are unprofessional. Getting past misconception is pretty easy. I have a one on one consultation with the couple and ask them a few simple questions to show I am truly interested in their reception and their ideas and concepts. Once they realize all DJs are not the same and that I truly care about the success of their reception they are generally relieved.
"Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime"
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