How much can I expect to pay for a DJ?
This price range is only good for the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area in Arizona. You should expect to pay between $800 and $1400 dollars for a Quality DJ. Still, some services charge as little as a few hundred dollars while others charge over $5000. When deciding on the price that you want to pay, you should take into account the level of organizational skill if your DJ will be in charge of your reception, the type and amount of equipment if you will have over 250 guests, and how responsible you expect your DJ to be for the success of your party. The DJ services that can satisfy your needs will have higher prices as you demand that the DJ be more responsible, more organized, and better equipped. DJ services will often offer discounts for off-season, mid-week or very simply events. See my DJ Prices page for more information.
How much do you charge?
My pricing is itemized for your flexibility. See my DJ Prices page for more information.
Does your price include everything that you offer as a DJ?
I only list some of my talents on my prices page. I have talents and services that are not listed. I can also subcontract with other entertainment services to satisfy your needs.
Do you have any hidden charges?
I have no hidden charges.
Do you charge extra for lighting?
I charge $200 for my standard dance floor lighting package. That package includes 4 intelligent lights that move with the music and two Rotopods that simulate a disco-ball effect.
Do you require a deposit?
In order to reserve the date of your event, I require a deposit. See my DJ Prices page for more information.
Can I pay you the day of my event?
Balance is due before the date of your event. Failure to pay may result in cancellation of service and forfeiture of my retainer.
What are my payment options?
I have a PayPal account and can bill you via the internet. You can also use Pay Pal through my always available client login and online event planning service. Through Pay Pal, I accept all major credit cards. I also accept cash or checks. Checks must be delivered at least a month before the event.
Does the price include music during the cocktail hour and/or during dinner?
My 4 hour pricing package includes a single amplification system. If you would like music in a separate room at your event during a cocktail hour, I can provide a system and music at an additional charge.
Can I choose from a song list?
I welcome your suggestions for songs and you can browse a section of my library through the link at the bottom of this page. Since I am constantly updating my music library with client requests and current radio hits, the music library is almost always missing 10-20 CDs. I will make a good faith effort to play all requests.
Can I choose a "no play" song list?
It is typically better to describe a type of music that you want me to avoid at your event. However, you are welcome to submit a no-play list.
Does the DJ have a wide variety of song selections?
My library includes Latin, Italian, Rock, Blues, Swing, Hip Hop, Pop, Rhythm and Blues, Ballroom and lots of others. I am continually expanding my DJ music library.
Can the DJ play songs to suite the tastes of ALL my guests?
If your guests like music, I am sure that I have music that they will enjoy.
How do you stay current with your DJ music library?
I subscribe to Top Hits USA. It provides us with the latest hits on the radio through several genres.
Do you take and play requests?
I am approachable, friendly and will gladly take and play requests. Requests are a great way to feel out the type of guests that are at an event. Good requests simply allow me to do a better job.
Can I see a list of your songs?
My DJ music library contains over ten thousand songs. It will be much easier if you just tell me what songs you want played. You can look through part of my music library by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page. If you want to see a complete list of my songs, then I will show you my electronic database of music when you and I meet in person.
Do you have Spanish/Italian/Ballroom/Jewish/etc music?
The Ivy Entertainment DJ Music Library has many different types of music. I am continually adding both current hits and client requests to my music library.
How many songs do you have?
My DJ music library includes over ten thousand songs and I purchase new CDs each month to keep my DJ music library up to date.
Are you going to pressure me to decide if I will hire you right away?
I want you to be confident that you are hiring a great DJ. I will present Ivy Entertainment to you in a way that allows you to make a decision that you can stand on. In fact, I encourage you to speak with several other DJs. Ask them some of the questions on this list and compare their answers to mine.
Are you insured?
Ivy Entertainment DJ service has a $1,000,000 liability insurance plan from Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. I can provide documentation of my insurance policy when you and I meet in person.
How do you dress for an event?
I dress appropriate to the event. For your corporate event, I will usually wear a business suit. For your wedding, I will usually wear a tuxedo. At your request, I wear particular themes of clothing like Hawaiian or Sixties.
Do you have references for your DJ services?
Upon request, I will to provide you with references at our first face-to-face meeting. I do not carry around references with me so please make your request before we meet for the first time. These may include reference letters and persons to contact for a verbal reference.
Does Ivy Entertainment belong to any disc jockey associations?
I am a member of the Arizona Chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association. It is a national organization providing mobile entertainers with training and networking opportunities.
Do you sell events to other DJs?
No, I always provide my DJ services at the events that I book, and I am happy to recommend other quality DJ service providers if my services are not available on the date of your event.
Do you bring a complete backup DJ system with you to each event?
I have a Fender Passport Deluxe 250 as my backup and ceremony system.
Do you have professional DJ Equipment?
Yes, a Numark CDN25 plays my music CDs. For my digital library, a program called DJ Power plays my digital library using through my Dell Inspiron 1150 equipped with a Echo Indigo DJ card and DJ Power to play from my digital library. A Numark 200FX mixes and equalizes my different sound inputs. I output that signal to a Bose Personal Amplification System (PAS). The Bose PAS is a sound processor, equalizer, amplifier and speaker array that delivers clear, clean sound that can fill a room without hurting the ears of the people on the dance floor. My microphones are Gemini UF-2064. A Monster Power 2500 power center provides CleanPower to each of the components.
What does the appearance of your equipment set-up like?
Our amplifier is mounted in a Roto Roller. My CD player, mixer and processor are mounted in a Roto Mini Gig Rig. The Roto Mini Gig Rig is mounted on top of the Roto Roller. Attached to each side of the Roto Mini Gig Rig is a Gig Wing. These work as table space. I also have a songbook or a laptop computer sitting on one of the Gig Wings. All of this sits behind a Grundorf Facade.
Will you have a sign or banner on your DJ table?
I do not bring signs to events or announce the name of my DJ service. I find that even high quality signs and banners draw attention away from your event. In addition, I will not lay business cards on your tables. Guests who are interested in my services are welcome to approach me personally and I will happily give them a card at their request. I will simply announce my self as Joseph, your DJ.
Do you need a table and/or table cloth?
I realize that you have enough to worry about without the added stress of helping us by providing a table. I have purchased equipment that will allow me to perform my services without you providing me with a table. If the banquet hall gives me a table, I will usually use it to lay out my CD cases.
Why would I want lights?
Lights give a party a club feel. If you are looking for a club style reception then lights are a great idea. They are often considered a must at school dances. Since I have decided to specialize in weddings, I have separated the cost of my lighting package from the rest of my services. I provide a quality, intelligent lights for an additional $200.
Do you have a service guarantee?
I offer a 100% Money Back Service Guarantee on all of my services.
Can I meet with you before my event?
I prefer to meet with you before your event. Communication is mostly nonverbal. A face-to-face meeting allows us to get a dynamic feel for the particular experience that you want for your event. Everything works out better that way.
Do you have a promotional video?
I do not have a promotional video.
Do you perform at any nightclubs or on any radio stations?
I do not perform my services for nightclubs or radio stations. That is a different section of the entertainment industry and it requires a different set of skills.
How long have you been a Disc Jockey?
I entered the mobile entertainment business in 2000. I have worked as a DJ, a DJ's assistant, a dancer, and a private dance instructor. I founded Ivy Entertainment in January 2006.
Will you make announcements at my event?
I will make the announcements. I recognize that a truly great DJ knows to minimize the amount of time they spend speaking through microphone. It allows the guests to focus on each other and your party.
Will you be on time?
I will typically arrive at least an two hours early. This gives me time to set up all of my equipment, check the sound, review the notes that I have taken for your event, practice the announcements, and change into suitable DJ attire before your guests begin to arrive.
How early will you be Set-Up?
I will arrive about an hour before your event and complete my equipment set up at least15 minutes before your event begins.
Will you go over what we need to do at my event?
I will assist you in planning your event as much or as little as you like. As a DJ service, I have been exposed to many different ideas, read books, and attended training seminars all to help make your event what you imagine it to be.
Are we guaranteed the DJ of our choice the day of our event?
Absolutely, one of the great things about contracting a single-operation DJ service is that I will never stick you with a low-quality employee.
What is your policy on food and alcohol?
I never drink alcohol while I work. As a rule of thumb, I do not eat while I work either. If you or your guests will be offended if I don't eat then please let me know so I can plan accordingly.
Who is Day-Of-Event Management?
I will typically do the Day-Of-Event management. That means that I keep track of the schedule, make announcements, and keep an eye on the honored guests so that everyone is able to have a great time.
Are you a full-time DJ?
My DJ service is not my only source of income.
What do you do to get people dancing?
There are a lot of things that I can do to get people dance. With a dancing crowd, I can just play good music. With more shy groups, I can lead line dances, a barn dance, and play games to get people relaxed enough to get out on the dance floor. Of course, one huge thing is to simply dim the lights.
Are you going to talk a lot?
I use the microphone when I make announcement. The rest of my talking will be person to person.
How can I find other DJs?
The best way to find a DJ is at an event like the one you are having. In other words, if your have been to a great wedding then ask that couple about their DJ. If they are booked, then they will usually be able to recommend several other talented DJs. The second best way is through professional organizations like the one that I belong to (www.azadja.com). Lastly, use a search engine and look one up, but make sure that you meet them before you hire them.
What does a DJ do?
DJ stands for Disc Jockey and generally refers to anyone who plays music for an audience. The DJ industry also has many subgroups. There are those who focus on scratching and mixing music, particular types of music, or particular types of events. I specialize in weddings. As a great wedding DJ, I have to keep track of the music, your guests, your vendors and the timeline that we create. Honestly, the easiest thing that I do is play the music.
Do you know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
I have always interacted well with each group at every event for which I have provided services.
How do you describe your style?
I am attentive, appropriate and detail oriented. I believe in asking question so that I know exactly what you want and planning ahead so I can deliver exactly what you want.
Explain how you will handle the introductions, first dance, cake cutting, garter, bouquet and special dances.
That depends on what you want. I make sure that key people are in the room, make the announcement, and get out of the way. It is your moment. Enjoy it!
Can we see you in action?
I am happy to provide you with references, but I must also be respectful my clients' privacy. You are welcome to attend any public events that I am servicing. I sometimes volunteer at the Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club. It is a non-profit WC Swing organization. However, I do not invite potential clients to watch us at private events. They are private.
Do you have a website?
Ivy Entertainment's official website address is www.ivydj.com.
Do you provide a contract?
As part of my insurance, every event that I perform at must have a written contract.
Do you have a reception planning form?
I have a reception questionnaire that helps us to develop a timetable for your event based on your answers and our verbal discussions.
Are you licensed?
Arizona does not have a licensing agency that applies to DJs. However, I do have insurance and several tradenames registered for my DJ service.
How many breaks will you take during the reception?
I do not plan to take breaks during your event.
Will there be music played during these breaks?
If I took a break, I would continue to have music playing.
