Feetfirstdj’s Blog

With our new economy, I have been noticing an interesting trend with Events, using an iPod for entertainment rather than an Emcee/DJ. I am sure it is a great way to save some cash, but it is a sure fire way to ruin your event.

I am sure you have all been to one event were the host used an iPod (college frat party, or Recession Wedding) and perhaps the party went off without a hitch… but I’m sure we have all played Russian roulette once and it turned out quite well for us to.

Okay, perhaps you haven’t played Russian roulette, why is that? Is it because you aren’t insane and the 1 in 6 chance of certain disaster isn’t worth it? Then why take the same chance at ruining your event? 

No matter how awesome you think your iTunes Genius list is, it can’t read the crowd and instinctively know what to play next. Emcees and DJs have a knack for this.

iPods can’t introduce and facilitate the night’s events. Emcees/DJs can and I am willing to bet they can do it better than your Uncle Joe.

The fact of the matter is, Professional Emcee/DJs are exactly that… professionals. They are responsible for entertaining your guest and making the whole night run smoothly and professionally (without the Cheesiness).

An iPod can’t work with your Photographer, Videographer, Coordinator and Venue to let them know the Grand entrance is about to being. I am sure you don’t want to be running around your own event, taking care of this. 

Professional MC/DJs will rock your event and make sure everyone has a great time at YOUR party, letting you relax and have fun! Perhaps if budgeting Entertainment is difficult, try working with the Caterer, florist and lines people to save %5 and put that towards an awesome DJ. You always want your guest to leave saying, “that was an awesome party” not “did you see those linens… or did you see that cake?”.

Whether it is your Wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Corporate Holiday Party these are the top 10 things you should know/ ask before you book that MC/DJ.

10. Will they be suitably dressed for your event?

       There is nothing worse than having a DJ/MC showing up to your event dressed in a polka dot vest and chucks.

9.  Is the DJ/MC insured? Can they supply you with proof of liability? 

        In today’s world of liability many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations also require proof of liability and may not allow vendors on their premises without adequate insurance. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Disc Jockeys receive a Certificate of Liability which can be used as proof. 

8. How much time does the DJ need to set-up?

      The cocktails are ready, your guest are piling in… and so is your DJ! It is important that your Entertainment always gets there with enough time to set up and be ready, before your first guest walks in the door. 

7. Will they 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. He should listen to your requests rather than telling you what HE likes to play!

6. What happens if the DJ gets sick or has a family emergency and cannot DJ my event?

    No one can guarantee their health or that an accident won’t take place, but it is important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. If he works for a professional DJ company, they will usually have someone in their staff prepared in the case of an emergency, whereas some solo DJs might not have the same resources available. (You don’t want a call from his roommate telling you, “Don’t worry, I’ve seen him use the equipment, I’ll figure it out!!”)

5. Can I meet with DJ/MC beforehand?

    Some companies will try to book the event over the phone or they will have a meeting with you and then “assign” your wedding to one of their colleagues. Make sure you get to meet with the actual person who will be the DJ at your wedding before you sign anything!

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%.

3. Can the MC match the style of the event?

     Most MCs are very versatile and change their style to be event appropriate. However there are those MCs who have pigeon holed themselves into one style. You don’t want a Monster Truck announcer at your Wedding and you don’t want some surfer dude introducing your CEO (unless you work for Billabong) 

2. Does the DJ/MC have experience with your type of Event?

    You don’t want to hire some guy who just bought some equipment and is working out of his mother’s garage. You want some seasoned professional… duh, I know. 

1. Does the DJ/MC provide backup equipment at my event?

Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want event ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? Make sure they bring backup equipment! They should always bring a back up AMP and more than one way to play the music. Most DJ’s today use computers… but if that is there only format, what is going to happen when their hard drive crashes?!

Hope you all find this helpful…

In almost every wedding planning meeting when we get to the cake cutting, the bride always looks at her fiancé and says, “If you dare smash cake in my face, I swear I will punch you square in the…” well you get it. The groom always gives her a funny look while saying nothing, as to keep her and I guessing… will he do it?

I have found that he inevitably always try’s but stops short of actually doing it, as if he suddenly has an epiphany right before impact, that married life would be much better if he just didn’t mess with his new bride’s makeup.

My last wedding was great; I had helped them plan a great sunset wedding reception at a beach front venue. We had planned a short dance set before the cake cutting and everyone was drinking, dancing and really enjoying the whole evening. I found the bride and groom on the dance floor and politely asked if they were ready for the cake cutting.

I lowered the music and turned everyone’s attention to the beautiful couple cutting the cake. Everything was as usual with cake cutting; the couple embraced each other as they cut the cake, gently put the slices on each other’s plates and began to serve each other. When the Groom was about the serve his new bride, I saw him think about it… but what normally stops at a thought ended with caked smeared all over the brides faces… normally laughable…

The bride burst into tears, not because she was upset about her makeup, not because cake was all over her face, but because while the groom was smashing the dessert all over, he accidently poked the bride in the eye.

She ran to the bathroom in tears, the groom after her, the tension was palpable… and there I was, left to run interference… I quickly got back on the microphone, assured the guest everything was fine and quickly got the dance floor poppin again… SO GROOMS, If you are going to smear the cake, please, think of your bride, think of her makeup, think of her retinas, think about how uncomfortable the couch will be on your honeymoon, and please think of the Wedding DJ… goodtalk.

I’m a DJ at Feet First Eventertainment. I DJ and Emcee Corporate Events, Weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. As it is true with every party, there is always a good story …