My Blog

Powered Speakers vs. Passive Speakers

7/27/2011 2:57:00 PM

If you are reading this blog, you are probably wondering what the difference is between these two. Alot of it you probably already know...

Powered Speakers

Pros

No more exess rack cases to carry your heavy amplifiers
all the amplifiers are designed specifically to that speaker
faster set up/tear down

Cons

You must have 2 close by outlets to turn your speakers on
Most of the time they are 10 times heavier than passive speakers
You cannot always guarenteed that the sound quality will be as crisp
to adjust the volume you have to go to each speaker to turn it up or down.

Passive Speakers

Pros

Lighter Weight
Dependable and efficent
easier to repair if something goes wrong

Cons

More stuff to carry around with you (Amplifiers, effects etc...)
slower on set up and tear down
The amplifiers you buy to power the speaker is not always the proper amount of wattage, and most cases you end up either underpowering or overpowering your speakers.
Passive Speakers are meant to be used by an experienced sound tech..

Typical Wedding Dj Timeline Breakdown

2/8/2011 10:20:00 PM

Wedding Ceremony & Reception Services Breakdown

(Estimated Time Allotted for Planning, Performance and Related Services)

Site Appointment: 0.5 to 1 Hour.

Looking over your ceremony and/or reception site together to discuss layout and sound support issues.

(This is only necessary for locations that are new to me.)

First Appointment: 2 Hours.

Our first face to face planning session.

(This is where we plan your ceremony events and begin planning your reception events in great detail,

while offering a variety of ideas and suggestions for creating a truly unique and memorable wedding ceremony and reception.)

Second Appointment: 1.5 to 2 Hours.

Our second face to face planning session.

(This is where we wrap up any final details for your ceremony and we work on completing your plans for the reception,

while exploring some creative activities that will make your guests feel more involved and entertained.)

Third Appointment: 1.5 to 2 Hours.

Our third face to face planning session.

(This is where we wrap up any final details for your reception, go over your music request list for open dancing and

examine the feedback surveys about your wedding party members for creating your personalized grand entrance script.)

Music Research: 0.5 to 1 Hour.

Finding your special requests for the ceremony and reception events and open dancing.

(This includes tracking down any unique requests through various sources. All necessary music will be purchased at no additional cost.)

Creating Ceremony & Reception Itineraries: 2 Hours.

Typing up custom-made ceremony and reception itineraries for your final approval.

(This includes faxing, mailing or e-mailing your final agendas ahead of time to your other involved vendors.)

Creating the Scripted Grand Entrance: 2 to 5 Hours.

Typing up and rehearsing your custom-made grand entrance script.

(If desired, this can be delivered in advance for final approval on accuracy and appropriateness.)

Creating Custom Back-Up CDs: 1 to 1.5 Hours.

Burning custom-made CDs for the ceremony music and all music required for the special reception events.

(This includes a Ceremony CD, a Reception Events CD and possible custom formatted background music CD’s.)

Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal: 1 to 1.5 Hours.

Directing the entire wedding ceremony rehearsal from start to finish.

(This includes practicing the entire wedding ceremony, including the seating of the parents, with nametags provided for all involved.)

Set-Up at the Ceremony & Reception Location(s): 3 Hours. (Minimum)

Setting up all necessary audio equipment, testing it and changing into my full tuxedo.

(This includes setting up the main DJ sound system in the reception area and the secondary PA system in the ceremony area

well before any of the guests begin to arrive. A Cordless Lavaliere Microphone is provided for the Minister and the Groom.)

Performance at the Ceremony & Reception: 5 to 8 Hours. (Unlimited!)

Performance of pre-recorded music, complete event direction services and master of ceremonies duties.

(This includes all music required for the entire ceremony and reception, full event coordination behind the scenes of all the important details

that need to be double-checked in order to ensure that the ceremony and reception flow smoothly and a professional spokesperson

who will make of all the necessary announcements with the style and atmosphere that you want your guests to experience.)

Pre-Loading, Driving, Un-Loading & Tear Down of Equipment: 2 to 4 Hours.

Total service hours provided for one Wedding Ceremony & Reception: 21 to 32 Hours.

Wedding Statistics

2/8/2011 10:05:00 PM

Interesting Wedding Statistics

*AFTER THE VOWS...

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.

Excellent Questions to ask any DJ Before Hiring

2/8/2011 10:01:00 PM

Here are some questions that the ADJA strongly recommends you ask...

Have you commited yourself to follow the ADJA Code of Professional Conduct?
Any responsible business owner will be committed to living by the
ADJA code of Professional Conduct.
This is just one of the commitments that legitimate entertainment companies will make to you.
Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of liability?
Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Disc Jockey's receive a Certificate of Liability which can be used as proof.
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.
Do you use Professional Equipment?
Ask whether your 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 or the A.D.J.A. 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.
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. Members of the A.D.J.A. have many resources available to them in case of an emergency. You may also reach our Hotline number to get a Disc Jockey when you have an emergency. The toll-free number is
888-723-5776
.

Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party. Selecting a Disc Jockey who is an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association will provide you with the confidence that you have selected a trained professional. A.D.J.A. members are more likely to be involved with other Disc Jockey's who can help them out with an unexpected situation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 companies willingness to network, learn and grow. Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional.

Other Items to Note

Disc Jockey rates

vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.

Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to over $5,000.00 with

an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking

. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.

A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours

to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours". Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.

Wedding Wire Rated

1/31/2011 7:43:00 PM

Absolute DJ Services is now WeddingWire Rated for 2010

Tulsa, OK – 10-31-11 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading site for wedding reviews, just announced that Absolute DJ Services is WeddingWire Rated 2010 for Mobile DJ Services. WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program for wedding professionals based on hundreds of thousands of recent Absolute DJ Services, that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service. Absolute DJ Services has 3 reviews on WeddingWire. These reviews have been written by past clients of Absolute DJ Services, and include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions of the newlyweds' experience. From quality of service to overall level of professionalism, these reviews showcase the high level of service newly engaged couples can expect from Absolute DJ Services. Absolute DJ Services would like to thank their past clients for sharing reviews of their weddings on WeddingWire. Reviews for Absolute DJ Services can be found across the entire WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. Absolute DJ Services on WeddingWire at www.weddingwire.com
About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 100,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com, ProjectWedding.com and Weddingbee.com (both part of eHarmony), and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands).

For more information, please visit

"We are excited to unveil WeddingWire Rated, now in its fourth year, as a way to recognize wedding professionals for their commitment to service," said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire's CEO. "WeddingWire Rated allows wedding businesses to clearly differentiate themselves in their market, while providing engaged couples an easy way to find the best services for their wedding."

wedding reviews

WeddingWire Rated, the industry's first formalized review program, is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to locate wedding businesses. The award program recognizes wedding professionals across the country, like

Tell us how your event went...

1/20/2011 6:57:00 AM

I am now on weddingwire.com

10/5/2010 8:25:00 PM

please check out my post at www.weddingwire.com there you will see some more reviews from past clients.

wedding games

10/5/2010 8:24:00 PM

Wedding Advice: where I call one designated person from each table to share a piece of random advice to the bride and groom then by the crowds applause we vote who had the craziest advice, most helpful advice, and funny advice.

Fun Games to include at weddings

9/28/2010 1:59:00 PM

Some of the fun games I love to include are as follows;

The Shoe Game - This is where I call the Bride and Groom out to the dance floor for something I like to call DJ Jepordy. The bride is holding one of her shoes and one grooms shoe and the groom vice versa. I ask some general knowledge questions and if the question pertains to the groom they will hold up the grooms shoe and if the question pertains to the bride they will hold up the brides shoe.
The Conga Line Dance- this is a fun thing to get everyone involved in, normally i will lead the dance but i also like calling out other people to lead it.
Musical centerpiece- Where I have an envilope taped under one seat at every table and in that envilope is some sort of gag gift. I will normally play the bonanza theme song to this and have them pass the envilope around there table till the music stops. When the music stops that is who wins whats in the envilope. I also do this with some sort of writing in the envilope where they have to do what the phrase says to do.
Limbo- Fun thing to incorporate at any event to get people involved
Chicken Dance- I will call everyone out to the dance floor and ask for 2 volenteers and they will show everyone else how to execute the dance properly.

Your Evening With DJ Luke

9/5/2010 3:04:00 PM

How was your evening with Absolute DJ Services