What are your prices for wedding receptions?
DJ's are one of the least expensive investments you will make for your wedding day. The national average for the cost of an entire wedding is approximately $20,000...yet the national average for a DJ is only $900. Your entertainment fees will average about 5-10% of your wedding budget, yet will carry about 80% of the responsibility for the success or failure of your reception!! To assist in narrowing down your search based on budget, our rates for most receptions run between $600 and $800 per event. There are no hidden fees, no package A or B. Everything is included in the quote presented to you. Only in extreme circumstances, i.e. no elevator for upstairs events, will any additional pricing be needed. Since every reception is unique please call to discuss your reception and the individual needs you have for your wedding day.
What are your prices for events other than receptions?
Our rates vary depending on events, however school dances, corporate functions and other parties are typically less than a reception will be. Again call us so that we can discuss the individual needs for your event.
What methods of payment do you accept?
While cash is always the preferred method, we do accept checks and money orders. You can even combine methods to pay off your balance!
*Any returned check will result in an additional $50 charge*
Do you charge for set up and tear down?
Absolutely not! Our prices are for the time the music is playing. The only exception would be anytime an event is located upstairs or downstairs and no elevator is provided.
How far do you travel?
We are willing to go anywhere that you can have a reception. The only travel fee that we charge is gas for our vehicle for any event over an hour outside of our location, so that travel fee is really quite minimal.
*If the event requires us to stay overnight at a hotel, the room of our choice is added as an additional charge*
Do you provide a contract?
All our work comes with a legal, yet very simple, contract which easily outlines the terms and conditions of all our events.
Who will be the DJ at my event?
GDR Sound & Entertainment is a partnership with one DJ. Greg provides the entertainment at every event we contract. We don't double book or subcontract. The date of your event is totally dedicated to you.
How would you describe the style of the DJ?
Outgoing, enthusiastic, but not obnoxious. We DO NOT consider the DJ to be the center of attention, but believe it's his responsibility to set an example and be upbeat as possible since he's essentially the ring leader of the festivities. We also know him as a perfectionist...it's terribly important to him that your event is a complete success!!
Will you MC and Coordinate my event?
We are a very personalized service. We take a great deal of pride in our attention to details for your event. Your event will run exactly the way you want it to. We work with your other vendors so that the photographer, videographer, etc. are not surprised by anything that goes on throughout the evening. Think of us as not only your DJ, but your reception coordinator as well!
Can we meet you before making our decision?
Yes! We are happy to be available for consultation. This meeting is absolutely free with no obligation. This will also give us a chance to establish good communication to better serve you. We want to make sure that you feel completely comfortable with our company before you contract our services!
Can we come see you at another event you're DJing?
No...but with good reason. We think it is VERY unprofessional to invite strangers to a private reception. Secondly, any DJ that is willing to be distracted at someone else's wedding to talk to potential clients, probably will indulge in this unprofessional manner at your wedding reception. Plus, just seeing a small portion of the evening isn't a good "preview" of how the evening is going. What we do encourage is that you contact any of the references listed and ask them questions about their event, they are a better source of information than any visit or DVD can ever provide.
What format is your music on?
We exclusively use Compact Discs, but we do have a tape player that can be taken to any event to accommodate those "not available on CD songs." We also have the ability to copy songs from tape to cd if we're given the tape within a reasonable amount of time before the event.
Can we make a list of songs to be played?
Absolutely! While we pride ourselves in our ability to read a crowd, you know your friends and family's musical tastes better than we do. Most importantly, it's your event and you should hear the music that you want!
Can we bring you some of our cd's to play?
If you want, you are more than welcome to bring your own cd's to the reception and we will gladly play any songs that you bring. Since we do guarantee all the music you request on your music sheet, we've never had the need to have the bridal party bring any cd's to the wedding. If you do choose to bring a cd that's burned though, just as a cautionary note, the higher end cd players don't always recognize burned cd's.
Do you take requests?
Yes! We gladly accept requests from your guests providing they are within your predetermined musical guidelines. We do not put out request cards on the tables, we don't want to turn your reception in "TRL"! Plus the interaction with your guests requesting music personally is more enjoyable. :)
Do you play a variety of musical styles?
Yes! Variety is key to the success at almost every event. While a high school dance has a limited range of age groups with focused interests, most wedding receptions have a very wide range age groups with an even wider range of music interests. Music variety is the only way to keep everyone happy!
How involved do you get with the crowd?
The complete checklist conversation you will have with us gives you the opportunity to discuss exactly how you want the DJ to involve your crowd and encourage their participation. We work with you to determine the level of encouragement to be used. We will never try to be the center of attention or act in a "cheesy" manner. There are no inflatable guitars and the Village People aren't going to come to your reception either!
Do you have back-up equipment?
Yes, we carry back up equipment to ensure that no "surprises" happen during your event. Nothing is unbreakable...
How will you be dressed?
Dress is dictated by you. For weddings a tuxedo is the normal attire. For all other events you let us know what is appropriate to wear.
Should we include you for lunch/dinner?
Although it is not required, a meal would be appreciated. Always check first with catering as most of the better ones make allowances for your vendors without charge.
