Step 1 - Getting Started

References - talk to recently married couples to find out whom they used. Would they recommend them? The banquet managers at hotels and convention centers are also a good source of information. They see all the disc jockeys in the market. Ask them who they recommend. NOTE: When getting a referral ask yourself if the source is someone with similar tastes as yourself. Now That's Entertainment! has references available at your request.

Bridal Shows - attend one or more of these shows and you'll be sure to find a few reputable companies. Take the opportunity to talk with them while you are there. Note: If you don't like the presentation of a service at a show, chances are you will not like them at your wedding. Now That's Entertainment! does several Bridal Shows each year.

Step 2 - What to Look for & What Questions to Ask

Now that you've compiled a list of reputable disc jockey services you should contact each and begin the important task of choosing the one that's right for you. Here's a list of things to look for and questions to ask:

Contract - you don't want any 'surprises' on your wedding day. A written and signed contract ensures that your disc jockey is aware of all the mutually agreed details of your wedding dance. Make certain you keep a copy for your records. A basic contract should cover function date and location, contact name at function location, bride and groom's name, addresses and phone numbers for all parties, services to be provided (music, lighting, etc.), cost, including whether a deposit is required, hours of service, cost for additional time and music requests. Ask to have a sample contract sent before you make a decision. Now That's Entertainment! will send you a sample contract upon request.

Set-Up - your disc jockey should arrange to set up their equipment and do appropriate sound checks prior to your guests arriving for the reception and/or dinner. This will ensure that there is a smooth transition into the wedding dance. Ask your disc jockey when they set up their equipment. Now That's Entertainment! will arrive 1 hour prior to your event to be completely set up, dressed, and playing background music when your first guest walks into the room.

Disc Jockey - every wedding dance/event deserves a disc jockey that has the experience and professionalism to handle the multiple demands of any occasion. You should look for someone who is professional, experienced and understands the importance of customer experience. This includes areas such as playing for the crowds and not from a pre-determined play list, dressing for the occasion, using the microphone only when and where appropriate, and using volume control to ensure the music is loud enough to make dancing comfortable yet not so loud to discourage conversation. Ask the disc jockey service what their policies are on each of these issues. Now That's Entertainment! provides highly trained professional dj's that understand the proper mix and presentation of the music can make all the difference at your event.

Music - a wedding dance or any other event can and does bring together the greatest range of people you'll likely ever have together in one room. The need for your disc jockey to have a selection of music that will appeal to the various musical tastes cannot be overstated. Ask to see a list of music to make certain they have the types of music you want played at your event. Having all the music in the world doesn't make someone a good disc jockey. Equally important is ensuring they have the ability and experience to know what to play and when to play it. You can only find this out by checking their references. Now That's Entertainment!'s extensive Music Library covers most types of music and if we don't have what you want played we will get it.

Dinner Music - many disc jockey services offer to play background music during your reception and dinner as part of their contract, or for an additional fee. Another option for your musical needs during your dinner is to hire a performer to play background music or to have the facility play recorded background music through ceiling speakers. This arrangement provides an even and more pleasant distribution of music through the room. Now That's Entertainment! is available to play background music as part of your party package without additional cost. Call for details.

Requests - every disc jockey in the world takes requests, but many just don't play them! Again, you can only find out whether or not a disc jockey plays requests by checking their references. Now That's Entertainment! gladly plays all of your guests acceptable requests as agreed upon between us and the client. We will not play requests with objectionable lyrics, or any other music deemed inappropriate by the client who has hired us for their event.

Equipment - every industry has tools of the trade. In the disc jockey business the tools are sound and lighting equipment (in addition to music already covered above). Professional equipment designed to meet the demands of playing night after night is expensive, but necessary. While it may be difficult to know which equipment is suitable, you should attempt to ensure that your disc jockey has a system that will perform reliability. Now That's Entertainment! provides state-of-the-art digital sound systems, including "Denon" cd drives (the best in the industry), wireless microphones, enhanced signal processors, satellite-subwoofer systems, and customized DJ consoles.

Lighting - most disc jockey services can provide a range of lighting options and dry ice. Give consideration to whether or not you want a lighting package in addition to the music. There are times when lighting will enhance a wedding dance, but other times when it is not appropriate. These effects can be fun but they alone will not make people dance or have a better time. This is very much a personal decision and should be made with consideration given to the preferences of family and guests attending your wedding dance. Now That's Entertainment! can provide your event with lighting if needed.

Price - let's face it, weddings and other events done the proper way are expensive. You need to make certain you get the best possible price for every thing you buy. However, too often, professional quality is sacrificed with a low price. Price and quality must be balanced if you hope to get someone you will be pleased with. The old saying "You get what you pay for" definitely applies in the disc jockey business. You should expect to pay $750 and upwards for 4-5 hours of a professional disc jockey service. Additional services, particularly lighting will cost an additional $100 to $500. Additional time can range from $50 and $100 per hour. Now That's Entertainment! provides quality service at affordable prices. Every event is different and we try to work within your budget when at all possible.

- what happens if, despite your best attempts, you are not pleased with the service or music your disc jockey provides? Of course you hope this won't be the case, but by posting this scenario in advance you'll get some indication of the degree in which your disc jockey is orientated to customer service and satisfaction. Now That's Entertainment! will offer to refund all or part of your money, if you are not completely satisfied.

Step 3 - Making the Decision

You must have confidence in your disc jockey's ability to provide you with the type of service you expect at your wedding. If you're not sure, keep looking. You don't need to compromise; invest some time in finding a disc jockey service with which you are comfortable. Regardless of whether you use Now That's Entertainment!'s services, we are here to assist you. Please call with any questions you may have on anything. Use these guidelines and your wedding dance will be a resounding success.