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| DJ CeeCee Answers  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from Brides & Grooms Please come back again for more FAQ and answers as this page is updated. If you have any question not already answered in the FAQ page, please ask! Thank you!
The key to having a professional DJ at your special event is the DJ's experience and flexibility, as well as creativity in choosing, planning, designing, and fine-tuning the music and events/activities program, knowing what "works" best, "feeling" the crowd's mood to best play music that will keep them interested, happy, active, and dancing, keeping the momentum of the special event flowing, and knowing what to do and drawing upon experience when there are any unexpected changes, interruptions, emergencies, or surprizes - and in this way, the best possible musical and events program is the result!
A: Please see the sub-page under "WEDDINGS" for a list of special events that are included (any or all, up to you!). In addition, I custom-design your music program for you with the best music and party tunes for all or mixed ages guests' enjoyment! I use a traditional format (order of events) that has worked well for many years and is used, as well, by other professional DJs for wedding reception music and entertainment. I am available to you by email at any time and will respond quickly to you. I invest often times 50 - 70 hours of preplanning to ensure that your reception music (and ceremony music, when you order both) is fun, lively, enjoyable, and appropriate for your needs and that your event "flows". I review details on your Wedding Information Form and pay special note to your individual preferances. I preview the music for your program for contents, appropriateness, and clarity. I may be in touch with you regarding questions, if any, or for clarification, if necessary. If I am not familiar with your reception site, I may preview it if there is a concern about the DJ staging area or logistics or acoustics. I test my equipment prior to your event so that the best possible sound/audio is presented. I set up my equipment quickly, and the DJ area is professional in appearance. I watch for cues when preplanned and work cooperatively with you and key representatives per your approval. I act as your Master of Ceremonies (MC) as well as your Wedding DJ. I provide continuous music and expert mixing via CD-format. And I help you to relax and enjoy your wedding, along with your bridal party, families, and guests! And I do my best to make sure that your very special day and wedding reception is beautiful, elegant, tasteful, memorable, and fun! At the end of your reception, after your guests are exiting, I power down and disassemble my equipment, load it up, and follow-up with you at some future time for your feedback. If there are any friends, family members, or associates who are considering a DJ for their event after attending your wedding, I do appreciate all client referrals! NEW! "Design your own custom music program for your special event! Select your favorite songs from thousands of top, most popular, fantastic songs in DJ CeeCee's Music Collection! -------------------------------------------------------------------
A: Most receptions are 4 hours long (standard), but if you are having a cocktail hour for an additional hour or on-site ceremony or need 1 or 2 extra hours, I can accommodate. Please make sure to check in advance with your banquet facility as to their policy regarding the time you reserved for your event if you are not having your reception at home. I play/perform for the duration/time you would like. Travel and set-up/disassembly time are at no extra charge. If you decide at your reception that you want to go overtime, payment will need to be in cash at your event. (Please see "Rates and Reservations" page on this website.
A: I prefer not to during wedding receptions as the music and special events programs are preplanned. I work very hard designing your programs and flow of events, and I do my best to accommodate your musical tastes and preferances. Therefore, if one of your guests does approach me with a special request, I will tell them that the music program has been preplanned for this reception. There are times that I will allow exceptions with your approval. Sometimes the song requested will already be in your program. I play a variety of music from many different eras and various styles that are popular with guests of all ages in sets and music mixes.
A: Yes, if there are special requests you wish of songs (especially 1st Dance and other special bridal requests) if not available in my extensive music library. They would need to be in CD format and provided to me at your reception, clearly labeled with song title and track number. Hint: Please make sure your CDs are either original label or if temporarily copied, that they are able to be played on all CD players. (Copy of song on Data CD for computers only will not work with DJ equipment CD players.) Ipods or MP3's cannot be accommodated with my sound system.
A: Absolutely! I am very familiar with the songs in my inventory with regard to content, beat, style, appropriateness, beats-per-minute, and flow. I mix in your advance special requests where they best "fit". Please note, however, that due to time restraints (usually 4 - 5 hours) it is not possible to play all songs that are recommended for your program, but I will play continuously except for special preplanned events within your reception. I always have much more music requiring more play time than needed at your event, as well as alternative song selections.
A: Best to reserve asap! Many couples reserve one year in advance, and many wait until shortly before their wedding dates. If you wish to lock-in your special date and rate, please reserve immediately. Rates are subject to change at any time due to season, activity, or market trends. And dates fill up quickly! Please make sure your reservation is in to guarantee your date!
Q: Do you play music for ceremonies? A: Yes! (Please see "Rates and Reservations" page for more information.)
Q: Can you provide lights? A: Yes! (Please see "Rates and Reservations" page for more information.) You may also wish to consider hiring a professional lighting company of your choice for elaborate light shows and special effects, or I would be glad to recommend one. Multi-colored, flashing, 'disco' lights are not included with my standard Wedding DJ / MC packages or rates, but you may order as an "add-on" very reasonably. Lights add to your party fun and fast dance sets!
Q: Do you have references? A: Yes, you can read them on AWARDS & REFERENCES page on this website! You may also check out the APPEARANCES CALENDAR for both date availability and events I have performed as DJ & MC. There are quite a few listed for all types of special events!
Q: Can we see you at another function before our wedding? A: Yes, if you are a guest attending the function I am DJ'g or come to a public event that I am DJ / MC /Host of. I do not, however, invite new or prospective clients to any private event, as I am sure you can understand would be inappropriate and unprofessional. Please do visit the AWARDS & REFERENCES page and APPEARANCES CALENDAR. My appearance credits, I believe, speak for themselves! I am a professional DJ and have about 16 years experience. I'm sure you will agree, my reputation as a DJ is tops!
Q: Do you have a contract? A: I do not require a formal contract, but since any contract is simply an agreement, yes! When you reserve DJ services for your date with me at the rate posted on my website rate sheet or in response to a special rate promotion I am running for limited times throughout the year, we are agreeing that I will provide DJ services for you on your date at the rate offered and paid as agreed. There are no refunds of deposits or prepayments whatsoever; however, in the event of an emergency or cancellation by you, your deposit or prepayment may be applied to a new date (subject to DJ and date availability) within one (1) year or transferred, gifted, or sold by you to another bridal couple with DJ CeeCee's written or electronic (email) approval. If you have any questions not addressed in this FAQ section, please email DJ CeeCee or use CONTACT FORM before making your reservation. You will also have the information on your Paypal receipt and a confirmation email from me after your deposit or prepaid reservation has been made through Paypal at www.paypal.com using Paypal's online Payment by Email feature.
Q: Do you perform outdoors? A: Yes. Due to the possibility of rain or storm, however, please have a tent or covering to protect guests, DJ, and DJ's equipment from the elements or electrical shock. I will immediately power down equipment, pull electrical cords, and rapidly move DJ equipment indoors for safety. It is then up to you as to whether you would like me to set up again indoors after equipment is safely dry. If there would have been time remaining for music and your program and you choose to end your event early, I will be glad to graciously make an announcement on your behalf to your guests. There are no refunds or partial refunds due to inclement weather or shorter music play time or program due to rain, storm, flood, or act of God, nor would you be responsible for any possible water damage or other damage due to elements or act of God to DJ equipment. That's my responsibility, and I do consider safety first.
Q: Should we provide a table for you and your equipment? A: A table provided for my use would be appreciated, or I can use my mobile setup. A 5' or 6' table makes a beautiful impression at your reception as I skirt the table in black with white lace overlay, creating a very pretty DJ area! Outdoors receptions that are less formal may use either a table provided for DJ use or mobile DJ setup, with or without dressing.
Q: Do you carry insurance? A: No, I am solely responsible for the equipment I use, and I do not permit anyone to transport, use, or abuse my equipment. Any other type of insurance would be either your responsibility or your facility's responsibility. Please check with your facility first because if they have an insurance requirement, there will be an additional charge above the DJ services rate to cover any mandatory insurance rules or regulations or I will not perform at that particular site. I would like to add that I have never had an occasion in 16 years where insurance was absolutely necessary. Please remember that you are responsible for your guests' behavior, and if there is an incident, your immediate intervention or action is required for safety and well-being of all present.
Q: Do you use IPODS or MP3's, and can we hook into your sound system? A: Sorry, no. I am convinced the best sound is on CD. And I don't allow anyone to hook into my sound system at all. My sound system is paramount to me as a professional DJ, and it's an awesome sound that cannot be matched! You will love it!
Q: What do you wear when you DJ weddings? A: Always black, whether formal or informal - usually pants & beaded top or female tuxedo. For casual, still wear black but suitable for the occasion. When I have assistants with me, they, too, wear black pants and black T-Shirts or tuxedos.
Q: Do you offer a military discount? A: Yes, in honor of service to our country - and as a special 'thank you!' - I offer a military discount of 10% to brides and/or grooms who are in the military or are veterans.
Q: We are on a strict budget. Will you work with us? A: Absolutely! Please let me know some details, and let's work it out! Every bride and groom, regardless of financial situation, should be able to have a beautiful wedding and great music! I may be able to steer you towards a current special or one coming up, lower your deposit, offer monthly payments, or come up with a creative solution for you!
Q: We are living out-of-state but getting married in Florida. Can we still reserve your services? A: Of course! Most of my clients find me on internet searches for professional DJs in Florida. Wherever you are residing, my DJ services may be reserved for your Florida wedding or special event!
Q: Do you ever work with other DJs? A: I have worked with other DJs on special events that called for DJ teams of 3 - 7, primarily very large events with very generous budgets. The majority of events that I cover I am the sole DJ and MC, although depending upon the event and client's specifications (and budget), I may have DJ Associates, Party Motivators, or Roadies assist me. I am fully experienced and equipped to DJ, MC, and entertain events of most sizes without needing assistance. I will, however, subcontract Karaoke services when needed at this time. I will be offering Karaoke services in the near future in a new, hi-tek way! And yes, there are other DJs and agents who recommend my services! I have an excellent reputation with fellow pro DJs and do my best to encourage new DJs starting out!
Q: Can you announce buffet invitation table by table at our reception? A: Yes, that works out best and is orderly and efficient when having a buffet luncheon or dinner.
Q: Can you suggest special songs for our special dances? A: Would love to! There are many beautiful songs I can recommend that, I'm sure, you will love!
Q: What if we don't dance well? A: Thank goodness for slow dancing, where all you need to do is hold onto your partner and hug 'em! Some couples, I've been told, actually practice dancing together before their wedding! But even if you really don't want to dance, we can maybe have your entire bridal party dance so that you don't have to feel nervous about dancing in front of everyone or not have a 1st Dance but play your 1st Dance music while you stand up front for pictures or both walk around from table to table, group to group, saying 'hello' to your guests - or invite your guests to come up to you and your bridal party with their smiles and hugs! And during your reception, there are plenty of events and people to talk to that will keep you occupied! A favorite specialty event is the "Island Dance" - which is not so much a 'dance' as a train-style line lead by the bridal couple, which entails walking, moving, and simple steps (coached by your DJ!) that people find easy and lots of fun!
Q: Do you offer other wedding services? A: I offer DJ & MC services only, but if you are interested in contacting other wedding vendors in this area, you may wish to do an internet search. If the vendor has an active website that is detailed and informative, responds to your email(s) in a timely fashion, is a bonafide business or service, and can provide you with references or reviews (or even a list of sites they have worked with previously), you can be sure they are competitive and provide a needed and wanted service. Sometimes vendors that are new to the bridal industry are willing to trade services in exchange for low rates or free advertising or references. You may be taking a chance using an inexperienced vendor, but on the other hand, you may find someone very talented who just needs a few good opportunities to showcase their work because everybody has to start somewhere! I am very experienced as a DJ, and I've got many hours of events behind me. I happen to enjoy photography and have been told some of my photos are awesome, but I would not offer (professionally or personally) to take pictures for someone's wedding because that would be out of my league. There are, however, some excellent photographers who have worked for pro photography studios and are starting up their own businesses, whose sample photos they would most likely be proud to show you. In such a scenario, you might be very lucky to have found your photographer and at an attractive rate, too! It would be the same, I would venture, with most kinds of wedding vendors. However, in the area of DJ music services, my most objective, honest, and sincere advise is to hire a professional DJ because the music and flow of your reception is what brings together the other services you have ordered for the best possible results!
Q: Do you reserve a wedding reception booking for a weeknight? A: Yes, I have reserved Monday night, Thursday night, and Friday night wedding receptions. Brides and grooms may find that it's easier to book a weeknight date at a favorite place or banquet hall - and more affordable, too!
Q: Can we have one of our guests sing for us or play an instrument at our reception? A: What a beautiful gift of music this would be! Yes! I have very much enjoyed it when a bridal couple's grandfather rolled out a grand piano and the guests sang along! Another bridal couple's best friend played "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes, which was awesome! And the gift of a song to the bride from her groom or groom from his bride is beautiful! I can provide the use of my sound equipment and microphone with the singer providing music tracks on CD or CDG (Karaoke CD) if needed.
Q: How much time do you invest in planning our music program? A: Each program is different, just as each couple has their preferences, but I have invested often 50 - 70 hours preplanning. Weddings are very different than other types of events and require far more preplanning. I want to ensure that the music selections are appropriate for your reception and mixed with party tunes of different styles so that you and your guests enjoy the music, dancing, and events!
Q: Are there any songs you will not recommend? A: Yes, and I am prepared to tell you my reason. There are songs that can be selectively played, depending upon the event and group and age range. Any song that is objectionable, offensive, or relays through its lyrics criminal activity, abusive behavior, or glorifies drugs I would consider objectionable. There are, however, some songs that are popular and fairly recent that are considered by most to be acceptable or even 'cute' if played in the appropriate circumstances and event timeline. As a DJ, I have had the opportunity to play many different types of events from bars to Christian events to nightclubs to weddings to college parties to public charity fundraisers to Corporate and in between! I play songs that are popular and appropriate for a wedding reception and take into consideration the age mix of your guests and the moment-to-moment mood in the atmosphere at your event. Sometimes younger guests love older music, and sometimes older guests love the new stuff! I just steer away from questionably inappropriate mixed-crowd lyrics and sad or angry songs. Some songs are great to listen to at a concert or backyard BBQ but would probably depress guests and be a damper on an otherwise festive mood at your wedding.
Q: Do you have music for waltzes, Latin dancing, tropical (steel drums), classical, soundtrack, or novelty songs? A: Yes.
Q: How do we contact you? A: Contact Form is best or email me anytime 24/7.
Q: How do we know if our date is available? A: You can check APPEARANCES CALENDAR on this website, which is updated daily or CONTACT me asap. Dates do fill up quickly. Sometimes there are multiple requests for a particular date. The first reservation made will be confirmed for that date when this occurs. I can't stress enough the importance of reserving early. If you are concerned about budget, there is always something we can work out. Most important is reserving your date!
Q: Do you DJ "Renewal of Vows" celebrations? A: Yes! You can choose to have an informal party or elegant wedding-type reception, whatever you like! And if you have already married but had to wait until now to have your wedding reception, you can have a beautiful reception in honor of your marriage and marital commitment!
Q: Can you play Christian music, Gospel, Contemporary, worship and praise music? A: Absolutely! But do remember, that unless you are having a "Christian music only" reception, most of your guests may enjoy different styles of music mixed in. As a Christian, I personally love Christian music. I find, however, that many of the secular songs that are about love do touch the hearts and souls of people who are listening. And many of the artists who sing love songs are Christians, too. I once DJ'd a memorial service in a church with secular music carefully chosen for lyrical content and message. The music was absolutely beautiful and perfect and touched the hearts of all present! Music can be very inspirational, uplifting, comforting, and therapeutic. While Christian music is especially loved by many Christians, quality secular music is loved by all. If a secular song speaks of love and encouragement, in my opinion and belief and pro experience, it is even more effective because Christ's example of LOVE shines through! And people who may have walked away from the Christian 'lifestyle' or were otherwise not interested, when touched with the gift of music and songs about love, may just change their minds and hearts. My job as DJ, I hope and pray, helps to make people feel happy and to share, through music, the most important gift of all: LOVE. (See the 'love chapter' as a reference.)
Q: If we don't have clergy or a family member available or interested in giving a blessing over the meal or say a prayer, would you do that for us? A: Absolutely! I can't officiate your wedding ceremony to marry you to one another, but I would be honored to pray and ask the Lord for His blessing over your marriage, meal, and guests!
Q: Do you accept tips/gratuities? Do you use a 'tip jar'? A: Yes, I do accept tip/gratuity from bridal couples or their families at the reception and it is most appreciated - but optional. I never use a tip jar at a wedding reception or most special events. I may use a tip jar if agreed upon in advance for other types of parties or at bars or nightclubs when I am booked on a weeknight.
Q: Will you DJ a wedding and reception at a private home? A: Yes, many weddings are held at the home of the bride, groom, or parents. I would love to be your DJ!
Q: Do you keep us on your emailing list after our wedding? A: Not usually as I am constantly marketing new events and file events that have already taken place. If you or your friends and family wish to be on my emailing list to be notified of rate specials when they occur or for announcements, just send me an email and let me know!
Q: We plan an elegant, formal reception. Will you formally introduce the wedding couple and bridal party? A: Yes.
Q: Should we consider a 'Club DJ' instead of a 'Wedding DJ'? A: If you are having a dance with a young crowd, then, yes, you might consider hiring a DJ who specializes in Club music and mixing or scratch-mixing, Hip Hop, Rap, Dance, etc. If you are having a wedding reception, it's recommendable to hire a DJ who specializes in weddings and can provide a mix of music styles (perhaps even including Hip Hop, Rap, and Dance) for dancing, overall enjoyment, fun, and in keeping with the joyful celebration of your marriage.
Q: If we don't like a particular style of music or artist or song, can we request that it not be included or played?A: Absolutely.
Q: Can we give you a reference? A: Yes, of course! :-) I would love to post yours on my website after your reception so that other brides and grooms can view it! I am very proud of the work I do as your Wedding DJ & MC! And I very much appreciate your feedback!
Q: Are you listed with any DJ referral services? Do you advertise? A: Yes, I have extensive internet search engine activity and listings and am referred by many of the major DJ referral services. I receive reservations as a result of internet views of my website and referrals, internet advertising (for limited time only specials), email, 'word of mouth', and from people who attended a friend's or family member's wedding reception or special event where I was DJ. I am also listed in the Internet Yellow Pages. Google, Yahoo, Office Live, and other popular search engines on the Internet.
Please come back again for more FAQ and answers as this page is updated. If you have any question not already answered in the FAQ page, please ask! Thank you!
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