A wedding reception is a very special type of event. It is not just a party; it is one of the most important, most memorable days of your life. You don’t want anything to go wrong. It requires advance planning, attention to details, and behind-the-scenes coordination to make things go right. An experienced wedding specialist like us provides that – and the peace of mind that goes with it.
Even the entertainment at a wedding is different. You want music that your friends will enjoy and dance to, but you don’t want your older relatives to feel excluded. A wedding specialist like us knows how to mix the music so that everyone from your college roommate to your grandmother has a great time.
You deal directly with us – your actual DJ(s) – from “day one.” We don’t delegate the actual DJ’ing to somebody else. We are there with you and for you every step of the way. We meet with you in person. We are available anytime, 7 days a week, for consultations by phone or email. We listen to what you want, and offer our suggestions, and together we develop a customized plan for your wedding. The same person you’ve done all that planning with is the same one who’s there performing for you on the “day of.”
Why hire a DJ through a small company like Exceptional Entertainment instead of through an agency?
The agencies are great – at marketing and salesmanship. The agencies run their business on the basis of quantity. They may be juggling 30 or 40 events a weekend. We run ours on the basis of quality. We usually do just one event per weekend – yours. Yet we offer everything in the way of music, equipment, back-ups, and anything else an agency can.
By the way, with an agency, for every $1 you’re paying, the DJ gets only 60-70 cents. Many of the best DJs like us prefer to book themselves. We do not need a middle-man between us and our clients.
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Why do you cost more than some DJs?
Why does your caterer charge more than Pizza Hut? Your caterer uses better, more costly raw ingredients . . . prepares your food fresh and cooks it just right . . . and serves it in a classy, elegant manner. It’s no different with our DJ services. We don’t cut corners in our equipment, our music, our time, our services and our attire.
Remember, there is only a few of us – we cannot clone ourselves or mass-produce our services. You are paying for the unique and special services of an extremely talented and experienced individual. We don’t offer the best price. We offer the best DJ services. Believe us, there IS a difference.
We do offer a fair price – We can provide our phenomenal services to most weddings for between $496 and $1,495. However, only you can decide your wedding budget, and only you can determine how to allocate that budget. It’s your choice. Make it an informed choice.
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Does it really matter which DJ we hire?
Only if you care about whether your reception is a success or not. Surveys show that after the wedding, 4 out of 5 guests report that the thing they remember most is the entertainment, and 4 out of 5 brides report that they wished they had made the entertainment a higher priority in their planning and budgeting.
Remember, anybody can call himself or herself a DJ. Only a select few have the musical know-how, the high-quality equipment, the extensive experience, and the professional attitude to do the job right. There are DJs who’d be fine at a school dance, night club, or casual party but who are not appropriate for a wedding. There are DJs who only carry the latest hits but are easily stumped if older tunes are requested. There are other DJs who have the classics but who don’t keep up with the new music. There are DJs who have cheap equipment – which means inferior sound. There are DJs who “wing it” at your wedding – who don’t work with a detailed, written checklist.
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How easy or hard is it to reach you when we have questions or want to discuss something?
It’s as easy as picking up your phone and dialing 724-216-6987 (our main phone) or 724-989-8764 (our cell) or by filling out a "contact form" here on our website. You can reach us DAY or NIGHT, weekdays or weekends. We are always on call for you. We return all calls and emails promptly.
Most of our clients lead very busy lives. We work to accommodate your schedule; it shouldn’t be your job to accommodate ours. Being a DJ is not our sideline; it is our profession.
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How much music will you bring to our wedding?
We bring tens of thousands of songs to each event. Although we don't rely on downloaded music, we can also download specific songs (via iTunes or other legal source) during your event with our Verizon aircard if necessary to fill special requests. We not only have a very wide selection of music, we have the dedication to make sure we supply you the kinds of music you and your guests want.
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What kind of equipment do you use?
We use top-of-the-line line professional audio equipment, from manufacturers such as JB:, Pioneer, Mackie, Electro-Voice, Rane, Sennheiser, and Shure. At your event, We'll play music through a pro-audio system designed especially for music and nothing less.
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Will you bring backup equipment to our event?
Yes, we will. We bring extra speakers, extra CD players, extra mixers, extra everything! Many DJs arrive at your job in a car which simply cannot hold the extra equipment they claim to carry.
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Do you require a deposit, and when is the balance due? What are your payment options?
We ask for a small deposit of 1/3 your total contract price. Another 1/3 is due 90 days before your event and the final 1/3 is due 30 days before your event.
You may also elect to pay your balance in full instead of the 1/3 deposit. If you choose this "Pay-In-Full" option we give you an additional 5% discount off your total contract price -or- a free 1/2 hour of DJ Service .
We currently accept all major credit cards, personal checks and cash.
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What will you wear at our wedding?
It is YOUR choice – either a tuxedo or a business suit. (we are equally comfortable in either.) We don’t wear a cheap-looking tux or suit. Our attire will be classy. No goofy-looking red bow-tie.
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How far in advance should we book you?
That is entirely up to you. But keep in mind that we usually get booked many months (sometimes a year or more) in advance for the busiest months (April through October) and for Saturdays in any month. You can always find a DJ on short notice. But if you care about getting the RIGHT DJ, plan ahead!
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Should we meet with you in advance?
An in-person meeting can help you – and us – decide if we’re a good fit for each other. Later, after you’ve hired us, we can schedule an additional meeting to go over all the details (in addition to talking by phone and corresponding by email). A wedding is a very special and personal event, and meeting couples in person is part of the way we conduct business as a wedding DJ.
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My fiancée and I are quite picky about the music we want – and there are some songs we DON’T want played. How will you accommodate our musical tastes?
We love working with clients who care as much about good music as we do. We work closely with you to ensure that the music we play is the kind of music that you want. Of course, when we discuss the music, we should both keep in mind not only your personal tastes, but the tastes of your friends and families. Our goal is to play music that your guests will enjoy listening to and dancing to – while respecting your musical tastes.
As to “do NOT play” songs: we respect your wishes. For example, many clients do not want the “Electric Slide” or “Macarena” or “Chicken Dance” or similar line-dance songs. On the other hand, some of our clients do want those songs. The difference is that we always take the time IN ADVANCE to find out what YOU want and don’t want.
Remember, if you hire a DJ in whom you have confidence, you don’t have to worry about “micromanaging” the playlist. Occasionally, a couple initially tells us they want to select every song in advance, but once we’ve met and talked, they realize that’s not necessary – and that it would be like telling their chef how many teaspoons of each spice to use.
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We are going to have a wide range of people at our wedding – different age groups, different families, different musical tastes. How will you get them all to dance?
That is precisely the sort of thing we are so good at. We know how to mix together various types of music throughout the evening – to give everyone the “chance to dance.” Some clients prefer us to focus on music with broader appeal early in the evening (including music the older relatives can dance to), while saving the wilder rock and R&B until later in the evening. That can work, although generally we find it best to vary the musical styles throughout the evening. That way, all your guests feel welcome – none of them feel excluded – because they'll hear such a wide variety of music.
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Do you take requests from our guests?
Yes, we are happy to. Remember, our #1 goal is to make YOU happy. BUT we know that you will be happiest if your GUESTS are happy. Of course, if there are certain songs that you do NOT want us to play even if requested, we will respect your wishes. We will always use our best judgment to avoid playing inappropriate songs (e.g., if your 13-year old nephew wants to hear Korn or Rage Against the Machine).
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What about music during cocktails or dinner?
We can provide background music during cocktails and dinner. We can recommend various types of music that create a nice atmosphere during those periods – music that is pleasing to the ear, played at a lower volume than for dancing. Melodic jazz is often an excellent choice – whether vocals like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Louis Armstrong or instrumentals like Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” album, a selection of big band instrumentals, or bossa nova (Brazilian jazz). Contemporary artist Norah Jones is another popular choice.
Of course, with our huge music selection, we can customize the cocktail and dinner music to your taste. Since we’re not concerned about getting people to dance during cocktails and dinner, the range of music is endless. It can include “straightahead” or “smooth” jazz, classical music, light rock, world music, folk, and so on.
Even if the cocktail hour is located in a separate area, it is usually no problem for us to hook up an extra speaker in that other location for a nominal charge.
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Can you provide music outdoors?
Absolutely! In fact, our sound system sounds great outdoors. We have hundreds of feet of heavy-duty extension cords – all we need is access to a power outlet. Rain, direct sunlight, or extremes of heat or cold can damage our equipment and CDs, so we will need protection from the elements (such as being under a tent or patio roof). And we’ll need to check with your venue to make sure that outdoors amplification is permitted.
Remember, we trouble-shoot all the logistical details BEFORE the day of your event, so the wedding itself goes smoothly. (Not every DJ does this – sad but true!)
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What about music during the ceremony itself?
Yes! We can provide all your ceremonial music – prelude, processional, and recessional. It takes an experienced DJ to know how to do ceremonies, but that’s why you’re hiring a DJ like us, right? There is an additional charge for the separate set-up and extra time involved in providing pre-recorded music for your ceremony – but it's less than the cost of live musicians and sounds just as great (sometimes better!). We have a smaller, very portable system that can be used for ceremonial music.
Whether or not we are providing music for your ceremony, we can provide microphones and a small sound system if you'd like your ceremony amplified so your guests can hear it better.
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How interactive are you with the crowd? What is your style on the microphone? Do you serve as MC?
We actually let you decide how much interaction you would like from us. We can be completely conservative, totally outgoing, or anywhere in between. Just let us know your wishes as you plan for your event. Most parties call for a DJ with eloquent emcee skills and the wisdom to use words sparingly. Even at our most outgoing level, we remain professional.
Our style on the microphone is fun and professional. We make whatever announcements you wish us to make, in a clear and pleasant voice. (and we pronounce everyone’s name correctly – another one of those little details the lesser DJs too often overlook.) We don’t attempt to talk with phony gusto like a TV game show host or Barnum & Bailey circus ringmaster. You won’t hear us asking if there any “party people in the house” or that sort of thing.
A fine chef pleases your guests by cooking and serving fine food – not by going around slapping folks on the back while they’re eating, exhorting them to eat their salads and extolling the virtues of the main course. We’re the same way. We entertain your guests and get them dancing by playing great music – not by pestering them!
We are not the center of attention at your wedding reception. You are. We are there to facilitate a great time for you and your guests.
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What if we want a friend or family member to MC our event?
If you prefer that a friend or family member serve as MC, we are happy to work with such an arrangement. For things to run smoothly at your reception, it will of course be important for us to closely coordinate with your designated MC, and we will want to meet or speak in advance with him or her so we can go over the agenda together step-by-step. Attention to detail and commitment to a successful event is the hallmark of our DJ'ing, regardless of whether we or someone else serves as MC.
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Will you play a CD that we provide?
Certainly. Of course, first ask us if we have the music you have in mind. If we don’t have it, and can’t get it, we’d be delighted to play your copy.
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What happens if you are sick? Is there a backup DJ?
First, we have never missed an event in ten years of DJ’ing. Second, even if we were not feeling well, we’d be there, and you’d never know. After all, it’s like show biz – the show must go on. Third, in the extremely unlikely case that something happened which absolutely prevented us from making a gig, we would find you a replacement DJ at no additional cost to you. we have contacts through some of the DJ booking agencies, as well as through professional groups like the American DJ Association and the Association of Wedding Professionals.
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Do you have references?
Yes, we have many satisfied clients who can provide references. Out of respect to them, we prefer to supply you references after we’ve first determined that there is a good chance you’re interested in hiring us. Let’s first see if we’re a good fit for your needs and if our fees are within your budget. Then you can do a final check by contacting some references. (By the way, we assure you that the testimonial quotes on our website are actual quotes from real clients!)
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How early do you show up at our event? How many breaks do you take?
We aim to arrive at least 90 minutes – a full hour and a half – before we’re scheduled to perform. In many cases we set up as early as 10:00am. Why?? Because on your wedding day, we’d rather be an hour early than a minute late. And if some unforeseen situation arises – like bad traffic or a broken elevator – we’ve allowed ourselves an extra cushion to arrive and set up on time.
How many breaks will we take? None. Nada. Zero. Zilch. We can keep the music playing continually throughout the entire time period you hire us.
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Can we come to a wedding to see you perform before we book?
Wedding receptions and private parties are not our events. We respect the privacy of our customers. This means that no uninvited guests will be intruding on your reception. This also allows your entertainer to concentrate on your reception instead of answering questions for potential clients. We also customize each client's event. That means that not one of our events is the same. We use our client's guidance and our expertise to create the best evening for you.
What you want at your wedding reception may be the opposite of what another bride whats at her reception.
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How much space do you need to set up?
For our main set-up, all we need is a table and access to a standard power outlet. Typically, the table is a standard rectangular shaped banquet-style table that nearly all caterers and hotels supply. Those tables typically come in two sizes -- 6 or 8 feet. We prefer an 8-foot table, but we can work with a 6-foot table. In addition, each speaker takes up a few square feet of floor space. Of course, if you plan to have dancing, you’ll want to include space for a dance floor.
For a side set-up (such as in a separate cocktail room or a ceremony), we need very little space at all, and no table need be supplied – we set up everything on portable stands.
Don’t worry. We’re an expert at fitting into just about any space, large or small. We’ll consult directly with the venue to make sure we’re familiar with the physical lay-out.
TIP - It is always best to have the DJ as close to the dance floor as possible.
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Do you supply a wireless (cordless) microphone?
A wireless microphone is included with most of our packages. An excellent quality one. Your guests are welcome to use it to make toasts and so on. We also bring a second microphone (corded) which always stays with us. We can even supply microphones and amplification for your ceremony.
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How much do you charge?
We have several different packages for all budgets. To get an instant price quote click on "pricing" at the top menu bar here on our website.
In general our prices range from $495 - $1495. Every event is different so prices can be lower or higher than this as well.
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Are you insured?
Yes, we have liability insurance through State Farm, a leading and very reputable insurance company.
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Are Exceptional Entertainment DJs just the few of you– or do you book other DJs as well?
At one time we had a business plan to expand by hiring other DJs as Exceptional Entertainment DJs. Over the years we found it almost impossible to ensure that other DJs performed up to the same very high standards that we set for ourselves. Nowadays, we do all weddings ourselves. (However, for the occasional non-wedding event, we do have some other DJs to whom we will refer jobs.) Currently we have 4 fully professional wedding reception specialist DJs.
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How do I know what DJ is going to be at my reception?
After you have completely filled out all your planning forms online, we look over them and pick the DJ who best matches up with your preferences. All of us have at least 5 years of experience DJing at wedding receptions. We have found that this is the best method to match you up with the most qualified DJ for your unique reception.
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Is tipping expected for the DJ?
We charge a professional rate for a professional service. This means you won't see a tip jar on our table. If at the end of the evening, you feel the DJ has done a fine job, we would accept that as a compliment. About 1/2 of our clients do tip their DJ.
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Should we feed the DJ(s)?
It is completely up to you. With setup and teardown time, we'll often be at your event for approximately six hours. If you choose to provide a meal for the DJ(s), we appreciate it.
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How far will you travel?
There is no additional charge for travel to event venues within 50 miles of Greensburg, PA. Anything over 50 miles will be charged a nominal rate for gas and possibly lodging if necessary.
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Do you charge for the time you are setting up or tearing down?
No! We only charge for the contracted time that we are playing music/providing our services. We get to the event and leave with enough time to setup / teardown. The Customer is not charged for this time.
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Will the DJ stay longer then the contracted time if asked?
Yes! As long as the Customer agrees to pay our hourly rate for that additional time to the DJ before he leaves the event. Additional time is billed in half hour increments and is rounded up to the nearest half hour. Example: If the DJ was asked to stay for an addition 2 hours and 20 minutes, the Customer would be expected to pay the DJ for an additional 2 and 1/2 hour (2.5 x our hourly rate) before the DJ leaves.
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Do you provide a written contract?
Yes. It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Once you book with us we will email you our contract. You must then sign it and send it back to us no later than the return date that will be listed in the email.
You must also enclose your deposit when returning your contract no later than the date listed in the email. If paying by credit card please let us know so we can process your payment by the due date.
Once we receive the contract and payment we will email you a fully executed copy of it. You will also be emailed a receipt for your payment. After all this is complete you have officially reserved your date with us.
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