How To Hire Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Posted on March 2, 2014 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

If you are like most couples planning a wedding, you want your wedding reception entertainment that pleases you and your guests alike. But, you’re probably not sure about how to hire the best Rhode Island Wedding DJ, right? If this sounds like you, please read our list of hiring and interviewing suggestions from a professional Rhode Island Wedding DJ and stop stressing about having the best wedding reception ever! Remember, it’s your wedding, your music.

How To Hire Your Rhode island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

1. Music Preferences – To save time, decide what styles and genres of music you want before your disc jockey search begins. You may be as diverse, broad or specific as you want. It’s your wedding.

2. Length of Reception – Determine how many hours you will need the Wedding DJ and your budget for entertainment. I encourage you to give realistic numbers to your Wedding DJ, being honest about what you can spend. But don’t just grab the lowest bid.

3. DJ’s Repertoire – Does the Wedding DJ play the music you want? Is he/she willing to expand music selections for you? If resistant, this may not be the right Wedding DJ for you. Hire someone who guides you to selecting the best music for your wedding. It’s your wedding, your music.

How To Hire Your Rhode island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

4. Music Requests – Are requests from guests welcomed? Some Rhode Island Wedding DJs or Massachusetts Wedding DJs only play what’s decided in advance and what they think is best. If you want your guests to have input on what music is played, make sure you find a Rhode Island Wedding DJ who will honor requests and treat your guests as guests.

5. Inclusions – What is included in the proposed package? Agree on the hours needed plus set-up time. It is also recommended to establish in advance, the rate for overtime, if needed. Most Rhode Island Wedding DJs will charge about 1.5 X their hourly rate for overtime. It can be sticky if you do not agree on this in advance, which brings us to our next subject…contracts.

6. Get it in writing! Always ask for a contract and then take it home to really read it. Be sure each aspect of the contract is understood before signing. Look for information on what will happen if your Wedding DJ is sick, if there’s equipment failure or anything that might increase pricing like needing a second set of equipment for your Cocktail Hour or Ceremony if they are in a separate space from your Reception.

7. Sustenance – If your wedding vendors are going to be working for you for more than a few hours, and most will, please offer food and beverages. A Wedding DJ who has eaten is going to perform at peak level with the energy and enthusiasm you want. Most venues will offer you a reduced rate for feeding your wedding service providers and should provide a private area to serve wedding vendors their meals separately from your wedding guests. The Wedding DJ should have background music (or an assistant DJ) prepared to play while they are eating; you do not want silence during their break.

How To Hire Your Rhode island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Like many couples planning a wedding, you’ll have questions for your Rhode Island Wedding DJ. What are the appropriate answers?

Q – Does Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ Offer a Guarantee?

Do they know they excel as a Wedding DJ and MC? Some DJs want you to have that same confidence so you can focus your attention and energy into other areas of your wedding. If a good Rhode Island Wedding DJ knows you and your guests will have fun, they can offer a guarantee since they are certain you will want to pay them for their excellent service. You are investing in a Wedding DJ by hiring us and sending us a deposit. We can invest in your wedding by offering a guarantee that states if you are not happy with our performance, you do not have to pay the remainder of the balance. Period. A good Rhode Island Wedding DJ will offer you a guarantee so you have peace of mind at your wedding. Make sure your Wedding DJ offers a guarantee.

Q – Do you need a Wedding DJ as your Wedding MC, or a DJ plus MC as a two-person team?

Many DJs also have experience as emcees and enjoy the opportunity to be more involved in your wedding. They can provide energy and excitement to your reception. Most disc jockeys are comfortable making announcements (Introductions, First Dance, Special Dances, Cake Cutting). This will work in most cases. Some couples want a separate emcee to be able to get out on the dance floor to make Introductions, lead dances and generally add flavor and energy to your wedding. If hiring a two-person team, I recommend this to be identified in the beginning to make sure the Wedding DJ Team can provide this service for you. A good Rhode Island Wedding MC can add to your reception and help everyone get more involved. Also,establish in advance the energy level (High,medium,low) and involvement (Fully engaged, main announcements only) of your Wedding MC.

How To Hire Your Rhode island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Q – What if there is equipment failure with your Rhode Island Wedding DJ?

It is essential to know your Wedding DJ’s back-up plan for unexpected problems. Typically, an additional hard-drive will be at the ready for computer problems, an iPod for the quick fix or even an extra set of speakers. When speaking with the Wedding DJ, does he/she seem confident about handling unforeseen issues? Follow your gut. A good service provider sells less-stress, not more!

How To Hire Your Rhode island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Q – What kind of experience Does Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ have?

Being a Club DJ and a Wedding DJ can be as different as a corporate attorney and criminal lawyer. Both are lawyers, but each specialize in very different areas of the law. Some DJs excel at both, but that is rare. Most have a specialty and that is what they feel most comfortable doing. Make certain your Wedding DJ has plenty of wedding experience. Significant wedding experience provides confidence and comfort if there are last minute changes or unexpected situations.

Q – Does the Rhode Island Wedding DJ have references?

Most former brides and grooms that have had good experiences with Wedding DJs are excited about sharing this with future couples. They know what a big day this is and want to support others going through the same experience. One or two is usually enough for you to get a feel for what they do and how they do it. A resume with former work references can be helpful.

How To Hire Your Rhode island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Q – Does the Rhode Island Wedding DJ have Personality?

Your entertainer should have the sort of personality you and your guests will enjoy. Ask about how a crowd is handled and, if possible, view video samples or ask to see your Rhode Island Wedding DJ in action at a live event. However, visiting a Wedding DJ at a private reception is not advised. Will your friends and family feel comfortable interacting with your Wedding DJ? Will their presence add or subbtract from your big day?

Trust your instincts to make the right choice for Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Finally, see if you can sense if your Wedding DJ really wants to be part of your wedding or just looking for work. Interview your Rhode Island DJ or Massachusetts Wedding DJ in-person. Hiring a Wedding DJ via the Internet without “real-life” contact can leave you with unexpected surprises. Again, follow your gut. For your reception, the right Rhode Island Wedding DJ can make all the difference. It’s your wedding, your music.

How To Hire Your Rhode island Wedding DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Here are other posts that may be helpful to you Top 50 DJ Wedding Last Dance Songs, How To Hire The Best Wedding DJ, Popular Garter Toss Songs, Wedding DJ Father-Daughter Dance Songs, Wedding DJ Mother Son Dance Songs, Top 50 Wedding Cake Cutting Songs, Popular Bridal Party Introduction Songs for Wedding DJs and Popular Bouquet Toss Songs.

What tips do you have for future Brides and Grooms about hiring their Rhode Island Wedding DJ?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Your Wedding MC: Family, Friend or DJ?

Posted on February 27, 2014 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

When I was younger, it was traditional for an elder family member, an Uncle or friend of the family, to MC at weddings. As Wedding DJs became more popular and slowly replaced bands as the norm, many Wedding DJs took on the role of Wedding MC offering a more polished, professional touch to a wedding Reception. This is now the norm as well. But is it better?

Your Wedding MC: Family, Friend or DJ? - Rhode Island Wedding DJ & MC

I personally enjoy being on the microphone. I started my DJ career with college radio, studying Communication: Radio, TV, and Film. I was Music Director and Program Director and DJ at two radio stations. I like the mic! To me that is not a good enough reason to be the MC. I leave it up to the Bride and Groom to decide. It’s your wedding!

Who Would Make A Fantastic MC For Your Wedding?

When asked for advice on what’s best, someone they know or me, I will reply with questions about potential Wedding MCs within their circle. If they identify someone they both think would do a great job and “keep it in the family”; I encourage them to approach this person. I am not aware of anyone turning down the honor. If they are not able to identify someone, I am glad for the opportunity. Again, I like the mic!

There is nothing like an old friend or family member who can share stories and experiences to the reception as Wedding MC. They make it real and personal. Yes, they do make a few mistakes along the way but who said weddings need to be like television shows scripted to perfection? Does love or marriage follow a script?

Your Wedding MC: Family, Friend or DJ? - Rhode Island Wedding DJ & MC

Ask Your Rhode Island Wedding DJ

If you have not yet decided whether to ask your Wedding DJ to MC or a family member or friend, I encourage you to reflect and on who will relish and flourish with this honor in your circle. If not,hire a good, experienced Rhode Island Wedding DJ and they will do an excellent job. It may not be as personal, but it will be professional in most cases. Wedding DJs that are scared of microphones rarely agree to MC. Those who accept typically do a great job and keep things moving smoothly.

Your Wedding MC: Family, Friend or DJ? - Rhode Island Wedding DJ & MC

Make Sure Your Wedding MC is Prepared

Regardless of whom you choose to be your Wedding MC, it is essential you provide clear direction of what you want to happen, the order, and most importantly, the correct pronunciation of all the names in the wedding party. A little mistake like a mispronounced name during Bridal Party Introductions can dampen the mood and create hurt feelings. Communication with your Rhode Island Wedding DJ is always to your advantage. Your Wedding DJ can also coach your friend or family member through their jitters and prepare them for the honor of MCing your wedding.

Wedding MC is A Great Responsibility

We have all been to enough weddings to see when the Wedding MC does a fantastic job, and when the Wedding MC is leaving a bad feeling in everyone’s mind. Too many jokes are not always appreciated, nor is rambling on and on. Some people do not understand that the shine should always be on The Bride and Groom, not the Wedding MC. Last, but not least, there are no “redos” at weddings. If it is not done well, we do not get to try again tomorrow or give a free commercial spot like they do in radio and TV. One of the grand aspects of weddings are the energy and excitement of a live event unfolding with friends and family as “cast members”. Choose your cast wisely. I invite you to follow your gut.

If you would like advice on choosing your Wedding MC, please comment and I will be sure to reply with ideas for your Wedding MC.

Your Wedding MC: Family, Friend or DJ? - Rhode Island Wedding DJ & MC

DJ Mystica Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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Wedding DJ Equipment Basics for Brides (and Grooms)

Posted on February 25, 2014 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

If you are like many Brides (and Grooms), when a Wedding DJ begins talking to you about Wedding DJ equipment, you might shy away from the discussion, thinking you do not know enough to proceed. You might even tune out the conversation altogether, thinking you have a certain gene omitted from your DNA when it comes to this kind of stuff. I want to tell you there is no such gene and you probably know everything you need to know to make an intelligent decision in discussions regarding Wedding DJ equipment. You do not have to leave this to the men, there is no secret knowledge base that you are born without. The key is to know what details actually matter, not the specs and technology that can often be more about ego than quality. Many Rhode Island Wedding DJs are busy trying to impress other DJs, rather than creating happy customers. Of course, many Brides today do know quite a bit about Wedding DJ equipment and none of the above applies. If you are part of this group, I invite you to continue to further your knowledge base, before hiring your Wedding DJ.

Wedding DJ Equipment Basics for Brides (and Grooms) - Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Bose L1

Wedding DJ Equipment Basics – What is Good Sound?

Sound This is simple, if it sounds good, it probably is good, if it doesn’t sound good, it probably isn’t very good! The rest is why this is true. Listen to the system; if it fills the room and sounds exceptional everywhere in the room, this is what you want. You want your friends and family sitting left and right, as well those in the back to all hear excellent quality. The volume may vary but the quality should sound similar in all parts of the room. Many systems are set-up to sound good directly in front and are often much weaker on the sides, this is not what is optimal.

Can you hear the bass, treble and all the middle? Would the system sound good for Classical songs that may be part of your ceremony as well as Elvis Presley, Madonna and Beyonce, with enough oomph to let the Wedding DJ crank-out some Bon Jovi if this is something you want? Many systems can do Rock, Classical, Dance or R&B, if you are only going to have your DJ play one genre this is fine. If you want everybody to be happy with a diverse mix of music, the gear needs to support this.

Wedding DJ Equipment Basics for Brides (and Grooms) - Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Bose L1

Wedding DJ Equipment Basics – What Will It Look Like in Your Wedding Album?

Aesthetically Pleasing It is your wedding, why let a big, ugly sound system ruin all your photos? This is simple; you’ve gone to great lengths to make the room look exactly the way you want, maybe even better. No reason to compromise now. There is no reason no matter what anybody tells you that you need big, ugly speakers taking up space and energy on your dance floor! It is myth. Nice, sleek attractive speakers are one of the benefits of modern technology. It is not necessary for a NJ or NY Wedding DJ to pile stacks of equipment on a table, looking more like a recording studio than a wedding reception. Remember, you are getting married, not hanging out in at a local tavern on Friday. Make sure your DJ’s equipment expresses your elegance and style.

Wedding DJ Equipment Basics for Brides (and Grooms) - Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Bose L1

Wedding DJ Equipment Basics – Will Music Fill The Space Completely?

Volume Loud is important and necessary, booming is not, in fact it is unattractive and often a sign of a system lacking in quality. The place where volume matters is not in the numbers like watts, it is in making certain the music effectively covers the room where you want it to and fills the dance floor with enough oomph that you can feel it in your belly. If it does not have enough oomph, you will probably not be happy. Unfortunately, most manufacturers have developed methods raising ‘watts’ without actually increasing the quality of sound strictly for marketing purposes.

A general rule is for about 250 guests, your Wedding DJ’s equipment needs to handle 300 guests, or add about 25% onto your guest list to make sure you are covered for your wedding. Most systems will work up to about 400-500 guests in a large banquet hall. I encourage you to use common sense and not let a DJ convince you that numbers like watts and impedance are what matters.

Wedding DJ Equipment Basics for Brides (and Grooms) - Rhode Island Wedding DJ - Bose L1

Wedding DJ Equipment Basics – Sound quality is what matters

Ask the Wedding DJ if you can hear their equipment performing somewhere to experience their system live and in operation. You will know if it will make you happy or not.If this is not a possibility due to client privacy concerns, ask for more information for you to do your own research. Trust yourself and what you do know, instead of being afraid of what you may not. Your ears are equipped with all the technology you need!

Do you have any questions regarding Wedding DJ Equipment Basics for your wedding? Ask DJ Mystical Michael, a Wedding DJ Equipment Pro for answers to your questions.

For more on the exceptional BOSE L1 System Wedding DJ equipment, please view the BOSE L1 System.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ

Posted on January 22, 2014 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Last Friday Night I was Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ for the first time and had a great time! I have been there once before and was looking forward to the opportunity to share my rhythm and beats with the Providence Ecstatic Dance Community.

Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ and Ecstatic Dance Guidelines

Ecstatic Dance Guidelines are taken from the Ecstatic Dance Community Page. They are drawn up by the Ecstatic Dance Community as a whole and its origins in Hawaii and the Bay Area. I was first introduced to Ecstatic Dance in Oakland in 2009 and was blown away by the energy and excitement in the community.

1. Move however you wish

2. No talking on the dance floor

3. Respect yourself and one another

Ecstatic Dance is a Drug & Alcohol Free Space

Please also refrain from photos, video, and shoes & scents.

Many people dance in their own space, and others share their space with another.
To engage in a dance with someone, use sensitivity: Are they open to sharing their space with me? Mirror movements, offer a hand, brush by, make eye contact, and see & feel how they respond…

Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

If you’d rather not dance with someone, or are ending a dance with someone,

simply thank them by placing your hands in prayer at your heart.

Namaste… Thank You.

“My Spirit Recognizes Yours”

Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Ecstatic Dance is

what you make of it…

a freeform movement space where:
dance expands
spirit activates
boundaries melt
boredom ceases
creativity breaks out
hope happens
beauty flows
communities collaborate
ritual is reinvented
harmony resonates
The beat deepens
as an electronic tapestry
of world rhythms
weave us together
as individuals
within a greater family.

For me, Ecstatic Dance reminds me of Barefoot Boogie in NYC where I was DJ and Coordinator of DJs and Teachers for several years till I moved here to Providence. The freestyle dance community is aligned with many incredible dancers and individuals.

Hope to see you there next month!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Fun Rhode Island DJ Birthday Party

Posted on December 18, 2013 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I always feel so satisfied after a really fun event, of course, some more than others. It seems to take the right mix of people and music to make an outstanding event like the Fun Rhode Island DJ Birthday Party last week. It was a 60th Birthday party that the guest of honor kept insisting was his 38th Birthday, not his 60th:) He was a little late in trying to convince anybody since we were all present at Chelos Waterfront in Warwick way before him, due to it being a surprise 60th Birthday Party.

Fun Rhode Island DJ Birthday Party at Fun 60th Birthday Party

The excitement was building as each guest arrived in advance of the guest of honor. There was a nice mix of family, friends and co-workers. Both the guest of honor and his wife are employees at BOSE in Framingham, MA. I am a fan of BOSE since that is really the only sound system I will use as a professional DJ. I use the BOSE L1 with B1 Bass. It was fun having several BOSE employees come up and converse with me about my DJ equipment, a few have never heard the BOSE L1 used by a DJ before and were so excited! I always love showing off the best DJ equipment and the opportunity to demonstrate its incredible sound to techies at BOSE was a blast for me.

L1® Model 1S system with B1 bass

Recommended for audiences up to 300
12-speaker articulated line array delivers 180-degree horizontal sound coverage
Produces consistent tonal balance with less volume drop-off over distance
System’s interconnecting pieces allow for easy transport, setup and breakdown
B1 bass module included

Spend less time setting up your gear and more time enjoying it. The new L1 Model 1S portable line array system delivers a potent combination of portability and performance. It’s compact and light enough to make setup quick and easy, yet powerful enough to fill a mid-sized venue. This system works well for solo musicians, bands and public speakers. Includes one B1 bass module for enhanced low-end performance.

Fun Rhode Island DJ Birthday Party at Fun 60th Birthday Party

Fun Rhode Island DJ Birthday Party - 60th Birthday Party

A fun Rhode Island DJ Birthday Party was had by all!

Fun Rhode Island DJ Birthday Party - 60th Birthday Party

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

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Rhode Island DJ Fun Quinceanera

Posted on December 14, 2013 by DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I always enjoy teen parties as a Rhode Island DJ. They are full of energy, excitement and fun. If you add a fun family to the teens like a Quinceanera, it is the recipe for a really fun night!