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A blog that plans your event,
Finds your vendors,
And helps you decide whether you should DIY or if you should spend some cash.
5 STEPS TO SELECT THE VERY BEST DJ FOR YOUR PERSONALITY AND STYLE
STEP 1: FIND A DJ THAT DOES THIS FOR A LIVING
Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT just hire your best friends brother because he will do it for cheap or maybe even for free. The DJ/MC literally plays such a huge role in coordinating your wedding that you do NOT want to leave it to just any Joe Schmo. This is the go to person during your wedding reception that helps coordinate buffet lines, cake cutting, first-dances, garter and bouquet tosses, before dinner prayers, plays requests, helps keep your crowd engaged and has lots of experience at judging and adapting to all crowd types. This is not any easy job.
Not only that, but you want quality equipment and your best friends brother possibly has some speakers and an iPod or a computer. When you hire a professional they will have nice equipment and back-up equipment on hand and will be prepared for situations that may arise. Believe me situations that you will not be prepared for will come up that day. It is inevitable.
It’s nice to have someone that is able to troubleshoot those issues. Not only that, but they have a lot of experience.
STEP 2: FIND A DJ THAT APPRECIATES YOUR TASTE IN MUSIC
This is HUGE! I know a few DJ’s that really like Country and they are pretty old school, so they play only Merle Haggard and Patsy Cline albums (and they might even still use CD’s-this makes me cringe!). These giants have a place in history and may even have a place at your reception, but they cannot be played all night when you want your crowd of all ages to be engaged.
An excellent DJ hones his craft and stays up to speed on the popular hits for each genre. He/She should know the greats and the new up and coming artists too.
STEP 3: FIND A DJ THAT REFLECTS YOUR STYLE
So you have a few quotes from a few different DJ’s?
Make sure that you find someone that suits your style by looking at their website and seeing what their brand represents. Does their website say to you that they care about your event, care about looking professional, and having quality equipment?
Or does their website look less than appealing?
STEP 4: DO NOT DECIDE BASED ON COST ALONE
You really have to weigh your options and decide who is ultimately going to be the best fit for you. The cheapest DJ option is most likely NOT the best option for anyone. The most expensive option may not be doable either. So, look for a DJ company that provides excellent equipment and all the add-ons that you are looking for but, find an option that you are able to afford. Keep in mind that the DJ coordinates your entire reception and that this is a HUGE deal. Do not skimp on the DJ! It could make or break your reception.
BONUS TIP: If you are able to book a few things through your DJ/Event Company, then the price per add-on gets reduced significantly. Some add-ons to consider asking about include photo booths, up lighting, and dance floors.
STEP 5: FIND A DJ THAT RESPONDS TO YOUR E-MAILS AND CALLS YOU BACK QUICKLY
Being able to ask questions through e-mail or on the phone is virtually priceless these days. Is your DJ able to send and receive text messages? Even better! Communication should be almost instant when you are trying to decide who to use for your big day. You need to know that your DJ understands your vision for the day and is very easy to communicate with going forward in planning your dream wedding!
Written by: Laura Duvall
Lead Event Designer of gMedia Events.
Some of her favorite things include planning her baby's birthday parties, spending time with her entrepreneurial husband discussing ways they can improve their business and being an intimate part of weddings where she can feel the love between the couple!
Find a DJ that suits your style and personality at gMediaEvents.com
A blog that plans your event,
Finds your vendors,
And helps you decide whether you should DIY or if you should spend some cash.
5 IMPORTANT THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A PHOTO BOOTH RENTAL COMPANY
THING 1: WHAT DOES THE BOOTH LOOK LIKE?
We have seen some crazy weird photo booths, ladies and gents. There are lots of different kinds out there. So, make sure you know what kind you are going to rent. Your guests will thank you for it.
· NO WALLS, STUDIO STYLE PHOTO BOOTHS
This is a backdrop or curtain and a person with a camera. There are a quite a few negatives to this kind. It loses the photo booth feel and you don’t get your pictures on the spot.
· MODERN DIGITAL PHOTO BOOTHS
These booths are the most exciting! There is a super quick processing time (think 2-3 seconds). You are able to customize the strips for your event. Guests are able to get the strips on the spot. There are fun options including filters and green screen technology and all of the pictures can be saved on a hard-drive or disc to view later.
THING 2: DO THE PICTURES PRINT OUT ON SITE?
As mentioned previously, some booths don’t give you the option of having photo strips print out at your event. This is HUGE! You want to make sure that your booth option is able to print right then and there for your guests. Otherwise, what fun is that? You want to make sure that your guests get their prints immediately.You might also want to check what size the photos print out. Most brides want the traditional photo strips printed for their wedding. Also, how many copies does it print of each photo? Is there one for you, and one for your guest? If this is important to you then make sure to check into this
THING 3: ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN FEES?
Some Photo Booth Companies have different pricing for colored versus black and white strips. If you want colored it may be more money. Is set up and tear down included? Are props included? What about digital copies? Don’t just look at the initial price. Once again, do a little investigating to make sure you are not just comparing the price tag, but what is included, and what the quality is as well.
THING 4: What Props Do You Have?
This is a fair question even if they are included in the package for free. What you have in mind and what they supply may not be the same. Make sure that they offer a range of products for the maximum impact for your guests.
BONUS TIP: You may be able to request specific or customized props through your event company.
THING 5: IS THERE AN ATTENDANT OPERATING THE BOOTH?
This is something that is not necessary but extremely helpful in most situations. If you are getting a memory book then this is almost always something that is required. Some people think that the photo booth should be able to run by itself and for the most part it does. But, it is a great option to have to ask someone when you have questions. Modern photo booths have a lot of different options and guests appreciate being able to bounce questions off of someone.
GME ANSWERS:
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Our Modern, Digital Photo Booth and Prop Table
- Our pictures print out on site. We have the traditional size strips and automatically it will print out 2 per session. Your guests also have the option of printing out 4x6 pictures, and extra strips.
- Set up and tear down is included in our pricing. We have a quote with line items that tells you everything that is included. We do not charge differently for black and white vs. color prints. We do not charge you extra for any copies that your guests print out.
- Some of the props that we offer
Written by: Laura Duvall
Lead Event Designer of gMedia Events.
Some of her favorite things include planning her baby's birthday parties, spending time with her entrepreneurial husband discussing ways they can improve their business and being an intimate part of weddings where she can feel the love between the couple!
Find a Photobooth HERE
