FAQ - Disc Jockey
How do you determine who our DJ will be?
We take pride in our ability to match the right DJ to your event. We use several criteria in making the selection including, but not limited to, your online DJ Profile, song list and event site.
If Bellagala selects the DJ for me, what if we don't get the right vibe from our DJ when we speak with him/her?
After the phone consultation, should you not be satisfied with the DJ selected, please do not hesitate to contact Bellagala immediately and we will match you with another DJ.
How much experience do your DJs have?
Our DJs vary in their years with Bellagala but all have one thing in common, they produce great events. Bellagala proactively seeks personable, accommodating and hard-working individuals with a love of music to join our team. We believe that the skills required to be a good DJ can be taught, but integrity and great character are inherent. All our new DJs participate in our DJ Mentor Program, which is a combination of classroom and on-the-job experience and training.
Can we go to a wedding where your DJs are performing?
Bellagala respects the privacy of our clients. Therefore, we do not allow potential clients to attend your event to view our services. After all, would you want a complete stranger at your wedding distracting your DJ with questions? Didn't think so. This is your day, and the focus should be on you and not selling our services to other brides and grooms. BGTV, on our web site, allows you ample opportunity to see our DJs in action at a variety of venues throughout the Twin Cities.
Why don't we have a sit down meeting with our DJ?
The last few weeks leading up to your event are extremely busy with final preparations and details. We have found over our years of experience that a phone consultation is more convenient for our clients than a sit down consultation.
When will we hear from our DJ?
If you select your DJ for our Option 2 package, your DJ will be in touch with you no later than 48 hours from booking. If Bellagala selects your DJ for the Option 1 package, your DJ will call you the Monday or Tuesday the week of your wedding to finalize all details.
Have you performed at my venue?
The answer is probably yes. We have performed at virtually every venue in the Twin Cities, as well as some venues in Duluth, St. Cloud, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas. Feel free to contact your sales representative to find out the last time we have performed at your site.
How many DJs do you have on staff? Do they work with an assistant?
We have over twenty five DJs on staff. Our DJs are competent and do not need an assistant. Occasionally there may be a newer DJ at your event, who is going through our DJ Mentoring program. If this is the case you will be informed in advance.
Do you take requests?
That is entirely up to you! Most couples choose to let their guests make requests, and our DJs are happy to accommodate. Our entire 10,000+ song library is available for your guests to select from.
What happens in case of an emergency?
As with all our services, we have a reserve artist on call in case an emergency arises, giving you peace of mind. Additionally for DJ, we have a weekend manager and on-call technician to handle any other situation.
Faq - Equipment
Does the DJ bring equipment (amps, mics, etc.), or would you and your reception site need to supply it?
We bring all the sound and light equipment needed for your event.
What happens if a piece of equipment breaks at the show?
We have back-up equipment and a back-up technician scheduled on the day of your wedding should any problems arise. Typically light bulbs are the most common things that break and they generally break when setting up or tearing down. The DJs carry spare bulbs with them.
On the other hand, if a speaker or another major piece of equipment fails, a call would simply be placed and the technician would replace the broken part. Bellagala DJs are trained to handle equipment issues on site and can engage in "Short Term Alternative Methods" if need be until the replacement part is delivered. This is extremely rare, but a possibility.
How much room will the DJ need? Do I need to provide a table?
Our DJ system is versatile for any space, large or small. Your DJ will need a 6" or 8" banquet table and minimal room for the speakers and lights. Most event sites will provide a skirted table for the DJ at no charge.
Do you have audio visual equipment we can rent for the ceremony and/or reception?
We have limited equipment that can be rented directly through us. Keep in mind however that the DJ system is just that. Multiple microphones or extensive A/V needs should be handled by an A/V company and technician. Contact your sales representative for more information.
Can we plug in to your system for our slideshow or live musicians?
Yes, your DJ will be happy to discuss your specific needs in detail during your phone consultation.
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FAQ - Music
How much music can we play in an evening?
A typical 4 hour dance allows for approximately 50-60 songs. On the average, wedding guests make between 20 - 30 requests.
Can you provide music during the ceremony?
Bellagala does provide ceremony coverage for an additional charge.Contact your sales representative for pricing.
How do I access the song list and profile?
You can access the song list (music database), your playlists and profiles through our online Account Manager. For your convenience, we have set up an account for you. Your username and password can be found in your confirmation email or contact clientservices@bellagala.com
What if we want a song that is not on your list?
With over 10,000 songs and growing, our music library is quite extensive. However, if we don't have a song (or songs) you would like, just email us a list with the song name and artist and we will get it for you. In the rare instance we are unable to locate the song you request, we ask you to provide it on CD or mp3.
Can we bring our own music?
Yes, absolutely. Our DJ systems are set up with our state-of-the-art Cortex USB-compatible digital music player as well as CD drives. Feel free to provide music on CD or mp3.
If there's a song you want and the DJ isn't familiar with it, are they willing to play it? Will you need to supply music? Can you lend your own CD's, or will he/she buy what you'd like played?
We will play your music whether the DJ is familiar with it or not. While we do have a "right sized" music library, it is possible that you want something we don't have, and you are encouraged to bring any of your own music.
How do they feel about using a playlist?
While we do measure the crowd and honor requests, we also require a playlist from you. We typically break down the night into three parts. 1.) Bride & Groom pre planned music (60%). 2.) Guests' Requests (25%). 3.) DJ's discretion (15%). The percentages are merely suggestions that we found have worked well in the past. One of your DJs roles is to be a music manager that balances the three areas according to an agreed upon music methodology.
Faq - The Process
How do we reserve Bellagala?
1. Simply call, send a check, or reserve our service online. The deposit is $250.
2. Mail in the contract or sign electronically.
Upon receiving your contract, Bellagala will sign and copy your contract. We will mail you a copy and send you a confirmation reminding you of what the next steps are as well as highlighting the key dates.
When do we pay the balance?
We request your music profile and balance three weeks prior to your wedding date. Taking care of this in advance allows you to relax and enjoy your special day.
When do we send in the client/music profile?
We request your client/music profile and balance 3 weeks prior to your wedding date.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
Faq - General Decision Making
How Do I Differentiate Between DJ Services?
It's not likely you've hired a DJ before, but you know that the DJ is the gel than can hold your celebration together, so making a well informed decision is key. Unfortunately, choosing a DJ service can be confusing and overwhelming. So, how do you decide? How do you make a decision about price and quality? How do you determine which company will truly provide service that ensures that you and your guests are the focus of your celebration?
It's not as hard as you might think. You can pretty much categorize the DJ industry into two types of services. Although they come in all shapes and sizes, there are some general reoccurring themes within the two categories.
Type 1 companies view their DJs as entertainers. These DJs perform best when they are the center of attention. Props, games, line dances and mic interaction are typically frequent.
Type 2 companies view the DJs as facilitators of music, announcements and events. Attention is focused on the clients, the guests and the music being played. Mic interaction is most often used for coordinating events and making formal announcements.
How Do I Evaluate Equipment?
When you compare DJ services side by side, it seems as though all companies have the best sound and light equipment. Many companies go to great lengths to tell you why their equipment is better. Let's pause for a second and consider this: What role does equipment play at your reception?
Obviously it is important, because without it you would not have the means to play the music or set the mood. However, the equipment by itself is of little value to you if there isn't a trained individual operating the controls. Equipment is only one piece of the puzzle, albeit an important piece.
Each service makes their own choice concerning the equipment to purchase, so the next question you have to ask yourself is: What influences their decisions? How do they decide between the myriad of lighting effects, amps, watts, and speakers? Bellagala takes a comprehensive approach that addresses two imperative issues: Quality & Space.
Quality: Does the sound and light system provide quality sound and proper lighting?
Space: Does the sound and light system limit its invasiveness and not take away from the overall presentation of preferred event sites across the Twin Cities?
When overwhelmed with the equipment issue, take a moment to put it into perspective. Thinking about it in these terms may be helpful. When you go to an interview, does the employer ask you to tell them about all the bells and whistles your car has? No. The employer thinks in terms of what value you can bring to the company. They assume you have a method of transportation that can get you to and from work safely and reliably.
Just like getting to work is your responsibility, equipment is ours. Professional and up-to-date equipment should be a necessity to be in business, not a key point of differentiation. Bellagala has a professional sound and light system that is right for you and your site.
Is An Appointment With My DJ Company Necessary?
Meeting with a DJ service will depend on whether or not the company you're speaking with provides the proper resources for you to make a well-informed decision. Generally speaking, the goal of your appointment with a DJ service is three fold. We will address each one individually.
1.) I want to see the sound and light setup.
The desire to see the equipment in action is normal. We suggest that you take advantage of whatever method is available to see the equipment. If the company you're considering saves you time and money in the process, even better. Some questions to consider:
A. Lighting
- Does it provide various kinds of lighting effects that can be used to infuse & inspire the mood? Or does it use repetitive lighting that simply dims and blinks?
- Will it take up any needed space for the dance floor or guest seating?
B. Sound
- Are the speakers in the line of hearing and do they provide the clarity at the volume you need? (Speakers raised to ear level allow music to be maintained at a noise level that is loud enough for those dancing and reasonable enough for those who wish to converse.)
2.) I want to see the DJ who will be performing at my wedding.
Seeing a DJ live. Some multi-system and single-system companies will allow you to go to one of their "shows". The upside is that you can attend another couple's wedding and view the DJ and equipment in action. The downside is you may not be assigned the DJ you just saw and furthermore, if they sent you and others to a private wedding where they are performing, guess what they're going to do with yours! We extend and guarantee the privacy privilege to every one of our clients.
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