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DISC JOCKEY
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WEDDING DJ FAQ

Service | Disc Jockeys | Equipment | Reviews | Pricing
Answer:
It's not likely you've hired a disc jockey before, but you know that the DJ is the glue than can hold your celebration together. So making a well informed decision is key. Unfortunately, choosing a disc jockey 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 one companies view their DJs as entertainers. These DJs perform best when they are the center of attention. Props, games, line dances and lots of interaction on the microphone.

Type two companies view the DJs as facilitators of music, announcements and events. Attention is focused on the clients, the guests and the music being played. The DJ's interaction on the microphone is most often reserved for coordinating events and making formal announcements. Bellagala falls in the type two category.
Answer:
After figuring out what style of DJ you prefer, it really comes down to two things: resources and value.

Resources - after you have placed the deposit, it is important to have the right tools to help communicate what your music and event expectations are. Truth is, most DJ companies don't ask the right questions, leaving the DJ uninformed and unable to deliver.

Our online Music Listening Center and event planner help you get what you want from your DJ. Bellagala's resources are designed to make sure your event is just the way you want it, with no surprises.

Value - the ultimate question is: what sort of value can the DJ company provide? Value is determined by a core mix of metrics: professionalism, ease of communication, response times, online resources, flexibility, equipment, time at event and price.

Bellagala's all-inclusive flat rate package has everything you want and need at an unbeatable price. Our value is unparalleled in the Twin Cities, which is one of the reasons we continue to be a leader in the industry. However, if you find what we offer for less somewhere else, we will price match any competitors' package. Get your quote in 90 seconds at www.bellagala.com/quote
Answer:
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's 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.

Each company 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 and space.

Quality - does the sound and light system provide quality sound and proper lighting?

Space - does the sound and light system limit its invasiveness? The equipment should not detract from your event site's ambiance.

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 updated 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.
Answer:
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 twofold.

First, you 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:

Lighting
- Does it provide various kinds of lighting effects that can be used to infuse and 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?

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.)

Second, you want to see the DJ who will be performing at my wedding.

Everyone wants to make sure their DJ is going to be the right fit for their event. 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.

Set up an appointment: www.bellagala.com/schedule.html
Answer:
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.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
Your DJ will call you the Monday or Tuesday the week of your wedding to finalize all details.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
As with all of 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 an on-call technician to handle any other situation.
Answer:
We bring all the sound and light equipment needed for your event.
Answer:
We have backup equipment and a backup technician scheduled on the day of your wedding should any problems arise. Typically light bulbs are the most common things that break and it generally happens during setup or tear down. The DJs carry spare bulbs for a quick repair.

If a speaker or another major piece of equipment fails, the on-call 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 needed until the replacement part is delivered. This is extremely rare.
Answer:
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.
Answer:
We have limited equipment that can be rented directly through us. Multiple microphones or extensive A/V needs should be handled by an A/V company and technician. Contact your sales representative for more information.
Answer:
Yes, your DJ will be happy to discuss your specific needs in detail during your phone consultation.
Answer:
A typical four hour dance allows for approximately 50 - 60 songs. On average, wedding guests make between 20 - 30 requests.
Answer:
Bellagala does provide ceremony coverage for an additional charge. Contact your sales representative for pricing.
Answer:
You can access the song list (Music Listening Center), your play lists and profiles through our online Account Manager. For your convenience, we set up an account for you. Your username and password can be found in your price quote and/or confirmation e-mail or contact clientservices@bellagala.com
Answer:
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 e-mail 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 will ask you to provide it on CD or mp3.
DISC JOCKEY NEWS | More than 900 clients have chosen Bellagala DJ services in 2012
DISC JOCKEY NEWS | The DJ team is led by Matt Rush, 25 year wedding DJ veteran
DISC JOCKEY NEWS | New! Add event lighting for only $395 with Bellagala's DJ services
DISC JOCKEY NEWS | Create a "Do Not Play" list of the songs you don't want to hear
DISC JOCKEY NEWS | Bellagala guarantees more 10,000 song will be at your event
DISC JOCKEY NEWS | Bellagala moves to an all digital cortex system, virtually eliminating the annoying skipping CDs.