Well, it'll be a busy next few months for the Edmonton Wedding DJ, as corporate christmas parties are now in full swing, as companies start celebrating the holiday season.
Starting this weekend, we're going to be visiting some of our favourite venues, including the Edmonton Petroleum Club. Personally, I'll be headed out to Athabasca for their Health Center's Christmas party. Anthony will be working alongside Creative Door Services for another year of fantastic fun with that group!
We'll keep you updated over the next little while as to some of our favourite places, and some great parties! Looking forward to doing the limbo with the health workers in Athabasca this Saturday night!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone!
Tarcy
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Corporate Christmas Party DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Looks like Wedding Season is winding down!
And what a wedding season it was! The Edmonton Wedding DJ has been flying from venue to venue, and wedding to wedding since May. Every single weekend was taken up by at least one, sometimes 2,3 and 4 weddings!
I took a lot of notice this summer, and felt the need to put it in the blog (now that I finally have a few minutes to sit down and put in another entry) about your MC.
Sometimes, people don't realize the importance of the MC. When you see as many weddings as I do, you learn about what positions are the most important. MC is one of them. The person you choose to be your Master of Ceremonies is the person that will set the tone for the entire reception. They control the flow of the evening, and keep the guests interested in what is happening, from cocktails through dinner to the final toast of the evening.
A bad MC usually results in a sub-par party, regardless of how good the DJ is. A good or great MC usually results in more upbeat guests, who haven't spent a couple of hours sitting in their chairs getting bored, and not knowing what was coming up next! This type of crowd is usually more open to having fun and dancing through the night.
A good example (obviously I'm not going to use names)...one wedding I was at, the MC had no idea of the couple's timeline for the evening, and we went BIG stretches without hearing anything from anyone. I could see the crowd getting restless and bored, and as soon as supper and the toasts were over, before the music even started, 3/4 of the crowd left. I had about 30 people to play to the rest of the night...and they weren't dancers. With such a small crowd, and these people wanted to drink and socialize, no matter what I did as the DJ, no matter what type of music was played, the party was over before it started. I was packed up and home by midnight that night...something I'm not a big fan of!
I love to have fun with the people! I love to dance along with them! I love to poke a little fun at the drunk guy who doesn't know his left foot from his right, but dang, he sure tries hard and has one heck of a good time! On a couple of occasions this summer, that wasn't happening, and I saw it occurring because of a substandard MC.
So, a couple of tips -
1. Find someone who is comfortable in front of a crowd. Then nerves and stage fright won't be the first thing your guests see.
2. Talk to your MC, have the evening planned out via a timeline, so they're not running up to you, the bride and groom, wondering what's next.
3. Make sure the MC and DJ connect, so everyone knows the flow of the Grand Entrance and anything else that's happening before the dance, especially if the MC is using the DJ's microphone to make the announcements!
4. Don't let your MC drink more than a drink or two, at least until his duties are complete - then he/she can let loose. A slobbering drunk who lets the odd swear out in front of your Grandma and your cousins 4 year old can be disastrous!
5. If you're still not sure, find a coach for your MC the investment will be worthwhile.
On that note, we at Advanced DJ Services offer a couple of things to make your life easier...we can be your MC for the evening, in good taste and good humour! We'll keep the night flowing, right into the dance portion of the evening. If you'd like to go with someone closer to you as a couple, that's great! We can coach them for an hour or two, to ensure they'll be ready to rock come your big night.
For some reason, I feel like I'm leaving something out...but I'm sure it'll come up in a later blog post! If you have any questions about your wedding planning, please give us a call, we're glad to help!
That's it for now!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
I took a lot of notice this summer, and felt the need to put it in the blog (now that I finally have a few minutes to sit down and put in another entry) about your MC.
Sometimes, people don't realize the importance of the MC. When you see as many weddings as I do, you learn about what positions are the most important. MC is one of them. The person you choose to be your Master of Ceremonies is the person that will set the tone for the entire reception. They control the flow of the evening, and keep the guests interested in what is happening, from cocktails through dinner to the final toast of the evening.
A bad MC usually results in a sub-par party, regardless of how good the DJ is. A good or great MC usually results in more upbeat guests, who haven't spent a couple of hours sitting in their chairs getting bored, and not knowing what was coming up next! This type of crowd is usually more open to having fun and dancing through the night.
A good example (obviously I'm not going to use names)...one wedding I was at, the MC had no idea of the couple's timeline for the evening, and we went BIG stretches without hearing anything from anyone. I could see the crowd getting restless and bored, and as soon as supper and the toasts were over, before the music even started, 3/4 of the crowd left. I had about 30 people to play to the rest of the night...and they weren't dancers. With such a small crowd, and these people wanted to drink and socialize, no matter what I did as the DJ, no matter what type of music was played, the party was over before it started. I was packed up and home by midnight that night...something I'm not a big fan of!
I love to have fun with the people! I love to dance along with them! I love to poke a little fun at the drunk guy who doesn't know his left foot from his right, but dang, he sure tries hard and has one heck of a good time! On a couple of occasions this summer, that wasn't happening, and I saw it occurring because of a substandard MC.
So, a couple of tips -
1. Find someone who is comfortable in front of a crowd. Then nerves and stage fright won't be the first thing your guests see.
2. Talk to your MC, have the evening planned out via a timeline, so they're not running up to you, the bride and groom, wondering what's next.
3. Make sure the MC and DJ connect, so everyone knows the flow of the Grand Entrance and anything else that's happening before the dance, especially if the MC is using the DJ's microphone to make the announcements!
4. Don't let your MC drink more than a drink or two, at least until his duties are complete - then he/she can let loose. A slobbering drunk who lets the odd swear out in front of your Grandma and your cousins 4 year old can be disastrous!
5. If you're still not sure, find a coach for your MC the investment will be worthwhile.
On that note, we at Advanced DJ Services offer a couple of things to make your life easier...we can be your MC for the evening, in good taste and good humour! We'll keep the night flowing, right into the dance portion of the evening. If you'd like to go with someone closer to you as a couple, that's great! We can coach them for an hour or two, to ensure they'll be ready to rock come your big night.
For some reason, I feel like I'm leaving something out...but I'm sure it'll come up in a later blog post! If you have any questions about your wedding planning, please give us a call, we're glad to help!
That's it for now!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
Monday, March 21, 2011
Welcome Back to the world!
It's been a long while since I've put anything down on the Edmonton Wedding DJ Blog. Mostly because it's been really busy during the "slowest months of the year". I've been focusing on a lot of things, like marketing materials and sales...all that boring business stuff.
We've been booking weddings like crazy, along with several corporate Christmas parties. If the trends continue, we'll have a pretty darn good year, and should be able to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads.
I've been reading a book by one of the DJ Industry's influential people, Larry Williams. It's called "Mind Your Own Business", a book of ethical standards for DJ's. Hmmm, ethical. There's a lot of people out there who aren't.
To me, ethical starts with our interactions with the customers. Always treat every single one of them as it's an honour to be chosen to be a part of their event. Listen to what they want and envision out of that event. Then, promise what you can do. The most important part of the step - MAKE IT HAPPEN. Now, that doesn't mean that we can't have an off night, everyone does once in a while (and I despise it if it happens), but if we truly did everything we could to make sure the crowd had a good time, then we can't hang our heads.
Beyond your direct interactions with the customers, how about "unseen" things? Like using a music subscription. Customers don't really care where the music comes from, but being an ethical person, I do. The artists that put out the music for our enjoyment should be paid accordingly when we add their songs to our library. So, a legal, licensed music subscription is the direction I take. They provide 99% of what you hear on the radio, too. With radio edits, so we can play to school-aged crowds, too, without upsetting parents or teachers. No illegally downloaded music here.
Next up, Association memberships. Associations usually mean a company is taking what they do seriously. They also usually mean certain standards must be upheld, as customers can complain to associations a business is part of....our memberships in the Alberta Association of Mobile Entertainers, as well as Edmonton Tourism (and soon to be a few more) hopefully show a little bit of our commitment to excellence for our customers. At least, I hope so. It's how I see it, anyway.
Insurance. What if something tragic happens? Who will be held responsible? The Bride and Groom? Well, if a DJ doesn't have insurance, it could happen. You never know what direction lawyers will take. It's good to ask if a company is carrying liability insurance, just in case.
But, most of all, it's going out and not being a _____________ (insert name here) when on performance. Do as discussed with the clients. Have as much of their music as possible. Don't tell inappropriate jokes. Don't play cheesy games if they don't want them. Don't solicit tips (if you're good enough, you'll get 'em). Don't drink. Stay the heck off your phone during the dance. This is the part people see.
It's been a long time since I've blogged, hopefully, it's not too long before it happens again!
Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
780-235-3866
We've been booking weddings like crazy, along with several corporate Christmas parties. If the trends continue, we'll have a pretty darn good year, and should be able to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads.
I've been reading a book by one of the DJ Industry's influential people, Larry Williams. It's called "Mind Your Own Business", a book of ethical standards for DJ's. Hmmm, ethical. There's a lot of people out there who aren't.
To me, ethical starts with our interactions with the customers. Always treat every single one of them as it's an honour to be chosen to be a part of their event. Listen to what they want and envision out of that event. Then, promise what you can do. The most important part of the step - MAKE IT HAPPEN. Now, that doesn't mean that we can't have an off night, everyone does once in a while (and I despise it if it happens), but if we truly did everything we could to make sure the crowd had a good time, then we can't hang our heads.
Beyond your direct interactions with the customers, how about "unseen" things? Like using a music subscription. Customers don't really care where the music comes from, but being an ethical person, I do. The artists that put out the music for our enjoyment should be paid accordingly when we add their songs to our library. So, a legal, licensed music subscription is the direction I take. They provide 99% of what you hear on the radio, too. With radio edits, so we can play to school-aged crowds, too, without upsetting parents or teachers. No illegally downloaded music here.
Next up, Association memberships. Associations usually mean a company is taking what they do seriously. They also usually mean certain standards must be upheld, as customers can complain to associations a business is part of....our memberships in the Alberta Association of Mobile Entertainers, as well as Edmonton Tourism (and soon to be a few more) hopefully show a little bit of our commitment to excellence for our customers. At least, I hope so. It's how I see it, anyway.
Insurance. What if something tragic happens? Who will be held responsible? The Bride and Groom? Well, if a DJ doesn't have insurance, it could happen. You never know what direction lawyers will take. It's good to ask if a company is carrying liability insurance, just in case.
But, most of all, it's going out and not being a _____________ (insert name here) when on performance. Do as discussed with the clients. Have as much of their music as possible. Don't tell inappropriate jokes. Don't play cheesy games if they don't want them. Don't solicit tips (if you're good enough, you'll get 'em). Don't drink. Stay the heck off your phone during the dance. This is the part people see.
It's been a long time since I've blogged, hopefully, it's not too long before it happens again!
Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
780-235-3866
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack!
Well, it's been a while since I've put anything down on this page, mostly due to my foray to Las Vegas last week.
Lots has happened since then, and I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to put down here. So much was talked about in Las Vegas, it's hard to put it all into one space...so, I probably won't, I'll just throw things out there that I learned over the next little while.
First off, one thing that really stuck with me was a presentation called "Peak Performance". Its basic premise (without looking at my notes) was to put forth an extra effort with each and every thing you do. It was likened to water - at 97 degrees, it's very hot. At 98 degrees, it boils. It takes one degree. If we all put forth that one extra degree every time we meet with someone, we can improve not only our businesses, but the Edmonton Wedding DJ market. It's something we try to do with every client, but seeing the presentation put forth from another perspective and with different wording, reiterates how important it is.
Lots of other stuff...I will share as time rolls on.
A big thanks to Mrs. Edmonton Wedding DJ for giving me the most stressful shopping trip possible, without even being there. At least, in the end, I picked out a purse she likes. :)
Stayed at the Stratosphere...for anyone planning a honeymoon in Vegas, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a little too separated from the action. Nice hotel, with a REALLY small bathroom. I think next time I go, it'll be at the Mirage or something around that incredibly busy strip area.
I had fun one night. Made for a rougher morning the next morning. In the end, though, I was there to learn, so I behaved. We'll see what happens next year. :) I do plan on being back...to bring back more and more expertise for our customers.
That's it for now!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
Lots has happened since then, and I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to put down here. So much was talked about in Las Vegas, it's hard to put it all into one space...so, I probably won't, I'll just throw things out there that I learned over the next little while.
First off, one thing that really stuck with me was a presentation called "Peak Performance". Its basic premise (without looking at my notes) was to put forth an extra effort with each and every thing you do. It was likened to water - at 97 degrees, it's very hot. At 98 degrees, it boils. It takes one degree. If we all put forth that one extra degree every time we meet with someone, we can improve not only our businesses, but the Edmonton Wedding DJ market. It's something we try to do with every client, but seeing the presentation put forth from another perspective and with different wording, reiterates how important it is.
Lots of other stuff...I will share as time rolls on.
A big thanks to Mrs. Edmonton Wedding DJ for giving me the most stressful shopping trip possible, without even being there. At least, in the end, I picked out a purse she likes. :)
Stayed at the Stratosphere...for anyone planning a honeymoon in Vegas, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a little too separated from the action. Nice hotel, with a REALLY small bathroom. I think next time I go, it'll be at the Mirage or something around that incredibly busy strip area.
I had fun one night. Made for a rougher morning the next morning. In the end, though, I was there to learn, so I behaved. We'll see what happens next year. :) I do plan on being back...to bring back more and more expertise for our customers.
That's it for now!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Busy Weekend!
Well, another weekend has come and gone for this Edmonton DJ, and by God's good grace, it was a busy one!
Karaoke again at the Alberta Beach Hotel was a fun night! Lots of singing being done, and everyone was well behaved.
Saturday night was the Chiro Foods (A & W) Staff Appreciation party. It was my (personal) first time at the German Canadian Cultural Centre, right across from Corus Radio where I used to work, and I've gotta say, what a great venue! Easy access to the rooms, no stairs, and plenty of power nearby. Nice dancefloor, and the food was great! I hope we can work there a lot more in the future.
The Appreciation party was a unique one, at least in my experience, as there's a WIDE mix of people at the event. I had a pretty wide-open request for "Any Indian Music", so I pulled out a small sampling of what I have in the ol' hard drive, and those staff members who have roots in India were able to enjoy themselves, too! Being it's quick-serve restaurants, there were also plenty of younger people there, so it ranged from techno to hip-hop to Top 40, and even Country for the few fans that were there. While it was an early night (at least by DJ standards) for me, everyone had a fantastic time, myself included! My tie didn't even make it past the 2nd game we played, "The Chiro Foods Elimination Scavenger Hunt". This was after the "Toilet Paper relay" that kicked off the fun and games for the evening, which provided TONS of laughs. It's too bad we didn't have a little more time, as I had another game ready to roll...but we'll save that for another blog post.
Gotta say, I loved hosting a couple of games! Always nice to break the ice before a wedding or other event.
Anyway, off to Vegas tomorrow and for the next few days, so blogging may be sporadic as we spend some time at the Mobile Beat Las Vegas convention!
Have a great week!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
Karaoke again at the Alberta Beach Hotel was a fun night! Lots of singing being done, and everyone was well behaved.
Saturday night was the Chiro Foods (A & W) Staff Appreciation party. It was my (personal) first time at the German Canadian Cultural Centre, right across from Corus Radio where I used to work, and I've gotta say, what a great venue! Easy access to the rooms, no stairs, and plenty of power nearby. Nice dancefloor, and the food was great! I hope we can work there a lot more in the future.
The Appreciation party was a unique one, at least in my experience, as there's a WIDE mix of people at the event. I had a pretty wide-open request for "Any Indian Music", so I pulled out a small sampling of what I have in the ol' hard drive, and those staff members who have roots in India were able to enjoy themselves, too! Being it's quick-serve restaurants, there were also plenty of younger people there, so it ranged from techno to hip-hop to Top 40, and even Country for the few fans that were there. While it was an early night (at least by DJ standards) for me, everyone had a fantastic time, myself included! My tie didn't even make it past the 2nd game we played, "The Chiro Foods Elimination Scavenger Hunt". This was after the "Toilet Paper relay" that kicked off the fun and games for the evening, which provided TONS of laughs. It's too bad we didn't have a little more time, as I had another game ready to roll...but we'll save that for another blog post.
Gotta say, I loved hosting a couple of games! Always nice to break the ice before a wedding or other event.
Anyway, off to Vegas tomorrow and for the next few days, so blogging may be sporadic as we spend some time at the Mobile Beat Las Vegas convention!
Have a great week!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Vegas Baby!
Well, Mrs. Edmonton Wedding DJ may not like it, but I am headed to Las Vegas next week for the Mobile Beat 20 Convention. It's all about the seminars and making my business better.
There's learning opportunities like how to better work the microphone, how to take better care of clients from brides to schools, how to find mid-week work, all kinds of things. Everyone I've spoken to in our association that has been there has said to me that I will love it, and I'll come back all jacked up. Just a warning. I'll be gushing about new opportunities that we'll be putting into place.
I'm staying at the Stratosphere. Anyone been there? I'm a Vegas Virgin, so it's good to know. The convention is being held at the Riviera, so at least it's "close" (by Vegas standards).
Mrs. Edmonton Wedding DJ has also roped me into going to the Coach Outlet Store, which is a mere 1.6 miles away, according to Google. Yay. A lone male shopping for a purse in Las Vegas. I'm sure no one will be wondering what size heels or what shade of lipstick I wear.
Anyway, I'm starting to get VERY excited about learning all kinds of new things, seeing new products, and becoming a better DJ and getting more and more positive comments from our customers. By the way, a BIG thanks to everyone who has contributed a testimonial to the page!
Anyway, enough for tonight. Have a great one!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
There's learning opportunities like how to better work the microphone, how to take better care of clients from brides to schools, how to find mid-week work, all kinds of things. Everyone I've spoken to in our association that has been there has said to me that I will love it, and I'll come back all jacked up. Just a warning. I'll be gushing about new opportunities that we'll be putting into place.
I'm staying at the Stratosphere. Anyone been there? I'm a Vegas Virgin, so it's good to know. The convention is being held at the Riviera, so at least it's "close" (by Vegas standards).
Mrs. Edmonton Wedding DJ has also roped me into going to the Coach Outlet Store, which is a mere 1.6 miles away, according to Google. Yay. A lone male shopping for a purse in Las Vegas. I'm sure no one will be wondering what size heels or what shade of lipstick I wear.
Anyway, I'm starting to get VERY excited about learning all kinds of new things, seeing new products, and becoming a better DJ and getting more and more positive comments from our customers. By the way, a BIG thanks to everyone who has contributed a testimonial to the page!
Anyway, enough for tonight. Have a great one!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Busy Wedding Season Coming
It looks like it's going to be a very busy wedding season for Edmonton DJ's. Even as a smaller company, we are starting to fill dates up as we speak. It looks like Tarcy and Anthony will be busy through the spring, summer and fall. I just hope we don't get any calls this year about somebody else who booked a DJ, and that so-called DJ disappeared. It makes our industry look bad. Drives me nuts. There are people out there who do this for a living, and Advanced DJ Services is one of them. We have many friends who do it on a full-time basis...and everytime some yahoo does something like that, or takes out bad equipment, or doesn't have the right music, etc, etc, etc...then it pushes another person to use an iPod to have their wedding reception.
In my books, it's not the money, it's the ruined events. This is somebody's wedding (or anniversary, or corporate Christmas party, or whatever) we're talking about here! Why use on iPod or something of the like that isn't going to know and read a crowd, that doesn't have music for everybody, and, if somebody who has NO knowledge...it doesn't work right for important times...like your first dance as husband and wife...know what I mean?
This is a shorter post today...but before I go, one more thing...forgot to mention how good Joe and Kevin's booth looked. They're really onto something with the "Facebooth". Our pictures looked great!
Thanks all!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
In my books, it's not the money, it's the ruined events. This is somebody's wedding (or anniversary, or corporate Christmas party, or whatever) we're talking about here! Why use on iPod or something of the like that isn't going to know and read a crowd, that doesn't have music for everybody, and, if somebody who has NO knowledge...it doesn't work right for important times...like your first dance as husband and wife...know what I mean?
This is a shorter post today...but before I go, one more thing...forgot to mention how good Joe and Kevin's booth looked. They're really onto something with the "Facebooth". Our pictures looked great!
Thanks all!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thoughts on Wedding Shows
So, Mrs. Edmonton Wedding DJ and I were at bridal shows here in Edmonton the last couple of weekends. The Edmonton Bridal Fair, held at the Shaw Conference Centre on the 16th, and Bridal Fantasy held at the Edmonton Expo Centre (The artist formerly known as Agricom), on the 23rd.
Two very different shows, to say the least.
Apparently, Bridal Fair has been through some upheaval the last couple of years, and a new Producer is trying to get i back on track. I quite enjoyed the show. It was busy enough to pique my interest (lots of brides and grooms walking around), while at the same time, not being a race to get through it all and get out. It seemed as though the couples got time to spend with the potential vendors. What I really liked was the "Groom Zone" (not the right name), where if the guys got sick of "shopping", they could go eat popcorn, sit on couches and watch big screen TV. Good stuff. There weren't a huge number of vendors at this show, but all bases would have been covered for anybody getting married in the next couple of years.
Then, this past weekend, it was Bridal Fantasy. What a busy place this was! This Edmonton DJ was quite excited at seeing the number of brides and grooms walking around, checking out all the exhibitors had to offer. The one fear I have about this show is that people who don't like crowds may rush through to 'git-r-done', and may not take the time to visit and research everyone. I've gotta send props to our friends Kim and Joanne Torrance, their booth looked phenomenal. So did Sheldon's booth @ Infinite Event Services.
The cost to exhibit in these shows can be high. So, we layed low this year (was it a mistake, I don't know), however, we DO plan on exhibiting next year for sure. At which show? Well, we haven't decided yet. There are pros and cons to both, including the number of DJ's exhibiting. While there were significantly more brides at Fantasy, there were also significantly more DJ's there, too.
Do I go to the smaller show and really do it up, in hopes of outdoing the two companies who were there? It could be done. We would surely be visited by each and every bride and groom who was at the show, if we did it up right.
OR
Do we go to the much busier show, and probably get less time with each bride/groom, and compete with a much higher number of DJ companies? The sheer numbers here excite me. If we "do it up right", as we would at the other show, we would look great, but there are some other really good looking companies out there at this show too. Hmm. Decisions, decisions.
Have a great one! Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
Tarcy
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
PS - We do Karaoke, Too!!!
Two very different shows, to say the least.
Apparently, Bridal Fair has been through some upheaval the last couple of years, and a new Producer is trying to get i back on track. I quite enjoyed the show. It was busy enough to pique my interest (lots of brides and grooms walking around), while at the same time, not being a race to get through it all and get out. It seemed as though the couples got time to spend with the potential vendors. What I really liked was the "Groom Zone" (not the right name), where if the guys got sick of "shopping", they could go eat popcorn, sit on couches and watch big screen TV. Good stuff. There weren't a huge number of vendors at this show, but all bases would have been covered for anybody getting married in the next couple of years.
Then, this past weekend, it was Bridal Fantasy. What a busy place this was! This Edmonton DJ was quite excited at seeing the number of brides and grooms walking around, checking out all the exhibitors had to offer. The one fear I have about this show is that people who don't like crowds may rush through to 'git-r-done', and may not take the time to visit and research everyone. I've gotta send props to our friends Kim and Joanne Torrance, their booth looked phenomenal. So did Sheldon's booth @ Infinite Event Services.
The cost to exhibit in these shows can be high. So, we layed low this year (was it a mistake, I don't know), however, we DO plan on exhibiting next year for sure. At which show? Well, we haven't decided yet. There are pros and cons to both, including the number of DJ's exhibiting. While there were significantly more brides at Fantasy, there were also significantly more DJ's there, too.
Do I go to the smaller show and really do it up, in hopes of outdoing the two companies who were there? It could be done. We would surely be visited by each and every bride and groom who was at the show, if we did it up right.
OR
Do we go to the much busier show, and probably get less time with each bride/groom, and compete with a much higher number of DJ companies? The sheer numbers here excite me. If we "do it up right", as we would at the other show, we would look great, but there are some other really good looking companies out there at this show too. Hmm. Decisions, decisions.
Have a great one! Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
Tarcy
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
PS - We do Karaoke, Too!!!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Brand New Blog!
Well hello there! Welcome to my blog. As one of the Edmonton DJ's plying his trade right now, I have a few things to say, and I hope they can be of help to you. I'm out there at a lot of weddings, I'm speaking with many other DJ's in the Edmonton market on an almost daily basis, and I see good and bad pretty much every single day. My company, Advanced DJ Services is committed to excellence in the DJ/Entertainment field, to getting better every single day, and to promoting professionalism in the DJ Industry.
I always try to be positive, so we'll start with the Good:
There are a few companies out there who do this for a living. These are typically the people who will do the best job for Brides and Grooms, since their livelihood depends on it. Not to say that some part-timers aren't great entertainers, however, I would personally put my trust in someone who does it every single day; or someone who is a member of the Alberta Association of Mobile Entertainers. This is an association of professionals (full AND part time) who want to protect people who use DJ's by ensuring its members have proper equipment, music, training, and probably most importantly, licensing and insurance. It's always a good idea to check for association membership with DJ's you're speaking with. And, ask about their liability insurance in case of an accident...and whether they have an AVLA License (for every single system that is playing music in a public forum, including your 'private' party. To get a good look at the rules, and when and where an AVLA license is needed, click here.
The bad? People who are unlicensed. Your event can be shut down if an inspector shows up. Policing happens on a regular basis. How about non-insured? What if people are having a good time dancing when a speaker stand is bumped and a speaker falls on a guest? Is that DJ insured in case someone gets hurt? Who's going to pay his or her bills if they need time off work to heal? Always check for liability insurance. Pirated or downloaded music is illegal as well, another reason to shut down an event.
And, the Ugly: Several times, we've gotten calls from people who paid a deposit with a "DJ" who took their money and disappeared. There's a few ways to protect yourself from this. Check that they're a registered business with the government. Those of us who have registered have been given a GST Registration number. Always, ALWAYS get the commitment in writing via contract...that way, you have a legal avenue if necessary. iPod DJ's can be very problematic. First, iPods are loaded with that person's music choices, not those of all your guests. If you have 150 people, there will be some very different music choices. It's probably best to have a library of over 25,000 songs available.
Watch carefully. Ask questions. Be thorough. The reception is a MAJOR part of your wedding day. Don't skimp on the person who will be entertaining your guests. It's always good to meet the people behind the Edmonton Wedding DJ company you'll be using, to sign contracts, exchange reservation fee, firm up your details, hold a consultation, etc, etc, etc. Make sure you're comfortable with the person you're going with. And don't get bullied into committing to someone you really don't want. The choice lies with you!
Feel free to visit our website at http://www.advanceddj.ca/ to see more information! I'll be rambling on like this on a regular basis, in the hopes that Edmonton brides and grooms, Edmonton wedding planners and other party planners can learn more! I'm here to help.
Talk to you again soon.
Tarcy S.
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
Advanced DJ Services
I always try to be positive, so we'll start with the Good:
There are a few companies out there who do this for a living. These are typically the people who will do the best job for Brides and Grooms, since their livelihood depends on it. Not to say that some part-timers aren't great entertainers, however, I would personally put my trust in someone who does it every single day; or someone who is a member of the Alberta Association of Mobile Entertainers. This is an association of professionals (full AND part time) who want to protect people who use DJ's by ensuring its members have proper equipment, music, training, and probably most importantly, licensing and insurance. It's always a good idea to check for association membership with DJ's you're speaking with. And, ask about their liability insurance in case of an accident...and whether they have an AVLA License (for every single system that is playing music in a public forum, including your 'private' party. To get a good look at the rules, and when and where an AVLA license is needed, click here.
The bad? People who are unlicensed. Your event can be shut down if an inspector shows up. Policing happens on a regular basis. How about non-insured? What if people are having a good time dancing when a speaker stand is bumped and a speaker falls on a guest? Is that DJ insured in case someone gets hurt? Who's going to pay his or her bills if they need time off work to heal? Always check for liability insurance. Pirated or downloaded music is illegal as well, another reason to shut down an event.
And, the Ugly: Several times, we've gotten calls from people who paid a deposit with a "DJ" who took their money and disappeared. There's a few ways to protect yourself from this. Check that they're a registered business with the government. Those of us who have registered have been given a GST Registration number. Always, ALWAYS get the commitment in writing via contract...that way, you have a legal avenue if necessary. iPod DJ's can be very problematic. First, iPods are loaded with that person's music choices, not those of all your guests. If you have 150 people, there will be some very different music choices. It's probably best to have a library of over 25,000 songs available.
Watch carefully. Ask questions. Be thorough. The reception is a MAJOR part of your wedding day. Don't skimp on the person who will be entertaining your guests. It's always good to meet the people behind the Edmonton Wedding DJ company you'll be using, to sign contracts, exchange reservation fee, firm up your details, hold a consultation, etc, etc, etc. Make sure you're comfortable with the person you're going with. And don't get bullied into committing to someone you really don't want. The choice lies with you!
Feel free to visit our website at http://www.advanceddj.ca/ to see more information! I'll be rambling on like this on a regular basis, in the hopes that Edmonton brides and grooms, Edmonton wedding planners and other party planners can learn more! I'm here to help.
Talk to you again soon.
Tarcy S.
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
Advanced DJ Services
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