CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE ENGAGED!
It's time to start planning. 1st step is to select your vendors.
Let's talk DJ's!
Weeding out bad wedding DJ's can seem like a daunting task. We are here to give you the scoop on what questions to ask, so you can separate the amateurs from the professionals.
We interviewed veteran DJ, Teri French of French Kiss Productions and she provided us with some questions that newly engaged couples should be asking of their DJ's. Also how she responds to those questions, as an owner and operator of a reputable production company.
Are you a professional wedding DJ, or more club or karaoke DJ?
Unlike a lot of DJ companies with one employee, French Kiss Productions actually has a huge staff. Yes, we have Professional Wedding DJ's. As well as DJ's who only work clubs, and others who only work Karaoke shows. There is DEFINITELY a huge difference in the skill sets of the three. When you are interviewing to find the right DJ's, you’ll always be able to find someone who’s willing to do the job for pennies. But do you really want the biggest day of your life in the hands of a guy who doesn't have the training, background or understanding of the process and flow of a wedding day? We have DJ's on staff who are not prepared to pull off a wedding. So they stick to what they are good at and continue to train for the big events such as weddings. This is your wedding day! Save the part time DJ's for birthday parties and bars. Also, check with Google and Facebook for any reviews they may have.
Do you DJ full time?
Yes we do! A full time DJ will have more experience and knowledge. We have a professional office space for meetings, and always offer a no obligation meet and greet at our location. The office makes it easier to present samples of our work, show you how we would help you plan, and hand you a folder with pamphlets of information with all our services. Always meet your DJ, or any vendor for that matter. If you don't feel compatible at your first meeting, chances are, the company isn't the perfect fit for you and your event.
Do you specialize in weddings?
Yes, we do! This is important! If you don't have a coordinator, your DJ is also the person keeping the timeline and making sure the day is flowing. Keep in mind, if you decide to hire your local Karaoke DJ or a Club DJ, they won't have the breadth and knowledge of everything involved with organizing your wedding day. Some companies offer several types of DJ services to help you successfully pull off a wedding. Just make sure your wedding DJ has a ton of actual wedding event experience.
Do you have a website?
Yes we do! Please visit our website to see what we do. But for the sake of this blog, just know that if your DJ doesn't have a website, it's another indication of the level of professionalism (or lack of) you are dealing with. Not having a website is like not having a business card. Just save yourself the headache and hire a professional DJ for your event.
How many DJ's do you have?
We love our crew! We have a staff of 12, and currently interviewing for more positions. You can check them out on our website. It's not common, but is important to know that your event is still covered in case something should happen to the original DJ assigned to your event... especially with positive Covid tests popping up last minute, during this past year.
Do you have professional audio equipment AND backup equipment should something fail?
We have enough equipment and staff to have back ups to all of our events. All professional vendors have a plan B in the unlikely event of equipment mishap.
What does your set up look like?
Ask for photos. At French Kiss Productions we have pictures on or website. If they have more than one set up, ask which set up will be at your event. Ask if they put up a company sign or any other tacky marketing products. (weddings are NOT the place for any of these things). Also do they have their own table and table cloth (if needed). Professionals always have everything they need. Professional DJ's come with everything they need but the electricity. On that note we do have generators and battery operated set ups for situations where there is no power source.
How will you build our playlists?
Great question. We provide an interactive, personal website that will be assigned to you. We'll have a quick session with you, either in person or via zoom, to show you how our planning program works. The planning program will not only help you with your music, but also your timeline, vendor lists, payments, etc. On your personal website, we will help you select all of your music. We have tons of suggested music to work with, in case you get stuck. You can be as hands-on as you want, or simply provide us with your key music and let us handle the rest. French Kiss Productions will be by your side to help you with all of your planning.
Can you supply Ceremony music?
Yes, we will! We bring a separate system for your ceremony, help with the planning and be at your rehearsal. We will gladly step in to lead the organization for the rehearsal, if you don't have a coordinator. Many DJ companies don't have a second set of equipment to be able to provide this service.
How do you handle song requests?
We will always cover this in one of our many meetings as to how you want us to handle requests. We strongly urge you to leave the requests to be made by the main wedding party only. Why? They know you the best and wont give us anything that will bring your party to a screeching halt. However, if you want us to open requests for all guests, we are happy to oblige.
What is your attire?
We believe it is always better to over dress, than under dress. With semi-formal events, our standard dress code for our female staff is black pants and blouses. For the men, black pants, button down dress shirts and ties, and for formal events, jackets are required. We have seen DJ's show up with ball caps and t-shirts, as well and polo shirts and khaki pants. Neither are appropriate for a formal or semi-formal event.
What other services do you offer?
At French Kiss Productions, we offer Photo Booths, Up Lighting, Monogram Projections, Pipe and Drape, and so much more! Many companies are seasoned enough to go above and beyond to offer planning and organizing for your event, if you so choose. Go to our website to see all of our packages and services.
Are you familiar with our venue and do you have suggestions for set up and flow?
We have worked most venues in the surrounding 100 mile radius, and we will be happy to give suggestions based on our past experiences when we go to the scheduled site check with you.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are! We are covered for 2 million dollars on our DJ services and another 2 million for our Photo Booth services. We are operating as an LLC. Did you know many venues REQUIRE vendors to be insured for at least 1 million dollars? Many brides neglecting to read the fine print of the venue contract find out the week of the wedding, then are scrambling to replace vendors who don't carry insurance.
Do you have a contract?
Of course we do. A professional vendor will ALWAYS have a contract, even if its a free event for family or a fundraiser. All your vendors should have contracts. If they don't that's a HUGE red flag.
We hope these questions will help you find the perfect DJ for your events and weddings. If you would like information on services and packages offered through French Kiss Productions, visit their website! They will help you plan the party of a lifetime.
Contact us we are here to answers your questions! We also advise you to print this page and keep it in your wedding planner. These questions are also applicable to most vendors you will be hiring.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT, ENJOY THE RIDE!