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The DJ is the glue that holds your celebration together, so making a well-informed decision is key. That said, choosing a DJ service can be confusing and overwhelming. How do you decide which DJ to hire? 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?
Figuring it all out is not as hard as you might think. The DJ industry pretty much falls 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.
WHAT OTHER KEY DIFFERENTIATORS SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
After figuring out what style of DJ you prefer, it really comes down to two things: Resources and Value.
Resources: Once you have made your initial deposit, we will provide you with all the right tools and information that you will need to help communicate what your music and event expectations are. The truth is that most DJ companies don’t know how to ask the right questions, and that often leaves the DJ uninformed and unable to deliver a quality experience.
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 unplesant surprises.
Value: Value is determined by a core mix of metrics: professionalism, ease of communication, response times, online resources, flexibility, equipment, time at event and price. The ultimate question for you is: What sort of value can the DJ company provide to your wedding?
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 many reasons we have been and continue to be a leader in the industry. However, if you find the same quality of service for less than we offer, we will be happy to price match any competitors’ package.
EVALUATING EQUIPMENT
HOW DO I EVALUATE EQUIPMENT?
When you compare DJ services side by side it seems as though each one boasts that they 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 important question: What role does equipment play at your reception?
Well obviously, without equipment, 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.
Since each DJ company makes its own choice concerning equipment, the next question you should 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.
If you feel 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 a job interview, does an employer doesn't ask you about all the features of your car. The employer is thinking about the value you can bring to the company. It is assumed that you have a reliable method of transportation to get to work.
Just like getting to work is your responsibility, DJ 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.
MUSIC
WHAT IF WE WANT A SONG THAT IS NOT ON YOUR LIBRARY?
With over 30,000+ songs and constantly growing, our music library is quite extensive. However, if we don’t have a song/s you would like, just add the song name and artist to the Supplementary Song section of your DJ profile and we will get it for you.
CAN WE BRING OUR OWN MUSIC?
Yes, absolutely! Feel free to provide the music on a flash drive, in MP3 format, and your DJ will be able to play it.
HOW MUCH MUSIC CAN WE PLAY IN AN EVENING?
A typical four hour dance allows for approximately 50-60 songs. On 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 on our online Music Listening Center. Your personal play lists and profiles can be accessed through your online Account Manager which will be set up for you when you book your event. Your username and password can be found in your price quote and/or confirmation e-mail.
DJ
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, Rochester, St. Cloud, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas. Feel free to contact us to find out the last time we performed at your site.
HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE YOUR DJS HAVE?
Our DJs vary in their years with Bellagala, but all have one important thing in common: they produce great events! Bellagala proactively seeks out only personable, professional, and hard-working individuals with a love of music to join our team. We believe that many of the skills required to be a good DJ can be taught, but integrity, personality, and character are ingerent. To make sure that our new DJs develop all these important aspects of service, they participate in our DJ Mentor Program, which combine classroom learning and on-the-job training.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHO OUR DJ WILL BE?
We take pride in our ability to match the right Associate 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. (View Associate DJs online.) If you choose a Studio or Echelon package, you will have the freedom to choose your own DJ.
CAN WE GO TO A WEDDING WHERE YOUR DJS ARE PERFORMING?
Bellagala respects the privacy of all our clients; therefore, we do not allow clients to attend events to view our services. After all, would you want a complete stranger at your wedding distracting your DJ with questions? We believe that our focus should be on the wedding couple and their guests, not on selling our services to other brides and grooms.
WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?
As with all of our services, we have a reserve DJ on call in case an emergency arises, giving you peace of mind. And in addition to reserve DJs, we also have a weekend manager and an on-call technician to handle any other situation that might arise.
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, or you may upgrade to a Studio or Echelon package and select your own.
WHEN WILL WE HEAR FROM OUR DJ?
Your Associate DJ will contact you 30 days prior to your event date. Studio Select DJs will reach out to you 90 days prior to your event date. If you select a Studio or Echelon DJ, they will contact you within one week from the date of booking.
EQUIPMENT
CAN WE PLUG INTO YOUR SYSTEM FOR OUR SLIDESHOW OR LIVE MUSICIANS?
Yes, your DJ will be happy to discuss your specific needs in detail during your phone or in-person consultation.
DOES THE DJ BRING EQUIPMENT (AMPS, MICROPHONE, ETC...), OR DO WE/OUR RECEPTIONS SITE NEED TO SUPPLY IT?
We bring all the sound and light equipment needed for your event.
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. Multiple microphones or extensive A/V needs should be handled by an A/V company and technician. Contact your sales representative for more information.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT BREAKS AT THE SHOW?
We have backup equipment and a backup technician scheduled on the day of your wedding should any problems arise. Typically, power cords are the most common things to break down so our DJs always carry multiple spare XLR and power cords for a very quick repair. They also carry screwdrivers in the event that a screw needs to be tightened or replaced on a stand or a speaker. Bellagala DJs are trained to handle equipment issues on site and can engage in short term alternative solutions if needed until the replacement part is delivered. Should a speaker or another major piece of equipment fail, the on-call technician would replace the broken part. This is an extremely rare occurrence.
HOW MUCH ROOM WILL THE DJ NEED? DO I NEED TO PROVIDE A TABLE?
Our DJ system is versatile enough 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.
HOW IT WORKS?
WHEN IS OUR INFORMATION (I.E. PLAY LIST, PROFILES) DUE?
We request your DJ and Event Profiles, as well as your play lists, three weeks prior to your wedding date. This allows us the time to match you to the best DJ for your event and obtain any additional music you may have requested.
HOW DO WE RESERVE A BELLAGALA DJ?
Simply call, send a check, or reserve online. The deposit is $250 and fully refundable for 14 days. Upon receipt of your deposit, a contract will be sent to you for electronic approval. Please approve and print a copy for your records. The next steps in the planning process will be outlined in your confirmation e-mail and Welcome Kit.
WHEN IS OUR BALANCE DUE?
Your balance is due three weeks prior to your wedding date. Taking care of this in advance allows you to relax and enjoy your special day.
BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
STUDIO & ECHELON PACKAGES
Your DJ will be in touch with you within one week of booking and will work with you throughout the process to develop a game plan for your reception, a flow for the evening's events and the musical entertainment for the night
ASSOCIATE PACAKAGES
Your DJ will be in touch with you 30 days prior to your event and will schedule a meeting with you to confirm the details and music you've outlined in your online account manager, as well as run through names, announcements, schedule and timeline, and any other events you've planned.
ON YOUR YOUR WEDDING DAY
Your DJ will arrive 90 minutes prior to your guests to begin setup and to ensure the stage is already set up by the time they arrive. They will play continuous music from the time they finish setup, throughout dinner, and up to the ending time determined by your event site. During your reception, they will play social hour and dinner music, coordinate speeches, toasts, and any special dances you have communicated through your online profile.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
SOUND
· Pioneer DDJ-SR2 DJ controller
· Apple MacBook Pro
· Serato Pro DJ Software
· A pair of Professional-Grade EV Speakers
· Wireless Microphone
LIGHT
· Dance Floor Effect Lighting
· Dance Flloor Lighting Controller
· 4 Bar Tri LED Dance Floor Lighting
DJ & MUSIC
· DJ arrival 90 minutes prior to guest arrival
· Back up DJs and equipment
· Music Library and custom Playlist Generator
· Extensive online planning tools
· Weekend technician