Frequently Asked Questions
Armed With Harmony Music Services Event FAQ Sheet
When planning an event where music and dancing is involved, the DJ is often the most overlooked item. Why? Because most people feel that the DJ is the least important aspect of the whole night. Think again. You could have the most perfect wedding ceremony, the most beautiful church or hall, the best dinner ever, and the most entertaining MC. The thing that most people will remember about your wedding is the reception, because aside from your immediate relatives and best friends, that is what most people look forward to when they are invited to a wedding. The food, the party & music and dancing! The fact is, if the food and/or the DJ is bad, this is what most of your guests will remember.
But if these things are good, your wedding or party will be forever remembered as one of the really great times a group of people had together. How does it happen that the DJ is so overlooked? One word…budget. By the time money has been put out for the "must haves", such as the wedding dress, tuxedo rentals, bridal party clothes and gifts, rings, flowers, church/hall rental, limousine, decorations, photographer, hair, invitations, food, wine, and honeymoon, there's not much left over for a DJ. You get what you pay for, are you willing to risk that for your special day?
40 Questions You Should Ask Your Dj
1) Do you offer a written contract?
Yes we do. We require a signed contract and 50% deposit to hold both parties responsible. Armed With Harmony Music Services is responsible to show up and perform, and you are responsible to pay the remaining 50% balance before the performance starts.
2) May we meet with you in person before we sign a contract?
We highly recommend it and offer a free consultation; this way we will have a mutual understanding as to how the night should run. We prefer face-to-face consultations, but we will happily accommodate those who desire a phone or e-mail consultation.
3) Will you be the DJ at our wedding?
Armed With Harmony Music Services has 6 highly qualified djs that can play all types of functions; Please refer to our Dj Roster here below. The dj for your event will be chosen based on your preferences and our availabilities. The earlier you book, the better chance of getting the dj you want.
4) How long will you hold our date for us?
As long as you want, but dates will only be held with a signed contract and 50% deposit.
5) Do you work exclusively for this company?
The dj industry is growing as is the demand for djs. The community is small and depending on the number of bookings, we often share djs between us and other trusted dj companies.
6) How long have you been a DJ company and how many events/weddings have you done?
We were founded in 2005 and became fully certified in 2012. We have done hundreds of events and weddings. All of the Djs on the roster regularly play Fridays/Saturdays at weddings, schools, corporate events, clubs, lounges, concerts, fashion shows, and festivals. This means that we have djs for every occasion who are always in good practice and up to date with music trends.
7) How many weddings do you do each year?
Wedding season usually runs from May-Sept (20 Weekends) we normally have 2-3 weddings per Saturday.
8) How many other types of events do you do per year?
We stay busy 52 weeks a year with schools, corporate events, clubs, lounges, concerts, fashion shows, and festivals.
9) Do you perform for more than one event in a day?
Our djs will never play at another event in a day when he/she is scheduled to perform at a wedding. We know how hectic your wedding day can be which is why your dj will be available for the entire day; your wedding day is too important.
Exception:
Our djs may be able to perform at two separate events in one day depending on the contract and event requirements. For example, a dj may be at a clothing store in the afternoon and a nightclub in the evening.
10) Have you played at our reception site before?
We have played all over Saskatoon and area; hotels, legion halls, the Forestry Farm, the Berry Barn, small town rinks, etc. We can accommodate any event. If it requires us to check out the venue before the day of the show, we will do it.
11) Do you act as the Master of Ceremonies and make all of the announcements?
Yes we do. Depending on how interactive you want us to be, we can do a lot of mic work or very little. We can also work with your Master of Ceremonies throughout the evening if he/she wishes.
12) What do you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing?
Usually changing the genre of music will do the trick. We have request forms placed on all the tables to help us gather some ideas about music your guests will enjoy. We can also get on the mic and tell people that they have full control over requests and this usually prompts people to approach us with their favorite dance songs. We don’t typically do games as we find that a bit dated and tacky, but if during the free consultation it is requested, we can provide that as well.
13) What if something happens to you and you can’t make it to the wedding?
The contract states: in the event that Armed With Harmony Music Services becomes unable to provide services due to complications beyond their control, a reputable replacement shall be provided at no more than the original price agreed upon.
14) Will we meet again before the wedding?
This is up to you. We will meet if you like, but after the contract is filled out and signed with a 50% deposit it is not mandatory to meet again as all of the details will be confirmed at this time.
15) Can we visit you at a performance?
You are absolutely welcome to attend one of our nightclub shows or other events open to the public. Please keep in mind that we play to our crowd so this event may not be the most accurate representation as to how we would play at your specific event. We do not permit you to visit us at weddings as you would not want uninvited guests at your wedding.
16) May we speak to your references?
Absolutely! Just ask and we will provide.
17) How do you keep your music collection up-to-date?
We are constantly doing events, so this is very important to us. We pay for legal subscription based services for our audio and music video downloads. Zip Dj & Xtendamix are our favorites. All files are CDJA & Avla licenced. Most events we play many of the same popular hit songs. We are part of many dj pools and have special access to different edits & remixes that many “traditional” dj companies don’t even know about. We carry all genres of music Polka/Waltz/Country/Pop/Rock/70’s/80’s/90’s/00’s/Hip Hop/Electronic + More
18) How involved can we be in selecting music for our event?
As much as you want, in fact the more the better. During the free consultation we discuss your “must play list”, your “do not play list”, and we also talk about the music you think your guests will enjoy. Remember you may dislike a certain song, but it may be a song that will get the party going. The event is as much for you as it is for your guests.
19) When do we need to submit our music requests and event details?
It is preferred at the signing of the contract and 50% deposit. That way you don’t have to remember to send us any last minute information and we will have enough time to prepare the requests you do have.
20) Do you take requests from our guests?
Yes! Remember that a request is a suggestion and something that benefits the whole party and not just one individual. Should one of your guests request a heavy metal song at an all country music event, we may politely tell them that it probably does not fit with the crowd, or we may simply play it at a later time in the evening.
21) Can we submit a “Do Not Play” list?
Yes. Just because you dislike a song does not mean your guests will not enjoy it.
22) When do you arrive to set up for our wedding?
The contract states we will set up 1 hour prior to your guest arriving. If the event is out of town we will be set up 30 minutes before the event starts.
23) What will you wear to our wedding?
We will wear a collared shirt and slacks or shirt and tie with dress pants.
24) What will you wear when you set up and take down your equipment?
Set up will be in casual clothes before your guests arrive (if the show is in town). If the show is out of town, we will be in a collared shirt and slacks or shirt and tie with dress pants. We will tear down in those same clothes.
25) How much of a deposit is required to secure our date?
50% with a signed contract.
26) How much would you charge for overtime?
The industry standard TIP is $100 per/hour of overtime. Early/Double Set Up $50per/hour: Dj For Early Ceremony/Cocktails/Speeches/Supper etc $50 per/hour
27) What do you require from us?
The contract states: One 6 foot table (with clean stage/work area near outlet)
One dedicated 120v outlet power supply with known location of breaker (or generator if outdoors)
28) Do you require a meal?
If we are not present during supper we do not require a meal. If we are present from set up throughout cocktails, supper, speeches and the dance then we would sure appreciate a meal.
29) Are you insured?
Yes. We have a 2 million dollar liability insurance policy.
30) Do you take any breaks?
No, we may sneak off to the washroom quickly but will be back before the end of the song.
31) What is your policy on alcohol or smoking during the wedding?
We are working to provide a service to you and feel that drinking looks unprofessional. We also understand that you may be offended if you offer us a drink and we do not accept. We are protecting you & ourselves by not drinking to provide the best service possible.
If a Dj is a smoker, he/she will not interrupt the event to take a smoke break.
32) What kind of equipment do you use?
All professional grade. Technics, Rane, Pioneer, Shure, Sony, Apple, Turbo Sound, Yorkville, Martin, American Dj. Serato & Mix Emergency.
33) Do you bring backup equipment with you to the wedding?
We do not. We always check the gear before we leave for the event and when we come back from a show. We also always have 1 dj on call during show nights with extra equipment just in case anything should happen.
34) Will you need a tablecloth or linens for the DJ table?
No, but it is always nice to have the dj table match the colors of your event, therefore it would be greatly appreciated if you let the venue staff know.
35) Do you set up a sign or banner with your equipment?
Yes we do. It is the same as the logo at the top of the FAQ sheet and is 6x2 in size.
It is also used to cover up any cables that run from our gear to under the table. We can remove it, if you feel it is intrusive.
36) Do you belong to any professional associations or trade groups?
Yes. The Canadian Disk Jockey Association and the Audio-Video Licensing Agency.
37) How much time do we need to set up?
It depends on the size of the show, but normally 1 solid uninterrupted hour. Some of the bigger shows with trussing, lights & video screens can take up to 3 hours.
38) What format is your music in?
.mp3/320 and .mp4/320 stored on hard drives. We feel this is the best way to carry a large variety of music while being able to easily organize and search for your music.
39) What is your cancellation policy?
Any deposit received is non-refundable. Client agrees that the credit card info submitted can be used to collect any final/remaining balances prior/on or after the agreement date. Contract is NON transferable of any kind. Parties entering into this contract are permanently bound to fulfill the obligations by this agreement unless one or more of the following conditions apply: A) Both parties mutually agree to leave the agreement and its responsibilities. B) Event described is completely cancelled, and a minimum of 90 days’ notice is given.
40) What is your refund policy?
We have never had an event get to this point, but if any event we do not live up to the contractual obligations a refund can be negotiated.
Other Helpful Tips
Change Of Name
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etc.