Wedding Reception Q & A

Q. Shouldn’t I just call around to find a DJ with the lowest price? After all, a DJ is a DJ, right?

A. Absolutely not! Although price might initially be a consideration, many other more important aspects of DJ services should be your top priority such as experience, references, reputation, and communication skills.  The quality of your entertainment dictates the overall success of your reception, because it is the largest part of the reception.  Music Machine has performed at over 1500 wedding receptions since 1989.  The experience really matters.

Q. How important is the DJ’s role at the reception...don’t they just play the music?

A. The reception is the longest and most memorable portion of your wedding day for your family and guests. A good DJ interacts with your group and takes control of the reception for you, working together with your photographer, caterer and/or banquet facility manager, and videographer, making sure everything goes smoothly from the time guests arrive, through the introduction of the wedding party, pre-dinner announcements, dinner and dancing.

A. You should always ask for references.  Professional references from related professionals such as photographers and banquet facility managers are best because they see and work with different entertainment every single week.

A. Although you may not necessarily need any of those extras, they can enhance the atmosphere at your reception. Your Music Machine DJ can assist you in making those decisions at your consultation.

Q. What kind of music do you play at receptions?

A. All music played at receptions should be recognizable and danceable. The styles of music should be varied, to please as many guests as possible.   Your personal taste in music is very important, but it should not completely dominate the reception if no one is dancing.

Q. Can we pick all the music for our reception?

A. Music preferences are one of the many things discussed at your personal consultation before your reception.  We encourage our clients to give us as many suggestions for music as possible, while at the same time, giving us the flexibility to accommodate the requests of guests at the reception.  We definitely honor your specific "Do Not Play" requests.

Q. Why do you set up an hour and a half before the guests arrive?

A. Setting up and testing equipment while your guests are trying to carry on a conversation is totally inappropriate and unprofessional.  The last thing you want to see or hear is the entertainment showing up right before dinner, banging their equipment through the door, dressed in crummy clothes.  Our DJs arrive early to setup and test the equipment, with plenty of time to make a trip back to our office if something doesn't work or was forgotten.  By the time guests arrive, we're dressed in a tuxedo, playing soft background music.  We're also ready to line up and introduce the wedding party when they arrive.

Q. Why aren't the last names or phone numbers of past wedding clients listed in your references?

A.  They were at one time, but those couples got so many phone calls we felt it was best to remove them. Our professional references are individuals who get a chance to work with many entertainment companies.  We are very proud of the fact that we are their favorite choice.

Q.  Does Music Machine use downloaded music?  Everybody does, don't they?

A.  Music Machine is very proud of the fact that we have spent tens of thousands of dollars on LEGAL music and karaoke since 1989.  Although we have computerized, all of our music has been purchased or downloaded legally.