Wedding FAQ's
There are plenty of good DJ companies in Southwestern Ontario. In order to help you separate Vanrock Sound's service from the others, we have compiled frequently asked questions and our responses to help you make an informed decision. Please feel free to use these questions when calling other companies to guarantee you receive the quality and detail you deserve.
What separates you from the other DJ companies?
Firstly, our online wedding and party portal! When you book with us we set you up with a password and user name to the portal so that you may plan all of your itineraries and music selection. Second, The owner of the company is available to assist you the night of the event in anything that you need. No answering machines, no excuses just action and service.
What additional fees are there?
We include 100 km free travel from our London office, setup one hour prior to your start time and use of the microphone or remote microphone if requested. One light which covers an average dance floor will also be included if requested. As well if you require the DJ to act as an M.C. it will be included for free.
Does the DJ stay with the system during dinner music?
We cannot imagine why other companies would not have the host available during your dinner music but it's true! We man the system from start to finish. During the dinner it is often necessary to turn down the music to accommodate speeches, presentations and announcements as well it is a great time for the DJ to understand his audience through listening to speeches and observing the guests. Quite often we find the hall's microphone to be less than par and in turn offer ours to the speaker.
Do you take requests?
Absolutely!!!!!!! This is another question we don't understand why some other companies can't grasp the concept. It is your party and we are there because you hired us to entertain your guests. Naturally we put the requests in the group they belong in, so, if someone requests a rock song we will place it in the rock set. We also make sure that the song is not on your do not play list and is appropriate for the event.
What is your booking procedure?
Most people choose the convenience of booking online by clicking the book now button at the top of the home page or you can simply call us, fax us or book an appointment for a pre consultation. After you are booked we will send out a set of contracts which you will look over, sign and return with a minimum $50.00 retainer fee. Once we have sent the contracts we will email you a password and user name to access the online wedding and party portal where you will be able to make all of your itinerary details and music selections. A month or two before the event you may wish to contact us for a complimentary consultation.
How much is the deposit?
We require a minimum $50 deposit per event. Your fifty dollar deposit is non-refundable and is considered a reservation fee. The balance is payable by cheque 2 weeks prior to the event or one week prior by MasterCard, Visa, Amex, Automatic Debit or cash. If requested you may pay cash at the beginning of your function.
Are you Insured?
We are fully insured with 2 million liability. Most halls (especially larger facilities) require the DJ service that is hosting the event to be insured. Check with your hall to see if they require an insured DJ before you hire out. This gives you the security of knowing should anything happen you are assured that you and your guests are compensated.
What type of music do you play?
Most weddings have a variety of age groups. Vanrock Sound has created a personalized format to suit everyone's needs. Unless otherwise requested, songs are played in sets of three (e.g. 3 Rock, 3 80's, 3 Dance). The three songs are typically top of the chart songs, keeping the music familiar to all of your guests which is why at our parties you will often see 60 year olds dancing with 16 year olds. Each set is approximately 8-11 minutes long and is separated by a slow song. All disc jockeys carry at least 3000 selections and they are updated with new music every two weeks. Our DJs are trained to fill a dance floor for a set and then change over the crowd so that everyone has an opportunity do dance to something they like.
Who will do our show?
Before your free consultation, we discuss the music styles and the atmosphere you wish to relay (e.g. energy filled or romantic and laid back). We have a detailed DJ Bio section to preview the different hosts that you can select. At your request, the DJ that hosts your wedding will be present at your consultation. You should also choose an alternate DJ in case of illness.
Does the DJ require a meal?
Our DJ's eat prior to going to your event unless otherwise informed that a meal will be available. If the DJ has a very long day i.e. 3pm or 4pm to one we would ask that you feed them as they will not be able to leave. It is always a pleasure to be offered something from the late snack table when the DJ is not having dinner.
Do we need to tip the DJ?
Gratuities are optional. Vanrock Sound employees are some of the best paid DJs in the industry. Some companies take a portion of the DJ's tips, we do not. Based on what the guys tell me, they get tips 30 to 40 percent of the time and on average it is between $25 and $50 dollars.
What are your logistical requirements?
We require a minimum 6 foot table with a tablecloth. The table should be located as close to the dance floor as possible and within 15 feet of an electrical outlet. If you are having an outdoor event it may be necessary to provide shelter for protection from the elements.
Do you have back up systems and DJ's?
At present we have 12 DJ's that operate our 8 DJ systems and 6 Karaoke units. We average 40 shows a week, rarely booking more than 8 in an evening, which leaves plenty of extra DJ's and Gear for emergency use.
How long have you been in business?
Vanrock Sound originated in Vancouver BC in 1989. We have been providing entertainment in southwestern Ontario since October of 1995 and now perform over 2000 shows a year.
Are you in good standing with the CDJA or CODJA?
Yes. The CDJA and CODJA assists it's members and offers help and training programs, monitors complaints, insurance, discounts etc. Although these company's do help to strengthen our industry, Vanrock Sound still sets it's own stringent standards and follows them closely. If someone tells you that you should not hire a company, if they are not a member of any association, they may be trying to sell you, check the details of each company's workings and see how they rate. We are in good standings with the BBB and CDJA and we are premium members of The Canadian Online Disc Jockey Association.
Is your music licensed?
A DJ without Avla licensed music cannot be shut down on the spot if caught with even one song that is pre-recorded or unlicensed, however they will eventually be charged and possibly shut down leaving many a couple searching for a reputable DJ. Vanrock Sound uses licensed DJ music libraries all of which are on CD to insure the highest quality sound for your party. If your DJ uses any media that is recorded or on hard drive without a license he is subject to penalties. A proper DJ will display the license at their table.
Why are your prices so low?
Although our prices are not the lowest, we believe that when you book Vanrock Sound, you are receiving the best quality at the best price. The quality, care and detail that go into creating your event exceeds well beyond the price reflected.
How will our DJ dress?
All weddings are attended in a formal suit and tie (matching) unless otherwise requested. All other functions are left to the organizer. We do not allow jeans or other informal attire as it reflects on our image.
When does the DJ set up?
All systems are
very compact and efficient, no wires are tangled or dangling out
which means set up is simple. Plug the Numark cd player in, plug the speakers in and
turn it on. We like to be set up forty five minutes prior to our start time,
if the guests are to arrive prior to that time we will make arrangements to set
up earlier.
Do you have a deal if we book the stag and doe with the wedding?
When you book your stag and doe with the wedding we will take $40 off of each event. We have special offers on all of the time. Simply ask us if there are any specials. When we are asked to discount a show we will take into consideration the type of event, the day that it falls on and the reason a discount is needed. We also offer ten percent off on Sunday to Friday events or events that fall between January 2nd and March 31st.
Do you have references?
We come highly recommended by some of the largest wedding specialists in Southwestern Ontario including Collins Formalwear, Garber's Bridal, Sophie's Gown Shop, Columbia Photos and many of the catering and banquet facilities. We have many references available and will be glad to share them on your request. You will note that in the DJ bio's there are some testimonials written about some of the hosts. Also check out our online list of referrals REFERRALS CLICK HERE
What type of equipment do you use?
Vanrock Sound systems contain Dual Numark CD Mix Stations that contain a mixing board to allow for continuous music flow with no "dead air". The average system runs about 450 watts a side. Some of the brand names we use are Yamaha, QSC, Denon, Elite, Mackie, Numark and Crest.
How recent is your music?
We always have the newest music as soon as it is released. Every 2 weeks the DJs are updated with new music. If you have any special requests, simply fill them out in the online wedding portal and we will have them for your date.