FAQs
We’ve got all the right answers
DJ D-Mac at work [image courtesy Nikki Daskalakis]
Why are DJs the best entertainment investment?
Compared to the cost of venues, caterers, photographers, planners, decor and flowers, DJs are usually the least expensive part of a wedding but they are still not cheap.
Simply getting someone to press play is not actually that expensive, just ask a friend, but hiring a real DJ to do what real DJs do – as a skill set – is expensive. Consider the job requirements:
Reliability and punctuality.
Excellent communication skills with guests and family.
Ability to improvise with the music, timeline, layout, unforeseen logistical problems and other vendors who might not be all that great at their jobs.
Able to lift heavy equipment.
Willing to work every weekend often for 13 hours a day, most of that standing.
Ability to work independently.
Exceptional planning skills.
Detail oriented.
Works well under pressure.
Loves music – REALLY loves music (but knows when to play the Macarena vs an obscure gem).
Has spent years learning the craft of programming and mixing music to keep diverse crowds dancing for hours.
Understands the technology behind audio equipment and the science of acoustics.
Expansive and priceless music collection.
Owns and maintains professional equipment.
This is a combination of creativity and responsibility in very short supply.
What are your rates?
Investment in our services starts at 3200.00. Each client proposal is custom-created, addressing specific event needs:
ceremony sound engineering
cocktail hour sound
dinner music
reception and dancing
lighting
karaoke
live percussion accompaniment
live musical accompaniment
What audio equipment do you carry to events?
While there are some variations in each DJ’s specific equipment list (mainly in choice of mixer, controller, turntables or CDJ, and laptop), we all carry professional mobile audio gear, including:
multiple Shure model 55SH Series II ‘Elvis’ microphones
[see our instructions on how to use the Elvis mic]
Are you insured?
We carry an industry-standard comprehensive $2,000,000 liability insurance policy that extends to the entire squad.
How much experience does the team have?
DJ D-Mac & Associates have well over 100 years of collective experience as professional DJs, running the gamut from weddings and social events to corporate events to club residencies.
Where have you played?
Like the Man in Black sang: We’ve been everywhere, man. Click the link for a near-comprehensive list of the venues and cities we’ve played in.
Do you travel for events?
The Metro DC area is home, but we have provided services in Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; Buffalo, NY; New York, NY; Portland, OR; Portland, ME; Rehoboth Beach, DE; The Eastern Shore, MD; Louisville, KY; and the Outer Banks, NC.
How extensive is your music collection?
The digital collection is formidable and literally growing every day. This makes obtaining special songs for your event that are not already in our collections that much easier. We will work with you to make sure we have everything covered.
Does the team play LGBTQ+ events?
Absolutely, yes. More information is available here.
Can you play Indian music at our Indian reception?
From traditional ragas to Bollywood to Bhangra and Indian hip-hop, we can blend it seemlessly with Western sounds to keep all your guests happy and on the dancefloor.
Do you provide karaoke services?
We have reliable partnerships with terrific providers. And as producers, we’ve created bespoke backing tracks for brave bridesmaids. And even tracked down original backing tracks; the original Motown 45 for Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “Midnight Train to Georgia” has the instrumental version on the flip-side. Played the vinyl for the bridesmaids; surrounding a couple of Elvis mics they just killed it.
Do you have backup DJ(s) in case of emergencies?
When a DJ is booked for your event, a substitute DJ is also booked. The substitute has access to the same playlist and schedule from the beginning, so in case of emergency, the sub is fully aware of the event details (documentation, playlist, and schedule), and isn’t simply coming in cold. Meaning there will always be a DJ fully prepared and ready to go if your assigned cannot perform at your wedding. We do not leave our clients high and dry..
How far in advance do you usually book?
We usually are booked for weddings 8-10 months in advance. But 12-14 months is becoming the norm.
How do we get started working with your team?
After an initial consultation—where we learn important event details including date, location, and most importantly your event vision—we will prepare a web-friendly client portal and custom proposal.
What do you require to hold our date and our preferred DJ?
A 50% deposit holds the date and DJ.