| (Please click on the questions to view the answers.)
General
What makes Sounds To Go DJs different from other DJ companies?
What makes us different is our ability to adapt to a changing market and remain on top of the DJ entertainment industry. Over the past 25 years, Sounds To Go DJs research team has analyzed other successful DJ companies in order to continually raise the standard of the entertainment we provide. We eagerly learn from our competition’s successes, as well as their mistakes. We know what works and what doesn’t. Sounds To Go DJs pledges to continue its pursuit of being an industry leader.
Where are you located? Do you travel?
Our office is conveniently located in Central New Jersey. We frequently travel to the finest facilities in Manhattan, Staten Island, Pennsylvania, Long Beach Island, and beyond. We are also available for destination weddings and corporate events anywhere in the world. See our directions page for maps and office address.
Sounds To Go DJs works persistently in all NJ counties including; Ocean County, Monmouth County, Burlington County, Edison, Gloucester County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Princeton Community, Somerset County, Somerset Hills.
Have you had experience at my event site?
Over the course of 25 years, Sounds To Go DJs has experience with, and is recommended by most event sites in New Jersey. We understand the acoustical challenges of sites like The Crystal Plaza, The Valley Regency, Addison Park etc. as well as the more intimate settings such as The Shadowbrook, Merri-Makers and others. Our sound systems are designed to provide the clarity, fullness of sound, and reasonable volume levels for any size venue.
I am out of state can you help plan my event?
We have found more then ever the need for clients to plan their event from out of state. We have clients all the time that come to us from Ohio, California, Kansas, Texas, Florida and so on asking for a helping hand from hundreds of miles away. What we do is take the time you deserve to answer all of your questions, review your information and bring it all together like you never left town. Give us a call and let us help make this difficult process easy.
What happens if there is an equipment failure?
We are fully equipped with back-up equipment ON SITE at every event. Each of our packages comes standard with an entire back-up system to be used in the rare case of an emergency. Consider the advantage of having the equipment on site. If something were to happen and you hire a service that only has equipment on call, you would be forced to wait for the replacement equipment and that would put quite a damper on the flow of the evening.
Do you carry an insurance policy?
Yes, we hold a 2 million dollar liability policy. Most Banquet facilities today will not let entertainment in the door if they do not carry an insurance policy. Please check and see if your facility requires insurance policies.
Do you offer add-ons to the standard DJ package?
If you are looking to take your event to the next level we offer many different enhancements to satisfy any need. Sounds To Go DJs offers Gobo Name Projection, Lighting Packages, Video Projection, Gifts and Giveaways, Live Musicians and much more. Please view a detailed list on our enhancements page.
Do you provide testimonials from previous clients?
Absolutely. Having been in the business for 25 years, we have established a great rapport with our clients and they are always happy to provide us with their recommendations. We work with some of the largest companies in the world and the finest facilities in the Tri-State area and they too are more then happy to provide references to our professionalism. We’ve listed some of these companies and facilities along with their websites, names and numbers, for you to contact directly. Visit our recommended by page for more information.
What time do you arrive for set up?
Depending on the size and location of your event, we normally set up 1 to 2 hours before start time. There is a lot to do when preparing for an event. Our job begins the second we arrive at the facility and includes equipment set up, sound check, organizing the music, conferring with whom we will be working with and of course preparing to entertain you and your guests.
How helpful is the customer service?
First class customer service is what we like to call it. Answered phone calls, prompt, honest responses and understanding the client is first priority has been a major factor in our success. Without the customer we have nothing. We value each potential client, all current customers and every guest of honor in the highest manor. Sounds To Go DJs is a full time company in a staffed office located in Shrewsbury, NJ.
How do you coordinate with others; such as my caterer, photographer, videographer and others?
At your affair there will be many different businesses working simultaneously. We take on the responsibility of coordinating all of these professionals. We do so only because if we don’t, no one else will. Again, we want your affair to be successful in every sense of the word. With our proven coordination system your affair will go off without a hitch. We simply want you to relax and enjoy the day you have waited for. Let us do the work for you.
What is required from us or the facility?
We only require a 6 or 8 foot table and an electrical outlet. If your event is outdoors a small tent or overhead covering is great.
Your facility may require an insurance policy from us. If they need a policy we can provide them with one immediately.
Do you provide music for gay events?
Yes we do.
Where is your company located for meetings and consultations?
We are located in Monmouth County New Jersey. All of our meetings and consultations are by appointment. Please see the directions link on the top right hand side of the website. There is never any charge to meet or see us for a consultation.
When is my planning form due?
You can start working on your planning forms as soon as you are contracted with us. The forms are due one month prior and should be finalized 2 weeks before your big day.
Music
Do you provide ceremony music?
Yes, we are able to provide the actual prelude and ceremony music. We also offer live musicians such as strings, classical guitarist, harpist and more. Pricing varies depending on number of musicians and availability. Please visit our helpful ceremonial page and take a listen to some of the more popular ceremonial songs.
What music do you typically use for the cocktail/dinner hours?
Dinner/cocktail music typically consists of light standard and contemporary Jazz and Classical artists. However, we encourage you to create an atmosphere that is reflective of your music preferences. Some other choices are classic R & B Motown, Acoustic Guitar and Contemporary artists, International music, or Electonica/chill styles of music. Any selections you do make should be soft in volume and easy to talk over. We are open to any other suggestions you may have as well.
What if I am looking for a song that is not in your music database?
Our library contains about 70,000 songs and grows daily. If you can not locate a specific song we would be happy to locate additional songs for you. Just enter them on your event planning form or shoot us an email. You are also welcome to bring in your own favorite CD’s, MP3’s, or ipod.
Do you take song requests on the job?
This is entirely up to you. If a guest request a song that is on your DO NOT PLAY list we will not play it.
What if we are considering live musicians as well?
Our company offers something very unique. We understand some clients can not decide if they would like a band or a DJ. Saying this, Sounds To Go DJs has teamed up with Devotion Band creating the ultimate Band/DJ package. Available up to 9 pieces Devotion Band and Sounds To Go DJs works closely to keep your guests entertained non-stop without any breaks in the momentum of your reception. Our clients constantly say, "There was something for everyone." www.DevotionBand.com
Do you use CDs or Laptops?
Actually, we use both. What we use mostly is our laptops and hardrives. Our Cd system is also set up and running for backup purposes.
Do you provide additional ceremony and cocktail hour setups?
Yes, you will not have to worry about us moving equipment around your guests as your ceremony or cocktail hour comes to an end.
What is your music mixing style?
We offer club styled mixing along with straightforward mixes. If your looking for shortened songs with loops and effects for the club feel or beat for beat clean mixes we can do it all.
Will you have my special songs backed up?
Not only is all of our equipment backed up but your intro songs and all of your important first dance songs will be backed up as well. We would much rather be safe then sorry!
Can I add on more songs if I filled up the play if possible list on the music database?
Of course, you can enter any additional songs on your event planning form.
When are my music requests due?
You can start working on your music requests as soon as you are contracted with us. Music requests are due one month prior and should be finalized 2 weeks before your big day.
| DJ
Who are your DJs?
Our staff varies in age from mid 20’s to mid 30’s in age. They are well spoken, educated, successful, and interesting people with diverse backgrounds and musical experience. We demand they be polite, punctual, and always up on all the current trends in music and audio equipment. Our training program and selection process is stringent and only the finest DJs become part of our exclusive team. The #1 reason Sounds To Go DJs have been so successful is because of our professional DJs and training process.
How do we know which DJ will be right for us?
The actual DJ is scheduled based on the information and instructions you will provide to us in our one on one consultation and with the information you have entered on your On-line Event Planner. The DJ is recommended based on your specific requests, the level of interaction you choose, and familiarity with your site. Your planning form is due 2 weeks prior to your date at which time a final phone consultation is scheduled to review and answer any other questions you may have.
Can we meet our DJ prior to the event?
Of course. We can arrange a meeting in office or you can arrange a time and place to meet your DJ based around your location and work hours.
Can we see an actual event?
Out of respect for our clients privacy (and yours should you choose to hire us) we do not schedule “live” viewings. We are happy to meet with you in person to discuss your ideas and concerns. In our meeting we will show a DVD of all aspects of an event rather then the 20 minutes you may see at a "live" viewing.
What if my DJ has an emergency?
We are proud to say in 25 years we have never missed an event. There is always a technician as well as a back-up DJ on call at all times who would be familiar with your set of instructions before arriving.
When will I hear from my DJ?
2 to 4 weeks prior to your event your DJ will contact you to review all of your information, music selections, and answer all of your questions.
Are your djs sub-contracted?
No, each DJ works for Sounds To Go DJs only. Each staff member follows Sounds To Go company policy to ensure quality service.
What is minimum, moderate, and maximum DJ interaction?
On our planning forms you will notice an option for the level of DJ interaction. Minimum being a few motivational announcements and maximum would be having your DJ out with the crowd, leading line dances, singing with you on the microphone etc. Moderate would be a professional balance of both minimum and maximum. Regardless of the level you select we always remain professional and courteous to you and your guests.
The levels are in addition to all of your bridal party announcements etc. Which we always take care of.
Payment
How much does a professional DJ service cost?
The answer is entirely up to you! Depending on what type of event you are looking for prices can range from 395 and span upwards of 20,000. We tend to stay away from pre set packages because we understand from experience that each client may have different ideas of what a perfect event is. Our success as a company is highly based around offering clients exactly what they are looking for with a price that doesn’t exceed their entertainment budget.
What do you require to hold the date?
A deposit of a 3rd is required to hold a date along with a signed contract.
What if we would like to go overtime?
Additional time may be purchased at a rate of $150 per hour, per man paid directly to your DJ prior to the start of the additional time. We typically leave this option open and at your discretion so that you can wait and see how the evening plays out.
What is your gratuity policy?
WE DO NOT HAVE A MANDATORY GRATUITY POLICY. Our staff gives their 100% best effort at every event because they have respect for you, the success of your event and because it is their responsibility as a Sounds To Go DJ (not because they are trying to earn your tip). Many of our competitors have begun to charge less for their actual package price but then suggest a 15-20% gratuity on top as an “industry standard” for DJs. Please realize that our DJs are paid a fair wage (which is why we have better DJs). At Sounds To GO DJs we believe gratuity should be a choice made by you not a suggestion or obligation made by us.
When is my remaining balance due?
Your remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your event. Check or cash only.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check or money order.
Does your company have additional charges for setup/transportation?
We never charge for setting up. If your event is over an hour away a small fee may apply.
Enhancements
When is my gobo design due?
Your design is due 1 month prior to your event. The design is sent to our production team where a proof is then created for you to review.
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