Frequently Asked Questions:

• Why aren't your prices posted on the site?
  Simply because there are so many variables. No event is alike, so our services are tailored specifically to each individual event.
• Aside from Cheryl and yourself, the other DJ/MCs are Sub-Contractors, please tell us more about that.
  On any given date where we have more than two events we will enlist aid from our highly qualified list of Sub-Contractors.  On these dates, Cheryl and Jeff must service the two events where each client has locked them specifically, or the two events which have the highest level of responsibility (generally the ones which are 6 hours, ceremony thru last dance and/or have 200 or more guests).  Our Sub-Contractors are put under an actual contract for each event they service which legally binds them to service that event.  Our DJ/MCs didn't even get an interview with me until they could prove 10 years of perfection servicing high-end wedding and corporate events.  At Elan-DJ, the events we service and our reputation are way too important to us to waste time with inexperienced DJ/MCs.  We are all Professionals and no matter who is assigned to your event, you are assured of our Low-Key/Low-Profile approach and all the Guarantees listed under that link above.
  
• Why aren't your Sub-Contractor DJs photos/bios on the site?
  This is actually a very simple reason.  Most have their own sole-proprietor DJ business in the region.  This avoids confusion and we help them fill the holes in their calendar.
• What happens if our DJ is unable to play at the wedding, as in the event of an emergency or illness?
  This never happens. And I do really mean never. Our DJ's are independent contractors (not employees) and this is their "bread and butter." They are not in their teens or early twenties. I've worked many a job while "under the weather." You've heard of the phrase, "the show must go on." that is the way it is with Elan. We are professionals--not college students doing this for extra money.  Also, please read the specific wording regarding this on your contract.
• What amount of deposit is required? When is the balance due?
  Deposits are 25%, balance is due no later than at the event prior to music starting.
• What is your cancellation and refund policy?
  Deposits are non-refundable. Further details to be found in the wording on the contract.
• How far in advance should we sign to book your services?
  That depends on your comfort level. Some people book over a year in advance (the current record is 18 months), others only two months in advance (average is six months prior). Obviously, the longer you wait, the higher the probability that we will not be available.
• What equipment will you provide? (ex. how many speakers, etc.)
  This depends entirely on the room acoustics and the number of guests you have. If you are having 500 people with the need for much m.c.'ing during the reception, then it would be necessary for us to hire the services of a professional sound company in addition to our services. Our DJ's have systems that can usually handle events with up to 300 guests.  Wireless mics, Laptops, Ipods & Self-Powered Speakers are all the norm in the industry now.  We were one of the first companies in the region to be laptop based, this ensures the most adaptability and the most focus on the particulars of your event by your servicing DJ/MC.  Contrast this with other companies who are still dealing with CDs who spend the evening frantically cueing up the next CD one at a time.  So the question becomes, would you prefer our low-profile, small-footprint, seated approach, or a big-footprint standing DJ who is sweating all night reaching and grabbing for the next CD?
  
• Do you bring back-up equipment?
  Absolutely, to every event.  All professional DJs do.
  
• How much time do you need to set-up? Is this set-up time part of the flat-rate, or will we be charged for this time?
  We usually arrive between 90 minutes and two hours prior to the contracted start time depending on how much equipment is required, travel variances and other variables. If your reception is in the same location as your ceremony and close enough that our arrival and/or set-up may possibly be disruptive, we must arrive that amount of time earlier than your ceremony start time. Your contracted price will reflect that scenario. If this situation is brought to our attention or learned after you have locked us with your deposit, we will need to adjust the contract amount. Set-up time is part of the flat rate, in all situations but the one just mentioned, and starts between 90 minutes & two hours prior to your contracted start time.
• What do you charge for overtime?
  Assuming that toward the end of the contracted time during the event you decide you want the dj to stay for an extra amount. This varies depending on the DJ. A general rule of thumb is the same hourly rate that you paid for the rest of the evening. If just a half hour, then it should be $100.
• Do you provide MC services?
  Of course we do, we are a full-service company and we maintain strict control of our microphones during every event.
• Are we obligated to provide beverages or meals for our DJ?
  Yes, this is covered in detail in the contract.
• I would like to listen to or view any demo materials you use to promote your business.
  Please thoroughly read the 'important tips' link above for detailed information
  
• I really want Jeff or Cheryl to be my DJ, how can I make that happen?
  When this option is available, the exact quote/contract you receive will include price options for Jeff, Cheryl and/or any of our other Sub-Contractors.
  
• We really want to see one of the Elan DJs servicing an event prior to locking you in.
  Please thoroughly read the 'important tips' link for detailed information.
  
• What if the coordinator at my venue wants to make drastic changes to our event's timeline when we are having our rehearsal one or two days prior to the wedding?
  This is unfortunate, if this happens, the coordinator needs to speak with me immediately before setting anything in stone. What you need to know is that any last minute changes which effect the length of any of the evening's events will be somewhat problematic. If you are a couple who has just picked a style for your dance sets then this is not a problem. However, if you are couple who has hand-picked every song for every dance set, this will be problematic.
• We really want to meet you at our venue for a walk-through, do you do this?
  The short answer is no, but we will consider a location meeting for an extra fee.  Reason being: we have worked nearly every venue in the region, and even if your event is at a new location to us, the chances that it is not very similar to another location are very slim to non-existant.  Also, a mansion event, is a mansion event, is a mansion event, they are all a bit different but the challenges and solutions are all the same.  If you are concerned about the layout of your event please fax us a diagram containing your thoughts and we'll be happy to deal with everything via this method--this is how venues communicate this info to vendors in this field and is what we are used to.