Do you use professional sound equipment?

Professional disc jockey equipment is very different than consumer sound equipment.  DJ equipment is made to be road ready, professionally cased, and loaded with features to ensure a very professional performance by your DJ.  All of our equipment is top of the line, high tech equipment designed for the professional mobile DJ. Our current inventory includes 23 various concert quality speakers, with multiple amplifiers. We also use wireless microphones so you can talk to your guests from anywhere in the room. We are able to supply sound to one room or an auditorium. Back up equipment is always available. 

What kind of lights do you use?

Tyrone Blue uses “state-of-the-art” high tech lighting. Many of the lights we use are “DMX” professional lights, just like what you’d see on TV or at concerts (package #2 and above).  These moving, color-changing lights are the industry standard in “professional high tech” lighting and currently used on “Star Search”, “American Idol” and “Millionaire”. There are only a handful of DJs in the five state area who use these lights; and, Tyrone Blue is one of them!  AND NOW WITH LASERS!!! NOTE: Lasers can not be used outdoors.

NOTE ON LIGHTING FROM TYRONE:  I am a member of several world wide DJ chat boards.  I am also the owner of two.  Check us out at www.wwdjs.com.  I can't tell you the number of times I hear other DJ's talk about lighting and how important it is to an event.  One said he showed up at an event with his "small show" that incorporated only a few "flashy" style lights, and the customer asked: "is this all there is"?  So many customers don't have any idea how important lights are to "setting the mood" of your event, until they see it for themselves.  If you're looking for the nite club feel, then Tyrone Blue Entertainment has the answer.  If you simply want "mood" lighting, then look at our "uplighting" package and pictures on the "Home" and "Sound & Lighting" pages.

Do I really need a DJ, or can I do this myself with an Ipod?

Excellent question... In a word "No", you can't do this yourself with an IPod, and have the day of your dreams. You really do need a professional DJ to obtain the fairy tale wedding results you deserve.  While IPod weddings are the trend right now, there are serious limitations to sucessfully using an IPod for your wedding... and everyone in attendance will notice the difference.

Most high quality DJ's will supply professional light systems in addition to their commercially viable sound systems, that greatly enhance the wedding event along with planning, emceeing, time management and of course going with the flow of the event. If you were to rent the above equipment, consider the stress, time and aggravation that you'd have to put into the effort, not to mention the cost and delivery both ways.

"Experience is what you get when you get what you want". If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you try to do it yourself.

Tyrone Blue Entertainment has a two million dollar liability insurance policy, underwritten by a nationally known company.  Most disc jockeys don't elect to carry coverage, or can't afford it.

Is Saturday night the only time to consider a wedding reception?

Most Brides traditionally pick Saturday evening for their reception.  However, there is a growing trend towards "off peak" reception times.  More and more brides are starting their receptions at noon on Saturday with the conclusion at 5 or 6 PM.  While this keeps more of the guests at the reception, they tend to "party" less.  There are fewer dancers and less excitement due to less alcohol consumed while the "sun is out".  When choosing daytime receptions, try to include some games and activities to keep things moving.  Note: we do these games on a regular basis, and can keep your guests entertained.

There is a slow movement towards Friday evenings and Sunday afternoon (Sundays are very big on the East coast).  By choosing these off peak times and days, it opens up much more choices for venue locations.  And, there is almost always a venue discount for these non-traditional dates and times.

I’m on a budget, why do DJs charge so many different prices?

I get a lot of inquires about the price of my show.  I also understand why a bride would ask that question first.  Make this comparison:  There are a lot of hamburger joints out there with different prices for your basic burger.  But, you’re in the mood for a filet dinner with wine at a five star restaurant.  Your waiter is at your side for every wish you might have.  It’s an experience you’ll remember forever. 

 "Price is the entertainer’s testimony of what they are truly worth".

My typical wedding package with lights, offers more top quality sound and lighting than any other DJ service in the five state area.  I equate my "Package TWO" show to a Las Vegas production at one percent of the cost.  Package #3 and above, will "blow you away".

So, how much do you charge?

 We currently have several packages with different price schedules between $595 and $1995. Extra power circuits required with package #2 and above.  Show specifications are listed on the "Show Packages" page. We can also custom design a package to meet your needs.  If your event is in the Brainerd Lakes area, the prices are standard for 5 hours of music and/or lights depending on which package you select. Mileage charges apply for events outside of our area at a rate of $75 per hour of drive time.  Distances of more than 2 hours requires one double room. 

NOTE: "sound only" packages are available as well as "lights only" and "video" packages.  Call for prices.

 Do you provide a written contract (performance agreement)?

 Yes! It is very important to have all terms of the agreement on a contract.  You should look over and sign a contract prior to any payments being made.  Price, time, and all other conditions should be on the contract. While contracts can sometimes be a bit daunting, they provide you with the information that you need to know so that you know your event will be carried out in a complete and professional manner. Our contract is in clear and understandable English.

 What will you be wearing for the occasion?

 Weddings are our specialty and a well-dressed, professional look is important.  The attire to be worn will be discussed prior to the event, and that may be formal, semi formal or casual, depending on your event. For example, a beach party theme might dictate deck shoes and shorts with a Hawaiian shirt and a wedding would require a suit and tie or tux.

Our "typical" attire at weddings is a tuxedo (without the jacket) including vest and bow tie (as seen on pictures page) so that the DJ isn’t mistaken for a member of the wedding party.

 Do we need to meet with you to plan our event?

 This is up to you. Many of our weddings and events are planned and arranged over the phone or via e-mail. This is a time saving approach to your event, but feel free to request a face-to-face appointment to make plans.  We mail you an extensive "Wedding Planner" after receiving your retainer, that provides information that makes planning and scheduling the evening simple.  Then, if you desire a face to face meeting, most of the issues have already been addressed on the planner.  Having had over 16 years experience performing, most of your wishes have already been incorporated into our performance. And, last minute issues are not a problem. We can add a “bouquet toss” or “dollar dance” in moments, without any glitches.

Do you charge extra for other services during the wedding ceremony? "Waiting time"

Generally speaking, if you request ceremony music or extra speakers,  we encourage you to meet with us to pre-plan all of the details.  Sometimes, we require assistance from one of your "people" to que us (stage manager style directions) in order to start and stop music for processions etc... we utalize two way radios for this extra service. This extra service is billed at $150 per hour or portion thereof (and must be "on site" with the reception).

SPECIAL NOTE:  I have been asked on many occasions to supply ceremony music for a couple, then asked to wait for several hours before starting the 5 hour billing cycle for the dance portion of the evening.  This "idle time" refered to as "waiting time"  is billed at $75 per hour or portion thereof.  Here's an example:  Ceremony music starts at 3:00PM, and lasts for an hour. The dance portion of the event begins at 7:00PM.  Your charge for the time from 3:00PM until 7:00PM would be $150 for the ceremony, plus $225 for "waiting time".  "Waiting time" also applies when asked to be set up early to compensate the venue staff for any reason.

 Will you take special requests?

 Requests are always welcome; after all, it is your event!  While there is a long list of songs that are considered “traditional” for use at weddings, changes in the format are always considered. Requests are “slotted” into the mix of songs so that they “fit” the current selection of music. This is done so that the “flow” of the evening is as smooth as possible (as an example: polkas early…top 40 rock and roll later, etc.). Many of the "Top 40" hits are "hip hop" and are fantastic for making the party rock as the night progresses.

What kind of music do you have and play?

 We have every type of music from “Big Band” to “Swing” and “Latin”. Our library of “Top 40” is extensive as well as “Country/Western”, “Rhythm/Blues”, “Rock and Roll” with a little “Hip Hop and Rap” when requested. We have every top 100 tune currently listed on “Billboard’s” charts. Of course, we prefer to play tunes that will get your guests out on the dance floor.  On occasion, brides have pre-selected tunes that they require at their wedding.  I suggest caution in this endeavor.  While the tunes may be your favorites, your guests may not concur.   I always like to advise you that most of the music is designed to get everyone up and dancing... This is their moment to remember your wedding for the fun time they had. Great dancing music can MAKE your party.

 How early will you be there to set up and are stairways a concern?

 Our "Package TWO" wedding show takes an average of two hours to set up to ensure that there are no last minute problems. We transport a very large amount of sound and light equipment to every wedding, and need that time to move all of our gear into the event building. We are not able to negotiate stairways and request an elevator equipped venue or main level performance area.  An elevated stage is acceptable.  Events that require our equipment to be moved over rough terrain, rocks or stairs are are not possible.  Long distance moves are also billed at $75 extra (if move is extended by 15 minutes).

We also need to have all of our gear packed and removed from the venue before the doors are locked.  Complete breakdown and "load out" takes an hour and a half.  If the venue needs to lock up at 1:30 am, we need to end the performance at midnight. 

 What if we have to postpone or cancel the event?

Any fees paid (minus the retainer) will be refunded if notification is made at least 60 days prior to the event.  The retainer may be used to reduce the total fee for any new event (if the date is available, within one year, and is the same or larger package), but a new retainer is required for any new event.  There is no refund within 30 days.

DIY brides...

A lot of time and effort has been put into this question about brides who "Do It Yourself". authored by Celia Milton:

"Planning and budgeting for your wedding is a LOT like planning and paying for your starter home. There's obvious similarities! It is a huge purchase. It is an expression, perhaps, the first, of your couple style. AND you will be spending a lot of money in a situation where you may not feel that you’re informed enough to feel totally comfortable.

So many factors can contribute to your decision, but perhaps the most important (or close) is your budget. Every couple has one, sparse or generous. While it may not be the only thing on your mind, it certainly looms large. No one wants to walk away from such an important purchase with buyers’ remorse, fearing that they have made an expensive purchase that wasn’t the right choice. In the case of your wedding, those multiple expensive purchases contribute to a day that cannot be done over; it truly is a “once in a lifetime” experience.

Decisions based solely on price can cause regrettable (and avoidable) disasters on your wedding day. Like the classic joke, “The food was terrible, and the portions were so small!”, five hours of an obnoxious DJ or an out of tune band will ruin your reception, no matter how many mirrored balls, inflatable guitars or ‘dance motivators’ they throw in for “free”.

Five thousand photos that are carelessly shot, amateurishly lit or cropped and delivered late are not going to capture your wedding day in a better way than 100 artistically created pictures that really tell your story. (And there is just no way to know what great shots were missed.) A cake no one eats is well, a cake no one eats……and a ceremony everyone yawns through is a terrible way to start this precious moment in history; yours, your friends’ and your families’.

When you buy a house, a common phrase is, "location location location"! Buy the most house you can afford in the best neighborhood, not the most expensive house in a less than desirable neighborhood. How does this translate to your wedding? Easily. Instead of finding the cheapest professional in any category, strive to put together a team of the people that you truly want to create your wedding, and then work with them to see just how that can happen.

Every wedding professional, who truly is that, wants to work with the couples that want to work with us. We want you to understand why we charge what we do, how we are uniquely qualified to be a part of your wedding, and how we might work together to stay within your budget. Your photographer might suggest a shorter period of coverage (maybe just before the ceremony and then part of the reception, rather than spanning the entire day, from makeup to the last crumb of cake). Your invitation artist might deliver your wedding stationary in components, ready for your bridal party to assemble. Your officiant, (that would be me!!), might offer to do a quick run through of your processional before the wedding rather than on a separate day.  All of these are invisible ways to include the vendors who will truly enhance your days.

None of us want our couples leaving their reception thinking that their day was vastly more expensive than they hoped; that is not the memory we are striving to create. Great, experienced, enthusiastic wedding partners are worth every penny that you’ll spend on them, and they’ll help you spend it wisely. That is our wedding gift to you".