Answers to burning bridal questions.

Over the years, I've received hundreds of smart questions from couples planning their weddings. Below we've addressed some of the most popular ones. If you have a question that's not answered here, please email it to me at boomer@djboomer.net. I'll quickly send you a response.

What sets my company apart from others?
More than two decades of experience performing at more weddings than any other company in the central Florida & the treasure coast area uniquely positions me as the leader in our region.

I'm going to need a lot of guidance as I plan my wedding. Can you help?
I'll help you carefully plan every detail. And if you're looking for interesting ideas to make your reception particularly distinctive, I've got plenty to suggest.

How will I handle the master of ceremonies responsibilities? How will I interact with your guests?
Your call. I am able to host your entire reception, unless you request otherwise. I'll be as involved or uninvolved as you'd like me to be. I have the ability to be outgoing and entertaining when it's requested, but can also be reserved and low-key if that's your preferred style. What I'll never be is overbearing or an embarrassing ham on the microphone. The focus of attention will always remain on you and your guests, the stars of the day.

How far in advance should I reserve my date?
I generally begin booking wedding dates anywhere from eight to eighteen months in advance. Since I can only perform at only one receptions per weekend, I strongly recommend that you contact me as soon as possible to check on the availability status of your date. By the same token, if for some reason you find yourself in a situation where you need a DJ at the last-minute, please call me. I'll make every possible effort to help you.

Do you provide music for the ceremony?
I often provide the ceremony music. Processionals, recessionals and other classical pieces sound heavenly through my sound system.

If we book you for a certain amount of hours and then decide that night that we’d like you to perform longer, is that a problem?
As long as it’s an evening wedding, I’ll stay for as long as you’d like for a minimal fee.

What if we want to hear a song that’s not on the playlist?
Beyond what you see on the playlist, I have a master music library that contains more than 11,000 songs. So, if you don’t see a particular selection, there’s a good chance that it’s in my library. Or, if you'd like me to use music from your own collection, I can do that, as well.

How much choice do I have in the music selection?
As much as you'd like. Occasionally couples decide to hand-pick each and every song that's played at their reception, which is perfectly fine, but it's not necessary. I'll ask you to highlight as many specific songs and genres that you like to hear and ask you lots of questions about your preferences. With this information, I'll craft a custom-designed music menu for your reception.

Funny thing. I love music and listen to it all the time, but I never seem to know the names of songs or artists. How do I tell you what I like?
A very common predicament. You might be surprised to find out how many people are in the same musical boat. Once again, this is an area where I can come in handy. In addition to being meticulous planners, I am an accomplished tune detectives. Know a song title but not the singer? Just know some of the lyrics? Come on and hum a few bars and I'll help you figure out just what it is you're looking for. I'll help you design a music format that perfectly reflects your taste.

My family is Italian and my fiancé's is Irish. Can you provide that kind of music?
I often perform at weddings where specific types of ethnic music are requested. I have music of every nation, tradition and background. If there are specific songs you'd like to hear that I don’t have, I’ll gladly get that music at no cost to you (as long as it's still in print). Or, if you have the music, I can work with your collection.

There are songs that we definitely don’t want played at our wedding. How do we make certain that we won't hear those wretched tunes?
We'll strongly encourage you to give me a "don't play" list of music, and your I will absolutely abide by it. You won't hear any unwelcome surprises at your reception.

Do you play guests' requests?
That's completely up to you. If it's okay, i'll play whatever your guests want to hear.  If, however, you'd prefer that I not take requests, that's also fine. 

How many songs will be played during our wedding?
The average song is about three to four minutes long, so you can figure that approximately twelve to fifteen songs can be played per hour.

I'm concerned about the volume level. How do you effectively control it?
I'm very conscious of the fact that no one wants to listen to music at an uncomfortably high volume, and that people have different sensitivity levels. That's why i'll constantly monitor the sound intensity throughout the course of your reception. My dynamic sound systems allows me to create an environment that's conducive to both dancing and socializing.

Do you take breaks?
Nope. You'll hear continuous music from beginning to end - an uninterrupted flow of seamlessly mixed music.

My sister’s got a great voice and would like to sing at the reception. Is that possible?
You bet. I’ll have a microphone available for her and she can either sing a capella or we can play a karaoke song while she sings over it.

What time will you arrive at the reception site?
I will arrive forty-five minutes to an hour before your scheduled start time to prepare.

Do you put up any signs or banners?
Absolutely not. I’ll be at your reception to entertain, not to advertise.

How much gratuity is appropriate?
Please note that a gratuity is not included in your balance due. People generally tip 10% to 15% of the total payment.

Are we required to feed you?
That’s your choice. Customarily couples do provide a meal for me.

We’re still deciding between a band or a DJ. Any advice?
Bands can certainly be great at weddings, but they do have a lot of limitations. Regardless of how talented a band is, it's impossible for them to sound just like the original artists. Also, no matter how large their repertoire is, it’s still quite limited when you compare it to what we offer; I can play literally any song that you'd like to hear. Another important difference between a band and myself is that I don’t take breaks; the music will be continuous from beginning to end. One more thing: I can easily control the volume from a single switch and keep it at an appropriate level at all times. It's very difficult, however, for a live singer not to powerfully belt out a tune or a percussionist not to whack the drums so hard.

How long have you been in business?
I've been entertaining in New York, Las Vegas Orlando & the treasure coast since 1982.