StevensDJservice.com Blog

What do you look for in a DJ? fundraiser corporate church Bar club wedding radio school dance anniversary bar or bat mitzvah preteen teen graduation prom winter formal costume spring fling etc etc etc. All of these events could use a great DJ. What do you ask in order to make sure you get the best bang for your buck? Do you want a DJ that has a background check so you know they are safe with your kids? Do you want a DJ that has proper business insurance just in case the equipment breaks and falls on someone hurting them. If it’s their fault they should pay. Do you want honesty in the contract, talent, skill, ability of the DJ. Do you want it louder than a rock concert? Do you want it so crystal clear that even the best man can’t be misunderstood on his speech? Do you want someone that can control the guests with great music? What about the skills over the microphone? Experience, years in the field you are hiring for.

When I interview for an assistant, employee, person to help me: I ask tons of questions. I never ask what they charge. I find out what they are worth first and then adjust my offer to what I think is reasonable for that person to that job. I didn’t know what a secretary would cost and what a good one was worth until I went through the hiring process. Name, address, SS, criminal background check, drug screening, valid driver license, car insurance, physical ability to lift equipment, do they smoke cigarettes, are they healthy, why did they leave the last job, history, where they live and how far is the travel, how often do they call in late, sick, or absent, do they have kids, married, stable etc etc etc. Do you take that much time when hiring a DJ for your wedding and reception? How much money is spent on the total event? Shouldn’t the entertainment be more carefully chosen?

 

The number one question for me over the phone is: How much do you charge? If they don’t ask what I do and how I do it then they will never understand what I charge. I doubt that a person spending $100 on a DJ cares but when you spend 15  -  50,000 dollars on a wedding, you better care. I drive a nice care, live in a nice home and can afford a decent vacation about once every three years. Don’t you have at least that or better? Why shouldn’t a professional wedding service be able to make a living doing what they do? No one questions a decent attorney. But their prices vary greatly. Why? Because of experience and expertise. They are simply put, worth more because they have proven that they do a better job. The cost of music, speakers, amps, cables, cords, mics, misers and then transportation, insurance, repairs, and then an office, desk,copy machine, fliers, brochures, websites, etc etc etc all add up in the end. I don’t see other professionals giving you service without the normal business tools. Why would you want or need to hire a DJ that works out his moms basement on 20 year old gear and illegally pirates music from the net, has no insurance, drives a vehicle that might make it to the event, wears a tux that even the father of the bride Steve Martin (George Banks ) couldn’t stretch in to!

If you want better service, higher quality, more bang for you buck you will pay for it in everything you buy. Cars, houses, doctors, laptops, phones, jewelry all cost more when the quality goes up. So will your wedding services.  So ask more than just price if you are the type of person that appreciates quality.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ Service

217 585 4008

www.stevensDJservice.com

OK gonna bash a few things so get ready to read and laugh at how stupid big business thinks we are. Today’s bride is smarter, better educated, rational and knows how to research using the Internet. Any arguments? Nope. Good, let’s continue. Today’s bride is looking or honesty, integrity and quality. Any arguments? Nope. Good, let’s continue. Bash number one: R U ready for it? Good, it’s coming anyway. If a wedding vendor only has to pay to be listed on a site, how do you know if they are any good? You don’t. With no system of checking credentials, applying, background screening, references checks, sponsorship, history of work: anyone can get listed on a paid site. Only Springfield Local Favorites has an application process that truly works to screen out people with no integrity, honesty, references, etc.. So next time you go wedding shopping, try www.Springfieldlocalfavorites.​com Where the members are prescreened and checked out before being listed. You can’t buy a membership, you earn it at SLF 5th Annual Bridal Bash.

 

Case in point is the radio stations are developing their own wedding services sites. Why? To make money. They take wedding services and list them on sites so that you can find them easier. Yes, but no. They are in it to make money. The wedding services then add that cost on to your budget. You don’t think that the dollar gets passed onto you at some point? It will. If you go to a shop and ask if you can be listed with them or put out fliers, cards, phamlets, etc. for free, most will say no. Most businesses want to make money. Most couples want to save money. So how do the two mix? Easy, SLF. SLF has a membership application process that screens the best businesses and makes shopping easy. They don’t pay to be listed, They pay an application fee in hopes to be listed. Some don’t make the cut. That gives the site integrity. If anyone with 5 bucks can get listed then it’s no better than the come book with yellow colored pages or a website that just lists everyone that pays. Money is not the motivation behind SLF. Springfield Local Favorites members want to work with the best. We want to work to have less stress, more fun and yes make a little money. The SLF is a non for profit organization. This means that no one draws a paycheck, takes money off the top, no kickbacks, no waste. This means that when you shop at SLF, you get honest wedding services to work with on your day. People with integrity and ethics are who you will find listed on the SLF site.

If I run a business that just takes money to get you listed on a site, I’d expect you to do some major homework and shopping. If I list only pre-screened wedding services and ones that can show liability insurance, contracts and testimonials, then you are safe to shop. Who knows the wedding vendors better than anyone else? The other wedding services. So shop with the ones that check each other out first. www.SpringfieldLocalFavorites.com Where stress free events happen every day.

Don’t believe me, try to apply and see what happens. http://springfieldlocalfavorites.com/code.html

 

Matthew Stevens

217 585 4008

Top ten Reception tips

 

I wish a lot of things but in order to make your reception run smoother, smile more and make everyone happy, you need to do these things. I will preface all tips with: don’t drink too much. If you are too tipsy, things will go poorly. I’ve had bridal parties pass out early, not remember things, skip things and simply get sick.

1 Don’t enter the room for the grand introduction until told to do so. Look for a visual sign from the MC, wait for the door attendant to release you, wait for the dramatic effect of the song so the crowd is even more pumped up, and wait for your names to be announced. I see so many couples so anxious to get in the room that they blow their own entrance. Be patient and it will be better.

 

2 Once you’ve reached the head table, wait for the photographer to tell you to sit, stand or go to the next formality. The MC and photographer should have this worked out ahead of time so that the transition to the next event appears smooth. Everyone wants to get a photo of you so, take time to let your family get those shots.

 

3 Video, DVD and childhood slideshows should be handled with extreme care. Always have a hard disc, never stream from the internet. Have only one person in charge of this. Practice and have a full run through with the equipment being used that day. It may work fine in your home office but in the banquet room it may have a glitch or two that needs to be worked out ahead of time.

 

4 You have so much to do and so little time, so follow the advice of all of your professionally hired wedding vendors. They’ve been doing this for years and know what works best and will give you your desired effect. Communicate what your desired effect is to every wedding vendor.

 

5 When cutting cake, ask you Day of Coordinator, MC or photographer what works best. I like to tell my couples and show them how to do it in my office. You will forget but I will be close by and giving you hand signals for a quick reminder. I will also count down the feeding to each other so that the photographer and family can capture the moment. If you want to get a little crazy and have some cake fun, make sure that you have two wet warm napkins to wipe off with. Wet warm napkins cause less mess and help clean up faster. Also, brides take the piece of cake you don’t want. This will leave the groom with a piece he is feeding you. Lol.

 

6 Toasts, wow there is so much to do here. Best thing is to just lay the mic down on the table in case someone is going after you. If you take it back to the DJ table then it will slow things down and make more than one trip. Most MC/DJ’s have more than one mic and can continue the announcements without the wireless for a few minutes. MOH and BM will do their toasts and then maybe a Co MOH or Co BM will follow. Sometimes the Father of the Bride will say a few words or the Pastor will come forward to bless the meal. Remember to end all toasts with a final word. Cheers works well for any group.

 

 

 

 

7 Dinner can be a stressful time. That white dress and all those food colors. Most good caterers and halls have a designated person to help carry the Brides plate from the buffet line to the head table. If they don’t, I will. Eat a little of everything and they finish off your favorite. Don’t drink too much before the formal dances. You can request the caterer hold a plate back for later if your nerves are still peaking. After the formal dances, most brides tend to relax.

 

8 Your first dance together as husband and wife will most likely be followed by the father daughter dance and then the mother son. This is a great time to knock them all out at once and have the guests and photographer’s full attention. When you are announced, take your position and wait for the room to quiet and the music to start. If your song has a long intro the DJ may have already begun the song. Either way is fine but know your song and if you have taking choreographed lessons tell the DJ. Once you finish the first dance, have your husband escort you over to your dad, who should be waiting nearby. Husbands please go sit with your mom. When the father daughter dance is over and the applause has died down, the mother son dance should start. Brides please exit the dance floor and Grooms bring your mom to the center of the floor.

 

9 The dollar dance should be done any way you like but what works best is to have the BM or MOH collect the money. This way the guests doesn’t feel like you only gave them so much time for the money. It’s OK to have the BM and MOH do it but the B&G should never be the one who says next. Enjoy your company and time with each guest. Instruct the MOH and BM to give so much time per dollar or to time every guest for a predetermined time. I like the predetermined time. No more time for larger bills but you can avoid the awkwardness by passing the timer job onto someone else.

 

10 When open dancing begins, stick close to the dance floor, even if you don’t dance to every song. People are drawn to you at the reception. Where ever you go, they will follow. If you go outside, to the hotel room, bathroom, lobby, bar or anywhere away from the dance floor you will have a crowd that follows. If dancing is important, stick close by. If talking and pictures play a more important role in the evening, tell you DJ in advance.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ & Entertainement Services

217 585 4008

If your friend wants to jump off the bridge will you do it too? If your friend wants to walk through the fire will you want to do it too? My dad always had great trinkets of advice for me growing up and some still work. Don’t worry about what they have, play with the toys you have. Don’t copy others, be original. Worry about yourself because in the end that’s the person you want to make happy. If you are smiling everyone will want to know why. The simple answer is your inner happiness will reflect outwardly. Some people like drama and other love happiness. I choose to reflect happiness, positive, uplifting energy to others. Staying positive all the time is hard but you have to learn to choose the good in everything. If something bad happens, you must try to find the silver lining and talk about that instead of the bad. You must try, try try. It is exhausting to come across a negative person and try to make them happy. It is a tireless effort to change a mindset from drama to praise. It is hard and that is what makes it so rewarding  to have an impact for the better. In the end don’t worry about others. If you can be happy, it will reflect outwardly and others will follow.

So, thank you Dad for all the great advice over the years and remember to not jump off bridges, walk through fire, drive blindfolded, eat nasty things, rub poison ivy all over, follow negative people,  do drugs, smoke, cheat, lie, steal or be the person you look at and try to avoid. Worry about yourself and be happy. Show kindness, compassion, generosity, love and faith.

When you smile others want to know how they can smile too.

 

Matthew Stevens

217 585 4008

At Stevens DJ Service I’m committed to being green, greener, greenest in my area. I use LED lights to
have less effect on the environment. I give my clients options of e-mailing all planner packets instead of
printing. When they want a paper copy, I use recycled paper and encourage them to return the packets
to me for recycling again. I use eco-friendly office furniture when available. I use low watt lighting in my
office. I recycle all paper, glass and plastics. I compost everything I can. I only hire eco-friendly cleaners
for carpets and other office cleanings. I try to do as much online planning as possible to reduce the
amount of vehicle pollution. Skype and Facetime are normal operating procedures in my office so reduce
travel. I am currently looking for ways to affordably use solar power to run my system. I’m also looking for
option in my area to switch to wind or solar powered energy suppliers.I send all electronics to a recycling
facility, including speakers, lighting, cell phones, mics, mixers and well everything.

 

I am making a committment to recycle, reduce, reuse and help save our enviroment.

 

Wont you?

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ & Ent Serv Inc.

217 306 1414

 

Tips for doing DVD video yourself.

1. Hire a pro. Get a contract. List job responsibilities.

2. Get one person to do it all. Only one person needs to be responsible for it.

3. Rent professional gear. Never trust the “borrow from work” stuff.

4. Use one operating system. Pc or Mac. Blue Ray or DVD, Windows or other program.

5. Make a hard copy, DVD and or cd.

6. Pay extra money and buy the DVD.

7. Never stream from the Internet. It may work before with an empty room but 300 guests will mess up streaming.

8. Make two discs so that the audio and video guy can have the best quality.

9. Make a list of all songs so that audio can be backed up.

10. Test before the event with only the equipment being used on the day of the event.

11. Retest.

12. Bring a backup for everything and everybody.

13. DVD player, Laptop, projector, screen, power cords, table or cart, power strip, book to elevate, duct tape, rug, outlet converter, table cloth, new bulb, VGA converter, IPod converter, usb converter, hdmi converter.

14. Hire a pro and save time, stress and money in the long run.

 

Don’t blame volunteers; they won’t ever volunteer again if things go wrong. Guests, people or other pros won’t be as willing to “just help”. If things go wrong they get blamed for it, even if it isn’t their job. There is nothing worse than looking bad and getting a bad reputation for doing someone else’s job. Cooks – cook, Bakers make cake, DJ’s play music: they don’t do video. As a pro, I don’t want to belittle other people’s jobs. I don’t think a video guy could DJ as well as me so I won’t try to run video as well as they can. Pros know how to avoid problems, fix errors and are responsible for things that go wrong. Every job can and usually is stressful, that why you’re asking for help. So please don’t get mad if things go wrong when you (DIY) do it yourself.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ & Entertainment Service Inc.

217 585 4008

An unexpected error has occurred. As if there is any other kind of error. I was trying to error and wow I made it happen, lol. I recently was asked what was the worst thing I had ever seen at one of my events. Well, to be fair I have worked for a two other DJ companies prior to going out on my own so this may be an unexpected answer to an unexpected question. The worst things include no caterer, no cake, no silverware, no linens, no napkins, no shrimp tray, no bar tender, no tapper for the keg, no knives to take fancy pictures of cake cutting, no toasting glasses for B&G, no champagne and many other things that get misplaced or forgotten. These things are unexpected but please do your best.

I tend to give my clients a check list of everything that can help make my job smoother. The unexpected is not a true statement, the unplanned for is a much more accurate term. After 19 years and three DJ companies, I have become aware of the most frequently forgotten items as well as the most often left behind items. The toss garter and throw bouquet are the most forgotten items. But the items don’t make or break the entire event, they only disrupt that picture or moment. The evening must go on and usually does with little to no meltdown on the couples part. Some times a mom will get emotional but if the bride brushes it off then most of the time the family will follow her lead and go with the flow. The next day some one will hear about it but that night we just move as quickly as possible to distract the unexpected from becoming overly emotional. These are unexpected delays but please do your best.

Now back to other big things that get missed. The camera, the DVD, the projector, the movie of the destination ceremony. These things can be huge and have an effect on the emotional status of everyone. Some grandparents can’t make the long trip to the island and are awaiting the first chance to see the ceremony. This can be a leave early kind of moment for some. They will get over the wrong type of beer or snacks but you mess up the video and look out. Please do your best.

The biggest thing that ever has actually happened to me while on the job was the Bride and Groom not showing to the reception. The limo dropped off the parents, went back and brought the bridal party to the hall. It then went and picked up the couple and the second photographer. After about half an hour over the expected time the limo dropped off the photographer and went back to the hotel to pick up the couple. They stopped off to grab a few shots in the honeymoon suite before well you get the idea. Meanwhile, the family was getting restless and the food needed to be served before it dried out and was not able to be reheated again. The caterer has a reputation to protect and didn’t want to serve dried out food to 250 guests. I wouldn’t either. The families came to me for advice and I relied upon a seminar from one of my trips to the national convention. Wait half an hour, check with caterer, wait half an hour more and check with caterer, wait a half hour more and check with caterer. When the caterer says that the food must be served, go to the family and ask the parents to start in the serving line. Then dismiss tables asap. Do your best.

All the while we are calling the limo driver, the couples cell phones, the room, the front desk, and we even sent the BM and MOH to the hotel to check on them. We have advised the guests and family of what proper protocol is and coordinated with the staff, caterer and servers to make sure we have tried everything to stall for the couples arrival. So, with everything humanly possible other than beating down the hotel door, we serve dinner. We danced and partied, ate cake and took pictures. We faked everything, the photographer and I staged every shot so that we could photo shop in the couple for later. Lighting, angles, music, guest positioning, every detail was carefully looked at. But,  still no bride or groom. Please do your best.

You see they were saving themselves for the wedding day and you guessed it, this was the wedding day. After the photographer and limo left them in the suite, they just couldn’t wait. I’m not sure how to spell it or if spell check will get this one but they consummated the marriage right then. He was exhausted and to say as little as possible, her hair and makeup might have needed a touch up afterwards. So, they laid back down and fell asleep. The family went about the evening events and formalities but it just wasn’t the same with out the B&G.

In any situation, communicate with the family. I will add that when an unexpected delay has occurred, please do your best.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ & Entertainment Services

217 585 4008

Weddings are a unique event. They are so much different than corporate picnics, retirement parties, birthdays and many other types of celebrations. Weddings can overwhelm a couple, their family and friends. Weddings can cause anxiety and stress if not handled properly. I don’t know how to fix my new car if it breaks down but I do know who to call in order to get it done right. I don’t know how to build a deck with a gazebo but again know who to call in order to get what I want, the way my wife wants it. lol. In life we all make decisions about what we can and will learn in order to save a few bucks. We also know when to spend a little more and get it done better than we could have imagined. I can’t raw blue prints or weld and I don’t have the tools to drill for oil in my backyard. Training and the proper tools make the job easier. Education and experience will give one person an advantage over another. I know what I like to eat, drive, wear, type of house to live in, phone I use and many other things. I certainly can’t go out and rent or build an IPhone but in order to get what I want the way I want it I have to spend what they want to get it.

Weddings are a lot like that IPhone, each to their own. Some want over the top light shows and others want no lights at all. Some want the sound to break glass and others couldn’t care less. Some want an MC to just sit there and others want them to help push the crows and build up the energy level. You get to choose what you want with a company that brings years of dedicated service to your event. Equipment will only carry the rookie so far, then it’s talent, skill and ability that separate them from a true pro.

At Stevens DJ Service I make a personnel commitment to improve my talent skills and abilities. I further my education with seminars, conferences, webinars and many other types of education. I am able to tone it down or rock the house. I have the new equipment that can transform a room from average to spectacular. With free consultations you have no excuses. Come check me out and learn how I can reduce your stress and make your event better.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ Service Inc.

217 585 4008

www.StevensDJservice.com

Some say this economy is bad. Some say this economy could get better. Some say this is the best year they’ve had since 2008. I say whatever your status is on the economy, I can help you. I know how to save time, money and reduce stress for your event. From Weddings to Corporate parties, from seminars to full blown conferences, I can help. With free consultations, why not come in and see for yourself. Don’t get distracted by my jealous competitors, I’ll sit down and talk to you and offer you a fair price for the services I offer. the economy is no excuse not to learn how I can help you.

The average wedding cost is going up. Across the nation and even in our own backyard we are seeing people return to lives simple pleasures. One being a great party with friends, family and invited guests. We’ve all kind of settled in and things are getting back to normal. It was tough for a long time and the great businesses have survived the bad weather. Some made it and others have closed up and moved onto other things. I  know that couples today are looking for the best bang for the buck. They are also more budget driven than before. I am here to help, I know the average and what percentages the books and online planners say to use to pay each vendor. But, every couple will splurge on one thing that they deem the most important to the success of the event THEY want to create. The extra money to make sure the memories are as close to perfect as possible.

I’m here to help and to make sure that you get what you pay for and more. I know I’m worth it and I’d like the chance to prove it to you.

 

Call Matthew Stevens @ 217 585 4008

www.StevensDJservice.com

The best dollar dance ever. A few years ago I had a dollar dance that still sticks with me. So, I’m going to share it with you. In 19 years I’ve never had a dollar dance effect me this way. With over 1,000 weddings personally performed I must say that this one takes the top spot in my top ten moments of all time everything wedding. I was reminded of the event while talking to a brides mom who was a grade school teacher and has the pleasure of having one little boy wait for her every day to tell her how his day was. Even as this child grows and moves to the next grade he still comes back to her at the dismissal to say hi before heading to his mom. We tend to have some things we do as kids that truly amaze us for the rest of our lives. As I look back over my younger years, I’m glad to still have the best 1st grade teacher in the world and now my kids have that same teacher. So I know they are going to turn out alright.

 

So back to the dollar dance that will live forever in my heart and the attendants at that reception. I had a long interview with the groom who had just returned from overseas active duty. He was disabled and came home to the love of his life. The image in his heart that got him through it all. There was so much emotion and love in the room and with this couple that I’m sure no dry eyes were left after this. They had the first dance and then the brides dad came forward and shared a moment with the bride. It was magical and full of princess spins, twirls and elegance. The groom had elected not to do the mother son dance but the emotion got the  best of him and at the last minute changed his mind. It was a good thing we planned for it and had a song on back up just in case. He used a crutch and his mother helped him shift and move in a small circle for about half the song. He was worn out and needed to rest. So he gave me the signal and we gracefully faded the song out and the crowd was applauding before I had the mic in my hand. I love it when a crowd is in the moment and ahead of me.  They truly got the moment and helped make it even better by paying attention to what was going on.  Now it’s time for the dollar dance and this couple was looking forward to time one on one with the guests. But, the groom had exhausted himself and needed to recoup for some other formal events yet to come. We planned for it and started the substitute Auction in place of the dollar dance. Now the guests still see it as a dollar dance and we approach it with just a little different start. We are going to auction off a dance to the highest bidder with the bride. I’m not an auctioneer but I gave it my best.

 

I coach the groomsmen before the event and they are there to help bid it up. The couple is aware of this and the groomsmen only bid if I make eye contact with one of them. No real money is expected out of the groomsmen but sometimes an auction needs a little push to get it started. In my years I’ve had an auction go for over $600 and as low as $50. So you never know what to expect. We have a plan and know what to do and how to do it. It starts off slow and I look to a groomsman, he bids and it gains momentum. We make it to fifteen dollars and this little boy in the front row won’t stop saying ”MOM MOMMY MOM” so I take a knee and ask if I can help. He asks his mom how much money do I have in my piggy bank because he wants to dance with Cinderella.  His mom answers that he has twenty dollars and can bid on a dance with Cinderella. I accept that bid of $20 and without a word his brother starts saying “MOM MOMMY MOM how much money do I have in my piggy bank, because I want to dance with Cinderella”. He’s got $21 and the bid goes up. Another young boy starts wondering if he can dance with Cinderella and asks his mom how much money he has in his piggy bank, $22. Now I never looked in the direction of any groomsmen but without missing a bid I hear $25 from the head table. OMG, did he really just out bid these kids? Yep he did and as I look back to the boys who are crushed. I take a knee again and gather them together for some special instructions. I tell them to ask thier moms if they can pool thier money together and split the dance. I return to the bidding. The bid goes all the way up to $60 and the boys have returned just in time to bid $63 and take the high bid. I glance at the bride and she is in tears and nods at me to accept the bid and close the auction. You see it isn’t about the money to her, it’s about the magic, the moment, the Cinderella dance. I rise and announce the auction is closed and the high bidders are these three boys. They have pooled the money and stolen a dance with Cinderella. I look to my assistant and he already has the song cued. I let them take the dancefloor and the youngest takes his turn. They split the Cinderella song about one minute each and then at the end all gathered around the bride and shared the dance with her. I played the long version, okay I looped it to give them an equal time and then again to give them a minute at the end all together. The bride knew to trust me and our instincts were correct, this was a once in a lifetime magical moment that will never be repeated.

 

Thank you for letting me share this with you and here is a tissue.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ & Wedding Services

217 585 4008

www.StevensDJservice.com