Q: Is being a DJ/MC your fulltime career?
A: I have been fulltime in the DJ entertainment industry since 1991, dedicating much of my “outside of performance” time running the business, researching better ways to perform, as well as promoting the DJ industry.
Q: Are your prices below average, average, or above average, and why?
A: Expressions rates are above average in the Westman market. I attribute this to the 20 years of experience that I bring to your event, as well as the extras that I include. These extras range from the one-on-one pre-event planning and overall event interactivity, to much, much more. Many DJ’s will do primarily the same thing at each event, but it’s the ability to get them done in the way you want them that makes the difference.
Q: Will I be guaranteed to get the DJ that I want?
A: Expressions Entertainment is a single DJ operation, so when you book me to entertain for you, it will be me at your event. In the case of emergency, a back up DJ is ready to step in, but only if completely necessary.
Q: Are you a member of any industry trade organizations?
A: Absolutely! I am an annual member of the Canadian Disc Jockey Association, as well as involved with ProDJ.com and the Canadian Online Disc Jockey Association. I also contribute to the “Everything About Weddings” discussion board at www.eBrandon.ca. I feel that it is important to be involved with such organizations to better not only my performances and business conductivity, but to improve this exciting industry.
Q: How can you assist me in planning the agenda for my ceremony & reception?
A: I have a free online pdf style Reception Planner downloadable from anywhere in the world. I am actively involved with each of my clients in the planning stages, offering any advice and expertise that I can. Since I have been actively playing at wedding celebrations since 1991, my experience can be very helpful to a bride that has very little experience in this field.
Q: How many songs can I select for my ceremony and reception?
A: If you so wish, all of them! Your input is vital in creating the celebration you want and your requests are given top priority. I do try to incorporate the guests requests in as much as possible at every event, but when it comes down to it, this is your event; lets have it your way! Whether it be the background music, special dance selections or general dance requests, you are invited to give as much input as possible.
Q: What creative ideas can you share for making our wedding celebration more fun?
A: I like to get background information on my clients and create moments that become truly memorable. Little things like explaining why a certain song was chosen for a special dance, or using a fun activity to include your guests and get them more involved with your event. I like to stray from the “cookie cutter” reception, and make each one special.
Q: What responsibility do you take for directing the pacing and flow of our reception’s agenda?
A: Because your wedding day will be so full of activity, I try to remove as much stress from the couple as possible. I do this by working with each client to discover their timeline, and then work it to the best I can. I watch the clock and monitor the room’s activity to ensure that all of the planned special moments are carried through at just the right time, and do my best to educate the guests on what is coming up do they don’t miss anything. I also do my best to work with your other vendors (hall, caterer, photographer, etc) to avoid any unwanted hick-ups.
Q: Are you familiar with our ceremony and reception locations?
A: Through the years, I have had the opportunity to perform in most of the venues in Western Manitoba, as well as many in South Eastern Saskatchewan. I continuously work locally with the Victoria Inn, Royal Oak Inn, Keystone Centre and Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA), and have done many ceremonies in various Brandon outdoors areas. If it should happen that I am unfamiliar with a venue, I will take the time to get to know the layout of the facility prior to the event date to ensure that I can provide the very best sound possible.
Q: What entertainment background will my DJ have?
A: I have been in the DJ entertainment industry since I was 14 years old (20 years). I have been involved in sound and lighting of stage productions, and am an on-air radio personality, broadcasting to western Manitoba and the world via online streaming audio at a local FM station.
Q: What can you tell me about your services and performance that sets you apart from the rest?
A: Experience and a true dedication to my clients to create a fun and memorable celebration.
Q: What improvements have you made in your services or performances in the last 2 years?
A: I continually search out new ways to entertain my clients and their guests. I have added extras such as “Make Your Own Jeopardy”, Karaoke, Music Bingo and “Jail & Bail”. I have added another wireless microphone to my sound system so that in the case of multiple speakers, the microphone will not need to be “shared”.
Q: Do you have feedback surveys that verify your skill level and talent?
A: I do. I believe that I can better my performance with input from past clients. Copies are available to review at my office at anytime.
Q: Can we come watch you perform at an upcoming wedding reception?
A: Rather than sit in on a stranger’s wedding reception (as I’m sure you’d agree that you wouldn’t want someone to “crash” your celebration), I have raw video footage available to review. This allows you to view the prominent moments of the event in the comfort of your own home, and at a time that best suits you. Some of this footage will be available on this website to view very soon.
Q: How will you create a full dance floor at my reception?
A: How would you like to see the dance floor get filled? Every reception is different, thus requiring a blend of the perfect music and interactivity. Using key songs at the appropriate times, as well as asking for your guest’s assistance on the dance floor for special moments and group dances certainly help.
Q: Will you and your equipment be presented in an appropriate manor?
A: In the pre-planning stages, I can get an idea of what you would like for your reception, and then dress accordingly. If you are going to for traditional, a suit & tie is mandatory, and if you are setting a theme, with your approval, I will respectfully dress to the occasion!
I do everything in my power to keep my sound system set up tidy and clear of clutter and strewn cables. I use table skirting, as well as a table top façade to “hide” my equipment. I do not use any company signage on my table or sound equipment for the purposes of advertising. I feel that sort of advertising cheesy and disrespectful to the guests of honour. A picture of my system set up is on the Pictures page of this website.
Q: What is more important; professional equipment or unique talent?
A: Though I believe that the right equipment is an essential tool to an event’s success (as a better brand of amplifier may help the overall sound of the entertainment), as it’s the ability to create a fun and entertaining event that will inevitably get you the best reception.
Q: Will you charge us extra for additional speakers or wireless microphones?
A: As I am charging a professional fee for my services, I feel that it is my responsibility to ensure that each event has the appropriate equipment. I have a complete inventory at my disposal to do so.
Q: Do you have back up systems for your equipment?
A: Absolutely yes! I carry backup equipment to every show, including a mixer, laptop computer, microphones, amplifier and speakers. I also carry a small inventory of replacement lamps for my lighting, as well as a variety of cables and cords.
Q: How many microphones will you provide for our wedding ceremony?
A: Each ceremony gets a wireless lapel microphone for your minister, as well as 2 handheld wireless microphones for singing performers and scripture readers. A wired microphone is onsite as back up.
The above questions can be found in Peter Merry’s book, “The Best Wedding Reception, Ever!” It is available for purchase at www.thebestweddingreceptionever.com, and is an incredibly useful tool in creating a fantastic celebration.
2007 Social & Wedding Rates
Your Pre/Post Wedding Social
4 hours of entertainment
Deluxe Personalized social tickets
Handy social planning checklist
Dance floor lighting
Bubble machine
Starting At $499.00*
“Jail & Bail” NOW AVAILABLE! ($99.00)
Your Wedding Ceremony:
Adequate P.A. support for the location, hidden as best as possible, but set up for comfortable, level sound
Wireless microphone for the minister/marriage commissioner (optional added lapels for the bride & groom)
Optional audio plug-in for your videographer’s camera (no additional charge)
Background music for 20 minutes prior to the service
Playing of the music for the entrance, marriage certificate signing & your exit as husband & wife
Up to 20 minutes of additional background music after the service has concluded
Singers and other performers have the option of using the sound system (no additional charge)
$249.00* (Ceremony at same location as reception, utilizing the reception’s sound system)
$299.00* (Separate P.A. support from the reception)
Your Wedding Reception Entertainment
“The Dance”
Free in depth Reception Planning handbook
Dance floor lighting and 2 bubble machines
Interactive games & fun moments
Constantly monitored music levels
Open music request format
The most fun we can pack into 4 hours!
Generally 9 pm – 1 am
Signed agreement/contract for your event
$649.00 + GST
“The Extended Dance”
Free in depth Reception Planning handbook
Dance floor lighting and bubble machines
Interactive games & fun moments
Constantly monitored music levels
Open music request format
The most fun we can pack into 5 hours!
Generally 8 pm – 1 am
Signed agreement/contract for your event
$749.00 + GST
“The Classic”
Cocktail & Dinner Music
Wireless microphone for speeches & announcements
Audio plug in for slide, power point or DVD presentations
Free in depth Reception Planning handbook
Dance floor lighting and bubble machines
Interactive games & fun moments
Constantly monitored music levels
Open music request format
Generally 5 pm – 1 am
Signed agreement/contract for your event!
$999.00*
Now Available, Your Complete Wedding Reception Experience
(The Premium Reception Package!):
Includes the above mentioned wedding reception goodies
I will offer to be your Event Director, working with your vendors (hall representative, caterer, photographers, etc), ensuring that the entire reception runs smoothly. This will eliminate any worries you may have over the flow of the event. All will be contacted prior to the event date to review the timeline.
I will act as your professional MC, looking after all introductions and announcements from the time your guests begin to arrive. I will work with you to create the timeline, then conduct the cocktail, dinner and speech portions of the evening in a clean and fun presentation. I do not use inappropriate jokes or comments when given Master of Ceremonies responsibilities. I will also contact any special guests making speeches or toasts to review the timeline, as well as offer advice on how to deliver a fantastic speech or toast.
$1299.00*
* All prices are subject to GST. A mileage rate will be added to any event outside of Brandon.
Our mileage rate is currently $0.625/km for both directions (Example: Carberry 45km (90km roundtrip) = $56.25)
** Fun activities to get your guests involved and having the best time possible! A full list is available upon request.
