For DJ's... My Preferred DJ Gear

Now this is my opinion, but I suggest the following DJ gear based on both quality and value...

1. SPEAKERS (TOPS) For compact, world-class sound, I have two recommendations... Mackie SRM450 powered speakers, and the JBL EON15 G2 powered speakers. Both of these are costly but your investment will pay off because you will get 5 to 10 years of use. In addition, since these are powered speakers, you don't have to purchase and haul around a heavy amp.

2. LIGHTING- LED Lighting is ideal for DJ's in my opinion because they run cool andhave an extrememely long bulb life. My personal favorite is the American DJ Reflex because it's like two lights in one. You can't go wrong with any LED. Also Chauvet has a line of good LED's that are relatively inexpensive.

3. MICS- Shure SM58S is my mic of preference. When it comes to mics, I believe in only using Shure. Don't skimp and get a cheap mic because nothing will hurt your show more than having feedback, popping, and bad sound!

4. DJ SOFTWARE- Virtual DJ. http://www.virtualdj.com/ This is my hands down favorite because of easy of use and tons of features. Watch my YouTube response to those reading my book by clicking this link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLAWLjuvqOc

Well these are just a few suggestions. You can find most of the DJ items and more by visiting my online store at...

http://www.crumpstore.zlio.net/

Suggestions For First Dance, Father/Daugher Dance, and Mother/Son Dance

Sometimes, choosing the perfect songs can be difficult with all your other responsibilities going on as you come up to your big wedding day!

Please find my list below for the most requested wedding reception songs in the last 10 years(first dance, father/daughter dance, and mother/son dance)...

I hope this helps you out!

First Dance

Kelly Clarkson- Moment Like This
Nat King Cole- Unforgettable
Elvis- Can’t Help Falling In Love
Allison Kraus- When You Say Nothing At all
Journey- Faithfully
Mariah Carey- Hero
John Michael Montgomery- I Swear
Eric Clapton- Wonderful Tonight
Etta James- At last
Shania Twain- From This Moment

Father/Daughter Dance

Bob Carlisle- Butterfly Kisses
Temptations- My Girl
Heartland- I Love Her First
Bette Midler- The Wind Beneath My Wings
Van Morrison- Have I Told You Lately
Kenny Rogers- Through The Years
Stevie Wonder- Isn’t She Lovely
Holly Dunn- Daddy’s Hand
Elton John- Friends

Mother/Son Dance

Eric Clapton- Wonderful Tonight
Ben E. King- Stand By Me
Boyz 2 Men- A Song For Mama
Van Morrison- Moon Dance
The Beatles- In My Life
Louis Armstrong- What A Wonderful World
Mariah Carey- Hero
Celine Dion- Because You Loved me
Peter Gabriel- In Your Eyes
Sunrise Sunset

How To Hire Your Wedding DJ... 7 Useful Tips

Your wedding DJ has a HUGE impact on the success of your event. Since most of you will only hire a DJ 2 or 3 times in your life, you may find these tips useful...

1. Make sure you have a written contract stating the ACTUAL DJ for your event. In some cases you will meet and hire a DJ only to find out that a different DJ actually shows up at your wedding!

2. Ask for references and check them. One of the best ways to find the perfect DJ is to ask your friends for referrals. Also, you can call hotels or banquet facilities and many will have a "preferred vendor" list that will do a great job for you.

3. Have an in-person or phone conversation with the actual DJ least 3 days before your actual wedding. This allows you to make sure you all the last minute details are resolved.

4. Check on overtime and hidden fees. A percentage of 4 hour events end up requiring an extra hour or two because the guests are still having a great time. Find out this rate in advance because most DJ's require payment that night for overtime.

5. Verify the attire for your DJ! This is important to know how he or she will be dressed.

6. Ask your DJ for "off night" discounts. Often, if you have your event on a Friday night or weeknight, you can get discounts. Also, some companies will give an "early bird or afternoon" discount if you start early (which gives your DJ the opportunity to work 2 events that day). Be careful not to negotiate the rate down too much because you may demotivate your performer!

7. Find out if your DJ will help you plan the timeline of your reception. The professional DJ company will have a wedding planner form and assist you with the planning of your reception. A seperate wedding coordinator is not needed if you have a great DJ.

My First Post! Welcome To My Blog

Thank you for visiting! My name is Forrest M. Crump and I founded Xceptional Dj's in 1997. I'm excited to share my 11 years of experience in the mobile DJ industry with you!

My focus for this blog is on the small to medium sized party industry such as weddings, schools, and companies. My goal is for both clients (brides and grooms) and DJ's to read my postings and gain valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the industry.

I will not waste your time with B.S... I will fill this blog with useful, concise, and original information written by myself!

If you are a DJ, my goal is to share my experience and inspire you to start your career or improve aspects your existing business.

If you are a bride or client you will learn useful, inside information that will allow you to feel more comfortable about dealing with and hiring a mobile DJ.

I strongly encourage you to subscribe to my blog. Also, feel free to email me at xceptionaldjs@hotmail.com .Thank you and enjoy!