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Frequently Asked Questions
We have put together answers to your most commonly asked questions. If you don't see the answer to your question, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call us @ 410.6DJ.4LUV or send us an e-mail at info@RoyalFamDJ.com.
Does the DJ act as the “Master of Ceremonies” (MC)?
It depends on what you want. The DJ's primary responsibility is to play the music and make sure people are having fun on the dance floor, but if the client would like us to make a couple of announcements we will serve as the MC at no additional cost. If you need a professional MC for making constant announcements and you want us to be very interactive, make sure to let us know early in the booking process and we can arrange to have a dedicated MC for your event. We have noticed over the years that guests don't like to hear deejays talk in private events such as weddings. It's always recommended to have someone in the family host the evening. Our standard package includes a sound system with microphone(s) that you can use to make annoucements, toasts, speeches, etc. We recommend that you designate a family member or a friend to host the evening for you.
For an additional charge, a professional MC can be arranged.
How many DJ’s do you have in your staff?
DJ Banton serves as the primary DJ but there are two other DJs who work with him and help with other bookings. We also have affiliation with other entertainment agencies across the country and around the globe who are able to accommodate our needs for additional Deejays and MCs.
What kind of music do you play?
We play the music that you and your guests want to hear. You can choose from such musical styles as: Oldies, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Reggae, Soca, Top-100, Techno, Soul, Salsa, Reggaeton, Funk, 70s, Classic Rock, 80s and/or Club Music. Keep in mind we specialize in Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, Old-school Hip-Hop, Funk, and 80s however we can perform any kind of music on your request. Royal Fam DJs are skilled at playing a wide variety of music to accomodate your guests. Currently our music library holds over 30,000 songs.
How do we make sure you have the songs we want at our event?
We have a library of approximately 30,000 songs. Chances are we will have some of your favorite songs in our library. We ask our clients to send us their playlist so we can get a good sense of what you are looking for. Once we have the playlist, we can make recommendations. If we don’t have your favorite song(s), we will get it for you before the event! Our goal is to make your event successful and to make sure you are 110% satisfied with our services. At any given moment, your DJ will be carrying close to 30,000 songs at your event.
Can we bring our favorite songs for you to play? Can we bring those songs in any format?
Yes, you may bring your favorite songs for our Deejays to play however please make sure they are in an MP3 format on a CD or on a USB jump drive. We can not play any tapes or records (LPS) as it jeopardizes the quality of the sound. In addition, tapes don’t allow us to modify any content digitally. In other words we cannot mix or use tapes on our digital equipment. Please make sure that the CD's you provide are free of any scrathes or breaks.
It depends. As a client you need to realize it’s not possible to please every single guest because everyone has a different taste in music. Also guests typically don't have a good knowledge of your program or sense of musical tempo for the night which is a key ingredient in making your event successful. We do our best to organize the event in advance and discuss your preference in music. We also ask that you submit a playlist of the music/tracks you would like to hear during the night. This playlist allows us to tailor the music according to your taste.
In our programs, we only take requests if the crowd is well managed and willing to cooperate or if the request falls within the current tempo being executed. For example, We wont play any hip-hop songs with vulgar language or explicit lyrics in a family environment. We cant play a faster song in middle of slow dancing. When people request their songs they dont think about the tempo of the event. We recommend that you designate one point of contact who can bring the requests to the DJ.
You will have a much better time if you let the DJ do his/her job. Our main goal is to put a quality show for everyone and play music that everyone likes.
We are always on time. We get to the place of your event 60-90 minutes in advance to setup our equipment. We set up early in the day so that we have plenty of time to thoroughly test the equipment and ensure that you and your guests have the best sound possible. It's also a comfort to know that your DJ will be ready to start on time before your guests arrive. Depending on the package you select and the equipment involved, it can take us any where from 30 minutes to 2 hours to setup. Anywhere over 60 minute of setup acquires additional charges.
We never take breaks, unless your program/event requires us to do so. (e.g., Slide show/video presentations/ prayers/ speeches/ toasts etc.) We can continue to play the music through the dinner and during special ceremonies. Our Deejays believe in performing nonstop for the audience so the theme of your event is never interrupted and guests are enjoying music through out the night.
Our DJs never drink alcoholic beverages at any event. Even if offered by the guest, we will politely decline the offer. We believe in order for us to perform well we need to focus on making your event successful and memorable. That’s our only priority.
What do the hosts need to provide? Do you need a banquet table?
We require 3 20-Amp plug and at least two (preferably 3) 6' or 8' covered (skirted) banquet tables set up in an L or U Shape. Depending on the size of your event, we may require more tables. We will bring all the necessary equipment with us. If there are any stairs involved, please let us know in advance so we can bring the proper lifting equipment. We also offer pre-made layouts for the evening that you can submit to your event managers or planners. Contact your assigned representative to discuss your set-ups in detail.
What kind of equipment do you bring?
We use strictly professional sound and lighting equipment (found at night clubs) for quality sound and reliability. We only use the most reliable names in the music industry. Our equipment includes components from PIONEER, SONY, GEMINI, NUMARK, AMERICAN DJ, SHURE and RANE. Depending on the size of your event, we offer variety of different equipment and set ups.
Do you have a microphone? And do you charge extra for it?
We include 1 microphone as part of our standard sound system at no additional charge. However, if additional microphones are requested (in advance), we will accommodate your needs for a nominal charge. We can provide wireless microphones for an additional charge.
The sound system is big enough to fill up a back of a standard SUV, however the main components are no bigger than a standard banquet table. Usually stands take more space than the sound system itself. To make things perfect for you we do need a spot of 15X15 Feet preferably close to an electric outlet to set up our equipment. For commercial events, we will provide all the necessary equipment as requested.
Yes. We have backup equipment available only for the events in Washington DC or Philadelphia, PA. We can not transport backup equipment for out of state events or over (30 mile radius) unless the event has attendance of more than 500 people. However, if the client or your guests damages the equipment, client will be responsible to pay for the damage components of the equipment on the spot. A detailed contract will be provided to the client prior to the event. If the equipment is broken by the DJ and the back up equipment is not available, we will not charge you for the event or we will offer you four hours of services on another desired date.
What if something goes wrong due to an accident or emergency?
As we all know, no one controls emergencies. We always have a DJ on call in the unlikely event that there is an unfortunate accident. However, in case of not making to your event, we will reimburse you 100% of the contracted rate within 30 days + $100 Gift Certificate for our services for another date.
Is there a charge for local travel?
In most cases no. We only charge for travel if the event is more than 30 miles from our studios in either Washington DC or Philadelphia, PA. We use mapping software (e.g. Google Maps, MapQuest) to calculate these distances accurately at the time of your booking.
Is there a charge for long distance travel?
Yes. Client is responsible for the traveling and lodging expenses in advance. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required prior to traveling long distances. Any destination over 30 miles away from Washington DC or Philadelphia, PA is considered long distance travel. Any destination over 100 miles requires a one night stay in a local hotel and storage however this cost will be included in the customized quote you receive from us. For International arrangements, you have to make our reservation at least 60 days in advance. Minimum stay is 7 days for an international event.
For overseas clients, a minimum of 2 months in advance booking rule applies.
Can we touch or play with the DJ’s Equipment?
No. Safety comes first. We will not allow clients or guests to touch any piece of our equipment for their own safety. We use high voltage equipment, high impact lighting fixtures, heavy stands, and in some cases extremely hot fog or flame machines. Also keep in mind, in some cases, the cost of the equipment typically exceeds over $5,000 for each event. So let us securely set up the equipment so you and your guests can sit back and enjoy the show. Also kids or adults handling food, don’t really pay much attention and often dont know how to handle the CDs properlty. To make your event successful, we need to make sure we have all the equipment and CDs secured.
How far in advance do we need to book?
We encourage you to reserve your date early and at least 3-4 months in advance. However if your event is with in a month from now, pick up the phone and call us now to check the availability. Sometimes, due to cancellations, we might have a spot available to accommodate your needs. Friday and Saturday evenings fill up quick. We follow the first come first serve rule when it comes to confirming the date of your event.
My event is being held at a major hotel, can you help us plan the event?
Certainly. We assign one point of contact to you as soon as the contract is established. Your assigned representative will be able to help you plan your event with the event manager at the hotel. He/She can also go over the set-ups, program, playlist and any other information that's necessary to cover the event. Our planners have years of experience doing the weddings and dealing with the event planners at almost every major hotel chain. Feel free to use this free service.
What is the deposit and when is the final payment due?
We require a $75 deposit and signed contract to reserve your date. The final payment of the remaining balance is due at least 28 days (4 weeks) prior to your event date. We will gladly accept your personal check, certified check, cashier's check, or money order. You can also pay on the date of your event in cash or money order prior to the scheduled start time. However settling up before the date works best since it will give you the freedom to relax and enjoy your event!
Our prices vary based on the requested number of hours for music, equipment involved and the location of the event. We do not charge extra for our setup time (within 60 minutes) or our consultations. There is an additional charge for setup if it's going to take us more than 60 minutes. There is a charge for travel if your location is over 30 miles from Washington DC. Depending on the package you select, your price can change. Please call us at 610.324.3819 or email us at info@RoyalFamDJ.com to inquire about rates and availability.