frequently asked
QUESTIONS
Is my wedding date available?
That’s a great first question to ask! I regularly update my Availability Calendar with each new booking, so that is a great place to start.
How long have you been doing this professionally?
My first paid event as a wedding MC & DJ was the summer after my sophomore year of college. That year, 2006, I did two weddings (and numerous college parties, school dances, and nightclub events).
The following year, 2007, I performed at 21 weddings and the rest is history.
How many weddings have you performed at?
As of writing this answer on March 9, 2023, I have performed at 500 weddings.
Fun fact: I’ve attended one wedding as a guest.
How many weddings do you do on an average weekend?
At most, I will perform at two weddings a weekend to ensure my clients receive the best performance outcome they are expecting.
Do you perform at more than one event in a day?
I do not. By our contract, you are reserving the exclusive rights to the date your wedding is held on. This means, if you need to change your ceremony time or extend the party another hour, I have the flexibility to accommodate such requests.
Will you be the DJ personally performing at our wedding?
Of course! 🙂
Have you done events at my wedding venue?
It’s possible! But if I haven’t, there is always the option to do a site visit in advance.
In my signature 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Process, a venue walk-thru is scheduled approximately three months in advance of the wedding date.
What sets you apart from your competition?
It’s extremely difficult to answer this without bias, so I invite you to visit my Reviews page and see what my past couples have to say.
At a minimum, it will explain why they booked me over my competition.
Can you describe your style?
As a Master of Ceremonies, I use concise sentences with the right diction for the audience in front of me. My job is to introduce moments and people properly.
As a DJ, I prefer an open-format mix of genres that keeps the dance floor moving and on its toes. I play just enough of each song – the best parts to sing and dance to – and then mix in the next song as seamlessly and smoothly as possible.
It’s actually difficult to articulate something so artistic with words, so maybe it is best to just experience it by listening to one of my past mixes or watching one of my reception recaps.
Are there any other services that you provide, such as lighting design or photo booths?
You bet! These services can be added a la carte at any time. Learn more on my Service Menu.
Can you provide me with recent couples that I can contact for references?
Sure – just send an email to Hello@TonySchwartzMCDJ.com and I’ll provide a list of past couples who consent to be contacted as a reference.
Do you have any videos from a prior weddings where you performed?
I do! Head on over to the Watch page to see past receptions I’ve been a part of.
Can you help me choose the music for my processional, recessional, father-daughter dance, etc.?
Of course! During the consultation and subsequent planning process, I’ll give you some valuable advice on how to select the perfect song for each moment. You’ll also have access to my Wedding Music Guide, which offers dozens of song suggestions for each formality.
How extensive is your music library? What genres can you cover?
I’ll never say my library is the biggest, but I will say it is meticulously maintained so that I don’t have to filter through a bunch of musical “clutter”. From classic standards of the Rat Pack era to today’s top dance hits, I will have the right songs for each part of your wedding celebration: Prelude, Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and Dancing.
Do you have a go-to list of songs you play when you perform for weddings?
Many are surprised to hear this, but other than my preparing the dancing requests of my couples, I don’t prepare anything for the dance floor set. What worked the weekend before likely won’t work the next. It’s all about skilled improvisation when mixing.
How do you keep your music collection up to date?
I meticulously maintain it through an insanely organized system and process that I’ve designed and perfected over the years.
Every Wednesday, I follow my system and process to ensure I have what I’ll need for the weekend.
If your are unable to perform for some reason, do you have a backup replacement ready to go?
I have yet to miss one single show, and I don’t intend to. But if I did, I have a vast enough network of DJ colleagues that can be called upon to save the day.
P.S. I’ve had the flu, twisted ankles, and even thrown out my back once – still have yet to miss a show.
Do you take any breaks? How many and when?
No breaks are necessary. I’m well-conditioned for a five-hour wedding performance.
Do you act as the Master of Ceremonies and make all of the announcements?
You bet – I actually enjoy that responsibility as much as I do DJing! See the question above about my style as a Master of Ceremonies.
Do you take requests from our guests?
Yes, I do, but only during the reception. Please don’t ask guests for song requests in advance, especially with your RSVPs. While it sounds great in theory, it sets a terrible precedent and never works as well in practiceÂ
Can we submit a "Do Not Play" list?
Yes, of course! You’ll complete this step when you complete your planning forms in the Client Area.
What's your rate?
Great question! Head on over to my Rates page to find out.
Does that rate include setup and breakdown?
Setup and breakdown are on either side of my performance duration. So, for example, if the ceremony was scheduled for 5:00 pm, the party concludes at 10:00 pm, and you contracted me for 5.5 performance hours, the schedule would look like this:
2:30 PM – Arrive for Setup
4:30 PM – Prelude (Start of Performance Time)
5:00 PM – Ceremony
10:00 PM – End of Night (End of Performance Time)
11:00 PM – Leave After Breakdown
How much do you charge for overtime?
$300 per hour, billed in half-hour increments.
Are there any additional fees that could accrue that I am not taking into account, like travel expenses or charges for special musical requests?
There are no charges for special musical requests.
Travel expenses apply if your event is outside a 30-mile radius of my office in Puyallup, Washington. See the Rates page for details.
A 3.5% fee will apply to all payments made by credit card.
When will I receive a written contract?
Upon submitting a Booking Request after your consultation, I’ll send a contract over for review and signature via the Adobe Sign system.
How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due? Do you offer a payment plan?
The initial payment to secure your exclusive wedding date reservation is 25% of the total fee stated on the contract.
As for payment plans, you are free to create your own! The balance just needs to be paid in full four weeks prior to your wedding date.
How far in advance do I need to book you for my wedding?
Popular dates book quickly – typically twelve months or more in advance. I recommend at least five months in advance, as that will co-align with my 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Process.
What information do you need from me before the wedding day?
A lot! In order for me to help you create the best possible reception outcome, you’ll need to complete my Planning Forms in the Client Area. You’ll get a sneak peek at them during your consultation – so inquire today!
Are you insured?
Yes, I am! A Certificate of Insurance for my $2,000,000 liability policy can be provided by request.
Have you been to our venue before?
It’s possible! But if I haven’t, we may schedule a Site Visit around three months prior milestone to walk through your venue and ensure there are no unexpected surprises on wedding day!
Does any of your equipment require special electrical outlets that I need to inform my wedding site about?
Unless I’m performing internationally, I think we are good to go with a standard, three-prong, 120-volt, 15 or 20-amp receptacle.
Do you bring backup equipment?
Yes, to an extent. Since most weddings require two or more systems, the backup equipment for one system is often the equipment from the other system.
Since all of my equipment is tour-grade quality, the odds of equipment failure at an event are incredibly low.
What kind of space do you require?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If there are any special needs or requirements for performance space based on the services booked, they will be discussed during our consultation and/or subsequent planning meetings.
Do you set up a sign or banner with your equipment?
Allow me to channel my inner Michael Scott here: “No, God, please, no!”
How much time will you need for setup, soundcheck, and breakdown on the day of the event?
I usually arrive at least two hours prior to the start of the performance for setup and soundcheck. Sometimes even earlier – the last thing I want to do is race to complete soundcheck as guests start to arrive.
As for breakdown, an hour at most.
How involved are you in the planning process?
As much as you’d like me to be! I’ll answer any questions you may have – I know way more about wedding stuff than any guy should know – and I’ll always be honest and transparent in my feedback and advice to you. I don’t know much about a lot of things, but I do know what works and doesn’t work at a wedding celebration.
Will we meet again before the wedding?
Yes, we will! My 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Process will guide you through the entire entertainment design and planning steps, including an optional site visit, a virtual planning meeting, and a final confirmation phone call.
Do you do in-person meetings?
Since Covid started, and now more so due to travel requirements for my event schedule, all planning meetings are held virtually via Zoom.
Feedback has been great as everyone is in a comfortable and distraction-free environment. Plus, no sitting in traffic!
What will you wear to our wedding?
My “go-to” outfit changes each year, but expect a sharp, tailored suit unless your expected attire for guests is much more casual.
In order to not steal the spotlight from the groom, I aim to dress somewhere between guest attire and the groom’s attire.
Do you require a meal?
My in-season diet is Keto Carnivore, so I do not require a meal, as it is far easier to bring my own. However, if parts of your menu accommodate, and you’re willing, I will gladly appreciate a meal.
What is your policy on alcohol or smoking during the wedding?
I don’t smoke, so that’s an easy one.
As for alcohol, I don’t indulge on my own. However, if my clients bring a drink over during my performance, I will toast with them – and that’s it, no more after that. I will never turn down a gesture of goodwill from a client. Prost!
Is there anything we should know about your services that we haven't talked about?
Yes, and you should definitely schedule a consultation to learn more about what I do and what the process going forward will entail – from booking to Last Dance, and everything in between.
As nearly every couple exclaims after our consultation: “This is awesome – it’s more than we were expecting from a wedding DJ and we are even more excited for our wedding day!”
Do you have any questions for us?
You bet I do! I want to hear your love story and learn more about the wedding celebration you wish to have! Please reach out and schedule a consultation to get this party started!