FAQs • Frequently Asked Questions
What should you think about when interviewing your DJ and/or musicians for your wedding day or special event?
Your DJ/MC and/or musician vendors should be folks you will completely trust to do an amazing job on your wedding day. After reviewing your potential music resources online and their website, and they have garnered your interest, reach out directly (email, text, or phone). Schedule a time to personally interview with them. You need to get your questions answered, and, see if you resonate with them, and in addition pick up some tips and guidance.
What makes our company different then our competitors?
Benny Be Music Productions uniquely customizes music tailored for your wedding or special event. With our fair and competitive wholesale pricing, we incorporate years of experience from hundreds of wedding and special events and happy clients. Most importantly WE LISTEN and develop an understanding of what you’re looking for. Every wedding or special event should be distinctive and special. We’re here to collaborate and create that with you.
Is there extra cost required for the DJ to also act as an MC (Master of Ceremonies)?
No. Whether it’s a live music combo and/or our DJ services, you will get a world-class MC along with it for each and every package. Reading a room and being completely comfortable working with diverse groups of people and other vendors, is our specialty.
What do most wedding packages look like?
The Pre-Ceremony/Ceremony
The Cocktail Hour
The Reception/Dinner/Dancing
What is the standard cost of a wedding package?
It always depends on your customized package.
But as a reference, average package prices range from $2000 to $3500
For weddings that can generally encompass all 3 phases of the total wedding event (the ceremony, the cocktail hour, and the reception). While it’s possible to hire us for any one of these phases of the wedding, it’s highly recommended and very cost effective when we cover the duration of the entire event.
How does the client let the DJ/MC know what needs to be announced at their wedding?
We always advocate a precise, simple, professional approach to making announcements. While music matters the most to us, announcements and communication to the guests are needed to coordinate the whole event. Announcements are an integral part of the overall celebration and establishes flow and supports the timeline. We’re here to provide that whether the approach is simple and organic, a more complex approach, or the MC needs to work off of a script written by the client. We can accommodate this all and are completely skilled for any approach.
How far in advance should you book a DJ or live music?
Quite often, the typical time range for booking and planning for DJs & Musicians can be from 12 to 18 months in advance. But, also it can be 3 to 6 months in advance. Last minute bookings can also occur but tend to be rarer. Bottom line, contact us and we can check out availability whether it is well in advance or less so. We’re here to let you know, so don’t hesitate to contact us!
Is there a minimum time frame to book musicians and our DJ?
Yes. There is a minimum of 1.5 to 2 hours for our musicians, with a maximum of 4 hours.
If there is more than an hour of travel time out of San Francisco, we would require 2 hours of the musicians.
For the DJ/MC services, we require a minimum of 3 hours, with a maximum of 6 hours.
Aside from DJ, what live music/musician options do you provide?
Whether you're considering a Wedding DJ with Live Music, Classical Ceremony Music, a DJ Hybrid blend, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz/Classic Rock Band, or want to consider various options we're here to help you decide. From traditional, to classic, to unique, to otherworldly, we will expertly customize your wedding or special event to what you uniquely envision for a truly momentous and special wedding day.
We work with exceptional, professional and experienced musicians to fulfill soloist, duos, trios, quartets or larger bands in many genres and styles. We’d love to discuss options with you!
What type of commercial liability insurance should your DJ & musicians have?
General commercial liability insurance is not necessarily a requirement to hire a DJ and/or musicians. However, Benny Be Music Productions does carry comprehensive commercial liability insurance to protect the client, the venue, and the DJ and musicians. Some venues do require a “customized” COI (Certificate of Insurance), which is usually mentioned in the contract between the client and venue. We do provide these when required by the venue.
How much time in advance does the DJ need to arrive at the venue for set up?
We prefer not to be in a hurry while setting up. Ideally, 1.5 to 2.5 hours before start time is the norm for our company to set-up any typical DJ/musician set-up. Your event set up should NEVER be rushed.
Are there any set up or breakdown fees that the client is to pay?
No. We do not feel that clients should ever have to pay for set up or break down time. The client is only charged for “performance times” and never for set up or post event breakdown times
Can clients request specific songs they would like our musicians and/or DJ to play?
Absolutely! That’s what we are here for. We encourage all of our clients to chat with us on their preferences and musical vision and review our song lists to establish baseline styles and song variety for their event. Our specialty is to personally consult with you. We share our planning tools with you such as worksheets, song lists, stylesheets, trending lists, recommendations, etc.
Can the DJ take requests from guests on the day of the event?
Of course! This is something clients and the DJ are always consulting together and deciding on. Most clients DO want to pick their own styles of songs ahead of time. And, truthfully, most guest requests happen during the dance portion of the event. We provide what the client wants, and to have the dance floor filled and alive with their dancing and celebrating guests.
What are some great services we offer as add-ons to the package?
Our add-on services can assist greatly in enhancing your event. There are great options for the ceremony sound with wireless lapel and hand-held mics. We have great lighting options with a variety of up-lights, par wash lights, and dance floor effects lights.
How does it work with booking fee and the final payment?
After our initial consultation on customizing your requirements and package, once you (the client) greenlights the contract booking process, we allow a 2 day grace period for reviewing and editing the contract accordingly. It is important to observe this 2 day grace period, so that we can hold the date and book the talent.
Once the contract is signed, a deposit will be required via PayPal or Venmo. Add-ons can always be added at a later date. The final amount minus the deposit with the add-ons (if applicable), will be due a week prior to the event. This will allow us to pay our people on the day of the event.
Please note we cannot hold the date or book the talent without the initial signed agreement and deposit. Our policy is first come, first serve, meaning that after the 2 day grace period, if the either of these items has not arrived, the date is still open for another client.
What if we go into overtime past the contracted time on the contract?
Not an issue for any of our services. Overtime is always outlined on all contracts for both our live combos and our DJ/MC services. Overtime costs are always based on what type of service is in motion during the last 30 minutes of our performance.
Should the client tip the DJ and/or musicians?
This question comes up a lot, so this is only listed here as a guide based on the frequent inquiries. While it’s not mandatory, vendor gratuity has been part of wedding culture for some time and of course is always appreciated. Here’s great link from Budget Savvy Bride.
If clients deem our performance above and beyond their expectations and are planning vendor gratuities, then generally : cash on the day of or paying a tip via our Payment Options Page with PayPal or Venmo post event is totally fine.
Given these uncertain times of Covid if the event needs to be postponed due to illness or re-scheduled what happens then?
In this unfortunate scenario, re-scheduling the event is always the best option. We will try our best to accommodate a future date that is open. Please note that when this occurred in the past couple years we were able to accommodate rescheduling events successfully.
Your DJ/MC and/or musician vendors should be folks you will completely trust to do an amazing job on your wedding day. After reviewing your potential music resources online and their website, and they have garnered your interest, reach out directly (email, text, or phone). Schedule a time to personally interview with them. You need to get your questions answered, and, see if you resonate with them, and in addition pick up some tips and guidance.
What makes our company different then our competitors?
Benny Be Music Productions uniquely customizes music tailored for your wedding or special event. With our fair and competitive wholesale pricing, we incorporate years of experience from hundreds of wedding and special events and happy clients. Most importantly WE LISTEN and develop an understanding of what you’re looking for. Every wedding or special event should be distinctive and special. We’re here to collaborate and create that with you.
Is there extra cost required for the DJ to also act as an MC (Master of Ceremonies)?
No. Whether it’s a live music combo and/or our DJ services, you will get a world-class MC along with it for each and every package. Reading a room and being completely comfortable working with diverse groups of people and other vendors, is our specialty.
What do most wedding packages look like?
The Pre-Ceremony/Ceremony
The Cocktail Hour
The Reception/Dinner/Dancing
What is the standard cost of a wedding package?
It always depends on your customized package.
But as a reference, average package prices range from $2000 to $3500
For weddings that can generally encompass all 3 phases of the total wedding event (the ceremony, the cocktail hour, and the reception). While it’s possible to hire us for any one of these phases of the wedding, it’s highly recommended and very cost effective when we cover the duration of the entire event.
How does the client let the DJ/MC know what needs to be announced at their wedding?
We always advocate a precise, simple, professional approach to making announcements. While music matters the most to us, announcements and communication to the guests are needed to coordinate the whole event. Announcements are an integral part of the overall celebration and establishes flow and supports the timeline. We’re here to provide that whether the approach is simple and organic, a more complex approach, or the MC needs to work off of a script written by the client. We can accommodate this all and are completely skilled for any approach.
How far in advance should you book a DJ or live music?
Quite often, the typical time range for booking and planning for DJs & Musicians can be from 12 to 18 months in advance. But, also it can be 3 to 6 months in advance. Last minute bookings can also occur but tend to be rarer. Bottom line, contact us and we can check out availability whether it is well in advance or less so. We’re here to let you know, so don’t hesitate to contact us!
Is there a minimum time frame to book musicians and our DJ?
Yes. There is a minimum of 1.5 to 2 hours for our musicians, with a maximum of 4 hours.
If there is more than an hour of travel time out of San Francisco, we would require 2 hours of the musicians.
For the DJ/MC services, we require a minimum of 3 hours, with a maximum of 6 hours.
Aside from DJ, what live music/musician options do you provide?
Whether you're considering a Wedding DJ with Live Music, Classical Ceremony Music, a DJ Hybrid blend, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz/Classic Rock Band, or want to consider various options we're here to help you decide. From traditional, to classic, to unique, to otherworldly, we will expertly customize your wedding or special event to what you uniquely envision for a truly momentous and special wedding day.
We work with exceptional, professional and experienced musicians to fulfill soloist, duos, trios, quartets or larger bands in many genres and styles. We’d love to discuss options with you!
What type of commercial liability insurance should your DJ & musicians have?
General commercial liability insurance is not necessarily a requirement to hire a DJ and/or musicians. However, Benny Be Music Productions does carry comprehensive commercial liability insurance to protect the client, the venue, and the DJ and musicians. Some venues do require a “customized” COI (Certificate of Insurance), which is usually mentioned in the contract between the client and venue. We do provide these when required by the venue.
How much time in advance does the DJ need to arrive at the venue for set up?
We prefer not to be in a hurry while setting up. Ideally, 1.5 to 2.5 hours before start time is the norm for our company to set-up any typical DJ/musician set-up. Your event set up should NEVER be rushed.
Are there any set up or breakdown fees that the client is to pay?
No. We do not feel that clients should ever have to pay for set up or break down time. The client is only charged for “performance times” and never for set up or post event breakdown times
Can clients request specific songs they would like our musicians and/or DJ to play?
Absolutely! That’s what we are here for. We encourage all of our clients to chat with us on their preferences and musical vision and review our song lists to establish baseline styles and song variety for their event. Our specialty is to personally consult with you. We share our planning tools with you such as worksheets, song lists, stylesheets, trending lists, recommendations, etc.
Can the DJ take requests from guests on the day of the event?
Of course! This is something clients and the DJ are always consulting together and deciding on. Most clients DO want to pick their own styles of songs ahead of time. And, truthfully, most guest requests happen during the dance portion of the event. We provide what the client wants, and to have the dance floor filled and alive with their dancing and celebrating guests.
What are some great services we offer as add-ons to the package?
Our add-on services can assist greatly in enhancing your event. There are great options for the ceremony sound with wireless lapel and hand-held mics. We have great lighting options with a variety of up-lights, par wash lights, and dance floor effects lights.
How does it work with booking fee and the final payment?
After our initial consultation on customizing your requirements and package, once you (the client) greenlights the contract booking process, we allow a 2 day grace period for reviewing and editing the contract accordingly. It is important to observe this 2 day grace period, so that we can hold the date and book the talent.
Once the contract is signed, a deposit will be required via PayPal or Venmo. Add-ons can always be added at a later date. The final amount minus the deposit with the add-ons (if applicable), will be due a week prior to the event. This will allow us to pay our people on the day of the event.
Please note we cannot hold the date or book the talent without the initial signed agreement and deposit. Our policy is first come, first serve, meaning that after the 2 day grace period, if the either of these items has not arrived, the date is still open for another client.
What if we go into overtime past the contracted time on the contract?
Not an issue for any of our services. Overtime is always outlined on all contracts for both our live combos and our DJ/MC services. Overtime costs are always based on what type of service is in motion during the last 30 minutes of our performance.
Should the client tip the DJ and/or musicians?
This question comes up a lot, so this is only listed here as a guide based on the frequent inquiries. While it’s not mandatory, vendor gratuity has been part of wedding culture for some time and of course is always appreciated. Here’s great link from Budget Savvy Bride.
If clients deem our performance above and beyond their expectations and are planning vendor gratuities, then generally : cash on the day of or paying a tip via our Payment Options Page with PayPal or Venmo post event is totally fine.
Given these uncertain times of Covid if the event needs to be postponed due to illness or re-scheduled what happens then?
In this unfortunate scenario, re-scheduling the event is always the best option. We will try our best to accommodate a future date that is open. Please note that when this occurred in the past couple years we were able to accommodate rescheduling events successfully.
