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October 16, 2009 - 9:32 am Rev. Ted Czukor - This is great information, Curtis - but I have to tell you that many DJ's are not as professional as you, and cannot be trusted to care as much about whether my voice is being heard. As you know, I spent my early years as a stage and TV actor and had quite a bit of experience with sound systems, as well as cameras. The poor performer (or wedding officiant) is at the total mercy of the technical people, and has no way of knowing how things turned-out until he views the tape or listens to the recording afterward. By then, it's too late - the damage is done. This is why I appreciate the show-biz practice of a technical rehearsal BEFORE opening night, and why I think it would be preferable for the DJ to be at the wedding rehearsal, to give me a mic check on the equipment that I will be using on the Day. I know that's never going to happen, and I'd better get used to it. But I still think that if it's a good idea for Broadway, it's a good idea for a wedding. (By the way, even though I couldn't tell how my voice sounded to the audience, I COULD hear the mic "popping" when I pronounced P's and B's. That could have been avoided by a technical rehearsal.) Thank you for this wonderful website; it provides a unique opportunity to exchange views!

February 22, 2010 - 8:42 am Mark Sanchez - To add to the Rev. Ted's comment; Many DJ's are not as professional because most DJ's are part-timers who hold a full-time job during the week. Therefore have much less time to properly plan and prepare for weddings on the weekend. I play basketball part-time, but I'm certainly not a pro ball player. It is improbable that a DJ will set up equipment for a rehearsal, however it should be a very possible for a DJ to arrive early to give themselves enough time to not only set up, but to make the proper sound checks necessary before guests arrive. Just because a sound system works fine one day, does not mean it will work properly the next. When you pay for professional full time service you get much better results. Good post Curtis, keep climbing those mountains.

September 30, 2009 - 9:57 am Wendy Robinson - Go Cicely! Well said and very much appreciated!

September 30, 2009 - 10:03 am Jacque Dearing - Cecily... I just have to say YOU GO GIRL !!! I cant tell you how many people call to be "added to this proverbial list". I loved how you put into words exactly how we feel here too. It is sooo much more than just handing someone a business card! I would love to do "A ROUND" sometime... Jacque Dearing, Owner Thee Wedding Warehouse

September 30, 2009 - 11:02 am Liene Stevens - Great points, Cic.

September 30, 2009 - 11:29 am Aleasha Shelton - A Day to Cherish - Spot on! Thank you on behalf of our industry for speaking so well on this subject. I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts.

October 1, 2009 - 12:33 pm Angela Cook - Well put Cicely! People don't understand that you are representing your company at ALL times, in every aspect of your life. Your actions, your emails, and your conversations - speak loudly on your company's behalf. The ol "show up & throw up" approach of meeting somebody and pushing a business card on them is not how you gain referrals. You refer PEOPLE, not businesses. :)

October 1, 2009 - 1:48 pm Barbara Grace - Cicely, Well said! I especially love this line "To be frank, I don’t have a preferred vendors list, I have something even better; relationships." I see people join professional/networking associations, pass out a few business cards and sit back waiting for the group to hand feed them work and then leave the group after a year because they are "not getting any leads." It is only the people who get involved, build relationships, learn to improve their craft by relating with other industry professionals - and - stick around, that continue to get gigs. Just my 2cents. =)

October 1, 2009 - 3:39 pm Kelvin Leung - Very well said Cicely! You set the bar for vendors being professional. It's quite a list:) "kind, thoughtful, positive, problem solvers, a little flexible, creative, obtainable, trustworthy, respectful, understanding, charitable, amazingly gifted and professional"

October 1, 2009 - 11:03 pm Sherri Lucero - Nicely done, Cicely, Thank You!

October 23, 2009 - 2:11 pm Angie VanDaele - I couldn't agree more. I am a definite proponent of meeting with a Consultant as soon as possible in the wedding planning process. Well said.