San Diego Disc Jockey Association (SDDJA),
San Diego's Premier Mobile DJ / Emcee Confederation!

Whether planning a Wedding, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a Company, School,
or Private Party, there are some important questions
you may want to ask yourself:

Are all DJs alike?

How should I choose a DJ?

How to Schedule Your Wedding Planning

What's Important in finding a Bar/Bat Mitzvah DJ?

What should my DJ do besides play music?

ARE ALL DJs ALIKE? HOW IMPORTANT IS A DJ TO MY EVENT?

There’s no question that a great DJ can make your event memorable.
A great DJ is about more than just playing great music. Your DJ should be able to help you preplan your reception or party. He or she should be able to make the necessary announcements to keep guests informed about the events that are taking place and create an atmosphere where guests will feel relaxed and be in a great mood. When appropriate, your DJ should be able to be interactive with your guests to encourage them to come up to the dance floor. Do you want your guests to still be talking about the great time they had at your reception or event for years to come?

By choosing a San Diego DJ Association member, you know you will be getting a reliable and experienced DJ / MC who is committed to the success of your event. Our members do more than just play music. We are full-service professional Djs / MCs, and can help you with many aspects of planning and coordinating your special event!

Since its inception in 1990, members of the San Diego Disc Jockey Association have subscribed to a strict code of performance ethics and business standards. All associates are veteran entertainers with years of individual experience in wedding, ethnic, and corporate environments. Each prospective member must pass a rigorous review process before being accepted for membership, thereby assuring clients that their DJ will be extremely competent and professional.

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Entertainment – All DJs are not the same
1. Choose a DJ you feel comfortable who will fit your personality.

2. Choose a DJ who understands how important your wedding day is to you and who will pay attention to the necessary details that are important to you.

3. Choose a DJ with lots of experience doing weddings. They are different from an ordinary party.

4. Is the experienced DJ you’ve been talking to going to be the one to show up, or will they send you someone you’ve never met or spoken to before?

5. Choose a DJ who can do more than just play music: Is your DJ comfortable making necessary announcements and coordinating the events at your wedding reception? Do you want your DJ to be somewhat interactive with your guests?

6. Choose a DJ who belongs to a Disc Jockey organization such as the San Diego Disc Jockey Association which has high industry standards of ethics and professionalism.

7. Choose a DJ who will dress appropriately, have a good music selection, and bring back-up equipment to the event.

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Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning Tips

Bar Mitzvah TOP 10
by Eric Sands of Sundance Productions

Ten Things to look for when hiring
a Bar/Bat Mitzvah DJ

Your DJ should….

1) BE ON THE DANCE FLOOR - That's where the party is. They shouldn’t be “hidden” behind the equipment… that's where assistants belong.
2) PACE THE PARTY - Kids eat their meal in 5 minutes. Adults take 45 minutes. What will happen during the interim?
3) MAKE THE BAR/BAT THE STAR OF THE SHOW - If not them, then who?
4) LEAD INTERACTIVE DANCES – The MC should call the moves; the “Interactive Dancers ” should show them!
5) KNOW THE TERMS - It's not called the "blessing over the bread". It's called the "Motzi over the Challah".
6) USE PARTY PROPS – Interaction makes it fun.
7) HAVE BACKBONE – to say NO to inappropriate music.
8) KNOW THE NAMES – correct pronunciations of Brothers, sisters, Mom, Dad, Rabbi, etc…
9) KEEP CHANGING THE SHOW - Within any school year, the same kids will appear over and over again - literally. If they know what to expect, then the material is too old.
10) USE ASSISTANTS – There’s only so much that a staff of one can do.

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Wedding Planning Tips

Planning Your Wedding

For many brides and grooms who are planning their wedding, the many necessary details can seem overwhelming. The following chart, compliments of SDDJA member Ken Day of Movin’ Tunes, can help your planning be much more manageable and organized.

9 to 12 Months Before the Big Day
Select a Wedding Date & Time:
Determine who will Officiate the Ceremony:
Announce Your Engagement in the Newspaper:
Determine how many guests may attend:
Determine the type of Wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme):
Select & Order the Bridesmaid's Dresses:
Establish a Preliminary Budget:
Select & Secure a Photographer:
Select & Secure a Videographer:
Select & Secure Your Ceremony Location:
Select & Secure Your Reception Location:
Select & Secure a Caterer:
Select & Secure Your DJ/MC Entertainment:
Pick out your engagement ring with your Fiancé:
Select & Secure a Florist:
Begin Choosing Your Wedding Cake Baker:

6 to 9 Months
Start Compiling the Guest List (inform family to do the same):
Select the Attendants for the Wedding:
Shop for the Wedding Dress, Headpiece, veil, etc:
Start Planning the Honeymoon:
Register with a Gift Bridal Registry in Your Favorite Store:

4 to 6 Months
Make Appointment with Your Doctor & Dentist for a Physical Exam:
Check Requirements for Blood Test and Marriage License:
Shop for Wedding Rings:
Select & Order the Invitations & Stationery:
Decide Where to Live After the Wedding:
Complete the Guest List:
Begin Shopping for Trousseau:
Send Your Wedding Announcement to the Newspaper:
Inform Mothers to Select Their Dresses:
Select & Order the Men's Attire:
Finalize Honeymoon Details & Make Reservations:

2 to 4 Months
Confirm the Menu & Catering Details with the Caterer:
Prepare All Maps & Directions for the Ceremony & Reception:
Select Your Wedding Rings:
Purchase a Wedding Guest Book:
Set the Dates & Times for the Rehearsal with the Officiant:
Plan the Bridesmaid's Luncheon & Any Other Parties:
Determine Your Resources for Designing & Printing the Programs for the Ceremony:
Finalize the Florist Details:
Finalize the Photographer Details:
Finalize the Videographer Details:
Work on the DJ/MC Entertainment Details:
Arrange Accommodations for Out of Town Guests:
Plan Rehearsal Dinner, Time & Place:
Confirm Wedding cake Details with Baker:

6 to 8 Weeks
Mail Invitations and Announcements:
Prepare Portrait for Newspaper (check local newspaper for requirements & timing):
Set up Appointment with Photographer for Your Formal Bridal Portrait:
Select Gift for All Your Attendants:
Set up Appointments with any Hairdressers and/or Makeup Artists:
Hire the Limousine or Other forms of Transportation:

4 to 6 Week
Decide on a Menu fosr the Reception (estimate the number of guests):
Buy a Gift for the Groom:
Schedule a Final Fitting for Your Gown so it can be ready for the Formal Bridal Portrait:
Purchase a Going Away Outfit:
Pick up Your Wedding Rings:
Purchase (borrow) All Wedding Accessories (Ring Pillow, Goblets, Garter, Candles, Etc.):
Confirm Florist Details & Delivery Times:
Plan the Seating for the Reception:
Write the Place Cards:
Make Sure All Bridesmaids' Attire has been Fitted:
Purchase a Gift for the Bride:

2 Weeks Before
Set up Final Consultation with our DJ/MC Entertainer:
Make Arrangements to have Your Wedding Gift Transported to Your New Home:
Handle Business & Legal Details (name changes, address changes, etc):
Prepare the Wedding Announcements for the Newspaper:
Reconfirm Your Guests' Accommodations:
Make Sure All Clothing & Accessories are Ready for You & the Bridal Party:
Get Your Marriage License & Any Blood Tests which are Needed:

The Week Before
Review any Seating Details with the Ushers:
Make Certain All Wedding Attire Fits:
Finalize the Seating Arrangements:
Reconfirm Your Honeymoon Reservations:
Ensure You Have Your Travel Tickets:
Start Packing for Your Honeymoon:
Contact Any Guests who have Not Responded Yet:
Complete the Place Cards:
Review All the Final Details with the Photographer & Videographer:
Provide a Final Guest Count to the Caterer:
Delegate Specific Responsibilities to Reliable Individuals for the Wedding Day:
Wrap & Present the Wedding Party Gifts:
Finalize the Rehearsal Dinner Arrangements:

The Day Before
Get a Manicure and Massage to Get Relaxed:
Stay with Your Family the Night Before & Get Some Rest:
Review & Rehearse All the Details of Your Participants:

The BIG Day
Ensure the Best Man & Maid/Matron of Honor Sign the Marriage Certificate:
Allow Ample Time to Get Dressed:
Enjoy Your Wonderful Wedding Day & Cherish the Moment(s):
Be Sure to Eat:
Rest & Relax with a Good Bath:
Prepare for Your Appointments with the Hairdresser & Makeup Artist:

For your Event:
EVENT INQUIRY FORM

For Members and Guests:
SDDJA Forum Discussions