FAQs
FAQs:
Got a Different Question?
Call us at (416) 742-5425
We’ve divided our FAQs into three groups, consistent with our services. We offer a blunt, super short answer, followed by a more detailed explanation. This allows you to zip through and get your answers, or spend some time and get a real insight into the “Science Behind the Art™”.
DJ and Music Questions and Answers
How far in advance should I book my DJ services?
The short answer is: As soon as you book the hall.
The longer answer is: Don’t rush into it. We recommend that just as you may have visited several halls, you may wish to interview a few DJs to know the range of prices, range of service options and understand how to compare apples to apples. Once you know what the DJs offer, what the halls allow or don’t, what they include or don’t, you can draw up a master plan and budget, so you get what you want. We have had a few clients call us to check availability and then find a hall that is available on those dates too! They wanted Perpetual Rhythms. We were as astounded as you, but it happens. And we were more than amazed that they felt so strongly about our services as to allow our schedule to decide their wedding date.
Once you have a hall, and hence a date, then, after interviewing a few DJs, as soon as you find a DJ with whom you are comfortable, who you trust to take care of your wedding reception, you should book them. Realize that many other brides with the same date as you are doing the same thing as you are, so delaying could cost you that DJ service, and now you’re settling for second best, according to you, and it only gets worse from there. So we suggest…
“If you see it, and you like it, book it!”
Will I meet my DJ (or get a surprise at my reception)?
Yes (No) – Yes, you will meet the DJ who will be doing your wedding before you book us, and NO, you won’t get a surprise at the wedding. We do not sub-contract our bookings to other DJs/companies, just to make a commission. Instead, sadly, we simply decline the client’s business and offer you the contact information of some DJs that you could contact. And, we don’t get a commission from them either.
At Perpetual Rhythms, you will meet the DJ before you even book your wedding with us. We’re as fussy about who we work for as our clients about who they hire, so if the chemistry, the feel, the fit isn’t right, we’ll just tell you. We aren’t so bold as to think that we are the perfect answer to every client’s needs. We also wish to be comfortable with the bookings for which we take responsibility. We don’t need the stress and neither do you. So let’s discuss your wishes, hopes and dreams, and if we can prove to you that we can make it happen, then you should hire us. If we don’t think we can, even if you do, we will simply and respectfully decline your wedding and wish you the very best. We maintain that the truth always comes out, so why risk ruining our reputation and your wedding on a false hope? We hope that you appreciate our integrity.
If you hire Perpetual Rhythms, you get Perpetual Rhythms.
What if my hall has an in-house DJ service?
No Problem. Some banquet halls have taken the approach of installing speakers in their ceilings and offer an in-house DJ service included in the total price for reception. If you really want a different DJ or you don’t like the sound of the music when they audition the system for you (make sure they do, or, how will you really know???), you may have to pay a fee to the hall not to use their DJ system and then hire your own preferred DJ service. It may be costlier, but Perpetual Rhythms has been hired under these circumstances by clients who simply want what we offer. We are pleased to be held in such high regard by these clients. When we meet with you, we can explain the advantages we offer, and why we find ourselves at halls that have in-house DJ services. Check with your hall as to your options to avoid any disappointment.
I’m having a band. Do I also need a DJ ?
Yes. We’ve worked with bands for decades and it has always been a successful “marriage.” So the answer to your question “Do I also need a DJ?” is “I Do.” (Sounds like a wedding vow!).
There is no question that a live band offers a performance component that most single DJ personalities cannot. However, even the best bands will have a limited repertoire of songs that they play based on their vocal and instrumental talents, and cannot be expected to sound like the original recordings. Also, to maintain their level of quality, they may not be up to date with songs that are currently playing on hit radio stations or in the clubs. Finally, bands take well-deserved breaks between sets.
Perpetual Rhythms can complement the band by providing cocktail and dinner music before the band goes on stage, play songs other than those on their play list, by coordinating in advance to ensure we don’t intrude on the headline performers. We can play those requests and popular songs not in the band’s repertoire at all and those newer songs that they have not yet mastered. And all this takes place during their breaks, so you have a non stop evening of dancing. Some bands offer a CD playing while they take a break, so as not to give up their headline status. We think that two can share the spotlight, musically, and that Perpetual Rhythms can offer better value that a background CD when the party mood is in the air.
Compared to a half hour lulls several times a night, especially if you’re paying for the bar, our DJ services would be paid for just because we keep them dancing rather than drinking!!!
Lighting Questions and Answers
Do I need lighting at my wedding reception?
No. Just like you don’t need air conditioning in your car in the summer. But it’s nice to have.
Lighting engages the visual sense, which when added to hearing, creates a total sensoral experience (I should have been a shrink!). Seriously, it definitely adds colour, movement and attention to the dance floor, even in a smaller room where it’s obvious where the dance floor is! It sets the mood for the songs and adds an entertainment value for those not dancing, so they stay interested in the party and stay longer to enjoy your reception.
How extensive is the Lighting System?
Our smallest package is three computer controlled intelligent DMX LED fixtures. Our bigger lighting system, which we call “The Beast” is a nightclub on wheels, and you have to see this to believe it. We also offer room mood lighting, where we wash the walls in glowing colour, keyed to the colour theme of your wedding or the bridesmaids’ dresses. How dreamy is that? We think is it important to have a multitude of lighting fixtures, for variety of colour, pattern, motion and mood, and of course, RELIABILITY. Beware of DJs offering a one or two lighting fixtures, or claim to have intelligent lights, but without the controls that make it so. Are they intelligent, or just the lights? We think you deserve better, and we believe our offering outshines the competition.
Our cutting edge lighting systems include many different lighting effects, over which we have complete control of every function (via DMX control).
Will the lights be shining in my guests’ eyes at the dinner tables?
No. We set up and aim the lights to ensure they cover the dance floor, wash the wall or the ceiling and are prepared to make adjustments if we find the light beams land too close to a table of guests. We want to enhance their time at your reception, not give them reason to leave early.
Do you offer other Special Effects?
Yes and No: Yes, we have a Haze machine that highlights the beams of light for that nightclub look, but is not a health hazard in any way. However on the “no” side is the fact that many halls preclude confetti cannons, streamer cannons, soap bubbles, dry ice (which turns to water, buckles wood floors and we’ve seen dances stopped while the hall mops the floors), and indoor fireworks (even the Fire Marshall has issues with this). The effects of smoke machines or hazers are often consumed by powerful ventilation systems, so it’s a lost cause, or at least of limited value and if they set off the smoke detectors, your party will be ruined. So before you book a DJ offering such extras, consider the value and make sure the hall permits them and understand the limitations. Also we do not provide strobe lights, as these can cause serious health hazards for guests with epilepsy, unbeknown to you or us.
DANCE Questions and Answers
We have two left feet, but would like to learn to dance for our wedding.
That’s good, and between you, you should have two right feet too !
Certainly there is something to be said for “natural ability”, but frankly, we don’t rely on this. Anyone can learn to dance, even if you claim to have two left feet ; just know that ours are both “right” (!), so we’ll do just fine.
Our approach is to get you dancing within your comfort zone, not some flamboyant Hollywood production that makes you nervous wreck only to forget it all at the wedding.
How long does it take to learn to dance for Our Wedding?
With over 34 years of dance teaching experience we know that it takes about 10 weeks at 1-1/2 hours per week of instruction to get you ready to shine on your wedding day. Some studios offer shorter packages at attractively low prices, but we know it’s not enough time. You end up paying for additional private lessons at the regular price, and then, not only is it costing a fortune, you’re more concerned about the cost than learning to dance and you’re running out of time. That wasn’t the plan, now was it? So we have developed a method of teaching that gets the job done in 10 weeks. If you wish to continue, or extend your lessons, you can do that, but not because the package was insufficient in the first place.
How long in advance of our wedding should we start our Dance Lessons?
We recommend you start as soon as you can, so it becomes second nature. That way, you have the maximum number of social events, other weddings, Christmas parties, New Years’s Eve, Valentines Dances and simply time to practice. Why create pressure for yourselves, when you can “Take It Nice and Easy?”
How do we know what dance Our First Song is?
If your song is truly danceable, we’ll tell you what dance it is, actually dance some steps in our studio for you to see the overall look to your song, and if you like it, then we can begin to teach you to dance to that song, and… any other song that has that dance rhythm (yes, it’s called Perpetual Rhythms, for a reason).
Unlike some studios we know, we will be honest and tell you if your song is even danceable, in the sense of the standard dances listed in the Dance Studio tab. At this point, you have two choices, change the song or give up on formal dancing. Can you believe that: “change the song” was the answer we got from a local dance studio? Here’s our answer: The most important thing is that the song has special meaning to you as a couple and is a pleasant reminder of your wedding day every time you hear it. If a substitute song, for the sake of dancing leaves you upset every time you hear it, it was a bad decision to change songs. Can it get more honest than that?
What if our First and Last Dances are different rhythms?
Clearly, you need two different dances. But there are some options. Some couples have managed to learn two dance routines within the same 10 weeks!!! Some simply took more lessons. Others, are happy with a few basic steps to their last dance, and leave the focus on the Big First Dance. We are not so rigid as to not offer this flexibility and enhanced value. It’s your time, so spend it learning what you think is best for the impression you wish to make. And what an impression that will be!
We work all week. Can we have lessons on the weekends?
Yes. The studio is open weekdays until 10:00p.m. and on weekends, specifically for brides and grooms, and others taking private lessons. While this varies through the year, we will do whatever it takes to accommodate you and your schedule, so you succeed.
If you have any other questions, please contact us and we will answer you directly and add your question to our list of FAQs to help other Brides and Grooms with their wedding day plans. Thank you.
Perpetual Rhythms Entertainment Services
DJs and Dance Studio
(416) 742-5425
