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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What do you charge?
A: Surprisingly, this is most frequently the first question a client will ask Jim. He will charge based on your individual needs and a variety of factors can affect the price. These factors include, but are not limited to, the day of the week, time, location, length, and type of affair. Larger crowds may require a larger sound system. These are only a few of the factors. He encourages you to schedule a free consultation where he can customize a package for you.
Q: What do you offer?
A: Jim Horn Entertainment offers highly personalized entertainment. Jim does not take the 'everything to everybody' approach to his business. His clients generally place a high value on planning unique and memorable events and look to him to help find creative ways to bring their style and personalities into the entertainment. Your event will be detailed and designed with your ideas in mind.
Q: Who will be my DJ?
A: Jim Horn Entertainment is a single disc jockey operator and never subcontracts work out to another DJ under his company. He books only one event per day so you can have complete confidence that it will be Jim performing for your special celebration. If he is booked for your date he will gladly refer another company to you.
Q: How does your company distinguish itself from other companies?
A: Jim's commitment and passion is to produce the best quality performance in sound, professionalism and delivery. He puts 100% into each and every event/reception he takes on. From the first time you meet with Jim, you'll see how personable and organized he is, and how much he listens to your needs. Let him provide that experience for you and help create a unique and truly spectacular memory of your special day.
Jim specializes in quality not quantity. He only does one event per day, thus enabling him to give you the personalized attention you deserve.
The PLANNING PROCESS is one thing that sets him apart from other DJs. Where some DJs just show up and play music, make a few announcements and that's it, Jim takes it a few steps farther. From interacting with your guests at your reception to "break the ice" and make everyone feel welcome, to his correspondence with you from the time you hire him. You're not just another contract in his files. You are now his friend, and more importantly his client who he will go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure everything is how you have planned. Have a question for him? Call him or email him. His response time is less than a day, but more than likely you'll get in touch with him immediately! This is a value that should be important to you when deciding on whom to hire. No one likes to wait, especially when planning a wedding! Of course his actual performance is top notch too.
Q: How much planning will you provide for us?
A: As much as it takes! The phone call and/or in person meeting typically lasts about an hour. He will get a feel for the type of atmosphere you want him to create along with music styles and requests. The flow of the event will be discussed and what roll you want Jim to play in the agenda. As you get closer to your event date another face-to-face meeting is set to really get into the details of the event (i.e. order of events, ice breaker ideas, unique party ideas that truly describes your personality, and much more).
Q: Why does Jim Horn Entertainment cost more than many other DJs?
A: Why does a Rolls Royce cost more than a Toyota? Simple - It has a lot more to offer.
With Jim Horn, you get what you pay for - the utmost in professionalism, reliability, service, flexibility, experience, and musical expertise. If you are looking to save some money in the entertainment portion of your Wedding - he is not for you. If you are more concerned with quality, style, atmosphere of your event, organization and preplanning, and peace of mind that you are in good hands, then he is someone you would want to consider.
Q: Do you meet with prospective couples?
A: Yes. Jim meets with all couples at least two times. This first meeting is meant to give him a thorough understanding of your needs, to show you what he has to offer, and how he can make your wedding day special and unique. A contract and advance payment is then requested to reserve his services. The second meeting occurs one month before your Wedding. This is when he will cover order of events/itinerary, announcements, music selection and all the pertinent details that will make your event perfect.
Q: Where and when do you usually meet with couples?
A: Jim prefers to meet at his home office in Gautier, Mississippi mainly because he has all the materials he needs to present himself there. But he doesn't mind meeting elsewhere, if you are more comfortable that way. Depending on where you live, Jim can meet you at your residence, or a neutral location (a quiet restaurant or coffee shop) for the initial free consultation. He is of course, completely flexible though. Whatever is most convenient for you is fine with him. But for the final meeting, Jim requires that the couple meet him at his home office where he has all the "tools" to create the planning process.
Q: Can we come see you perform?
A: Often asked this question, but it is something Jim strongly opposes. Answer this: Would you like uninvited guests at your event that you didn't know? Jim is just very considerate towards others. He is more than happy to provide references, but he does not randomly invite guests to Parties. Besides, you would need to stay the entire time to get the complete screening of his style. Not only that, but the way he personalizes one wedding or special event, may not be the way you would want yours.
Q: What kind of equipment do you have?
A: Simply put, Jim owns some of the best equipment money can buy. You are guaranteed the cleanest, sharpest sound possible when you book him. He only uses the best names in Professional Sound and Lights. Every word Jim speaks and every musical note you hear will be crystal clear!
Q: Can you entertain the crowd?
A: Absolutely! This is his specialty. Jim doesn't just stand behind his console and push the play button. He certainly keeps the focus on the client, but uses mild crowd interaction and mixing skills to create a comfortable, fun and energetic atmosphere. He uses "icebreakers" when needed to get your guests up and moving!
Q: Can you provide music and sound equipment for our wedding ceremony?
A: Absolutely! About 50% of Jim’s clients request his services for their ceremony. Give him the location of the ceremony, the details of the music needed and he’ll fill in the rest. Wireless microphones will be provided for everyone speaking, singing, or reading. Everyone will hear the entire ‘spoken’ or singing segments of your special day. Whether you’re going the traditional route or something unique Jim has your music styles covered.
Q: Can you play a CD that we provide?
A: Yes, Jim will play any CD that you provide if you would like to hear something he couldn't purchase beforehand. Very often a couple will provide some Ethnic music for Jim. Not a problem, just make sure the cd is free of scratches or skipping before having him play it.
Q: Do we have to pick out music for the whole evening?
A: No, unless you feel like you need to. Most of Jim's Weddings are referrals and they will just ask him to play most of the same great music they heard at the other reception. He encourages input from the Bride/Groom for their first dance, father/bride, mother/groom, last dance, and if they know what their guests will like. But as a standard procedure, he has Brides and Grooms pick from his Most Requested list of songs, and they let him fill in the rest by "reading" the crowd and playing what they respond best to. Of course, you can choose anything you like. It's your Wedding day!
But he tells every Bride and Groom the same thing:
"There are only 2 of you, but about 200 of your guests, all different ages, all with different tastes in music. What YOU might not like (YMCA, Celebration, or whatever you may consider 'cheesy'), your guests may love. Timeless classics are called Timeless Classics simply because they work! A little bit of what some may consider 'cheese', when used moderately, and in the right way, can really be successful and fun."
Q: Do you bring a wireless microphone?
A: Yes. Jim brings two wireless mics and two corded mics to every event. The wireless is used for any toasts in the room and for Jim to use when he needs to be away from his console. All professional DJs should always carry both types of microphones. There is no extra charge for the use of the wireless mic.
Q: Do you play the "cheesy" music some couples hate?
A: Unless these songs are specifically requested by the Bride/Groom, you will not hear them. Again, this is your day and you can tell Jim exactly what to play and what not to play - it's up to you!
Q: Do you put up and/or use any promotional items at your events?
A: Never! He also does not make endless announcements plugging his services/name. If someone feels his performance was great, and thinks he would compliment their own event, they will simply come up and ask him for a card, which happens quite often.
Q: Do you take requests?
A: Of course, within reason. If someone requests something that is inappropriate for a Wedding, he will ask the Bride/Groom if it is OK. Otherwise, he welcomes any requests from the crowd!
Q: What is your Wedding attire?
A: Jim wears a tuxedo to all Weddings. He will look as good as your Bridal party but never better than the Groom! Very professional.
Q: What time will you arrive the day of our Wedding?
A: Jim arrives 3 hours before the start time when not bringing a light show.
You are never charged for the set up or break down time. His time starts when the guests arrive at the reception location.
Q: Do you charge a travel fee?
A: There is no charge for travel time for any event that is 60 miles or less one way from Jim Horn Entertainment's home office in Gautier, Mississippi. If mileage is longer than 60 miles one way please email or call Jim for a quote.
Q: Does the ‘contracted time’ include equipment setup, travel, etc.?
A: Jim’s rates are “all-inclusive”. Setup time, play time, tear down time, travel round trip, and all of your consultations whether by email, in person meetings, or by way of phone conversations are included! No hidden charges or surprises.
Q: Will you play overtime?
A: Yes, most definitely. He is yours for the day. You won’t have to worry about Jim having to leave early to provide entertainment for another event. He encourages you to discuss your anticipated overtime plans at the face-to-face meeting. This helps in planning the agenda.
Q: When is our balance due?
A: After you have paid a retainer to reserve Jim Horn Entertainment’s services, balances are due 14 days prior to your event.
Q: How far in advance should we book our party?
A: You should secure your date with the service providers of your choice as soon as you know they are right for you. Prime dates can book more than a year in advance for all wedding related services including entertainment, photography and even cake preparation.
Q: Do you have any additional information you could mail us?
A: You got it! He’ll be more than happy to send you his company brochure, newsletter, list of references, and sample agenda with no obligation whatsoever.
Q: Everything sounds great. How do we book your services?
A: Please contact Jim Horn Entertainment when you have confirmed your event date and location.
A contract and a 50% advance payment are required to secure his services.
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“Jim, we had so many compliments on how well you handled the music, kids, the whole evening. Because of you, the order of the music, etc. the whole night just rolled on so great. You are like a wedding coordinator. Thank you for making my daughter's day so wonderful!” — Maria Nasakaitis, mother of the bride, Gulfport , MS
