Educational Resources

At Steel City DJ, we are proud to offer our clients such a high-tech, easy approach to planning your event! Right here on our website you can painlessly plan out your entire event so we can execute your party plans perfectly. With our user-friendly interface, clients have total control of their event. Managing event details such as music selection, timeline, names & introductions, venue information, and more has never been so simple!

Here are just a few of the features that our online planning system has to offer you…

• Select the music to be played at your event.
• View/modify/delete submitted songs on your playlist.
• Make “Must Play”, “Play if Possible”, and “Do Not Play” music lists.
• View and edit all of your client information.
• Submit songs and artists not found in our music library.
• Access to all client and event information.
• Submit venue information and directions.
• Custom event planning forms for all events.
• Real Time, up-to-the-minute, payment status and information.
• Quick and Easy Customer Service Inquiries.
• …and much more!

Hiring the right DJ entertainment for your event is probably the most important decision for the successful outcome! So how exactly do you find the right DJ? Most people view DJ’s as a commodity and choose the lowest priced one they can find, not knowing that there are MANY differences to look for. We’ve heard numerous horror stories of DJ companies that lure in customers with low prices, only to provide an inexperienced disc jockey with poor communication skills, an inferior music library, shoddy non-commercial equipment, and they either arrive late or don’t show at all! Countless times we have booked last minute events because their DJ canceled just a few days prior. Of course, there was no way for the client to take legal action on the DJ, because there was no contract. This page will teach you a few important questions to help you find the right entertainer! It could make the difference between a memorable event and an unforgettable nightmare!

TOP QUESTIONS on HOW TO HIRE A DJ
Do You Provide A Written Agreement, And Do You Require A Deposit?
It is very important to confirm your booking in writing. Terms should be clearly defined to avoid future problems. The date, time, location, and fee are the most important to be defined. Professionals will always require a deposit, or retainer fee, to hold your date.
STEEL CITY DJ: We provide an exclusive “no-fine-print” 2-page contract which clearly defines all of our terms along with all of your event details. We also require a 50% retainer fee along with the contract.

Do You Have Backup Equipment and DJ’s?
Even professional audio equipment can fail on occasion, don’t let this put an early end to your affair. Make sure there is a backup for every piece of equipment and be sure there is a back-up DJ should an emergency or case of illness occur.
STEEL CITY DJ: We have back ups available for not only our equipment, but our DJ’s, too! There is nothing worse that having a DJ not show up at your event!

Are You Insured and Do You Belong to Any Professional Organizations?
This is a very important question. This question is the factor between a “weekend hobbyist” DJ and a true professional. If your DJ is a member of an organization (such as the A.D.J.A. or N.A.M.E.), then it displays that they are what they say that they are, Professionals, because these organizations only let actual Professional DJ’s join. Also, your DJ should be fully insured. Insurance is there to protect YOU and your guests if something serious happens. You should look elsewhere is your DJ doesn’t have at least liability insurance.
STEEL CITY DJ: We are fully insured with a 2 million dollar liability policy. This is plenty of insurance to protect Steel City DJ along with you and your guests if something should occur. Also, Steel City DJ is a member of the professional organization, The National Association of Mobile Entertainers (N.A.M.E.).

Do you have Professional Equipment?
There is a difference between home audio and professional road-worthy “commercial” equipment. The equipment a DJ uses should be built to go on the road each and every day! Home audio equipment just does not have the power or specifications to perform correctly.
STEEL CITY DJ: We utilize only the most professional sound and lighting equipment designed specifically for mobile DJ use.

Will You Listen To My Music Suggestions?
Many DJ’s are of the opinion that they know what music is best for their audience and won’t take requests. The DJ should listen to requests and play them whenever appropriate. A good DJ knows how to read your crowd to keep everyone dancing.
STEEL CITY DJ: We are very talented when it comes to reading the crowd. We can always get people dancing at any event. Also, we have a section on our free online planner that allows you to request music priorities and set-up music playlists.

Will You Dress Appropriately at My Affair?
It is important that your entertainer look the part by dressing formal or semi-formal, according to your preference. Themed events and picnics require different attire.
STEEL CITY DJ: We will always dress to match your event: Tux, Suit/Tie, Business Casual, Formal, Themed….whatever it may be!

Will You Play The Music At An Appropriate Level?
The biggest concern voiced by prospective clients is the volume level of the music. A professional DJ knows to keep the volume at a level appropriate for the guests, especially during cocktails and the dinner hour.
STEEL CITY DJ: This is a no brainer for us. We continually walk the room to make sure the music is at an appropriate volume.

Do You Do More Than Just Play Music at the Affair?
Most affairs involve more than playing music. It is important to have a DJ who is capable of playing the music, handling all of the announcements and helps to coordinate the affair.
STEEL CITY DJ: We are not only the DJ entertainment, but also your event’s coordinator and “MC”. We handle all announcements and communicate with you and your guests to get everyone motivated to have a great time and dance.

Will You Listen to My Concerns and Input?
A professional DJ is aware that they can’t possibly know every aspect of music and entertainment. Your input and suggestions should be welcome!
STEEL CITY DJ: When you hire us, we work for YOU! Anything you want for your event is welcomed, and we will execute your plans to the fullest extent.

How Long Have You Been DJ-ing, How Many Events Of My Type Have You Done?
Experience in the DJ entertainment industry is a priority. Be sure your DJ has at least a couple of years under their belt. This assures that they can handle any type of situation that may arise at your event. Also, make sure your DJ is experienced in your type of event. If you are having a Wedding, why would you choose a DJ that only has experience with school dances?
STEEL CITY DJ: We have over 22 years of experience in ALL types of events. Especially weddings, private parties, school dances, and college events.

Conclusion
It is important to find a DJ company that answers with the recommended answers to the above questions. As you can see, price is NOT a question to ask when choosing entertainment. If you choose your DJ solely on a low price, you may not get what you would like or expect. Experience & quality are the most important factors in hiring your entertainment. You will never be sorry when you invest in quality.

As with all things in life, quality and professionalism has its price.
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

Below are some statistics to help you realize the value of a good Disc Jockey at your wedding reception.

According to the American Disc Jockey Association:

• Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.
• Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $650.00 to $3,500.00 with an average of $1,300.00 for a 5 hour wedding reception booking.
• A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours in planning an event although it may appear as if a client is only paying for “4 hours”. Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up/tear-down, education, and other
  business related endeavors add up to the overall success of a special occasion.

Based on surveys taken by UltimateWedding.com, Modern Bride, Martha Stewart Weddings, and TheKnot.com, the following statistics dramatically stress the importance and value of quality entertainment in the modern wedding market:

• 82% of todays Brides are using professional mobile DJ entertainers for their entertainment choice.
• 68% of the guests attending these functions do not remember what was served for dinner but do remember the entertainment.
• 4% to 6% is the amount most brides reserve for their entertainment budget.
• The average cost for a mobile entertainer for a wedding is between $500 to $2,500.
  The cost is largely dependent upon the experience of a DJ, locale and specific client requests.
• The entertainment chosen for a wedding or party is responsible for 80% of the events success.

The following statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001:
AFTER THE VOWS…

• 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.
• Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
• During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer – reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!
• When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.
• 65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a professional disc jockey.

Entertainment is 10-15% of your Wedding Budget, but MORE THAN TWICE as many guests will remember your entertainment more than anything else!

Yes, your gown, food, and everything else are very important…but, the selection of Music & Entertainment can determine the success of your event. Steel City DJ can guarantee your guests will stay after dinner to party; the Photographer & Videographer will have something to shoot, and your guests will stay long enough to really remember your gown and everything else!

Below is a fairly large free music list to help you plan all of your formal dances for your wedding. There are also song suggestions for the open dancing portion of your night. THIS LIST IS NOT OUR MUSIC LIBRARY, and does not contain newer song titles. Again, the following are just free song suggestions to help you plan your reception.

Ceremony Music
Ave Maria – Various: Instrumental Vocal
Canon In D – Classical
Chapel Of Love – Dixie Cups
Forever In Love – Kenny G
From This Moment – Shania Twain
Godfather Theme – Soundtrack
Hawaiian Wedding Song – Elvis Presley Andy Williams
Love Story (Theme) – Various
Song Bird – Kenny G
The Wedding Song – Kenny G Paul Stookey
Trumpet Voluntary – Classical
Water Music – Classical

The Kiss Song
Bessame Mucho – Various
Give Him A Great Big Kiss – Various
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me – Mel Carter
It’s In His Kiss – Vonda Shepard
Kiss – Prince
Kiss From A Rose – Seal
Kiss On My List – Hal & Oats
Kiss Me – Six Pence None The Richer
Kiss The Girl (Little Mermaid) – Disney
Kiss You All Over – Exile
Passionate Kisses – Mary Chapin Carpenter
Perfect Kiss – New Order
Sealed With A Kiss – Brian Hyland
Then He Kissed Me – Chiffons
This Kiss – Faith Hill

Recessional Music
Can You Feel The Love Tonight – Elton John
Celebration – Kool & The Gang
Circle Of Life (Lion King) – Elton John
Get Ready – Rare Earth Temptations
Get Ready For This – 2 Unlimited
Looks Like We Made It – Barry Manilow
Rocky I – Bill Conti
Rocky II: Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
Star Wars Theme – Meco
Twilight Zone – 2 Unlimited
We’ve Only Just Begun – Carpenters

First Dance
After The Lovin’ – Englebert Humperdinck
All I Ask Of You (Phantom) – Barbara Streisand
All My Life – KCi&JoJoLinda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville
Amazed – Lone Star
A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
At Last – Etta James Celine Dion
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Could I Have This Dance – Anne Murray
Everything I Do, I Do For You – Bryan Adams
Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart Van Morison
Hawaiian Wedding Song – Elvis Presley Andy Williams
I Do Cherish You – 98 Degrees Mark Wills
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Keeper Of The Stars – Tracy Byrd
Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley
Love Of My Life – Jim Brickman Michael W Smith
Somewhere (Westside Story) – Barbara Streisand
Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers
Valentine – Martina McBride Jim Brickman
When a Man Loves A Woman – Percy Sledge Michael Bolton
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
You’re Still The One – Shania Twain

Father & Daughter Dance
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
Beautiful In My Eyes – Joshua Kaddison
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morison
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle Raybon Brothers
Daddy’s Home – Dan Fogelberg
Daddy’s Little Girl – Al Martino Kippi Brannon
Daddy’s Hands – Holly Dunn
Hello Mudah, Hello Fadduh – Allan Sherman
Hero – Mariah Carey Enrique Iglesias
I Cross My Heart – George Straight
I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey Jackson 5
Moonlight Serenade – Glen Miller
My Girl – Temptations
My Guy – Mary Wells
Summer Place (Theme) – Percy Faith Lettermen
Sunrise Sunset – Fiddler On The Roof
Thank Heaven For Little Girls – Maurice Chivale
The Greatest – Kenny Rogers
The Greatest Man I Never Knew – Reba McEntire
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra Tony Bennett
Through The Years – Kenny Rogers
Time Of Your Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Time Of Your Life (Bugs Life) – Randy Newman
Times Of Your Life – Paul Anka
Tonight I Celebrate My Love – Roberta Flack & Peaboy Bryson
Unforgettable – Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole
What A Wonderful World – Louie Armstrong
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

Mother & Son Dance
A Song For Mama – Boys II Men
A Song For My Son – Specialty Song
Boy From New York City – Ad Libs Manhattan Transfer
Danny Boy – Various
Danny’s Song – Anne Murray Loggins
Don’t Know Much – Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville
Evergreen (A Star Is Born) – Barbara Streisand
Greatest Love Of All – Whitney Houston
I Just Called To Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder
Let’s Hear It For The Boy – Denice Williams
Mama He’s Crazy – Judds
My Way – Elvis Presley Frank Sinatra
One Moment In Time – Whitney Houston
Power Of Love – Celine Dion
That’s Amore – Dean Martin
The Rose – Bette Midler
You’ll Be In My Heart (Tarzan) – Phil Collins

Bouquet Toss
American Woman – Guess Who Lenny Kravitz
Bad Girls – Donna Summer
Barbie Girl – Aqua
California Girls – Beach Boys
Girls – Beastie Boys
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
Girls On Film – Duran Duran
It’s Raining Men – Weather Girls
Man! I Feel Like A Woman – Shania Twain
Material Girl – Madonna
Nasty – Janet Jackson
Nasty Girls – Vanity 6
Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison
Redneck Girl – Varios
Trashy Women – Confederate Railroad
Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
West End Girls – Pet Shoppe Boys
What A Girl Wants – Christina Aguilera

Garter Removal and Toss
Do You Think I’m Sexy – Rod Stewart
Hot Legs – Rod Stewart
I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred
I Want Your Sex – George Michael
La Chica Sexy – Tucanes
Legs – ZZ Top
Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
Oh Yeah! – Yello
Push It – Salt N Pepa
Sex – Berlin
Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye
Super Freak – Rick James
The Stripper – David Rose
TheThong Song – Sysco
You Can Leave Your Hat On – Tom Jones Joe Cocker
You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate
You Shook Me All Night Long – ACDC
Classical Kenny G for the Shy!

Cake Cutting
Brown Sugar – Rolling Stones
Cut The Cake – Average White Band
How Sweet It Is – Marvin Gaye James Taylor
I Can’t Help Myself – Four Tops
Shake The Sugar Tree – Pam Tillis
Spring – Vivaldi
Sugar Shack – Jimmy Glimmer
Sugar, Sugar – Archies
Sweet Dreams – Eurhythmics
Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynard
Sweet Talking Guy – Chiffons
Sweet Surrender – Bread
Sweetest Tabboo – Sade

Last Dance
At Last – Etta James
Bye bye Bye – ‘NSync
Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thema Houston or Communards
Drift Away – Dobbie Gray
End Of Innocence – Don Hennley?
Finally – Ce Ce Peniston
Goodbye Girl – Bread
Goodbye To Love – Carpenters
Goodbye To You – Michelle Branch
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John
Goodnight My Love – Jesse Blevins
Goodnight Sweethear – Spaniels
Goodnight Tonight – Paul McCartney
Happy Trails
Hello, Goodbye – Beatles
Hit The Road Jack – Various
If You Leave Me Now – Chicago
In The End – Boys II Men
It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over – Lenny Kravitz
Just Like Starting Over – John Lennon
Kiss & Say Goodbye – Manhattans
Last Dance – Donna Summer
Last Train To Clarksville – Monkees
Leaving On a Jet Plane Peter, Paul & Mary or John Denver
Love Is Here & Now You’re Gone – Diana Ross & The Supremes
Make It Last Forever – Keith Sweat
Na Na Na Na – Steam
Never Can Say Goodbye – Michael Jackson or Gloria Gaynor
One More Last Chance – Vince Gill
Save The Best For Last – Vanessa Williams
Save The Last Dance For Me – Drifters
She’s Gone – Hall & Oats
Since You’re Gone – Cars
The Last Dance – Frank Sinatra
The Party’s Over – Nat King Cole
The Search Is Over – Survivor
The Thrill Is Gone – BB King
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye – Casinos
Two Tickets To Paradise – Eddie Money
When It’s Over – Sugar Ray
You’re The First, My Last, My Everything – Barry White

Random Song Ideas
Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl
Righteous Brothers – Unchained Melodies
Etta James – At Last
Elvis – Can’t Help Falling In Love with You
Bob Seager – Old Time Rock and Roll
Glenn Miller – In The Mood
Wild Cherry – Play that Funky Music
Nat and Natalie Cole – Unforgettable
Temptations – My Girl
Chubby Checker – The Twist
Brian Setzer Band – Jump, Jive, an Wail
Abba – Dancing Queen
James Brown – I Got You
Marcia Griffiths – Electric Slide
Hot Chocolate – You Sexy Thing
Roy Orbison – Oh, Pretty Woman
Bill Haley – Rock Around the Clock
Temptations – Build Me Up Buttercup
B52s – Love Shack
Usher – Yeah
Grover Washington – Just The Two Of Us
Garth Brooks – Friends In Low Places
Bobby Darin – Mack the Knife
Beatles – Twist and Shout
Casper – Cha Cha Slide
Kool and the Gang – Celebration
Commodores – Brick House
Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Bee Gees – Staying Alive
Donna Summer – Bad Girls
Donna Summer – Last Dance
James Taylor – How Sweet It Is
Lou Bega – Mambo #5
Buster Poindexter – Hot Hot Hot
Twist Again – Chubby Checker
Twist and Shout – The Beatles
Elvis Medley(from DJ TOOLS) or Jailhouse Rock – Elvis
Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis
La Bamba – Los Lobos faded into
Devil in the blue dress – Mitch Ryder
Baby Got Back – Sir Mix a Lot
TubThumpin’ – Chumbawumba
Love Shack – B52s
What I Like About You – The Romantics
Swing the Mood – Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers
Humpty Dance = Digital Underground
Bust a Move – Young MC
Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice
Insane in the Brain – cypress hill
Whip it – Devo
Wild thing – Tone Loc’
Funky cold medina – Tone Loc’
I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred
Love Rollercoaster – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress – Hollies
Footloose – Kenny Loggins
Rockin’ Robin – Bobby Day
I Cross My Heart – George Strait
When You Say Nothing At all – Allison Krauss and the Union Station
Cotton Eye Joe – Rednex
Stayin’ Alive – N Trance
Cecilia – Simon & Garfunkel
Keeper of the Stars – Tracy Byrd
Don’t take the girl – Tim McGraw
It’s your love – Tim McGraw, Faith Hill
Born to Hand Jive – Sha Na Na (Grease soundtrack)
Grease Mega Mix – John Travolta , olivia Newton John
Shout – Lloyd Williams (Animal House Soundtrack)
AC/DC – Shook Me All Night Long
Righteous Brothers – Unchained Melody
Swing The Mood – Jive Bunny and theMasterMixers
Shout – Animal House Soundtrack
Respect – Aretha Franklin
Mustang Sally – The Committments
Runaround Sue – Dion
Cha Cha Slide – Mr. C
Electric Slide – Marcia Griffiths …or if you are in Detroit…
My Eyes Don’t Cry No More – Stevie Wonder
Some Kind Of Wonderful – BTO
Push It – Salt N Pepa
Hot Hot Hot – Buster Poindexter
Mony Mony – Billy Idol
It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw/Faith Hill
Remember When – Alan Jackson
Mambo #5 – Lou Bega
Blister In The Sun – Violent Femmes
Jack and Diane – John Mellencamp
Hooked on a feeling – Blue Swede
He ain’t heavy – the hollies
Angel – Sarah McLaclhan
I Love Rock & Roll – Joan Jett
I Hate Myself for Loving You – Pat Benetar
Celebration – Kool and The Gang
Respect – Aretha Franklin
Dancing Queen – Abba
Come On Eileen – Dexie and The Midnight
Jesse’s Girl – Rick Springfield
Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash
Walk the Line – Johnny Cash
It’s Rainging Men – The Weather Girls
Into The Mystic – Van Morrison
Anything by Nora Jones
At Last – Etta James
Friends In Low Places – Hank Jr.
Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
Neon Moon – Brooks & Dunn
SleepWalk – Santo & Johnny
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Wonderful Tonight – Damage
Hot In Herre – Nelly
Get The Party Started – Black Eyed Peas