Planning A Wedding or Special Event; Questions to Ask
Planning a wedding or special event is usually a new experience. It is a big job but it can be a lot of fun too. It is a learning experience and sometimes one doesn’t know what questions to ask.
Here are some good questions to ask which will help you to learn about a vendor’s service and actually learn about the vendor himself. Note: These are questions from “thumbtack” and below them are my answers. I enjoyed answering these!
Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 323-270-3650
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Question: What do you like most about your job?
Answer: Collaborating!
I love working with creative individuals on their special event. Each event is a unique adventure.
Planning music and announcing for a wedding or special event is almost as much fun as performing for one.
Talk to Sheila and Eric
of Elegant Music: 323-270-3650
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Question: Do you have a favorite story from your work?
My wife Sheila and I have provided music in some of the most beautiful locations throughout Southern California since 1990 and so we have many favorite stories!
Here are just a few:
See: “I Had An Epiphany!” Gamers and Anime
See: Wedding Reception: Spanish and East Indian Dance Music
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Question: What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?
Answer: Planning a wedding is new to most people. People can come to me anytime: 626-797-1795. There is a “planning process” and a “learning curve” and if someone were to do this successfully, they usually would need help along the way. Very often interested people get on my e-mail list. I send links to blog posts of recent weddings and parties as well as helpful articles for a successful event. We keep in touch and they get to know me and my work. My advice is:
- #1. Learn about the service you are buying and how that service will contribute to the success of your event.
- #2. Learn about the price range of the service and the price ranges of the other services you need: Location, Food, Alcohol, Photography, Flowers. Compare these prices and how much you will be spending on each.
- #3. From their websites and through personal contact learn about the person who is providing that service: What kind of person are they? Are they responsible? Would you have them as a friend?
Contact Elegant Music
for a free consultation: 323-270-3650
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Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.
Answer: There are so many. I had the opportunity to work with veteran wedding planner and coordinator Tobey Dodge; very creative, fun. Beautiful wedding!
See: Wedding @ The Fairmont Hotel Santa Monica, CA
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Question: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What’s your answer?
Answer: Let‘s say a couple is planning a wedding. They have never planned a large event before. So without knowing where to start the only question that they know to ask is “How much do you charge?” which, is a valid question but they should know something about the service they are getting a quote for. This website has suggested service packages and price ranges to help them know what to expect so they can plan their budget. Price is important. They are spending thousands of dollars on their wedding and so it is just as important to get to know their vendors before they hire them. They want to put together a good team. When talking to vendors and learning about their services they should also determine if they would make good team members.
See: The Informed Bride
See: Wedding Packages
See: Choosing A Wedding Professional
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Question: How do I choose music for my wedding ceremony?
Answer: When a couple comes over to work out music for their wedding ceremony first we sketch out who is walking in and in what order. A discussion about music is best done by hearing examples so we play “live” examples of music that might fit for each group who is processing.
Contact Elegant Music
for a free consultation: 323-270-3650
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Question: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
Answer: Your Master of Ceremonies conducts the festivities of your event. He is the “man out front” and represents you to your guests. In choosing an MC ask your self “How will I be represented by this person?”
See: A Wedding Itinerary and Script for Your Master of Ceremonies
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Question: What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?
Answer: We have all been to a wedding or party where the DJ was too loud. I have developed a way to focus dance music on the dance floor away from seated guests; I don’t know of any other DJ who provides Dance Floor Surround Sound. Check out the diagrams and video. The solution is really very simple and effective.
Talk to DJ/Master of Ceremonies
Pianist and Bandleader
Eric Zimmermann
323-270-3650
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Question: If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.
Answer: It’s not complicated. We provide a high level of service and quality and our prices are right down the middle. Anyone planning an event will find the info they need to start planning their budget.
See: Planning Your Wedding Budget; where to start?
Also see: Elegant Music Quote
And finally see: Live Music and DJ Packages
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Question: Describe three recent jobs you’ve completed.
Elegant Music performs at really beautiful locations. I take pictures and sometimes video. I then write about the gig on my blog and post those blogs on Facebook and Google+. For the latest gigs checkout Elegant Music on Facebook and Google+.
See: Elegant Music News “Busy is Good” …this post has links to 6 different events.
See: An Elegant Dinner Dance with the Elegant Music Jazz Trio
See: Elegant Music Quartet Sampler Video …party on a lake in Pasadena.
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Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
Answer: Because I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader I can personally provide a wide range of entertainment for parties and weddings. Serving Southern California since 1990. During this time I have learned how to talk with people; what questions to ask and I know how to listen. That skill is probably one of the most important skills that defines a professional.
I have arranged and composed music for my live music ensembles to play and as a result have an extensive library of music. I am an excellent Master of Ceremonies. I provide Dance Floor Surround Sound. I don’t know anyone else who does what I do.
See: Composing and Arranging for Quartet
Talk to Sheila and Eric
of Elegant Music: 323-270-3650
Beautiful, Successful Weddings and Events
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Question: If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
Answer: First of all put together a good team of vendors who are nice people, who are responsible and can easily work together. When shopping learn about the service but also learn about the person who is providing the service. So while you are comparing prices also compare services and personalities.
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What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?
My profession provides a service. We don’t provide “objects” or “things”. What we do is “dynamic” and helps the event “function” smoothly.
My service contributes to, and is a necessary part of a successful event.
When an event is going really well it is because someone is guiding it and making it go according to plan.
An event that flows effortlessly can be attributed in part to the Master of Ceremonies working with the event coordinator. It is a team effort. Please read the following articles.
See: Responsibilities of Your Master of Ceremonies
See: Relationship between Wedding Coordinator & Master of Ceremonies
See: Arranging and Composing for Quartet
Contact Elegant Music
for a free consultation: 323-270-3650
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Question: Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?
Answer: Yes. I am also a commercial actor. This helps me be a better Master of Ceremonies and Event Host. I study at The Acting Center in Hollywood. I am an active member of ToastMasters International – Public Speaking Club. A professional “makes what he does look easy” but always strives to improve. And in the process, I have to say that I have a lot of fun!
Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann
Elegant Music 323-270-3650