Cleveland DJ FAQs

DJ Ivan will be your DJ.  You will not book your event with one person and have another show up as your DJ.

It depends on the time of year. For weddings, 1 to 2 years in advance is recommended - especially for weekends in May, June, September and October.  For holiday parties in December and New Years, a few months in advance is usually okay.

The majority of our events are weddings.  We also do corporate events, private parties and fundraisers.  However, we have done other kinds of events like a beauty pageant and a running race.  We do not specialize in children’s events.

Our style is tasteful and fun with moderate interaction.  We like engaging with the people and encourage excitement at the appropriate times. However, your DJ will not be on the microphone every five minutes to hype up the crowd.  Instead we keep the focus on you and why you are celebrating.

This is a career for us.  We are not working different 9 to 5 job and then DJing on the side.  We want our focus to be completely on you.

If your friend/family member is experienced in your kind of event, you should consider it.  If not, you probably want to go with the professional.  A bar DJ might play some good dance music, but do they know how to MC a wedding?  Additionally, your friend/family member might prefer to enjoy themselves as a guest instead of working at your event.

For wedding ceremonies, we will start background music for guest arrival about 30 minutes before the ceremony.  We will coordinate with your venue to time the processional music for those who are entering.  We talk with your officiant so we know exactly when to play the recessional music.  We have a clip-on microphone for your officiant.  We can also put a microphone off to the side for any readings or an additional singer.

You will receive a main DJ setup with the sound system equipped for dancing.  We will also make sure you are covered for sound/music for cocktail hour and dinner, even if in another room.  We will announce upcoming events/speakers and have a wireless handheld microphone for any speeches, blessing, etc.  We coordinate with your venue/caterers/photographer, etc. to ensure good timing and that everyone is in the loop.

We are professionals who always want to be in tip top shape. It is our policy to never drink alcohol on the job.

Our policy is to DJ one event per day.

As much as we would like to invite you, most of the events we do are private events.  What would you think of some uninvited guests coming to your wedding?  We recommend you read our reviews, talk with us and feel free to ask for references.

Typically about 1.5 hours.  Some setups may require more setup time.

We might not be a good fit if:

• You need the DJ to always be the center of attention at your event.
• You want your DJ to get on the microphone frequently and hype of the crowd all night.
• You want your DJ to drink beer/shots with you and your guests.
• You want your DJ to play the “dirty” versions of songs.
• You need your DJ to provide karaoke service.
• You need your DJ to provide a photobooth.
• You need your DJ to project your name/initials onto the dancefloor or wall.
• You need a DJ for a children’s event.

Yes, we are happy to serve the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.

Although it is not a requirement that your DJ has worked at your venue before, it helps.  Some venues are easy/straightforward for setup and others are not! If your potential DJ has not DJed at your venue before, ask them how they will prepare for that venue?  At the very least, the DJ should plan to reach out with the venue’s events person to find out details about uploading, parking, power and layout.  Often the right course of action is for the DJ to do a site visit ahead of your wedding so they truly know that lay of the land before your big day!

Yes, Synapse Entertainment offers uplights around your reception area to add ambiance.  These are the most popular type of lights.  We also have dance lights that bounce to the beat of the music for dance time.

We typically do not do children’s events.

Ask us and we can often source a photobooth.

Sorry, we do not provide that service, as known as a gobo.

No, we do not provide Karaoke service.

Sorry, we don't provide those services.

Yes, we have a DJ insurance policy through RV Nuccio & Associates and we are happy to produce proof of insurance.  Many venues require your DJ to be insured and may request to be listed on our DJ insurance for your event.  We can do that!

We have backup equipment either under the DJ table or in the car.

In the event of severe illness/event or death, Synapse Entertainment has an agreement with the American DJ Association to find a professional backup DJ just in case.

If that occurs, we work with you to reschedule on a new date.  If your new date cannot be accommodated.  We will return your any money paid, including your deposit.

• Access to the venue at least 1.5 hours before the event. More in some cases.
• A 5’ or 6’ table for main DJ setup, preferably near the dancefloor.  The table needs a covering to hide the wires underneath.  Sometimes your caterer will provide the covered table.
• Access to power within 50 feet of the main DJ setup.  A standard grounded 15amp outlet works fine.
• If we are also doing a ceremony for you, we will need a smaller covered table and easy access to an electrical outlet at the ceremony site.
• If the main DJ setup for dancing is outdoors, we require that our equipment is under cover to protect it from rain or extreme heat.  If using a tent, it should be sturdy and have side covers as an option in case of rain/wind/ direct sun.
• Complimentary parking at the venue or nearby.