Planet Goodtime understands the importance of music to the success of a wedding… and so do their brides
Interviewing Kyle Priestley, Owner of Planet Goodtime Productions

 

Personally speaking...
Planet Goodtime Productions opened for business in 2000 with the intention of operating a small disc jockey company that catered to events requiring great music and a qualified, professional DJ. But owner Kyle Priestley says it was obvious from very early on that Planet Goodtime was destined for bigger things. Today, he says his company employs six full-time, fully trained and experienced DJs and they cater to a long list of corporate productions, charitable causes, school events, and of course, weddings. Kyle attributes their success to the fact that they offer way more than just music. "Our clients are awesome people who trust and have faith in Planet Goodtime. They understand the importance in the music in order to have a successful party."

 

Planet Goodtime operates out of their new, large open-concept studio on Weber Street in Kitchener. This is where Kyle and his DJs meet with clients, plan weddings with brides and grooms, host Open Houses, store their large inventory of sound equipment and plan other upcoming events.

 

Partnership has its advantages
Because Planet Goodtime owns Custom Elements, they have full access to fabric and décor that can help set the stage for your event. It's not just a table and some speakers pushed off to the side at your reception. Everything can be set up to look like it's a part of your overall theme. Usually, when you meet with each of your vendors to tell them what you are looking for, the interpretation of your directions and ideas may vary from vendor to vendor - but with Planet Goodtime's close relationship with Custom Elements, your music, staging and decorating will flow accordingly. Your wedding theme will be consistent across the board.

 

Signs of a professional DJ

Kyle has worked in the event and music industry nearly all his life. He knows better than anyone that, "the success of your event is in in the hands of your disc jockey." Kyle has played in clubs and bands, for weddings, and for community events on both extreme ends of the size-scale. He suggests that first and foremost, a bride and groom should pick the person and service that best suits their style. "You should consider their training, who they are, how long they've been a professional DJ, what the training program they went through was like, and their personality." He suggests asking questions such as whether the DJ is part-time or full-time, and if they've ever DJ'd at your reception location before.

 

Planet Goodtime is fully insured and licensed by the AVLA. They use fully licensed music at all times and own all of their own equipment - systems, speakers, lighting and other event props. Thanks to Kyle's well established connections with quality suppliers, he says they can also easily find special equipment if you request something they don't already have in-house.

 

On any given weekend, Planet Goodtime is fully equipped, prepared for and ready to play up to ten events across Southwestern Ontario. "We work in London, K-W, Guelph, Cambridge, all around Brantford, Hamilton and the Toronto area," he explained, noting that they're always happy to DJ at a new location. "We'll often check it out ahead of time if we haven't been there before."

 

Your Goodtime wedding

Planet Goodtime is dedicated to offering the best overall atmosphere and music possible for your wedding day. "For us, quality DJ services are about reading the crowd, entertaining and making sure the group is having a good time."

 

From your wall to wall décor (when you use Planet Goodtime in combination with Custom Elements designs) to the music that is geared specifically for your wedding, Planet Goodtime DJs have earned a reputation for great wedding service. "You get the full theatrical effect," says Kyle, "Even pyrotechnics if you wish."

 

Having such an extensive portfolio, Planet Goodtime can cater to all couples, including ethnic weddings that require unique or specific music. "We can find original versions of whatever special requests you may have."

 

Pricing & specifics

Planet Goodtime can do 3 to 15 events per weekend, depending on the size and scale of the event. They sometimes have events of over 1,000 people, and in this case they can only do 2 to 3 events per weekend.

 

"Unfortunately, music and entertainment is sometimes just a small part of your reception budget. But it accounts for so much of the success of your event," Kyle stresses. "The couples that come here don't want to risk the success of their receptions and would rather have a reputable DJ they feel safe with."

 

Planet Goodtime packages vary in size, detail and price, and are customized entirely around each event. From $700 to $7000, it's entirely up to you what you want to spend. "We offer all customized packages with options like lighting, staging, sometimes dancers and entertainers to get the party started, pyrotechnics, videodance parties when live video feed is played on a screen for the guests in real time... It's a mix of music and showtime theatrics. The average bride and groom spend $1200 to $1700 on Planet Goodtime for their wedding.

 

In order to reserve your wedding day, book Planet Goodtime 8 to 12 months in advance and put down a minimum (depending on the package) deposit of $300. The balance of your amount is due a week prior to your wedding day, at your final meeting. If needed, Planet Goodtime is willing to work out a payment plan to fit your budget.

 

At booking, you'll arrange for an appointment to meet with Kyle to discuss your specific needs and the different packages available to you. You can also book your day through their convenient online booking form. In fact, they offer lots of cool internet tools to make your planning easier - from pricing, online music and itinerary planning to online request forms.

 

detailsdetailsdetails • Call 8 to 12 months ahead of your desired wedding date to book Planet Goodtime as your DJ • A deposit of $300 (depending on the package) is due at booking • The balance is due one week before the wedding • Customized packages range from $700 to $7000 • They work closely with the wedding decorating company Custom Elements and together, they are able to flawlessly theme your wedding or provide you with décor rentals

Kyle makes sure the bride and groom will meet with the DJ they'll have at their wedding to discuss and finalize all the details of the event. "This way there will be no surprises." At the final meeting, specially requested songs are determined, sets are compiled, and you're ready to say ‘I Do'.

 

Attention on set

They also offer sound and tech support for any band you might hire for your wedding. They offer staging, lighting, sound and even a mixing technician to work with the band for the best sound quality possible. It would be frustrating to hire a band only to see them show up with a few speakers that have no chance of filling the hall with sound.

 

Professional DJs eliminate the fear factor

Kyle says their team of DJs stand out for their talent and reliability. "Each of our six DJs are full-time. This isn't a part-time job for them. They are all professionally trained DJs who beat mix the music club-style. They are also accomplished MCs and are equipped to do everything possible to ensure a good time is had by all at your wedding."

 

And of course, you can choose which DJ you would like for your own wedding. "Often, we'll have people who attended a function we played at request the same DJ for their event. Whenever possible, we accommodate their choice."

 

Call for a Goodtime...

You can reach Kyle at Planet Goodtime by phone at any of the three following numbers - 519-747-0779, 519-888-1928 or toll free 1-888-698-1928. Visit www.planetgoodtime.ca for more details. If you'd like to see their studio in person and experience some DJing, they are open at 401 Weber Street North in Kitchener. Kyle can also be reached by email at kyle@planetgoodtime.ca.

 

- The Staff at TheWeddingRing.ca

* Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Disc Entertainment.