Covid 19 has not let up, and even though some people choose to take a chance and move forward with their plans, most people are deciding to postpone or even cancel their wedding receptions and events. We support your decision, and we definitely side with the better safe than sorry crowd. Whatever you decide, we are keeping the same policies in place that were adopted in March of 2020. This post will outline those policies.

Even with the current restrictions in place, we have been DJing events and providing the MC services and music. Current restrictions limit an event a great deal but couples still can find ways to have fun and play it safe at the same time.

For weddings, the services we provide haven’t changed much. Couples still can look forward to the following DJ lead events at their reception:

– Grand Entrance / Introduction: DJ announces wedding party.
– Background music for cocktail hour, dinner, and cake cutting.
– MC and lead for games, to keep the guests engaged. (ie: The Shoe Game)
– Some venues still allow the Bouquet and Garter Toss.
– The couples First Dance
– Father and Daughter Dance
– Mother and Son Dance

In our experience, the biggest difference between a restricted and a non-restricted wedding is the restricted wedding ends a couple hours earlier.

If you do decide to cancel or postpone your event:

More than 75 percent of our weddings in 2020 have either rescheduled or canceled completely. Therefore, we are taking a pretty hard hit. We truly care about our clients and want to be a part of their big day in the near future. All deposits will still be good for all rescheduled dates, in other words you do not have to put down a new deposit for your rescheduled date. At Jason Kent Sound and Lighting, our policy for rescheduling a wedding package is pretty simple and straight forward. Our three options are as follows:

1. Reschedule with your same assigned DJ. We will do everything we can to accommodate your date and keep you with the same DJ you initially booked.

2. If your assigned DJ is unavailable, another professional DJ from within our service would be booked by us for your wedding reception.

3. If we’re completely booked, we will help you by reaching out to another company we know would be a good match for your perfect day.

4. If you’re unsure of rescheduling but would like to have more time to think about a new date, we will keep you in our system as active.

Our policy for cancellations is that we will keep you in our system as “deposit paid” but with an open date. We will not charge you a cancellation fee. If at a later date you decide to move forward with another date, your deposit and quote will still be good for that date. We highly recommend booking a date in 2022, recent models showing the new UK variant’s spread is making 2021 look much worse than 2020. Also, most good vendors and venues are booked solid until the end of this year because of 2020 reschedules.

Unfortunately, we cannot refund deposits for cancellations at this time. The deposit is our safety net and is the only way we keep an income coming in during times like these. With the amount of cancellations and postponements coming in, this is all we have. However we will keep it on file that you did pay the deposit, and honor that deposit if you decide to reschedule with us in the future. And, we hope that you do!

As of June 5th, dance floors at wedding receptions in Ohio have been allowed to reopen after being banned recently for safety reasons due to COVID-19. Governor Mike DeWine quietly made the big announcement today after hearing growing concerns from Ohioans about the potentially negative effects of receptions being held without dancing. After initially stating that dance floors were prohibited at the beginning of the month, this is a sudden change for the wedding industry during the coronavirus pandemic. Even though dance floors have once again reopened for Ohio wedding receptions, you still need to keep your guests as safe as possible.

Keep Your Distance

Social distancing is just as relevant now as it was before. In Ohio, the public health order is now revised to include wedding receptions and banquet hall events. But, that does not mean things should go back to exactly how they were prior to the pandemic. The order, which was posted to Ohio’s coronavirus website on Monday, allows “open congregate areas” such as dance floors to reopen. However, this is only permitted as long as sanitation and social distancing guidelines are followed properly.

Although wedding venues can now open their dance floors, guests must remain seated while drinking or eating. Wedding guests must also must stay six feet apart from one another. Because of this, the traditional dance club situation found at most wedding receptions should not be the case. Instead, dance from a distance. Adequate space between you and your guests will ensure that people are safely having fun on the floor.

Do the Safety Dance

You can dance if you want to, but, should you? That is the question now being pondered by everyone with upcoming nuptials. Yes, it is the season for weddings. And yes, restrictions on receptions are now being lifted so that they feel as normal as possible. Because of this, it is important to remember that COVID-19 is still out there even during your celebratory time. Dancing by yourself or with your significant other is the safest choice.

If anything, the numbers are showing that coronavirus cases are starting to rise again due to the reopening of the economy. Therefore, you need to make sure that you and your guests are as safe as possible. Please follow all safety protocols if you choose to have dancing at your reception. The less physical interaction you have between members of your party, the less chance you have of contracting the virus. As the old saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry.

An Understanding DJ

Jason Kent Sound and Lighting understands your coronavirus concerns. We are following all CDC guidelines on and off the dance floor. Safety is our number one priority. If you book us to be your wedding DJ, we assure you we will wear a face mask and practice social distancing. We want to make sure that our DJ booth is a safe place by having a minimum of six feet between us and your guests. Our upcoming dates for the fall are filling up fast. So, contact us today or call 419.619.637 if you have any questions about how we can help your wedding day.

By: Jason Droll

Starting on June 1, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine is once again permitting weddings and receptions to take place in Ohio with many safety restrictions now in place. A majority of these changes are similar to the ones that were recently imposed on restaurants. For wedding receptions, the biggest change to keep guests safe comes down to entertainment. No dance floors are allowed for the foreseeable future. However, professional DJ services are permitted. Please continue reading to get up to speed on all the new changes as wedding receptions return amid the reality of COVID-19.

The New Normal

Getting married soon? Attending a wedding or reception in the near future? Then pay close attention to all the new changes that will soon be commonplace for wedding receptions. For now, backyard weddings are still not allowed. However, the new rules and regulations for catering and banquet halls to safely deal with COVID-19 are as follows:

• Wedding guests will be segmented by parties of 10 or fewer people, with up to 300 total guests permitted at the ceremony or reception.

• Whatever the fire code for the reception venue is, the maximum occupancy will be cut in half to allow for proper social distancing protocols.

• Parties and tables must be separated by six feet or a physical barrier which includes high booth back, plexiglass wall, or clear curtain.

• Cleaning and sanitizing schedules will be elevated for all surfaces that staff and guests frequently touch and come into contact with.

• Workers are required to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, but not all are expected to wear gloves.

• Remaining closed for now will be open congregate areas like dance floors, although, these areas can be used for seating to assist social distancing.

• Separate entrance and exit doors should be used wherever possible, with no-touch entrances and exits being the preference.

• Single serve packets and cups should be used on tables by caterers instead of using containers for condiments used by multiple guests.

• Whether or not to require that wedding guests wear masks will be up to the individual banquet or catering hall, but are highly recommended.

Wedding Reception Creativity

Even with all the upcoming changes in place, your wedding reception can still be what your dreams are made of. All you have to do is think outside the box! For instance, couples could still make their memorable first dance happen in a different way. The bride and groom could potentially have their priceless first dance from behind the head table instead of on the dance floor as they traditionally did in the past. Also, incorporating stylish masks may become part of the getup for bridesmaids and groomsmen at ceremonies. Imagine having color-coordinated masks so that everyone in the wedding party matches. Additionally, things like hand sanitizer bottles custom labeled with the wedding date may be on every table or given to guests as gifts. The possibilities are endless! Although smaller and safer weddings may soon become the norm, that doesn’t mean that they have to be any less chic and glamorous than they were before.

Essential Wedding DJs

Professional DJ services are still allowed as they not only provide ceremony and dinner music, but emcee the entire night as well. Once again, sound and lighting entertainment for your big day is back! Even if the length of some upcoming wedding receptions is shortened, DJ services are still needed and in very high demand. For immediate assistance in getting your wedding reception safely back on track in Northwest Ohio, please contact Jason Kent Sound and Lighting today! Call us at 419.619-2291 and we will be happy to help you navigate through all of these ongoing COVID-19 changes within the wedding industry. To us, safety and professionalism is key. We are here to be fully compliant with all these new reception regulations and make your entertainment dreams a reality.

By: Jason Droll

By: Jason Droll

The show must go on. If you have an upcoming wedding already scheduled for 2020, there are a probably a multitude of questions running through your mind right now. With the novel coronavirus making headlines by the minute, it is perfectly natural to be concerned about how this may impact your big day. With so many logistics in play, it is important to be informed about the numerous options available to keep your reception running safely. For everything you should know about coronavirus safety tips for weddings and receptions, please continue reading.

Guest List Modifications

With the current outbreak of COVID-19, it is important to be informed about how this may affect your wedding day. Typically, people travel from all across the United States to attend weddings of friends and loved ones. Sometimes, they even travel from across the border or overseas. With travel restrictions being an issue, both internationally and domestically, understand that this may decrease your guest list exponentially. Remember, less is more.

Instead, consider limiting attendees to local friends and immediate family members. Having a smaller ceremony will allow plenty of safe space for you and your guests. If someone is not feeling well, have them stay at home! Additionally, the elderly are the most at risk of getting sick and should not be in attendance. Hopefully they will be compassionate about your decision and understand it is in their best interest.

Keep Your Distance

Social distancing at your wedding and reception is very important! Be sure to keep a minimum of six feet between guests at all times. No hand shaking! Instead, bump elbows or avoid physical contact altogether. Cover your mouth when you cough, and sneeze into your elbow. If you have a food buffet, have a server wear disposable gloves to dish up the plates so that your guests are not individually touching the serving spoons. Also, consider having plates of food delivered to the tables instead of a buffet to limit the spread of germs.

A great alternative for those from afar to still be able to watch your wedding is live streaming. Having an avenue for others at home to witness your nuptials take place as they happen from the comfort of their living room is the perfect fix. You can also add your professional wedding photos to an online gallery for your guests to view. Or better yet, upload videos to YouTube of your big day so your loved ones can view them over and over again. These things will help limit exposure and contact amongst your guests as much as possible!

Protect Your Guests

Having a sufficient supply of cleaning products on-hand at your wedding is a must. Although they are in short supply now, get what you can to ensure that the tables, chairs, and surfaces of your event are as clean as possible. Not all cleaners are the same, so make sure that you use EPA approved disinfectants. Keeping frequently touched surfaces cleaned properly, especially at your reception, will help protect your guests from the virus.

Place hand sanitizing stations at each and every door to ensure that everyone entering your ceremony has clean hands to begin with. Additionally, setting a bottle of hand sanitizer in the middle of every table is the perfect addition to your centerpiece. Thoroughly wash your hands as frequently as possible for a minimum of 20 seconds in hot, soapy water. If possible, have protective face masks available to guests that would like to wear them. Although they may not be the most popular choice, anything to help avoid the transmission of germs between your loved ones will be appreciated, and potentially life-saving!

Ohio Case Study

Currently, gatherings of 100 people or more are still allowed for churches and weddings. In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine has placed strict rules on public events to help eliminate the spread of coronavirus and to help flatten the curve of transmission. Please do not panic if you have a wedding and reception currently on the books in the upcoming months. Instead, stay informed and implement the tools above in order to better understand these very important coronavirus safety tips for weddings and receptions. For more information, please reference the current ODH and CDC guidelines.

If you are in Northwest Ohio, we are here to help answer any questions you may have above how this may affect your wedding reception. Considering a reschedule? As most good vendors and venues are booked solid now through October, look forward to 2021 instead. If you currently have a reception scheduled with Jason Kent Sound and Lighting, please call us at 419-619-2291. We will happily guide you through the process to ensure that your special day remains as memorable as possible!

By: Jason Droll

Another great year, another great award! At Jason Kent Sound and Lighting, we take our job, and the opinions of our customers very seriously. We are proud of who you are, and what you’ve help us become over the years. With that said, we are excited to announce that we have once again been selected as a 2020 winner in the annual WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards, DJ category!

Furthermore, this is the second year in a row we have had the pleasure of accepting this award on behalf of our amazing clients. Without all of you, none of this would be possible! We sincerely thank each and every one of you who have chosen us to provide the entertainment for your wedding. Your positive testimonials and genuine recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Why WeddingWire Matters

The WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards recognize local wedding professionals who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism. Due to our responsiveness and service when interacting with the five million monthly clients who use WeddingWire to help with their wedding planning, the 2020 Couples’ Choice Award was awarded to Jason Kent Sound and Lighting. Online reviews from more than one million WeddingWire couples help determine the winners in each category. Read our reviews on WeddingWire to see all the new things our clients have to say about us!

“We used Jason as our DJ and we could not be happier with his services. He was able to include his photo booth as a package for us as well and everyone had so much fun with it all night! Jason was extremely attentive, checked in with us regularly, paid attention to the songs we did and did not want played, and was just all around great to work with. Would highly recommend!” – Emily

Northwest Ohio’s Premier Wedding DJ

Look no further! Jason Kent Sound and Lighting should be your first choice when considering a DJ service in Lucas County. We strive to provide a professional, reliable DJ experience that will keep your reception moving throughout the night. Established by Jason Kent over a decade ago, we have extensive experience mixing and producing contemporary music, serving up all of today’s hits and yesterday’s classics at your event. If you are looking for the perfect venue for your reception in the Toledo area, look no further than the Renaissance. Stylish and timeless, we highly recommend this downtown venue if you want to impress your guests in the “Glass City” with our DJ services.

Additionally, Hancock County is a perfect destination for weddings and receptions. At the heart of it all is the prosperous Findlay, Ohio. If you are from “Flag City”, you will be happy to know that Jason Kent Sound and Lighting is your go-to Wedding DJ. If you are looking for the perfect location for your wedding reception, we proudly recommend Alexandria’s as your venue. Located in downtown Findlay, Alexandria’s has two of the most unique and beautiful spaces in Northwest Ohio available to rent for your event. Check them out! Lastly, if you reside in Wood County, be sure to look into Nazareth Hall to host your wedding reception. Located in beautiful Grand Rapids, Ohio, we happily recommend this classic venue where we have entertained receptions of all sizes.

Book DJ Jason Kent Today

We will gladly work with you once you have chosen your preferred venue and are ready to proceed with one of our DJ packages. Please contact us with any and all questions you may have. We truly value our clients, and would love for you to be one of ours. No matter your location in Northwest Ohio, Jason Kent Sound and Lighting is here to be your premier DJ service. When looking for wedding entertainment, your search is over!

By: Jason Droll

Now more than ever before, wedding receptions are becoming almost as big of an event as your big day itself. Whether the afterparty to your vows is large or small, knowing the latest trends can help you and your loved one make current and informed decisions about the look and feel of your reception. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest wedding reception trends you need to know for the upcoming year, and beyond!

Master of Ceremonies

DJs are the new MCs. Long gone are the days when a hired disc jokey just showed up to a wedding reception and simply played music. Now, a professional DJ can serve as the Master of Ceremonies for your night, smoothly transitioning from song to song, and event to event. Booking a DJ who can also function as your MC for the evening can make your reception feel flawless to your guests.

A professional DJ service can effortlessly become a coordinator in their role for your wedding day, alongside playing the music you tediously picked out. This is priceless! Many DJs can also provide live mixing at your reception, and some even have backgrounds in the radio industry. Wedding DJs are your one-stop-shop for entertainment on the day you need it the most. Read reviews online and find one you can trust. An experienced DJ is the hidden key to your wedding ceremony!

Old School Tracks

The music from your past is new again! Nostalgia is in, and all the big songs from yesteryear are making a comeback. Whether your favorite decade was the 70s, 80s, or 90s, the top tracks from back in the day are still packing the dance floors of wedding receptions all over the place.

Nobody has rhymed it better in recent times than Naughty By Nature in the intro to New Kids On The Block’s latest single, 80s Baby. ”It ain’t nothin’ like an old school track to get the party jumpin’ just like that.”

Or, have your first dance be to your favorite slow song from the good old days. It’s truly something that you both will remember, and your guests are sure to reminisce about as you dance the night away together. Make it special. Nothing stands out more than the memories that are invoked when you hear that special song that hasn’t been played in so long.

Be original! What’s old is new again, especially with music. So, take some advice from the classic and nostalgic words from Montell Jordan’s most famous song, “let’s flip the track, bring the old school back.”

Add Some Uplighting

Transform your reception hall into something truly elegant, warm and inviting. Uplighting can add a huge visual impact, turning your wedding reception room into something very classy and unique. No matter the size of your reception space, uplights can be strategically placed around the parameter of the room to dramatically enhance the celebratory atmosphere for you and your guests. Ambience is everything.

Incorporate one of the most popular wedding reception trends with uplighting. Changing colors to signify when it’s time to party, uplights can also flicker and strobe to the beat of the music. Want that one-of-a-kind wedding night? Make it right by adding these popular lights!

Fun with Photo Booths

The funnest way to capture memories of your special day! Remember the old photo booths with the curtain in the mall that printed off your series of impromptu, silly photos onto strips of film? A photo booth is the new, easy-to-use way to freeze frames at wedding receptions. We’ll bring the props, you bring the fun!

Photo booths can have a variety of different backdrops. Backgrounds that feature an open design allow for even larger group photos at receptions. Digital photo booths can also instantly deliver pictures and animated GIFs directly to phones via text or email. For an additional fee, a printing option can be added that lets you and your guests instantly print out 2×6 photostrips with four photos on customizable print layouts while attending your wedding.

Afterwords, all photos that guests took can be conveniently uploaded to your DJs Facebook page for you and your friends to share, tag, or download! Automated operation with simple on-screen instructions, photo filters, and delivery options. Just press start and get your hashtag ready for photo booth fun!

Book Your Wedding DJ Today!

Professionally incorporate any or all of these wedding reception trends trends into your big day to make it an event everyone will attend. Call Jason Kent Sound and Lighting at 419-619-2291 today, or contact us with any questions or ideas you may have. We are always here to help!

By: Jason Droll

Choosing the right wedding DJ can be a very tedious and timely process, and making sure you find the right one is critical to the success of your wedding reception. Before deciding on a potential entertainment service to book for your event, first ask yourself these very important questions in order to help you choose the right wedding DJ.

What level of experience does the DJ have?

When looking for a potential DJ for your wedding, it’s important to see how long they have been at their craft. If a DJ service is just starting up, chances are they do not have the experience and nohow necessary to properly plan and carry out your wedding reception. Therefore, look for someone who has many years of experience in your area to ensure you have someone who can properly do their job. A decade of experience at a minimum can be a good indicator that the DJ in question has enough experience to make your wedding a musical success.

Are the online reviews for the DJ good?

Reading online reviews is a great way to judge the past, and future excellence of a potential DJ. If the people who have hired them in the past have great things to say about them, chances are they will give you the same great results. The two most popular websites to check online reviews on are WeddingWire and The Knot. Word of mouth reviews and honest recommendations from people you know personally are also a great starting point for finding professional wedding DJs in your area.

How personable and professional is the DJ?

Many wedding DJs today lack the professionalism necessary to perform in front of people at large, or even small receptions. Weddings are usually very formal events where family members and friends of all ages come together to celebrate. Because of this, it is important to hire a wedding DJ that is personable and understands the different dynamics of group events. Also, a professional DJ service has the proper attire and people skills needed to make a great first impression to all of your guests.

Is the DJ service reliable and trustworthy?

Having a wedding DJ that you can rely on to be there for the biggest day of your life is critical. You need to be able to count on them from the first point of contact on the phone to the final equipment setup on your wedding day. Also, a DJ service that is trustworthy will make sure that everything from the music to the lighting is accurate and ready to roll on time. Choosing a person you can trust and know will be reliable will ensure your entertainment for the night will be right.

Does the DJ have the proper equipment?

Most DJs who are just starting out are not equipped with the right sound and lights to put on an effective show. Above all, look for a DJ service that has all of the things that you are looking to have for your guests to enjoy. Music is first and foremost, so make sure they have the proper speaker system. Things like uplighting and photo booths can also be added by professional DJs with the proper equipment. These are all surefire ways to entertain your guests throughout the evening.

Choose the Right Wedding DJ!

Jason Kent Sound and Lighting has the experience and award-winning credibility necessary to DJ your wedding. Call 419-619-2291 today, or contact us to find out our upcoming availability.

By: Jason Droll

It’s our pleasure to announce that we’ve been selected as a 2019 winner in the annual WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards, DJ category!

The 2019 Couples’ Choice Award was awarded to Jason Kent Sound and Lighting due to our responsiveness and service when interacting with the five million monthly clients who use WeddingWire to help with their wedding planning. The WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards recognize local wedding professionals who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism. Online reviews from more than one million WeddingWire couples help determine the winners in each category.

“Highly recommend! From the first time I contacted him, I was impressed at how professional, easy to talk to he was. He was flexible and able to meet our needs at an affordable price. The music he played was absolutely perfect, and he kept the whole night running smoothly. We couldn’t have asked for a better DJ. He got many compliments from our guests as well!” – Rachel

To see all the great things people are saying about us, check out our reviews on WeddingWire!

Jason Kent Sound and Lighting is an experienced DJ service in the Toledo, Ohio region. Started by Jason Kent over 10 years ago, they have extensive experience mixing and producing contemporary music, so they’ll be able to serve up all of today’s hits and yesterday’s classics at your wedding! Jason Kent Sound and Lighting can also help you get your guests involved in the party with fun modern features like a song request app. They strive to provide a professional, reliable DJ experience that will keep your reception moving all night.

Every wedding package from Jason Kent Sound and Lighting includes custom web portal access developed by their DJs just for you, along with an online payment system. They provide coordination with your wedding itinerary and other vendors, and dance floor lighting. Depending on your tastes, your DJ can even mix at your wedding! Standard services include multiple phone or in-person consultations and wireless microphones.

In addition to their standard services, Jason Kent Sound and Lighting offers premium lighting and sound packages. Get your names in lights with a projected monogram or have a light show at your reception. Other premium services Jason Kent Sound and Lighting offers include wireless uplighting systems, nightclub lighting, wireless lapel microphones, and photo booths.

Need a DJ for Your Wedding?

Contact Jason Kent Sound and Lighting today to hire one of the most professional DJ services in Toledo, Findlay, and the surrounding areas! Check out Facebook or Instagram for more information and photos from recent wedding receptions.

By: Jason Droll

We’re excited to announce that we’ve been chosen as a 2019 pick in the annual The Knot Best of Weddings Award, DJs category!

Best of Weddings is an award that honors the highest-rated wedding vendors across America as reviewed by real couples on The Knot, the leading wedding brand and website. In 2017, only 2% of wedding professionals on the Knot won this distinguished award. The Knot Best of Weddings is an annual award that recognizes the top wedding vendors across the United States. Distinguished vendors who receive this prestigious honor are trusted, dependable, and fun to work with. They’ve went above and beyond by delighting and dazzling their couples, and it definitely shows.

“Jason was a great DJ for our wedding! He was easy to work with, fast to respond to emails or texts, and we loved his website! It was great to be able to fill out things electronically and pick our highlight songs ahead of time. He helped us pick out a few that we were unsure of. We got a lot of positive feedback from our friends and family about him! Would definitely recommend to others.” – Kimberly T.

Read our reviews on The Knot to see all the good things our clients are saying about us!

Jason Kent Sound and Lighting is quickly becoming known as the leading Wedding DJ Service in the area. Our Wedding DJs have provided quality wedding entertainment at hundreds of receptions in the Toledo, Findlay, and Lima areas. We provide a unique experience for unique couples. Jason’s team of DJ’s have unmatched experience in DJing wedding receptions, nightclub residencies, and top 40 radio experience.

We are there to compliment your night, not steal the show. We believe a DJ’s responsibility is not only to play the right music at the right times, but to coordinate your reception. Providing entertainment to hundreds of weddings throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, Jason Kent Sound and Lighting Wedding DJs provide a unique experience for unique couples.

Wedding services provided by Jason Kent Sound and Lighting include reception coordination, online payments and contracts, Facebook or Google login to our web portal, uplighting, dance floor lighting, multiple in-person or phone consultations, real DJ’s, and real mixing!

Searching for new and unique ways to get your guests involved? Check out our photo booth or new online guest song request and dedication feature! Let your guests also suggest shoe game questions! No worries, you approve everything at our final consultation.

Looking for a Wedding DJ?

Check us out on Instagram or Facebook and contact Jason Kent Sound and Lighting today to hire one of the most experienced wedding DJs in Toledo, Findlay, and the surrounding areas. Ask us about our Military Service or Public Safety Personnel discounts!

By: Jason Droll