Prices
For
Wedding DJs
By Troy Bass
Which cost would you rather incur, paying $500.00 for a hobbyist/bar DJ who does not know wedding format, or paying $1500.00 for a knowledgeable, professional wedding entertainer/coordinator who makes your wedding a success?
If you believe that ALL DJs are the same or are looking for some way to justify hiring that craigslist DJ then do not read this article and we wish you luck in finding a reputable wedding DJ. To those who understand that Wedding DJs are NOT PRODUCTS and should be a skilled entertainer and more, then read on.
You’ve been making wedding plans to create that perfect wedding day. By the time you’ve committed thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to XYZ Banquets for your reception hall, and let’s not forget the thousands of dollars a Florist charges for items that die the next day, or the several thousands of dollars that Photographers charge for a “so-so” wedding album (you have to pay $5000.00 or more for something nice), and the dress…..(please fill in your cost here), that perfect day has easily become a five-figure event and you feel like you are bleeding money. Now, you realize that you should have made a budget for each of your necessities. This “budget” I speak of is likely non-existant and only AFTER these other commitments do most brides and grooms look for ways to cut costs.
What many people refuse to realize is that not all DJs know how to successfully conduct a wedding. So, shopping for the best price usually reflects on the quality of service and knowledge of the entertainer. Is your wedding DJ less expensive than cheese tray you added for cocktail hour? If so, then that better be one incredible appetizer! You will not know their level of professionalism until you see and talk to your prospective DJ. Imagine it's three hours into your reception and you haven't had your special dances, cut the cake or tossed the garter and bouquet. Your guests are bored and starting to leave. Now, it's too late. The cost-efficient craigslist DJ with the blue mohawk and head full of piercings you hired just ruined one of the most important days of your life. Even worse, some "new in the business" DJs actually charge as much as a seasoned professional. Now, you've spent hundreds for someone who has little to no experience as a wedding DJ.
Over the past 15 years we have received last minute calls from brides who are desperate for a DJ because their's canceled on them. A fly-by-night DJ will give you a "great deal" unless someone else wants to pay more for that same date. Some DJs dress like one of your guests or as if they are about to hit the club. I have personally witnessed DJs who bring their girlfriend to a wedding that they are supposed to be working. I have also seen DJs who think they are so cool, they have to be on their cell phone the whole time.
You will encounter a borage of DJ prices which usually depend on factors like; How much experience a DJ has; Are you in a rural area versus a big city; What the DJ will do for you aside from just playing music. Some DJs have a flat rate, some charge by the hour. But wait, let's think about all of the money you've spent so far. If you don't want your reception to be organized, or have a diverse music selection and the necessary and proper announcements made, then hire a budget DJ. Anyone can buy a lap-top and call themselves a DJ. But, their lack of knowledge, actual experience and PROFESSIONAL GEAR is why they are cheaper than a professional. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
"How do I tell the difference between a professional DJ and an amateur?" You should always meet your DJ before issuing any deposits. A professional wedding DJ will ask you important questions and get know you. An amateur DJ will be most concentrated on the music and the "great deal" they are giving you. If you are conducting interviews for wedding entertainment, pay attention to what questions each of the DJs ask.
Some wedding DJ services send a packet with a commercial of their DJs. If the commercial does not include real wedding footage of the actual DJ at work, (speaking to a "real" audience, not just rehearsed out-takes and stock footage of music playing and people dancing), then question who this person is that will be your DJ. Will you even get to meet the DJ, or is there a gatekeeper that you go through to book the DJ? You should always find out how a DJ speaks, as opposed to the sound of their voice. This is a great way to witness the personality type of your prospective entertainer and find out what the company's policies are. Many DJs believe that they are paid to party. This way of thinking will alter their professionalism when alcohol is available at your event. Then, watch out for the chicken costume!
When you are planning a banquet hall reception yourself, the choice of entertainment will make or break your special event. Times are tough indeed. But, are you willing to risk all of the money you have invested in your wedding for the cheapest DJ you can find? Here are some post-wedding statistics you might find interesting:
*After The Vows:
72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.
99% of brides say they would have spent more of their budget on 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 to do it all over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.
* These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources
include: Simmons, 2001; U`SA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.
