As published in The Flirty Guide - June 16, 2010

By Stacie Tamaki of The Flirty Blog.com

How Much Should Your Wedding DJ Cost?

Honestly? Probably more than you were planning to pay.

Why?

Because this isn’t easy to say, I don’t say it lightly: When it comes to Wedding DJ’s, Brides and Grooms can and should expect more professionalism than the status quo that has been perpetuated as “acceptable” for far too long.

And that’s not just my opinion. Over the years I’ve talked to brides, grooms, friends, other wedding professionals and even wedding DJ’s and everyone seems to agree that the bar for Wedding DJ professionalism has been set (but even more oddly, accepted) at an often shockingly low level of expectation. In many cases the quality of the service provided falls well beneath the level of mediocrity. IMO that’s not ok because the reputation of the entire DJ industry is damaged every time a DJ falls short. It’s created an atmosphere of apathy where people in need of a DJ often hope to pay very little for one simply because they expect so little in return.

This post isn’t about bashing what I consider to be average or stereotypical Wedding DJ’s. For the most part I don’t think there’s anything particularly deceptive about how most of them run or market their companies. It’s not a bait and switch scenario. Clients hire them with their eyes wide open, understanding the level of service they will receive. Some are willing to contract an average DJ because they think what they’re seeing is “as good as it gets.”

In some cases their expectations are so low they don’t even try to find a qualified DJ or MC because they don’t realize good DJ’s exist. Recently I stumbled upon this blog post on Vegan Bride titled “Phil Birdsell Saved the Day!” written by her real life groom. It’s a perfect example of what this article is all about. He and his bride weren’t going to hire a Professional DJ… Until they met Phil Birdsell who completely transformed their perception of what a wedding DJ can be and exceeded all of their expectations.

I know a common misconception is that all DJ’s are “cheesy” or as MC’s they are “obnoxious” on the microphone. So the logic is: Why pay a lot for someone who is most likely going to annoy or disappoint you? For some companies those may be accurate descriptions of the types of services they provide. But I want to share with you today that not all DJ companies are like that…

Some are good.

Some are really good.

A select few are truly great.

CONSIDERATIONS
IMO the major factors that really matter when it comes to price are:

Budget
If a particular DJ doesn’t fit your budget, keep looking for the most qualified one who does. You want to choose the right DJ to entrust your reception to: One who is going to try their hardest and do their best for you, not the first one you talk to or the most convenient one.

What is a DJ Worth? 

The answer to this question varies based on your needs, expectations and priorities and the level of talent, skills and customer service a DJ is able to provide to you.

The funny thing (as in ironic not ha ha) is that I have worked in the wedding industry for 13 years and by far know more vendors who do not charge enough for their services than those who overcharge. So many people who work in the wedding industry do so because they love to make people happy, they’re really not in it for the money. Some barely charge enough to break even on the cost of their labor, supplies and equipment. (When I was a custom bridal accessory designer I spent a lot of energy talking brides out of things they didn’t need because imo when it comes to wedding accessories, less is more. Less will always look classic and elegant while too much can look costumed or silly.)

Are DJ’s Who Charge More Worth More?
They can be but it may take research on your part to verify if a company is charging what they’re worth or if they are simply being opportunistic. The sad truth is that any company can “look” legitimate. All they have to do is build a nice looking website, print up some business cards and brochures and start advertising. They may even have some impressive credentials. But those things alone aren’t a guarantee of anyone’s current level of professionalism or your satisfaction as their client.

On the flip side of buyer beware is knowing that paying a premium price for something doesn’t always mean it’s overpriced. Whether or not something costs “too much” can be determined by the answer to this question: Is it worth what it costs? You can spend $5,000 dollars on something that’s worth $10,000 and get a great deal. Or you can spend the same $5000 on something that’s only worth $50 and be completely taken advantage of.My pov is: “Value is not relative to price but to the quality of the product or service you receive in return for your investment.”

DJ as MC

And what about their Master of Ceremonies skills? Especially if you haven’t ever seen them perform before I urge you not to just send out an email or chat on the phone before hiring a DJ because they will almost always be acting as your MC. You need to meet them in person. During your face to face consultation you can see their personality and even ask them to stand and do an introduction for you. When they do, watch for the following elements to see if they have mastered the MC skills needed to do a great job at your wedding:

• Facial expression and demeanor: Do they smile and look happy to be there?
• Body language: Do they slouch, rock or shift about nervously once they begin speaking? Or do they stand straight and tall with confidence?
• What are their speaking skills like? Do they talk so fast you can barely understand them? Or are they so timid you can’t imagine them getting everyone out on the dance floor?
• Do they sound engaged, interested and excited to be there or is their voice flat as if they are reading a nutrition label on a box of breakfast cereal?
• What does their voice sound like? Do they speak with sincerity in their own voice or turn on a different affected performance voice once they’re speaking into a microphone? (Or spoon or ballpoint pen, whatever is handy during your consultation.)

After taking Mark Ferrell’s MC workshop it is now much more apparent to me how undervalued and overlooked MC skills have been in both the past and present. It’s all the more shocking because everything the MC does is an integral part of your wedding reception and should be considered when you are choosing your Wedding DJ

.

WHO DO YOU HIRE?
The first and most important question would be: Were you referred to a particular DJ by someone you know and trust, who hired them for an event and were thrilled by their service? Or were you impressed when you saw them successfully performing at another event? If your answer to either question is yes, that may be all you need to know when it comes to selecting who to hire.If you’re starting from scratch, here are some tips that may help you decide if a company is going to delight or disappoint you. If you can answer “yes” to all or most of the questions below you’re definitely on the right track to finding a DJ of quality.Does the DJ you are considering hiring:

• Have a Business License?
• Use a Written Contract? Do they guarantee the date, their arrival and departure time and the rate they are charging you?
• Have Quality Equipment?
• Carry Insurance?
• Own a Vehicle Large Enough to Transport all of the Needed Equipment? Or will they forego the correct equipment because they don’t have the space to transport it?
• Come Prepared with Back Up Equipment?
• Have an Appropriate Selection of Music to Play at Your Wedding?
• Know How to Properly Mix Music? If mixed music is what you’re looking for be sure the DJ you’re hiring knows how to mix in the style you’re seeking.
• Dress Appropriately?
• Not Use Inappropriate Language?
• Not Drink Alcohol on the Job?
• Bring an Assistant When Necessary? i.e. not enough time allowed for set up before guests arrive or lots of stairs that their equipment must be carried up and down.
• Are they a member of an organization that has real standards for business practices and ethics? A group where not just anyone can pay to be a member.

But here are the intangibles:

These are the things that you can’t always discern from a website. These are the things a trusted testimonial from someone you know or an eyewitness account can confirm. Does the DJ you are considering hiring:

• Rely on Expertise not Ego?
• Deserve your trust?
• Have Solid MC Skills?
• Know how to Use Their Equipment Properly?
• Understand the Pacing and Timing of the Reception?
• Have a personality that reflects your own and/or the type of event you would like to host for your guests?
• Care About Your Wedding? Are they honored to be a part of your special day or is it just a job to earn money?

There is a Big Difference Between how “Professional” and “Stereotypical” DJ’s View Weddings

To me there are no exceptions, every DJ is one or the other. It comes down to integrity and the choice they make when it comes to how do they approach your wedding day? You will find both types of DJ’s within owner operated and multi-op companies. Professionalism is defined as competence and skill. The Professional understands and cares that your wedding is special and will use their competence and skills to help make it enjoyable and memorable. For the Stereotypical DJ’s, the common perception is that they treat weddings as just another “gig” on their calendar.

Do you remember in the movie “My Best Friend’s Wedding” when Julia Robert’s self centered, no frills character makes the analogy that she is “Jell-O” and in the same breath labeled Cameron Diaz’s sincere character as being “Creme Brulee?”

Professional DJ’s are the Creme Brulee

They are honest, have integrity and treat being a DJ as an occupation, not a hobby. Professionals know that their business requires commitment, effort and integrity to be successful. They treat their clients with appreciation and respect because they care about the fact that weddings are special events.I’ve noticed over the years that because they get to know their clients so well, many owner operated “Professional” vendors in all categories, often create friendships with their clients that may last for years or decades. That’s a great thing!A Professional DJ will incur many overhead expenses to maintain their company and the high level of service they provide to their clients. These costs have to be factored into the price they charge for their services to create a profit margin. The expenses may include but are not limited to:

• An annual business license
• Registering their business name (DBA) with the city
• Business Insurance
• Association Fees
• Computer and needed software
• Collateral/Printshop: Brochures, business cards, letterhead, etc.
• Website which includes: Design, development, monthly hosting fees, annual renewal for their domain name, periodic updates to their webmaster, etc.
• Continuing Education: Attending educational industry events, workshops, seminars and conferences
• Graphic Designer: Logo design & collateral development
• Equipment: Initial purchase, maintenance and repair
• Company Vehicle: A DJ has to own a vehicle large enough to transport their equipment to and from your event. Some own a dedicated vehicle and others purchase a larger personal vehicle than they actually need on a day to day basis simply to be able to transport their equipment on the weekends.
• Gas and mileage: Some events and consultations may entail a 4+ hour round trip to reach the wedding venue
• Vehicle maintenance and repair
• Paying assistants when required to do their job properly
• Advertising: Bridal shows, magazines, etc.
• Hiring a book keeper or accountant

Stereotypical DJ’s are like Jell-O

Sometimes Jell-O does hit the spot, it can have its moment. But as Julia said in the movie: “Jell-O can NEVER be creme brulee!” The Stereotypical DJ’s have made being average an accepted standard. Many often treat being a DJ like a hobby. Their most common offenses, many of which you may have witnessed in person or have seen portrayed in movies or on tv that have helped to perpetuate the stereotype are: Being late, incorrectly pronouncing the bride or groom’s name during the introductions, not knowing how to properly use their own equipment, not following the timeline for announcements, dressing or acting inappropriately; hitting on guests, drinking on the job, using inappropriate language or using inappropriate humor.

I know. I get and empathize that these are the reasons that some of you are considering making your own mixed music cd or playlist and may forego hiring a DJ. You just don’t want to risk “that guy” showing up and ruining your wedding reception. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

If you didn’t before I hope you now realize that there are highly skilled, experienced, talented, caring Professional DJ’s out there. They do exist!

So, How Much Should your Wedding DJ Cost?

Because different areas of the country have different price ranges, and different couples have different needs and budgets, it isn’t possible for me to give you a definitive amount.

The best guidance I can offer is directly related to the following factors:

• Do you want your guests to be able to hear the ceremony and vows by using an additional sound system not provided by your venue?
• How important is the success of your reception to you and your fiance? Do you want classy intros, someone who entertains (as opposed to interrupts) your guests, unobtrusive sound systems that won’t look tacky in photos and great music & dancing for your reception? How things sound and how successful the dancing goes is especially important if you’ve hired a wedding videographer.
• If you haven’t hired a professional wedding coordinator, do you need the DJ to help you create and execute your wedding day timeline to make sure all of the introductions and announcements are made at the appropriate times? Are you going to count on them to ensure that the photographer and videographer are in place for elements like the toasts, cake cutting and first dance?
• Do you want a DJ you can trust? That knowing they are there will give you peace of mind that everything is going to go smoothly and that their presence will positively impact the success of your wedding and reception?
• Have you ever hired the wrong person to do an important job? You didn’t realize until things went wrong how important it was to you. Or maybe you were just too busy to be overly concerned and thought you could get by. Whatever the reason, regret basically sucks when you know you could have had a better outcome if you had done things differently.

If the answer to any or all of these questions is yes, you will want to hire the best, most Professional DJ you can afford. What do good DJ’s charge? I will say while there is always the possibility you can find a better than average DJ at any price point, if you want a really good or great one they will probably charge at least twice as much as the average estimates you’ll receive.

 

I hope this post has explained why and that I’ve made the process of locating, recognizing and qualifying a good DJ easier for you.

 

My thanks to Mark Ferrell, Jason Spencer of Jason Spencer Weddings and Entertainment, Carl Mindling of I MC Events, Ron Grandia , Leonard Ybarra of Music Plus Events, and to the other DJ industry professionals who helped contribute to this article by allowing me to consult with them. Their insights and perspectives are very much appreciated.

 

Editor’s Note:  Special Thanks to Stacie Tamaki  and The Flirty Blog for her article and her “non-DJ” insight into the world of wedding entertainment!

 

To view original article:  Please visit: 

http://theflirtyguide.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-much-should-your-wedding-dj-cost.html

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Guest Blog on Beauty – Liz Davies

New Year’s resolutions are the perfect way to stay motivated when planning your special wedding day for 2012. Focusing on the new you just adds to the excitement of wedding events. There are several resolutions you can make and fulfill during the anticipation of your upcoming wedding.



Teeth Whitening with Whitening Kits

All eyes will be focused on your gorgeous smile as you say your wedding vows. Whitening your teeth is simple, quick and easy to do. There are numerous whitening kits available at the local drug store. Go ahead and use a kit now to have a confident smile during bridal showers, cake tasting and other wedding events. Often, these take a week or so to brighten teeth. MD, VA and DC dentist offices offer many different types of teeth whitening services which can be used if a faster result is sought.

Lustrous Shiny Hair with Hair Masks



Add shine and luster to your hair with an at-home hair mask from your local beauty supply store. Apply hair masks bring out the natural beauty in your hair. You can invite the maid-of-honor over and the two of you can put hair masks on each other’s hair. This is a great time to talk about the upcoming wedding and to share some bonding time together. You can even watch a movie together while the hair mask does it work on your hair.

Pedicure for Soft Feet



Don’t put off getting a pedicure until the last minute. A pedicure is a fun way to bring out the softness in your feet. You can kick off your shoes on your honeymoon without feeling self-conscious about calluses on your feet or cracked heels. Be certain to select a toe-nail polish that is bright and bold to wear on that special night. It is even fun to pick out a pair of sexy night-slippers to wear on your honeymoon night to show off the beauty of your feet.

Purchase a Special Wedding Anklet



One of the things that you can wear that is something new is a special anklet for both the wedding ceremony and for your honeymoon activities. Massage lotion into the back of your heels and around your ankles on each night before going to sleep. You will notice that your ankles have transformed to be soft, supple and sexy. What a better way to show them off than with a special new anklet just specifically for your wedding and honeymoon night.

Use your resolutions to make small improvements and follow beauty tips for both your wedding and your honeymoon. This is a special time for everyone. Take time out of the hectic schedule and wedding planning to pamper yourself and to bond with your maid-of-honor. You deserve nothing but the very best during this exhilarating and exciting time in your life.

Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in beauty and fashion. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives by spreading positive messages. Liz also likes shopping, hanging out with friends, reading and playing with her dog, April.

Disclaimer:  Liz Daley Events claims no knowledge of any product or service represented in this guest blog article.

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I recently agreed to step in and help a friend-of-a- friend coordinate their daughter’s wedding. They wanted a band, which is why I was never called to DJ in the first place. I’m a sucker…I had the night off…so I said “yes.”

I phoned the bride to discuss a few details. We went over the names in the wedding party and their order for the Grand Entrance. I also let her know that I would be happy to make the announcements if she would like, since it is what I do. I said that not all bandleaders really want that responsibility, and since I’m already going to be there, I would be happy to help. Upon my recommendation, she called and asked the bandleader if he wanted to make the announcements. His response, “I’m fine doing announcements.”

Zero Preparation.

I created an agenda and shared it with the bandleader and the venue. The bandleader responded after a few days and said it looked good to him. When we met on the day of the wedding, he was very polite and accommodating. I asked if he was sure of all the pronunciations and if he was ready to go with the announcements, and he said he was. It was then that I noticed he had printed my agenda, but had not bothered to create his own Grand Entrance script with BIG FONT. Yikes!

The status quo.

I lined up the bridal party without the assistance of the bandleader who did not come out to check the pronunciations one more time. When I cued him that everyone was ready, the band began playing a nondescript jazz instrumental at a volume that was overpowering the bandleader’s voice. He did not have the attention of the crowd and began reading names. Sure enough, he got one name wrong (and yes, it was a doozy), and he introduced everyone with the excitement and energy of Ben Stein reading a grocery list. He switched the order of the first dances without discussing it with the family and his introductions of the first dance and parent dances were without any emotion or connection to the wedding party and the guests.

Every announcement began with “Ladies and Gentlemen can I have your attention” and he said “bride and groom” instead of their names 95% of the time.

During dinner, their volume was WAY TOO LOUD, although they did at least push the level down when I went over to them to request an adjustment.

The band had no wireless microphone for the toasts, so the Best Man and Maid of Honor had to stand up with the band to make their toasts.

Dead silence.

When it was time for the cake cutting immediately following the toasts, I asked the bandleader to announce it. And that is exactly what he did. “Ladies and Gentlemen, it time for the bride and the groom to cut the cake.” The room was silent. No Music. No interaction. No Direction. Nothing. I made sure they had their cake knives, forks, a plate and a napkin and very quietly advised them what to do, as any good coordinator should, but the room was DEAD SILENT…and it wasn’t my job to speak up and do what I knew needed to be done. I was not the MC. The bandleader was the MC. I had offered my services and was turned down. I kept my mouth shut, cringing inside because of the train wreck happening in front of me.

Later in the evening, when it was time for the garter and bouquet….the MC skills of Mr. Bandleader were again even WORSE than I thought possible.

Important ceremonies gone bad.

He invited the bride and groom up to the dance floor and said, “oh good, someone brought up a chair for you” (yes, that would be me…behind the scenes). The awkward silence as the bride and groom stood alone on the dance floor waiting to be told what to do, was deafening. Again, no direction. Nothing. FINALLY, the bandleader said, “whenever you’re ready.” That’s it. No music. Just a drum roll as the groom pulled off the garter. Did I mention, they were ALONE on the dance floor. Then he said, “Single men, come on up.” They didn’t. He asked again. They didn’t. Still no music was being played. Woof. I handed the bride her toss bouquet and she threw it in silence. It was the most anti-climactic event I have ever witnessed. Then, with the formalities done, there was MORE SILENCE as no one knew what was happening. Finally the bandleader said, “I’m going to play a song that I think you will all know,” then waited about 20 seconds and began playing his dance set, which jumped around from beach music to big band causing major musical whiplash with 10 to 20 seconds of dead air between EVERY SONG!

Minimal expectations and minimal delivery.

Amazingly, the bride, the groom, the guests and the family were all oblivious to just how bad all the special moments were. It was “fine.” They had the “proper announcements” just as they thought they wanted. They didn’t know what they didn’t know. They’d never seen anything different, so they accepted the status quo. I would venture a guess that many DJs do announcements the same way as this bandleader and no one knows how bad they are. It’s the status quo. Minimal expectations and minimal delivery.

When speaking to the family as I bid them good night, they were raving about how wonderful the band was, and all I could say was, “Yes, they are VERY talented musicians….they are a great band.” (Aside to myself: they just SUCK as MCs) “How much did you pay for them, if you don’t mind my asking?” Her answer: $3,000.00. At the end of the night, the bride’s mother said to me, “I don’t know how I could have ever done this without you.”

A $3,000 Train Wreck that
the client thought was “fine.”

To give credit where credit is due, I must say, as musicians…THEY WERE VERY TALENTED! The MUSIC was fantastic. The dance floor was hopping most of the night even with the lulls between songs and the genre jumping. They were also very polite and professional. Nonetheless, in my eyes the wedding was a train wreck. Why? Because they failed to deliver anything more than music. Every formality was an interruption to their performance and was delivered in a perfunctory manner. How sad. It’s even sadder that no one in the room knew any better. (Just me and the banquet captain)

What we do and what we can help create is SO MUCH MORE THAN MUSIC! This bride and this crowd deserved better…MUCH better!!!

The above article was written by Liz Daley for “Pro Mobile DJ” as part of her monthly column “A Passion for Performance”.

Click here to see original article.

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