Choosing your DJ –“You get what you pay for”
In an electronically advanced era where virtually every TEEN is the proud owner of an iPod and can masterfully mix sounds in the basement and download and burn via the net, my spin on things was that the sound of music was nothing more than a song and dance.
What most couples don’t realize however, is how important music is to setting the celebratory tone for their special day.
When planning our wedding, we decided to hire the part-time DJ I had once successfully used for a block party. How could I refuse such a great deal; he played great songs at the block party and he agreed to do the job for a price that was music to my ears.
While I give him an E for Effort, and not necessarily for Excellence, I can still hear my mother “admonishing”…. “You Get What You Pay For”. A debacled wedding march, was followed by a debauchery of names during the bridal announcements, some “minor” but very instrumental gaffs that could have ended on a much more sour note (which by the way is all captured on video for all of posterity).
So, before you even entertain compromising quality for cost here are a few timeless tips to cue you in on how to choose a true professional.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
When interviewing prospective DJs for your celebration, take note of their general appearance. Is their attire sloppy? Do they seem in a rush or unprepared? Are they impatient with your inquiries? While these character flaws may seem trivial, they could actually be red flags. A true professional will always strive to put their best foot forward, even if it’s something as simple as an organized office or neat clothing. The effort that a company puts into an initial consultation is a good indication of the time and care they will invest in your reception - regardless of what they show you on a video.
DETAILS, DETAILS
The owner of a quality company will take care to represent himself/herself in the small details. Any entertainer worth his salt will be eager and able to establish your trust by offering service over product. Something as simple as the condition of their equipment speaks volumes about the pride and attention, or lack thereof, to detail. Your wedding reception will come and go, but every time you watch your wedding video you will be revisited by scenes of the holes in the mesh of speakers or the chipped paint off the front of the sound system in the backdrop of the dance floor.
WEDDINGS ONLY, PLEASE
It used to be that DJs were called upon for many types of occasions, from bar mitzvahs to block parties. Even today when talk of a DJ comes up, people automatically picture the stereotypical MC with greased hair, sequined socks and a blaring, obnoxious voice matched only by the piercing feedback from the speakers. Fortunately, that icon is evolving. Many DJ companies today limit their services exclusively to weddings. A quality company realizes that memories of your special day go way beyond the reception. Let’s face it, the flowers will wither, the guests will forget whether they had the stuffed chicken or the filet of sole, but no one will forget how that exceptional DJ got Aunt Martha and her bridge club cutting a rug to modern dance music, or how all your young nieces and nephews got down to some big band tunes. A DJ who is a true artist in his craft will know how to read the crowd and get everyone on their feet.
BUYER BEWARE
When selecting your DJ company decide first what emphasis you place on having your friends and family consider yours the best wedding reception
they’ve ever been to. You may be on a tight budget and are wondering which vendor should get the bulk of your attention. You may try to cut corners because you realize the fleeting nature of the elements in a wedding reception. But when you really think about it, no other vendor has the power to make or break your wedding reception than your DJ. The cuisine may be delicious and the photographer may have shot some great poses to place in your album, but if your guests grow bored somewhere between the penne ala vodka and the Viennese hour, you’re in trouble. Here are some financial guidelines to help you choose a true winner:
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Quality entertainment costs money. Allocate around $2,000 toward this once-in-a-lifetime decision. Most reputable DJ companies will charge approximately $1,500 for a DJ and MC. Anything less and you may risk hiring a DJ who can’t show anyone a good time. Or worse, one who doesn’t show up at all. Expect to pay more when adding other a-la-carte options such as lighting and video montages.
Avoid package deals that include DJ entertainment bundled with other wedding services. Instead deal directly with a professional DJ company whose focus is strictly “DJ Entertainment”.
Lastly, a good entertainer will know that the beauty of that special day will go way beyond the reception. Weeks, months, even years later you will view your photographs or replay your video and see yourself smiling, your guests laughing and dancing. You will always remember the fun you had, and you will be glad you spent the extra effort to entrust your memories with a true professional. And that is priceless.