legacy41senior (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} legacy41senior) wrote in ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} weddingplans,@ 2007-08-29 21:22:00 |
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| Entry tags: | music: dj |
Wedding DJ
Hey all,
My name is Anjali and I'm a Wedding DJ in SoCal. I train and work through some of the top wedding companies as well as having my company. I was bored today and decided to look on LJ for any wedding communities. I know you guys are planning and have lots of questions. I would love to be the resident DJ helper-outer :) if any of you have any questions in regards to music or how to look for a DJ. Lately, I've been noticing that there a lot of people with a music system and a library and call themselves a "wedding DJ" without any merit. I've also read over some of your horror stories and want to put an end to all horrible wedding DJ experiences..
This a little long but has good stuff...
+ As far as payment goes, it depends on the region. In SoCal, most full-time, experienced DJs will range anywhere from $1200+. Some DJs will charge as low as $600-$700. Unless a deal is worked out beforehand (your DJ is a friend, they cut you a break due to budget, etc), I'd be really weary of anyone who initially charges below $500 for a wedding. Now of course, this depends on where you live, so it differs everywhere.
+ Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight
+ Ask about any extra costs. Most DJs are usually up front about any other charges. These should include.. if they charge for set-up (most good DJs don't), overtime charges, travel charges, "extras" - lighting, extra ceremony/cocktail system, projection for slide shows, etc. if you are looking for any of those to be part of your wedding.
+ Most DJs should throw the ball in your court about what you do and don't want played for EVERYTHING - ceremony, cocktail, dinner, dancing, bouquet, garter, cake cutting, money dance, etc. Obviously, you don't need to pick a song for each and most DJs have their usuals for what they play for each of those, esp for the garter/bouquet/cake cutting.
But if you want something special or like certain artists or a type of music, let your DJ know. A good DJ will not only play what you want but will be good at playing your music while you're in the room so you feel listened to. If you are stuck on what you want played, DJs should be able to send you a list and/or brainstorm with you.
+ Most DJ packages are based on hours. A lot of DJs will provide more if you are willing to pay more $$. This is typical yet make sure that if you book a lower package, you still have access to their whole music library. Some DJs are okay with giving you a price break but at a musical cost --- NOT GOOD!
+ Most DJs will ask if they are getting a meal or make it part of their contract that they do in fact, get a meal - most people don't mind but you might.
+ Start times usually include ceremony or cocktails.
+ Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.
+ A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours." Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.
+ A professional DJ will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire.
+ If you musical taste is on the eclectic side and isn't listened to by the masses, your DJ may or may not let you know. A good DJ will ask if you if it's okay to play some of the "normal" stuff if people don't dance. (if you want people to dance, say yes ;) )
Other questions to ask
1) Ask if they have liability insurance (very important! if someone gets hurt due to wiring or equipment going wrong, the insurance will cover)
2) Ask about equipment they use (cd, vinyl, or computer?) - if you want to know what is "good" - ask them or me!
2) Ask if they have backup equipment (no speaker/cd player/mixer, no party)
3) Ask about experience (can and can not be important, however you don't want one DJ who has never done weddings before)
4) Ask about DJ/MC packages (if the DJ acts as both or there are 2 people - if you are having a wedding with more than 175 people, it's good to think about 2 man package if avail)
5) How many consultations are included in your package?
6) Tell them what energy level you want and if they're able to provide that.
7) Ask them about what they wear - wedding DJ in jeans is a no no!
8) Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time? (A versatile DJ is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list)
9) Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
10) coordination with other vendors?
+ Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight
+ Ask about any extra costs. Most DJs are usually up front about any other charges. These should include.. if they charge for set-up (most good DJs don't), overtime charges, travel charges, "extras" - lighting, extra ceremony/cocktail system, projection for slide shows, etc. if you are looking for any of those to be part of your wedding.
+ Most DJs should throw the ball in your court about what you do and don't want played for EVERYTHING - ceremony, cocktail, dinner, dancing, bouquet, garter, cake cutting, money dance, etc. Obviously, you don't need to pick a song for each and most DJs have their usuals for what they play for each of those, esp for the garter/bouquet/cake cutting.
But if you want something special or like certain artists or a type of music, let your DJ know. A good DJ will not only play what you want but will be good at playing your music while you're in the room so you feel listened to. If you are stuck on what you want played, DJs should be able to send you a list and/or brainstorm with you.
+ Most DJ packages are based on hours. A lot of DJs will provide more if you are willing to pay more $$. This is typical yet make sure that if you book a lower package, you still have access to their whole music library. Some DJs are okay with giving you a price break but at a musical cost --- NOT GOOD!
+ Most DJs will ask if they are getting a meal or make it part of their contract that they do in fact, get a meal - most people don't mind but you might.
+ Start times usually include ceremony or cocktails.
+ Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.
+ A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours." Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.
+ A professional DJ will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire.
+ If you musical taste is on the eclectic side and isn't listened to by the masses, your DJ may or may not let you know. A good DJ will ask if you if it's okay to play some of the "normal" stuff if people don't dance. (if you want people to dance, say yes ;) )
Other questions to ask
1) Ask if they have liability insurance (very important! if someone gets hurt due to wiring or equipment going wrong, the insurance will cover)
2) Ask about equipment they use (cd, vinyl, or computer?) - if you want to know what is "good" - ask them or me!
2) Ask if they have backup equipment (no speaker/cd player/mixer, no party)
3) Ask about experience (can and can not be important, however you don't want one DJ who has never done weddings before)
4) Ask about DJ/MC packages (if the DJ acts as both or there are 2 people - if you are having a wedding with more than 175 people, it's good to think about 2 man package if avail)
5) How many consultations are included in your package?
6) Tell them what energy level you want and if they're able to provide that.
7) Ask them about what they wear - wedding DJ in jeans is a no no!
8) Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time? (A versatile DJ is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list)
9) Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
10) coordination with other vendors?
I hope this helps a little bit. Please feel free to ask any questions once again on here or through email: djanjali@gmail.com
Good luck & happy planning!
