Ladies (and a few of you gentleman). Somewhere out there in wedding world, there seems to be a misconception about wedding entertainment. While not visiting the DIY realm, I'd like to address why some couples think they can get good results with a "cheap" DJ. I've said this time after time, so I know some "get this", but far too many haven't grasped the concept.
Please read the posts I've included below regarding DJs, for a detailed thought process for getting what you pay for. OK, someone posts a thread on a wedding board about this great DJ who is cutting them a deal. It happens, and a few of you have a friend or an uncle or your BFF's boyfriend who will do it for free. This isn't the norm, and shouldn't be considered, when budgeting for a DJ for YOUR wedding.
First, if you really want to cut corners, bake your own cake, or print your invites or STD's on your home computer. Have Uncle Harry drive you to the reception in his Cadillac, or have KFC provide dinner. When you skimp on your DJ, you will most certainly be skimping on the experience you are providing to your guests. Here's what I mean:
A national survey was conducted by a well known wedding magazine, where the results came back overwhelmingly, that the vast majority of brides would have spent more on their entertainment had they know what the results would be (after the fact). "Too late to the party" is a very accurate metaphor. Here's that source: http://www.perfectweddings.us/2010/03/wedding-statistics.html
The "cheap" or "inexpensive" DJ is exactly what you're going to get. Hire a "newbie" or a "low ball" hack, and you're getting what you pay for. The problem as I see it, is that these vendors give the rest of us a black eye, and a reputation of the "used car salesman". If I sound opinionated, you're right. I know the level of service and commitment most of us pros will provide, and it irks me to know there are so many "hacks" out there taking your money, and leaving you shaking your head.
Let's be clear... you may get a new dedicated "passionate" fledgling DJ who will wow you and your guests, but this is not typical. If you get one of these, I can tell you it's rare, and this person is on their way to greatness... and a higher price (you got lucky). In order to get "all the good stuff", you'll have to hire a DJ with experience, dedication, passion, ethics (I'll explain that in a minute). The profession is filled with people who see a DJ at their (whatever friend's wedding, sister's event, college dorm party) and think they can do that. They can't!
To be a professional DJ, there is a process one needs to go through. I've made a thorough description about what it takes to be a professional DJ in a thread below, so I won't repeat it in this thread (but please read it). Sure you can get cheap, but you won't get "quality". The amount a DJ charges is directly related to what that person thinks they're worth. Hire a $400 DJ, and that's what you'll get. The problem is... most brides want an "experience" that they'll remember for the rest of their life. Just like the wedding pictures come out once or twice a year, and you reminisce over each picture.
A vendor with "ethics" is one who wants to have you drop your jaw with the overwhelming experience, and give you your moneys worth. Then, you'll talk about it to your guests and friends, who will possibly hire him/her for another event. By giving the customer what they pay for (or more than they pay for) will elevate his/her status in the market, and let them make an honest living and be able to pay their bills. An amateur is only looking for beer money, and doesn't care what you think. "Take the money and run" is their motto.
You'll forget if the food was good, or what the flowers looked like, or was the drapery pretty or not. But you will remember the "party" and dancing, and if your guests had a great time out on the dance floor. This next statement is fact: "A great DJ will make your reception a great memory, while a bad one will ruin it, and you'll remember that for the rest of your life". This once in a lifetime event is your statement to everyone you know (all of your family and guests), about how you feel about your spouse and the celebration of this union. Do you want to "cheap out" on this moment? Don't let your desire to cut costs, ruin the experience, by hiring a DJ without the skills to make this event special.
I can also tell you with certainty, that the consummate professionals are all shaking their heads in agreement with this thread, and the "hacks" are shaking thier fists. Which one do you want working for you?
