Paying for
Professionals - How Much is a Good DJ worth?
How
much is entertainment worth? After two decades
of wedding reception entertainment service,
I'm still amazed that so many engaged couples
will automatically latch-on to the lowest price.
It would be less amazing if prices typically
spanned several thousand dollars. But they don't.
The difference between students/DJs who hook-up
their home stereo system for some quick pocket
money and accomplished professionals is dollars,
not diamonds.
This
is not to imply that you get what you pay for.
There are fine-and-inexpensive DJs and mediocre-and-pricey
DJs. Again, the goal here is not to confuse
the issue, but to assert that quality-conscious
customers seek more information than price as
they come to a decision.
Altogether
too often, brides-to-be call our office and
begin the conversation with the question, "What
do you charge?" At this point, we're not
excited about having a potential customer on
the phone. We know that, regardless of our commitment
to performance quality and customer service,
our caller can be lured to a bottom-tier performer
for a few dollars.
Faced
with a choice, are you willing to pay a few
dollars more for the additional attention to
detail? You are if you recognize that entertainment
will play a pivotal role in the success of your
event. Years from now, guests may not remember
whether you served chicken, duck, pheasant,
or grouse, but they'll certainly recall whether
they danced, laughed and enjoyed themselves
at your reception. Although it's among the lowest-cost
budget items, entertainment is one of the top-level
success factors.
There
is, however, an important issue to be discussed
when the cost issues arise. Specifically, at
"X" price, what's included? There
are companies that will quote a generous price,
but tack on more fees for lighting effects,
DJ formalwear, equipment options, and advance
consultation sessions.
One
company with whom we compete offers very low
rates for DJ services, then, a week before the
event, asks the customer if they'll need music
or playback equipment. Anything other than the
human being is a costly option, but this isn't
made clear at the outset. At the delayed point
at which the "music-and-equipment"
option is first mentioned, it's way too late
to schedule a more reputable company.
Speaking
of scheduling, it only stands to reason that
the best DJs book quickly, and aren't willing
to overextend themselves. If you wait until
a month before your reception to begin calling
entertainment companies, you'll assuredly get
what's left over. Ideally, call at least six
months ahead; a full year is even better. Even
when the good companies have leftover slots,
prices increase considerably as dates draw near.
Also
with regard to scheduling, expect to spend more
for Saturdays in Spring and Fall; less for Sundays
in the off-season. If you need to economize,
selecting a slow date will buy you much more
than contracting with a second-tier professional.
Good
wedding reception entertainers are many things.
They are planners, music experts, interpersonal
communicators, customer service professionals,
sound technicians, wedding managers, and more.
Their many responsibilities require that they
be fully competent and hold your complete trust.
Before
signing a contract, get to know the company
you're dealing with. Are the many roles adequately
addressed? Do you have a comfort level with
the person on the other end of the phone? Does
the company have the ability to meet your vision
of your reception, or are you part of an assembly
line? If any of these answers fall short of
a resounding "yes," make more calls.
You're
choosing a partner as much as a service provider,
and your confidence is the cornerstone for building
an excellent wedding reception entertainment
program.
