I'll be honest, I have a Craigs List add that I throw up from time to time. I don't get many inquiries from it and I have never booked anything from it, but I got one this morning for a date that I am already booked.
Greeting
I am interested in a DJ for a small outdoor wedding reception in Kenwood from about 7pm to 10pm.
Can you let me know your rates and a sample of your work.
Thanks
Tim
So I said this....
Hello,
I am sorry but I am already booked on that date.
You can find a DJ at whatever price that you want, but remember that a DJ is going to set the tone for your day. They are going to bring the celebration and are the single most important vendor when it comes to giving the day your vibe. The music, cocktail, dinner & dance is a reflection on you and what you enjoy in life.
Look on YouTube for "Wedding DJ Fails" see the problems that you can have by hiring a cheapo DJ. In our world the saying "you get what you pay for" is true.
You could get a cake from Safeway, and you could put disposable camera on the tables, I am betting you have a nice dress and a good suit in your closets to wear, but I am betting you didn't cheap out with those.
At the end of the night when people are saying goodbye to you and telling you what a great party that was and they had so much fun, do you think they are talking about your flowers? No. All your wedding professional are a team and are going to help you create a wonderful & beautiful day, but if any one of them fails, your day is ruined. But really, if the flowers are a tad wilted, does that mean people will have less fun?
Look at your budget and look at what is most important to you. Maybe the music isn't that important. Maybe dancing is just not your thing. Maybe having an MC isn't that big of a deal, that's cool and up to you.
What your DJ does is more than just "push play" and if you look at the percentage of your guests that are going to get enjoyment (or not) from a wedding vendor, the music/DJ will rank right up there as one of highest.
Why am I telling you all this? Why should I care? Well truthfully I just want you to have a great time with many memories and I do not want one of those to be that the DJ was terrible. Whoever you choose, meet them first. Face to face.
Sending a sample of their work doesn't mean anything. Each DJ, each GOOD DJ is going to feel your crowd out and make your day unique. Sending you a sample of my work, truly doesn't matter. What if I send you me playing YMCA and you hate YMCA, what if I don't send you YMCA and you LOVE YMCA?
No, you need to talk to your DJ, meet them, see if they are going to be someone who is going to represent what you want on your wedding day to your guests. Someone professional and full time. There is a reason that a DJ is full time. Does it always guarantee that they will be great? No, but it's a good starting point.
This is without even getting to the MC part of being a "DJ". Is your DJ going to announce your Grand Entrance? Your First dance as a married couple? How is he, or she, going to handle the cake cutting or the Father/Daughter dance? Maybe you'd like a "Love Story" entrance or a "Circle Of Love" ending. This is all on the DJ/MC to bring to your day.
This may seem look like a lot to think about, and it is, but you have the time. This day, this ONE day in your life has to be perfect. 30 years from now (and more) you will still remember this day, I hope that you remember it as one of the best days of your life. Congratulations.
Greeting
I am interested in a DJ for a small outdoor wedding reception in Kenwood from about 7pm to 10pm.
Can you let me know your rates and a sample of your work.
Thanks
Tim
So I said this....
Hello,
I am sorry but I am already booked on that date.
You can find a DJ at whatever price that you want, but remember that a DJ is going to set the tone for your day. They are going to bring the celebration and are the single most important vendor when it comes to giving the day your vibe. The music, cocktail, dinner & dance is a reflection on you and what you enjoy in life.
Look on YouTube for "Wedding DJ Fails" see the problems that you can have by hiring a cheapo DJ. In our world the saying "you get what you pay for" is true.
You could get a cake from Safeway, and you could put disposable camera on the tables, I am betting you have a nice dress and a good suit in your closets to wear, but I am betting you didn't cheap out with those.
At the end of the night when people are saying goodbye to you and telling you what a great party that was and they had so much fun, do you think they are talking about your flowers? No. All your wedding professional are a team and are going to help you create a wonderful & beautiful day, but if any one of them fails, your day is ruined. But really, if the flowers are a tad wilted, does that mean people will have less fun?
Look at your budget and look at what is most important to you. Maybe the music isn't that important. Maybe dancing is just not your thing. Maybe having an MC isn't that big of a deal, that's cool and up to you.
What your DJ does is more than just "push play" and if you look at the percentage of your guests that are going to get enjoyment (or not) from a wedding vendor, the music/DJ will rank right up there as one of highest.
Why am I telling you all this? Why should I care? Well truthfully I just want you to have a great time with many memories and I do not want one of those to be that the DJ was terrible. Whoever you choose, meet them first. Face to face.
Sending a sample of their work doesn't mean anything. Each DJ, each GOOD DJ is going to feel your crowd out and make your day unique. Sending you a sample of my work, truly doesn't matter. What if I send you me playing YMCA and you hate YMCA, what if I don't send you YMCA and you LOVE YMCA?
No, you need to talk to your DJ, meet them, see if they are going to be someone who is going to represent what you want on your wedding day to your guests. Someone professional and full time. There is a reason that a DJ is full time. Does it always guarantee that they will be great? No, but it's a good starting point.
This is without even getting to the MC part of being a "DJ". Is your DJ going to announce your Grand Entrance? Your First dance as a married couple? How is he, or she, going to handle the cake cutting or the Father/Daughter dance? Maybe you'd like a "Love Story" entrance or a "Circle Of Love" ending. This is all on the DJ/MC to bring to your day.
This may seem look like a lot to think about, and it is, but you have the time. This day, this ONE day in your life has to be perfect. 30 years from now (and more) you will still remember this day, I hope that you remember it as one of the best days of your life. Congratulations.