Why Hire a DJ?
In 2009 we attended an amazing educational workshop by nationally renowned wedding entertainer Peter Merry. He shared a common scenario in which DJ’s often present themselves as “Music” thereby causing many brides to believe they need “music” for their weddings. Peter proceeded to pull his ipod out of his pocket and declared “My entire music catalog is on here!” He then tossed the ipod on the table in front of him and said” Here’s music, have fun”.
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This is a common perceptual trap many couples tend to fall into, viewing the need for a DJ the same way they view the need for a “commodity” item. Music can be viewed as type of commodity because often times Amazon will have your favorite song for 89 cents while i-tunes will have it for $1.29. It is the same exact product, but you have an opportunity to purchase it for less money. Couples often go DJ shopping with this approach believing all Dj companies function the same. Of course this approach will lead them to the lower priced services and naturally lower quality service. While “services” are not technically commodities, there are a plethora of services out there that compete primarily on price and appeal to people that are shopping with a “commodity” mindset.
Reality Check:
Weddings are productions & require hours & hours of advance planning. On the day of, much like a play, they require set up, staging, timing and execution. The weeks & days leading up to the big day can be very stressful. On top of that, the stress can be further compounded if there is poor staging, timing and execution the day of.
Consider the basic roles of the DJ:
*Meeting with Bride and Groom
~Getting Acquainted
~Listening to what they are envisioning
~Music Selections
~Discussion of timing and execution of timeline
*Responsibilities for Ceremony:
~Proper setup and testing of equipment
~Proper timing of song selections for ceremony
~Proper Volume
~Properly mic-ing the officiant and groom
~Proper EQ-ing of mics for clear audio and to prevent feedback
*Responsibilities for Reception
~Proper setup and testing of equipment
~Keeping guests informed & engaged
~Cocktail Music
~Introduction of Bride and Groom (Requires staging & timing)
~Dismissal of guests to buffett
~Dinner Music
~Communication with photographer
~Taking Cues from Coordinator
~Checking in with Bride and Groom periodically
~Bouquet / Garter Toss & all other special dances (Requires staging & timing)
~Reading the crowd
~Taking Requests
~Keeping the dance floor lively
And those are just the basics. Now imagine putting all of that responsibility in the hands of someone who offered you the lowest price for “music” for your wedding. Really, really think about that.
Consider, reputable fine dining establishments work extra hard to deliver elegant, amazing & memorable dining experiences. Fast food establishments compete on price. Think about how fast food leaves you feeling. Wedding Entertainment is no exception!