Why Should I Hire a DJ? (as in...why not DIY with an iPhone?)
1- Professional Equipment -- Sure you can make a playlist, but what will you play it through? Sure, your Bluetooth speaker is good for your living room dance party, but 200 people, or even 25 in a larger space? Not a chance. I have invested in a top-of-the-line portable PA system (EV Evolve 50, and EV ETX subwoofers, if you're interested to know) so that everything is both loud and clear! On top of that, my system offers a clean and elegant presentation.
2- Professional Know-How -- Yes, you could rent a PA system. But aside from the quality question (and that's a big question!), who's going to set it up and run it? Your friend or family member? But they want to enjoy the party with you! Just because they said they can handle it -- can they?
3- Professional Experience -- I mean no disrespect to the unexperienced nor to those that take the risk on them (After all, that was me years ago, and I'm grateful for those that believed in me before I had a single online review!) But today I have over 150 events under my belt, and I'm bringing all of that experience to you in both the planning and execution of your event.
4- Crowd-Reading-- This is one of the most significant things a DJ does! I'm not staring at my computer all night. I'm paying close attention to the crowd to see what music gets them excited, and thinking about what song to play next. I will have a playlist tailored to your party, but which song comes next is always decided on-the-fly in response to the audience.
4- Library-- When you or one of your guests suddenly realizes that they will not be happy until they hear their middle school jam or that brand new hit, I have an extensive and up-to-date music library that almost certainly covers your needs. My music is on my hard drive, not dependent on an internet connection. However, I can and will download new songs on the spot if needed and a connection is available.
5- Reliability-- I've never been a no-show, and I never will be. I can't count how many times a coordinator has said "Are you the DJ? You're here earlier than I expected!"
6- Lighting-- We are a multi-sensory people, so it takes far more than good tunes to make a party incredible. My basic DJ package comes with dance floor effects lighting.
7- Insurance-- I always carry a liability policy.
8- Coordinating-- Lastly, if you are planning a wedding reception and have not hired a professional wedding planner/coordinator, then your DJ becomes the de facto coordinator out of sheer necessity. (Please hire a day-of-coordinator though.) I've watched photographers and certain family members miss special moments, either because there was no professional coordinator or DJ/MC, or because the DJ didn't take it upon themselves to fill that role. I don't charge extra for it, but I'm always prepared to work a little harder when there is no coordinator, and no iPhone in the world can do that! Speaking of receptions...
2- Professional Know-How -- Yes, you could rent a PA system. But aside from the quality question (and that's a big question!), who's going to set it up and run it? Your friend or family member? But they want to enjoy the party with you! Just because they said they can handle it -- can they?
3- Professional Experience -- I mean no disrespect to the unexperienced nor to those that take the risk on them (After all, that was me years ago, and I'm grateful for those that believed in me before I had a single online review!) But today I have over 150 events under my belt, and I'm bringing all of that experience to you in both the planning and execution of your event.
4- Crowd-Reading-- This is one of the most significant things a DJ does! I'm not staring at my computer all night. I'm paying close attention to the crowd to see what music gets them excited, and thinking about what song to play next. I will have a playlist tailored to your party, but which song comes next is always decided on-the-fly in response to the audience.
4- Library-- When you or one of your guests suddenly realizes that they will not be happy until they hear their middle school jam or that brand new hit, I have an extensive and up-to-date music library that almost certainly covers your needs. My music is on my hard drive, not dependent on an internet connection. However, I can and will download new songs on the spot if needed and a connection is available.
5- Reliability-- I've never been a no-show, and I never will be. I can't count how many times a coordinator has said "Are you the DJ? You're here earlier than I expected!"
6- Lighting-- We are a multi-sensory people, so it takes far more than good tunes to make a party incredible. My basic DJ package comes with dance floor effects lighting.
7- Insurance-- I always carry a liability policy.
8- Coordinating-- Lastly, if you are planning a wedding reception and have not hired a professional wedding planner/coordinator, then your DJ becomes the de facto coordinator out of sheer necessity. (Please hire a day-of-coordinator though.) I've watched photographers and certain family members miss special moments, either because there was no professional coordinator or DJ/MC, or because the DJ didn't take it upon themselves to fill that role. I don't charge extra for it, but I'm always prepared to work a little harder when there is no coordinator, and no iPhone in the world can do that! Speaking of receptions...
Wedding Receptions
Why your DJ shouldn't be last on your planning list
Here's the deal: Your DJ and Master of Ceremonies is to your reception what your officiant is to your ceremony! The tone, the "feel" of the entire reception is dependent on the DJ/MC. And let's not forget that the reception is much longer than the ceremony! Think about it--you and I both know you've been to at least one reception that was just about ruined by an unprofessional, awkward, or unprepared DJ.
Over and over again I read that wedding guests remember the entertainment at the reception more than anything else--and sometimes not fondly! Some things you can and maybe should DIY, but your reception entertainment is not one of them!
If the DJ is the last thing on your list at least one of two things will happen:
1) By the time you get around to contacting me I may already be booked.
2) Or you will have spent your budget on everything else and then realize that while you want a quality DJ you've only got $100 left in the budget. I promise you, you don't want a $100 DJ anymore than you want a $100 photographer!
Here's the deal: Your DJ and Master of Ceremonies is to your reception what your officiant is to your ceremony! The tone, the "feel" of the entire reception is dependent on the DJ/MC. And let's not forget that the reception is much longer than the ceremony! Think about it--you and I both know you've been to at least one reception that was just about ruined by an unprofessional, awkward, or unprepared DJ.
Over and over again I read that wedding guests remember the entertainment at the reception more than anything else--and sometimes not fondly! Some things you can and maybe should DIY, but your reception entertainment is not one of them!
If the DJ is the last thing on your list at least one of two things will happen:
1) By the time you get around to contacting me I may already be booked.
2) Or you will have spent your budget on everything else and then realize that while you want a quality DJ you've only got $100 left in the budget. I promise you, you don't want a $100 DJ anymore than you want a $100 photographer!
