Why Should I Hire a DJ? (as in...why not DIY with an iPod?)
1- Professional Equipment -- Sure you can make a playlist, but what will you play it through? Your old stereo? I come with high-quality equipment that is more than capable of meeting the needs of your party.
2- Dedication-- So you'll rent a PA system? But who's going to set it up and run it? Your friend? But they want to enjoy the party with you! I am single-mindedly dedicated to serving the needs of you and your guests all night long.
3- 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.
5- Reliability and Guarantee-- I don't get paid unless you are satisfied, plain and simple. Which means I have a much stronger incentive than your friend or cousin to plan diligently, show up early, and provide only the best performance at your event.
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 lighting, and my table and speaker stands are covered by a backlit spandex scrim.
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. 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 iPod on the world can do that! Speaking of receptions...
2- Dedication-- So you'll rent a PA system? But who's going to set it up and run it? Your friend? But they want to enjoy the party with you! I am single-mindedly dedicated to serving the needs of you and your guests all night long.
3- 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.
5- Reliability and Guarantee-- I don't get paid unless you are satisfied, plain and simple. Which means I have a much stronger incentive than your friend or cousin to plan diligently, show up early, and provide only the best performance at your event.
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 lighting, and my table and speaker stands are covered by a backlit spandex scrim.
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. 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 iPod on 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 (especially true for summer weddings!).
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!
Tip: November-December is "engagement season" for couples, so January-February is "booking season" for vendors. Take a little time to celebrate the engagement before plunging yourself into planning, but don't put off the planning for too long, especially if you plan to get married the following Spring or Summer as things book up very quickly!
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 (especially true for summer weddings!).
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!
Tip: November-December is "engagement season" for couples, so January-February is "booking season" for vendors. Take a little time to celebrate the engagement before plunging yourself into planning, but don't put off the planning for too long, especially if you plan to get married the following Spring or Summer as things book up very quickly!
