Is the DISCOUNT worth the RISK?

Are you considering a DJ company with a large pool of DJs?

Maybe one that offers a steeply discounted rate, bores you with a sales pitch, and wants your signature and deposit before you have a chance to talk to the person who is actually going to DJ your wedding?

Is the discount worth the risk ? Ask yourself these questions & consider the facts.

Is the DJ motivated to do the best job they can for me?

Remember that discount they gave you… That DJ is working for a portion of a fee that is already less than the industry standard. How motivated would you be to work for someone who expects you to do great work - but only wants to pay you half the cost?

The office gave me promises and commitments… who is going to uphold them?

Despite adverting, many of the DJs that are on the rosters of larger entertainment companies are part-time. They work for a portion of an already discounted fee, have older equipment, pack what they can fit into a personal vehicle, and hope for the best at each event - sometimes 2 on the same day. It’s important to talk to the person who is going to be representing you to your family and your guests throughout the celebration well in advance - before signing your contract.

How did the DJ become assigned to me?

Some companies love to use the phrase “ We’ll select someone from our team who we feel is the best fit for you.” The truth is every company has a few superstars, but chances are you are not getting one. They don’t discount their rates because they’re almost guaranteed to get booked out every weekend. If you didn’t request and contract someone by name & reputation, there’s a good chance he or she wasn’t requested by anyone else and was simply a seasonal, part-time, or a new addition aka “rookie” DJ - used to make a few bucks for the booking agency.

Typically you will not have access to the DJ & Emcee working your event (because they haven’t been assigned to you yet) during the prior months of planning & may not speak to the assigned DJ until the week of your wedding.

How will the DJ custom tailor the event to my needs?

They won’t. Period. The only way large entertainment companies can attempt quality control is with a pre-designated playlist & scripts for the emcee. Hope you like conga lines and cheesy one-liners.

The best talent in your area commands a fee that is worth the time they put into preparing for your event. If your budgeting less than the industry standard fee of $250/hour for entry-level talent - don’t expect more than a button pusher who will make a few announcements and plugs in the songs you’ve selected for formal dances.

Is the DJ advocating for me and my investment?

Most DJs who work for larger companies are concerned about two things. Getting paid and getting out. It’s sad but it’s true. Vendors who work for cheap are not concerned about how they’ll affect other vendors. If it’s not in their timeline and not on your contract, it’s not happening.