How much thought did you give your DJ?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 09:39AM Picture this (hey, that's funny, right?), you have the perfect gown, the perfect reception site. All your friends and family look fantastic in their finery. Your flowers are incredible, the ceremony goes off without a hitch. Your photographer is like one of the family. The cake is gorgeous and the food is out of this world.
Then you are about to hit the dance floor. But...... where's the music? Suddenly there is a tap on your shoulder and some guy you've never seen before tells you he needs to run to WalMart for batteries. You look at him like the moron that he is and say, "Who are you and why should I care?" He responds with, "I'm your DJ and I need some batteries so I can get this party started! I'll be right back."
Wow, there's a nightmare just about to erupt!
I've actually witnessed this, more than once I might add.
I've seen people spend a fortune on everything, flowers, reception site, dress, jewelry, etc., only to skimp and pay $200 for their DJ, the life blood of the party! Did they think the DJ wasn't important? Didn't they realize how the DJ can make or BREAK your party?
Thankfully, there are Professional Organizations that can help filter the good from the bad. Professional DJ's invest in their education and their equipment. They have the permits, insurance and knowledge to get the job done with style and panache. DJ's come in all styles too, maybe you want a guy in a chicken suit, or maybe a monkey suit (aka tuxedo?). You can get that, but you will also get reliability and responsible, dedicated DJ services.
While I have many friends in the DJ business, I can't reccomend one or any here directly, that wouldn't be fair, but...... If you look just to the right of this post, well you know, right over there?
OK, here in Tampa we have a local chapter for the American Disc Jockey Association, or ADJA for short. Their website is: http://www.adja.org/ Here you will find lots of info and helpful searches for qualified DJ services in any area of the country.
Don't trust your party to some kid with an ipod, get a real Professional!
-B
Reader Comments (6)
GREAT blog article Brian. Thanks for your support! Hope to see you soon....
Mr. Idocks, if you could see me...you would see that I am standing at my desk...and if you could hear me...you would hear my raging round of applause! Many photographers I have spoken with/worked with, think it's all about them. Really, it's all about the B & G, and what is most important to them. All too often, as you point out, the DJ is the ... Read Moreleast in priority and those weddings surprisingly enough, are the ones where the B & G usually say how important it is to have a memorable time. At $200...it's likely to be memorable alright! KUDOS TO YOU and again...a standing ovation here in my office!!!
Brian,
Always nice to hear another professional grasp the importance of what we, as "D.J.'s", do. Unfortunatly, many people don't figure it out until after (or during) the reception. As a "Reception Entertainment Director" I too, try and educate my prospects on the importance of choosing the right entertainer for their event. Like photographers, great entertainers aren't cheap, and cheap entertainers aren't great! Hearing it from someone in the industry who is as professional as you are and is NOT a D.J. may reinforce what we've been trying to tell people all along. Thank you for a great article.
Howard Koutney.
Secretary,
American Disc Jockey Assc. of Tampa Bay
I love these photos.........Truly amazing.
Oh my goodness. The photos look like fine paintings.
For me to be speachless is an accomplishment on its own.
My love, YOU ARE AN ARTIST.
Brian, thanks for your support, though I would expect nothing less from a professional like you. As working with a professional photograhper makes my job easier too. Just because a person owns a camera, it doesn't make them a photographer. I advise my clients to seek a professional photographer that they Genuinely like, not just for their artistic ability, but their personality too. After all the photographer will be with the client more than any other professional.
Brian,
Thank You!
All too often were booked last after the cake, flowers etc...and the realization comes that the B&G needs entertainment only to realize most of their money is spent. Sadly...price is often the measuring stick when hiring a DJ-MC or entertainment. Unfortunatley, brides don't understand that we are artists too just like you!
A highly skilled DJ can craft an event that has a compelling story behind each scene "like a movie" and keep the guests on edge wanting and asking for more rather than exiting the building because this reception was just like the last one they attended.
Chuck Amstone
Wedding wire 2009 Brides choice