Alright, you're about to hear me "go off" just a little bit.........


I'm really kinda tired of hearing from people about how high my prices are for DJ'ing & that:
1.)They can "get a guy to do it for them for $125 or $150"(for 5 or 6 hours).....

2.)"Hmmmm, it'll cost that much, huh? I only have $200 in the wedding budget for the DJ".....

3.)"Would you be willing to come down to $200? I only need you for 6 or 7 hours!"....

4.)"Oh no....My DJ backed-out on me just now & I need you to DJ my reception in 2 weeks! Can you do it, & will you do it for the cost he was charging me($200)?"....

5.)Bars that have "DJ's they're not happy with", but when they talk to me want me to show-up & play all night for $75....& all the beer I can drink??!!!

WHAT???!!!

I've really had these types of conversations & they send me into a tizzy!!!!

These $200(or less) DJ's are making a mockery of this profession & setting out to ruin a very special day for many good people.

Folks, you seriously have to allow more than $300 for your wedding DJ!!!

Unless, of course, you want someone to show-up:
1.)Without the right attire
2.)Not the right music
3.)Not enough music......just THEIR select stuff
4.)Or, even show-up at all!!


Why is it that most don't complain about paying:
*$2,000-5,000 for the hall?
*$1,500+ for the photographer?
*$900-2,000+ for the flowers?
*$2,000+ for the caterer?

(Which I have heard ALL of those prices from many people!)



Then, it comes to the DJ....

You want what you want(100%).....but you're only willing to pay a 10% price???!!

Ever hear the saying: "You get what you pay for!" ???


Yes......ANYONE can stick a CD into a slot & "spin tunes"!
(I'll be the 1st to admit that one).

But.......

*Can he/she do all that is necessary to make a wedding reception flow smoothly?
*Arrange all the specific dances?
*Coordinate with the bride & groom/caterer/photographer?
*Speak clearly & professionally?


Please....don't get me wrong....I understand 100% that it's YOUR day & you want what you want....but who does this for a living on a REGULAR basis?

How many wedding receptions have YOU  DJ'd?                  

How many have I?!!!

I'm not trying to sound rude, conceded, ignorant, or anything else(please, don't misunderstand this)....
You don't truly understand what I deal with every week in the phone conversations that I have with some people.

Some of the calls I've recently received went like this:

One calls & tells me that her DJ backed-out for her parents anniversary party & that I need to help her out!

Ummm....WRONG!

I don't "need" to do anything for you!

For one...I'm already booked(by someone who thought well enough in advance & did what was right for everybody for this day).
Two....I didn't "have to"(but did)make some calls to help find her someone since she was in a jam.
 {Thanx to DJ Pat Regan!!!!!}

Another caller had their "$200 DJ" back-out(for the upcoming weekend) & she wanted to know if I'd be available to do it & for that price.

Sad thing...she paid cash & didn't have a contract!

Sorry...I'm already busy & that's YOUR problem, not mine!

Then, I get the other that asks "how much?"....I tell her...then she precedes to start verbally bashing me for how much I charge & that she can get a guy alot cheaper.

So I told her to go right ahead!!!

My name isn't Monty Hall & I DO NOT play "Let's Make A Deal".

I'm willing to work with people....NICE people, that is.....to work within their budget if they REALLY want me to DJ for them(that was another call I had).

They could have gotten a "$200 DJ", but really wanted me....so we worked something out between us.


Here's a little bit of advice.....
Do all of YOUR "homework" ahead of time......at least 6-8 months(or more) & make your phone call to your vendors.

A conversation should go like this when you call the DJ:
"Hi! My name is (your name)....my fiance', (his/her name), & I are getting married on (date) & we were calling around to get some information about your services.
The reception will be at (location), from (times....i.e.: 5pm-11pm). Are you available that day & time? Would you come to that location?
We'd like you to be there a little earlier so that people can have some music as they walk in. We'll need a good mix of music for all the guests.....do you have that?
Can you help coordinate the activities(introductions, 1st dance, father/daughter, etc.)? We have some specific songs we'd like to have played, as well as requests.....is that o.k.?
Can we have a contract?  With all that, what would you charge?"

Now, I can figure you up a total price(without ANY surprises) & tell you right then & there over the phone.

If the price you're told is within your budget...great!
Make plans RIGHT AWAY to get together to read/sign a contract.

If it's not....then politely say "O.k., I was just checking around. Thanks for your time & I'll let you know within the next day or two if I'm interested."

Don't start to argue, play games, call me names, or give the "I got a guy who'll do it for...." story!

Ughh!!!!!

It's pretty simple, o.k.?


Good entertainment is going to have a price.....that's the plain truth of the matter.

We(DJ's) have a cost to run our business.....we DON'T get things for free(despite the rumor that's going around).
Some charge what they charge because they do.....just call around & check each one(try to see them "in action" if possible, too).

Allow a "decent" amount of money for the BETTER entertainer(at least $500-$800.....easy).

Narrow it down to what you have in your budget & go from there.

But please....

Watch out for those "DJ's"(I use that term very loosely) that only charge VERY LITTLE to do a wedding($300 or less)......

You will get what you pay for!!!!!