The Truth.
I am commited to giving you the straight-up, no-nonsense answers to your questions. Whether you hire me, or another DJ, the information below is critical when hiring a DJ for your Special Day. I hope this helps in your search.
Sorry, but this IS kind of a long read. I didn't want to skip anything!
ABOUT ME
Let's face it, you probably only hire a DJ once in a while. This page is dedicated to giving the complete lowdown, the TRUTH about hiring a DJ. Whether you hire Classic Disc Jockeys, or someone else, I want to provide you with as much information as I possibly can.
My name is Chuck Johnson, and I own Classic Disc Jockeys. I'm pretty much a sole proprietorship, I run just about everything myself. I do know a few other DJs in town, and if I'm booked, I will usually refer them, and vice-versa.
I've been in this business for over 12 years, and my past clients are my greatest assets. What do I mean by that? Well, anyone can throw up a website and claim whatever they want, right? So how do I measure up (or how does any other Orlando DJ measure up, for that matter?). By what my past clients say about me. You won't have to rely on a "re-typed" quote stuck on my website... you can see exactly what they have to say by clicking here.
I have performed at just about every type of wedding reception you can imagine. From tiny VFW Halls in the country to spectacular Fairy Tale Weddings at the Walt Disney World® Resort, I've seen many. I have also written the the best-selling eBook, Secrets To Hiring a Wedding Reception Disc Jockey, available for free by clicking here. I also do a few parties at Christmas, and even have an offer for the DIY Brides out there... the iPod Party Rental.
I've never hosted a Bar Mitzvah... not because I don't want to, but usually because no one wants their party to be my first. That's okay, I'm happy being a Wedding Specialist. It makes me sharp at what I do.
ADVERTISING
Usually the first thing people want to know are my prices. I understand, you've probably called all over and gotten quotes from $150 to $1500 for a four-hour reception! Unfortunately, we DJs sometimes have the reputation of used-car salesmen. Hey, some guys figure you only get married once, right? I just gotta "sell" you one time, right?
Well, no. 80% of my business is from referrals and word-of-mouth. Fortunately, I have never played the same person's wedding twice.. ha ha. But, someone at the reception is getting married soon... or somebody knows somebody who knows somebody where I played... you know how it goes. My past clients keep me working. It's as simple as that.
WHY DO SO MANY DJS USE SCARE TACTICS?
Many brides ask me about this, so I figured I might as well comment on it.
I feel that my qualifications speak for themselves. I guess the reason that some other DJs use negative advertising (or scare tactics) is because they feel it works. Out of desperation, they think the only way to distinguish themselves is to cut someone else down, because they have nothing unique to offer. These DJs feel they must "educate" brides about all the bad services out there, and protect you from them.
I believe people are pretty smart to begin with, and it is not my place to tell ANY Bride who she should hire. Now, that is not to say there aren't "bad" DJs out there, because there are. But in life, there are "good" and "bad" services EVERYWHERE. Some DJs seem to forget that, and think that the general public can't make a decision on their own.
The best example I can use is the iPod. Whether you own an iPod or not, I guarantee you the reason people buy iPods is because they are simply the best product on the market. How did we all know that? Is it because Apple, the maker of the iPod, said all the other MP3 players for sale were no good? No way. They simply give you the best technology available, and naturally, people gravitate to the best. This is how I strive to run my business.
MORE ADVERTISING
I have recently reduced the size of my ad in the Yellow Pages. I find now I don't need such a big ad to keep busy. If you are looking through the Yellow Pages, don't just call the big ads. They may be new, or huge DJ companies that rely on volume. Some of them are great companies that do wonderful jobs... but check out the ones who don't use display ads. In fact, some of the best DJs don't even have ads... they are so good, they don't spend money on advertising at all.
All kidding aside, it's just like that old saying... "It's not the size of the ad that matters!"
PRICES
Okay, so why am I priced the way I am? Why pay my price if you can get another DJ for $300? Or why spend $1600 when you can hire me for a lot less? Believe it or not, I'm not going to give you the hard sell. After all, it's your money, and you should decide how to spend it.
If you want to spend $1500, $900, $500, or $300, and you feel like it's the right thing to do, by all means, do it. It's your party. It's no use getting sleepless nights or being so worried over your wedding expenses that you second-guess yourself.
For an Orlando Wedding DJ, the "average" price for a reception is now above $900. (Click here for more information). Although my rates are below the average price for DJs, let me explain further...
FOUR TYPES OF PRICING
I want to lay it out for you, plain and simple. The way I see it, DJs are priced four different ways.
Type 1/The Cheapest DJs
Many part-time operators are excellent DJs. Many have talent, but may have no business savvy. Unfortunately, many also have no business license, business telephone line, or insurance. This could be a risky proposition. But I guarantee you, this is how all DJs start. (Some stay that way :)
This is where other DJs may use the "scare tactics" we discussed above. They will warn you (in big bold type): TO NEVER HIRE A $300 DJ. Am I going to say that? No way. Why? Because I am positive you are able to distinguish between who is out there to make a quick buck, and someone who genuinely cares about your day.
The problem lies in the fact that many DJs in this category simply do not have the total experience and confidence to justify a higher price, so they price themselves cheaply. Again, this is how all DJs start, and it is entirely possible for you to spend $150-$300 and be totally happy with your DJ. Remember, the only person you have to satisfy is yourself. You, and you alone, should be comfortable with your decision.
Type 2/Cheap to Moderate DJs
The next group of operators, priced from $350-$650, are all over the map. Some are weekend DJs, moving up from the previous category, usually working alone. Some have a business license, phone, and insurance, some do not. Also, many large DJ Companies fall into this category. They employ or contract out 10-15 DJs per weekend, and therefore can make a profit (smaller profit margin but with a lot of DJs) to support large ads and office space. I know many good DJs who work for these companies... but sometimes they are so large, you might not know who will be at your wedding until the week before.
You'll find many DJs priced in this category. If you choose a DJ from this area, choose someone who uses a business phone, has experience, a company who can guarantee which DJ will host your wedding. You should be able to personally speak to the DJ who will be at your event, not just the owner of the business. They need to make you feel comfortable and secure with the whole process. Remember, they should impress you.
Type 3/Moderate to Expensive DJs
Next we have the category I fall under. Priced from $600-$1200, this category is a pretty small group, there just aren't very many of us. I charge what I do for my years of experience, MC & hosting abilities, and personalized service. Anyone you hire in this category, at the very minimum, should offer:
- past clients who rave about the DJ
- offer a face-to-face meeting with your DJ
- years of experience
- a valid business license
- a business telephone line
- liability insurance
- experience in high profile events
- reliability guarantee
- performance guarantee
- easy to reach
- professional equipment
- back-up emergency equipment
- thousands of song selections
- references
This list is not complete, of course, but you get the idea. When you call me, you speak to me (or my 24-hour information line, if I'm out at a reception.) I have purposely kept my operation small and intimate. That way, I control every aspect, and leave nothing to chance by contracting others to work under my name.
My past clients are my greatest assets, I rely on them for a majority of my future work. Any DJ service should be able to show you that their clients are delighted, and would hire them again in a second. You can see many of my past clients by clicking here.
The DJ you hire will be me at your party, and I have never cancelled an event. The only way I would not show up is if I'm in the hospital (believe me, I want that no more than you!) And even in that case, I'll still make sure another DJ gets there.
I carry full liability insurance for your protection and mine. I try to make it as easy as I can for you to reach me, especially with forms right here on the website. It is my goal to make you feel 200% comfortable with the choice you make by hiring me. I am committed to providing you with everything I've mentioned above and more. I want you to have fun, and peace of mind. Heck, the Wedding Ceremony is the hard part. Once you arrive at the reception, you can be assured that I will handle the details, and you don't worry about a thing.
Type 4/Very Expensive DJs
The next category is also a pretty small one. These are the folks who charge $1500 and up for a reception. These are the DJs and larger companies who regularly perform at conventions or huge weddings and Bar Mitzvahs. These companies are great! Their parties come with full professional stage lighting, props, sometimes two (or three) DJs, and even dancers, plus much, much, more. If you've got the money, and this sounds like fun to you, by all means go for it. You'll have a blast!
PRICES, part two
"Why is it some DJs charge so little? Are they using illegally downloaded music from the internet?"
Maybe. Always ask any prospective entertainer how they obtain their music. "What difference does it make?" you may ask. There are two real answers:
1. The quality of illegally downloaded music may be perfectly fine for a portable CD/MP3 player, but in a large hall, it suffers. On the other hand, legitimate music from iTunes (or other lawful services) can be obtained in a higher bitrate so they may be played on professional equipment.
2. More importantly: if a company has a library of illegally copied music, it will probably not affect you. That is, of course, unless it is confiscated from them the day before your wedding.
Most all DJs use CDs or fully legitimate downloaded music (from services like iTunes). Any DJ you hire should take the time and effort to provide quality, legal recordings, whether on CD or in a digital format.
If you absolutely, positively cannot afford a top-notch DJ, you may want to consider a professional DJ equipment rental. This comes complete with music and includes set-up and delivery. For more information on DJ equipment rental, (the iPod Party Rental), click here.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
So, have you decided? If you're on the fence with two DJs, this is always a good rule of thumb: Go for more experience.
YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
More has probably been written on this subject than anything else. Everybody wants to be an expert with YOUR money! Okay, if it were up to me, everyone would spend $50,000 on their wedding and pay me $6000. (ha ha :) Joking aside, a good rule of thumb is to spend 6% to 9% of your total budget on your entertainment. For example, for a $15,000 wedding, spending $700-$1100 for a DJ is about right. Of course, if your are spending less than $15,000 (or more, for that matter), you have to decide how important your entertainment is going to be.
One thing I do not do is "up price". In other words, if I know you are having your wedding at the most exclusive place in town, and spending loads of money on your special day, my price does not "creep up" in accordance with your higher budget. My price is the same for everyone. This is the same if you are not spending a lot of money, either.
I can certainly identify with tight budgets, however, you won't usually see my price drop. I have to be confident that you are confident hiring me, even if you end up spending 10% to 15% of your budget on a DJ. Sometimes it does pay to have the peace of mind knowing your day will be taken care of. I stand by that, always.
DANCING, THE REAL STORY
Can I guarantee that your guests will dance? No. Sorry, no one can. What I can guarantee is I will do my very best, using my experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to get your guests moving. What's the story here?
I can play the best music, use interactive dances, and pull out all the stops, but if someone refuses to dance, I can't change that. Thankfully, this rarely happens! My experience "reading" crowds, about what songs will work, is almost always right on the mark. Most folks come to a wedding reception in the right frame of mind to have fun... I use my skills to push them along to make your party memorable.
There is much more information (too much too print here) about this subject which I cover in my ebook. If you would like to dive more into this subject, click here for more information.
WHAT ABOUT MUSIC SELECTIONS?
What music do YOU want to hear? What about your guests? How can we guarantee everybody will have a good time?
As far as your reception goes, you will probably have a wide age range of folks attending. It is my goal to play a wide variety of proven "good time" music that appeals to everyone. I definitely try to tailor a lot of the music to what the Bride and Groom prefer to hear, also. So what does all this mean? I have had brides that have submitted over 200 "must play" songs (no joke!) for a reception. But consider this: After cocktails, introductions, dinner, cake cutting, and all the other events, that leaves about 2 or 2 1/2 hours of "dance" time. A DJ can only play 14-16 songs per hour. You see what I'm getting at...
What usually works well is for the Bride and Groom to pick about ten songs you really like. That way, I have an excellent idea of what you prefer, and it gives me the latitude of reading the crowd, and to let your guests be able to request songs they'd like to hear. One other note, I play only "family-friendly" lyrics. Sometimes if a questionable song is a very big hit, I will play the edited version, or the version heard on the radio.
CONCLUSION
I hope this bit of information gives you a much clearer picture about DJs if you've never hired one before. If you really would like a complete, blow-by-blow, detailed course on hire the right DJ for your wedding, click here to check out the ebook I have written. You can also see my references here.
Whether you hire myself or another DJ... an informed consumer benefits everyone. Good luck on your big day!
