ShareIt is a very familiar story, a potential buyer calls to enquire for our services. “How much is a DJ for my XYZ function”? What is hard in this industry to explain is that a service cannot be just compared on price. Unlike buying bread from different competitors based on price, because it is a standard product. The difference between a $500 wedding DJ and a $1000 will include many factors. It might be an extra 2-10 years experience over the competitor, it might be the difference between a professional quality sound system versus a cheaper entry level option. You will often get a trainee DJ or someone who has not experience using a microphone, or does not understand the formalities and timing.
We include features such as a back up DJ, emergency backup equipment, online planning forms, a free MC service and a client consultation before you book and before your wedding with your actual DJ. Others might charge more for the MC service after you book, send out a beginner DJ for your wedding, or worse cancel your booking weeks before the wedding because they cannot provide a staff member due to poor planning.
When spending $15,000-$25,000 on your wedding, and knowing that the entertainment makes a huge difference in the overall quality of the event, why is the DJ one of the last booked and very often cheapest thing. Your guests may remember the meal, table decorations or other things, but they will without a doubt remember the entertainment and having a great time on the dance floor with the entertainment controlled by a professional and experienced DJ.
My advice is to always ask many questions before you book, such as how many weddings has the DJ done? Who will be the DJ on the night (which may not be the person on the phone taking your booking)? Do you have a backup in place? How many hours are included in my package? What type of equipment is included such as a cordless microphone?
After the reception, 98% of brides say they would have spent more of their budget on a DJ. 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the music. 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their DJ. sources: Simmons, USA Today, National Bride Survey, The Knot, Brides Magazine.
With these statistics in mind, make sure you look at many available options and don’t shop to find the “cheapest price”. Find a professional DJ to suit your event you have spent months or years planning.
Jono Toohey - owner and professional DJ & MC at Albury DJ Entertainment
