06/29/2014
Putting a note on here that is hopefully shared by people that know a bride still looking for a photographer or dj or caterer or any profession associated with weddings and receptions. I was sitting at home tonight when I get a call asking if I'm a dj and are you busy tonight? Answers were yes and no. Next, how much to dj my wedding tonight, my dj didn't show up? How much was he charging you? She told me and I told her by bare minimum for going out, which was $200 more than the other guy had charged her. Then I hear, can you do 2 places for that? What do you mean? The reception is at Milestones on the base and the wedding is at Licklider's pond. OK. Can you be here in half an hour? I live on West 10th in Peru, and Licklider's Pond, which I have never been to, is about 12 miles away. I have to be there, playing, in 30 minutes. I did what I could, and after my heart quit beating about 120 BPM, everyone said they had a great night tonight. But brides, PLEASE quit trying to cut corners on the dj or the photographer. I KNOW weddings are expensive, trust me, my daughter got married 2 years ago. Even djing it myself and catering it through my mom, we still spent more than I care to say. (I will say what we spent on the wedding, we could have bought a very nice used car.) I normally charge $700.00 for up to 6 hours. I have 20 years experience, never missed a job and never been late to a job. I have done over a dozen weddings were the dj was charging $200 or $300. I put over 12 hours into each of my weddings. That includes meeting face to face with the bride, driving time, set up time, waiting 2 hours because I get there that early to ensure there is no way I miss it, tear down time and drive home time. The dj is the entire entertainment for the reception. He can make or break one of the most important days of your life. The photographer is where you get your memories from. you only get ONE chance to get that special picture dancing with your dad. Take time to read their recommendation letters from brides that have used them in the past. Ask your reception hall if they recommend anybody. Last thing, cheapest isn't always best. Remember the line from the movie "Armageddon". We're blasting off in a rocket, sitting on top of a million pounds of rocket fuel, and it's all built by the lowest bidder. It was NOT a complimentary line.