NOT a $500 DJ

Let’s be real for a minute.  Weddings are EXPENSIVE!  There are so many things you have to think about when planning your perfect wedding.  What type of food do you want?  What colors should I choose for my flowers, decor, bridesmaids dresses, etc.?  How much does a professional photographer cost?  Which photographer do I choose?  Do I need a videographer? Sadly, the last thing that seems to be on a bride's mind is the music.  “I think I’ll just get my uncle to make a playlist and hook up to a bluetooth speaker.”  Sure, you could do that, or you could hire a professional.  It’s what we do.  

Your wedding DJ sets the tone for your entire event.  From the ceremony to the reception, your DJ plays a vital role in your wedding.  He/she knows when to cue the ceremony songs, controls the volume of the officiants lapel mic (please ask your DJ if they have a lapel mic!), and makes sure there are no dropouts.  If you ask me, a hand held microphone or even putting one on a mic stand takes away so much.  That is all I would be looking at!  Lapel mics clip onto the collar of your jacket and you just speak.  Moving on to the reception, the DJ controls the flow of events and makes sure everything is on time (it’s ok to get off schedule.)  If you are talking with your Great Aunt Regina and it’s time to cut the cake, but you look interested in your conversation, the cake cutting can wait a few.  A good DJ will know this.  Let me tell you what Stephen (Mitchell Music Company’s DJ) always says, “Planning is important, but plans mean nothing.”  What he means is, have a plan in place, but be in the moment and do what feels right.

Why should you NOT hire that $500 DJ??

Experience Matters

DJing a wedding is not the same as playing music at a club or bar. Weddings require experience in reading the crowd, working with a timeline, and coordinating with other vendors (like the photographer and wedding planner). A $500 DJ may lack the experience to handle the nuances of a wedding day.

Equipment Matters

DJs who charge lower rates often do so because they are cutting costs somewhere—usually in the quality of their equipment. Wedding sound systems require high-quality speakers, microphones, and lighting to create a professional, enjoyable atmosphere.

I have seen it too many times where, I’m just going to say it, a CHEAP DJ bails on a couple because they got a higher paying gig. The couples are left high and dry not knowing what to do or scrambling to find someone else and forking out even more money. After you’ve done all of that, you will realize you should have gone ahead and spent that extra money to hire a seasoned, professional, SKILLED DJ in the first place. DON’T LET THIS BE YOU!

Hire EXPERIENCE!