Why Shopping on Quality is Important to the Sucess of Your Event!

Why are your prices double of the other quote that I just received? - or -  Why would I spend that money on a DJ when I can use my Ipod? - or -  I have a buddy that will DJ for us and he will do it for free.  Unfortunately we do hear these questions every year, and it truly scares me that as event planners (bride & grooms, that is what you are now) you are not doing your research.

The number one reason that you pay more for a great DJ is that we go the extra mile every day to see that we are the best in the industry and that we are stepping up to every level of industry professionalism.  By hiring a fantastic and reputable DJ, you are making it known to your guests that you care about the evening you are preparing for them.  Whether you like it or not, when you plan a wedding, you will be judged. You will be judged on the venue, food, entertainment & decor. I recommend showing your guests the same care that you would if they were in your own home.

Here are a few simple answers to the above questions:

Price: Typically is associated with Quality.  Low end and new DJ's charge less. With this you get lack of experience, makeshift equipment and they probably do not have a very high professional standard. See below for more details.
Ipod Weddings: Don't do it! This is the worst thing you can do when planning a party of this caliber.  All you are doing is telling your guests that you not worth the expense of a DJ. Also you are planning for a one sided party, taking only your own musical tastes into consideration.
Free Friend Services: You are taking a huge chance here.  Maybe they are a good DJ, maybe not. Maybe they have the proper equipment & licencing, maybe not. Maybe they will actually show up, maybe not. Maybe they will get drunk and make a joke out of your party, maybe not.  For me, I wouldn't use this option unless they were a professionals and still have some form of contract.

Here are a few reasons why you pay more to get a Great (and legal) DJ for your Wedding.

Licencing - It cost money to have the Proper AVLA licencing.  This is the bare minimum that any person or DJ should have before they even consider playing music publicly.  The licencing is governed by the RCMP and it is considered illegal to play any recorded music publicly without this. This means your Ipod too!

Insurance - This is a must.  Would you have a contractor on your premise knowingly without adequate insurance? All vendors at your celebration should carry a minimum of 2 million liability insurance.

Music Sources - It is illegal to download music. DJ's are no exception to this rule. That is right, to stay above the law and do this legally, we are required to purchase all of our music (as of today, not even itunes is legal for us).  Most great DJ's are on weekly/biweekly subscriptions for Top 40 music.

Equipment - showing up with damaged equipment or a home stereo is not acceptable for any event. A great DJ updates and maintains their equipment regularly.  We personally update every piece of our equipment every second year. Only the best for our clients.

Contracts - A Must! Seriously... you would hand money over to a stranger without a legal contract, no wonder they never showed for your event.  This unfortunately is a common occurrence in the Wedding industry.  Make sure that you have everything in writing and the details are correct.

Taxes - Paying Cash for a DJ in some peoples opinions is a much cheaper method than doing everything legally.  If you have no paper trail of an agreement and if anything ever goes wrong, you are left to face the consequences should it be a no show DJ, or one that shows up with makeshift equipment and hurts a guest.

Behaviour - Have a No Alcohol policy set in place for all of your vendors.  Alcohol impairs peoples judgement... and worst of all a vendor who is drinking at your event has to load up their equipment and drive it somewhere at the end of the night with all of your family and friends travelling the same roads.  I actually heard tonight that a man was offering a $250 Wedding DJ package plus an open bar for himself for the evening.  Unbelievable.

Comfort - A great DJ gives you comfort  for the entire experience. From answering questions during the planning stages, pointing you in the direction of wonderful vendors to work along with, treating your guests with respect, and most importantly knowing how to conduct themselves accordingly. This includes and is not limited to appearance, conduct and most of all professional presentation especially when in the role of Master of Ceremonies.

I could go on and on for hours of all of the reasons why it pays to shop on quality over price.  At the end of the day, your are leaving the success of your reception in the hands of one main person, the DJ.  How would you like the evening to go; Successfully or like a game of Russian Roulette?


Yours in Music,

Laura