DJ Selection Tips (continued)

Speaking of price, how much is entertainment worth? After two decades of wedding reception entertainment service, I'm still amazed that so many engaged couples will automatically latch-on to the lowest price. It would be less amazing if prices typically spanned several thousand dollars. But they don't. The difference between students/DJs who hook-up their home stereo system for some quick pocket money and accomplished professionals is dollars, not diamonds.

This is not to imply that you get what you pay for. There are fine-and-inexpensive DJs and mediocre-and-pricey DJs. Again, the goal here is not to confuse the issue, but to assert that quality-conscious customers seek more information than price as they come to a decision.

Altogether too often, brides-to-be call our office and begin the conversation with the question, "What do you charge?" At this point, we're not excited about having a potential customer on the phone. We know that, regardless of our commitment to performance quality and customer service, our caller can be lured to a bottom-tier performer for a few dollars.

Faced with a choice, are you willing to pay a few dollars more for the additional attention to detail? You are if you recognize that entertainment will play a pivotal role in the success of your event. Years from now, guests may not remember whether you served chicken, duck, pheasant, or grouse, but they'll certainly recall whether they danced, laughed and enjoyed themselves at your reception. Although it's among the lowest-cost budget items, entertainment is one of the top-level success factors.

There is, however, an important issue to be discussed when the cost issues arise. Specifically, at "X" price, what's included? There are companies that will quote a generous price, but tack on more fees for lighting effects, DJ formalwear, equipment options, and advance consultation sessions. One company with whom we compete offers very low rates for DJ services, then, a week before the event, asks the customer if they'll need music or playback equipment. Anything other than the human being is a costly option, but this isn't made clear at the outset. At the delayed point at which the "music-and-equipment" option is first mentioned, it's way too late to schedule a more reputable company.

Speaking of scheduling, it only stands to reason that best DJs book quickly, and aren't willing to overextend themselves. If you wait until a month before your reception to begin calling entertainment companies, you'll assuredly get what's left over. Ideally, call at least six months ahead; a full year is even better. Even when the good companies have leftover slots, prices increase considerably as dates draw near.

Also with regard to scheduling, expect to spend more for Saturdays in Spring and Fall; less for Sundays in the off-season. If you need to economize, selecting a slow date will buy you much more than contracting with a second-tier professional.

Good wedding reception entertainers are many things. They are planners, music experts, interpersonal communicators, customer service professionals, sound technicians, wedding managers, and more. Their many responsibilities require that they be fully competent and hold your complete trust.

Before signing a contract, get to know the company you're dealing with. Are the many roles adequately addressed? Do you have a comfort level with the person on the other end of the phone? Does the company have the ability to meet your vision of your reception, or are you part of an assembly line? If any of these answers fall short of a resounding "yes," make more calls.

You're choosing a partner as much as a service provider, and your confidence is the cornerstone for building an excellent wedding reception entertainment program.