1. I want a really, really good DJ. The kind of DJ that people are talking about. The kind of DJ who can keep 120 people dancing all night. The kind of DJ that we beg to stay because no one wants to leave.2. I have never witnessed this type of DJ. It's like a wedding myth to me. I always really, really don't like DJs. I'm always the one complaining about how bad the DJ is. Always.
3. I want a DJ who knows what he's doing. With experience at weddings. Weddings are a whole different animal. It's not prom. It's not your office party. It's a gathering of people from 80-2 years old. I want them all dancing. All.
4. I need a DJ who is prepared to deal with the non traditional set up of our barn reception. This isn't a ballroom and I'm worried some Djs won't know how to adjust their routine and equipment to fit our venue.
Any help out there? How did you know you had found the right DJ? I have referrals to 2 of the "best" DJs in the Sacramento area, but they are both mind-blowingly expensive ( around $2k for their smaller package). Is that mind blowing to you? I thought we'd be able to get an amazing Dj for about $1k. I guess I was wrong.
Just to add, we are not considering a band reception. I have my heart set on a DJ. Any horror stories, success stories, referrals, do's and don'ts would be appreciated!
I cannot say enough good things about our DJ Brandon. He was amazing. He was calm, professional, FUN, and kept the people dancing until they HAD to leave. There was talk of my friends being crazy, but I'll be the first to tell you they were acting crazy because they were having A BLAST.
ReplyDeleteHe's from the Bay Area and in your price range - contact him here:
www.switchedonaudio.com
Tell him I sent you! He'll take special care of you. ;)
Well I have no advice except what you already know..how important a DJ is! We were lucky enough ot have a great group of people ( and my hubbys boss who served as entertainment for the night) that danced the night away and had a blast...the DJ had little to do with this...he played what HE wanted and did what HE wanted in cluding singing a lousy corn ball rendition of " New York New York" sorry thats no help to you but it might might just be worth the money ( I cheaped out on photography biggest mistake ever!) thankfully we have 1 amazing photo that saved the photographers life or else I would have killed himf or doing such a craptacular job!
ReplyDeleteThose prices are mind blowing to me. Ours is like $550, I believe. And this company (of only 6 d.j.s) is capable of keeping people dancing. In fact, I was AT a wedding where we begged the d.j. to stay ... and he did if we promised to help him do his set take-down (because the venue required that take-down be down by a certain time and he couldn't do it in the time remaining without help). It was awesome.
ReplyDeleteIt exists.
Do you have any married friend who had a "budget"? (Meaning, spent a normal anount of money).
I'm using my bro's friend in so cal. Even w/your budget, he may consider doing it if you paid his travel - which would STILL bring you UNDER 1k. He's got 20 years of experience too.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, check out weddzilla.com and post an announcement. See if someone bids on your project... you may be able to find an awesome dj who just uses word of mouth instead of paying for advertisement, thus having higher rates!
Good luck! :)
RelentlessBride
I know this probably isn't going to be much help but I talked to good friends to find out if they knew of any great DJ's after going to weddings. If I heard that you had gone to a wedding I was asking you about the DJ. After three people all had amazing things to say about this DJ, I booked him.
ReplyDelete$2k for a small package does seem steep! Good luck and I am sorry that I am not much help!
Try Pat Hugunin, http://www.djhuggy.com/
ReplyDeleteHe's great! We loved him!!