Ok, so I wanted to add more to this.
Why do I charge more than others? Because I do more than others.
It makes sense. The DJ is in charge of the music, the mood and the energy. They have the microphone to direct your guests in the toasts, the cake cutting, the bouquet and garter, etc. Even the legendary Martha Stewart agrees. In Martha Stewart Living Magazine she states "Your reception entertainment is ultimately responsible for the event’s success so don’t look for the cheapest, look for the best."
Read that again, it’s important.
If you decide to budget only 2% for someone who doesn’t have the experience or knowledge to keep your guests past dinner, then you’ve literally wasted thousands of dollars on the remainder of the reception that no one will enjoy. Now, don’t jump ahead and think that a professional disc jockey should charge 80% or $16,000, but the average rate for a true professional, someone who is mature, experienced in music, reception protocol, detail oriented and a long list of other qualities is closer to 5% or $1,000. This is for a 4 hour wedding reception. Any extras like lights, video presentation, etc., will sometimes cost a little more.
Remember, entertainment will make or break your reception.
Oh, one more thing. A good DJ shouldn't have to rely on alcohol or props (wigs, inflatable instruments, YMCA hats, etc) to have a good party. Prior planning is key to a successful reception. Knowing your clients. Asking questions about the guests that are attending.
A great reception doesn't just happen, great receptions are made.
Don't forget to comment on the blog posts and add us on your feed. I'm trying to post every other day at the least.
Thanks!
kev
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Alan and Meredith's Wedding Reception
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tom and Ami get hitched!
The Blacksmith Shop was the place to be on Sunday for Ami and Tom's wedding and reception. Rebecca came along to help me out and take photos. Thanks, Becca!
Here are some images and a video from the festivities.
Enjoy!
kev
Here are some images and a video from the festivities.
Enjoy!
kev
Cos and Erica's Wedding Reception
What a great couple! I had the privilege of performing at Cos and Erica's wedding reception on Saturday at Healy Point Country Club. As always it was a pleasure working with Marianne and her staff there.
Neal and Shannon from iNWARD Studio were on hand, catching all the festivities on camera.
Here are a few images and some video.
2009 is booking up fast! Visit our website today to see how we can make your event the best ever!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
6 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WEDDING DJ’S Part 4
#4.
“DJ’s shouldn’t cost more than $400”
I’m sure you can find someone who’ll be more than happy to take $400 (even $200!) and try to do their best, that is if they even show up! An Ipod in the hands of a teenager will get you music but not much else.
Let’s keep two very important details in mind. First, on average the ceremony and reception will cost $20,000 and second, the entertainment you choose will be responsible for 80% of the success of your day. This is documented by hundreds of brides who have been asked AFTER their wedding and have stated that without a doubt the DJ, more than the photographer, the cake, the flowers, even the food, contributed more to the success of their reception than all the
others.
This is what I do for a living. This is how I pay for all the bills that come from running a business. I charge more than $400. Why? Because I'm worth more. All the knowledge and experience that I possess to make your reception everything you've envisioned, makes me worth it.
I'm not trying to sound conceited and those of you who know me will agree. I don't have an ego, but I believe in what I do.
Think about past wedding receptions you've been to. What did you like? What did you dislike? These experiences will help guide you on your quest for the perfect wedding reception.
Together, we can make it happen!
kev
“DJ’s shouldn’t cost more than $400”
I’m sure you can find someone who’ll be more than happy to take $400 (even $200!) and try to do their best, that is if they even show up! An Ipod in the hands of a teenager will get you music but not much else.
Let’s keep two very important details in mind. First, on average the ceremony and reception will cost $20,000 and second, the entertainment you choose will be responsible for 80% of the success of your day. This is documented by hundreds of brides who have been asked AFTER their wedding and have stated that without a doubt the DJ, more than the photographer, the cake, the flowers, even the food, contributed more to the success of their reception than all the
others.
This is what I do for a living. This is how I pay for all the bills that come from running a business. I charge more than $400. Why? Because I'm worth more. All the knowledge and experience that I possess to make your reception everything you've envisioned, makes me worth it.
I'm not trying to sound conceited and those of you who know me will agree. I don't have an ego, but I believe in what I do.
Think about past wedding receptions you've been to. What did you like? What did you dislike? These experiences will help guide you on your quest for the perfect wedding reception.
Together, we can make it happen!
kev
Friday, April 17, 2009
6 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WEDDING DJ’S Part 3
#3
“A DJ’s job is fun. If it’s fun they shouldn’t get paid for it”
Sure it’s fun. Thank goodness it’s fun, but it’s also a lot of work. As a soon-to-be-bride you are already getting an idea of the work and attention to detail that is necessary to make your wedding day a success. A professional disc jockey will spend approximately 6 – 8 hours on your reception BEFORE they even start the music! That does not even take into consideration the hours on advertising, maintenance, follow-ups, continued education, research and all the myriad of details a business owner deals with daily to provide quality customer service for their clients.
I don't know. Maybe I'm an over-achiever, but I put all kinds of crazy hours into a wedding before I ever even get there. Setting up music lists, typing up the paper work, creating the schedule, rehearsing what I'm going to say and how I say it. I want to make sure I don't do something as silly as say the wrong name!
Look for someone who works at their job, not just do it by rote.
I love my job! I love my job, because I enjoy it. Does it help that it's fun? Of course, but what you don't see is the added stress of making sure the most important day of your life is everything you've dreamed it would be.
Check us out at www.macondj.com Don't forget, in addition to MC/DJ services, we also offer wedding and event coordination with Rebecca, lighting with Macon Lights and A/V rental.
Have a great day!
kev
“A DJ’s job is fun. If it’s fun they shouldn’t get paid for it”
Sure it’s fun. Thank goodness it’s fun, but it’s also a lot of work. As a soon-to-be-bride you are already getting an idea of the work and attention to detail that is necessary to make your wedding day a success. A professional disc jockey will spend approximately 6 – 8 hours on your reception BEFORE they even start the music! That does not even take into consideration the hours on advertising, maintenance, follow-ups, continued education, research and all the myriad of details a business owner deals with daily to provide quality customer service for their clients.
I don't know. Maybe I'm an over-achiever, but I put all kinds of crazy hours into a wedding before I ever even get there. Setting up music lists, typing up the paper work, creating the schedule, rehearsing what I'm going to say and how I say it. I want to make sure I don't do something as silly as say the wrong name!
Look for someone who works at their job, not just do it by rote.
I love my job! I love my job, because I enjoy it. Does it help that it's fun? Of course, but what you don't see is the added stress of making sure the most important day of your life is everything you've dreamed it would be.
Check us out at www.macondj.com Don't forget, in addition to MC/DJ services, we also offer wedding and event coordination with Rebecca, lighting with Macon Lights and A/V rental.
Have a great day!
kev
Sunday, April 5, 2009
....the day that didn't end so good.
My neighbor, Eric, and I went out on the power lines yesterday. I was on the golf cart and he was on his 4wheeler. We were not doing anything crazy, but the day didn't end real well. Watch the video to see.
Friday, April 3, 2009
6 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WEDDING DJ’S Part 2
#2.
“A DJ is an entry level job, how hard can it really be?”
Pressing play on a cd player or clicking start on the laptop is just the beginning. Using the microphone to motivate the crowd, presiding over the bouquet and garter tradition, handling
the organization of the toasts and the cake cutting, all the way to the last dance, takes finesse and, yes, expert skill to accomplish effectively. These skills for the most part are not taught so much as they’re learned through doing and having a trainer or mentor to provide constructive criticism along the way.
Look for someone who will take care of all the events at your reception. A Master of Ceremonies is just that, someone who has the know how to handle all the ceremonies that are performed that night. If all your DJ does is push buttons, congratulations, you have an iPod with arms!
kev
“A DJ is an entry level job, how hard can it really be?”
Pressing play on a cd player or clicking start on the laptop is just the beginning. Using the microphone to motivate the crowd, presiding over the bouquet and garter tradition, handling
the organization of the toasts and the cake cutting, all the way to the last dance, takes finesse and, yes, expert skill to accomplish effectively. These skills for the most part are not taught so much as they’re learned through doing and having a trainer or mentor to provide constructive criticism along the way.
Look for someone who will take care of all the events at your reception. A Master of Ceremonies is just that, someone who has the know how to handle all the ceremonies that are performed that night. If all your DJ does is push buttons, congratulations, you have an iPod with arms!
kev
Thursday, April 2, 2009
6 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WEDDING DJ’S Part 1
#1. “DJ’s just play music”
As was pointed out earlier, the job responsibilities of todays disc jockey reach far beyond that of just playing music. That’s why the term “disc jockey” really doesn’t describe the profession anymore. It’s too small in scope. The dj’s who have grown in the industry often refer to their occupation as just that, an occupation. They like to be referred to as a wedding entertainment director or wedding entertainment specialist, not to be confused with a wedding consultant, or an event consultant, neither of which have the same level of control during the actual event itself.
I refuse to do a wedding where all I do is play music. I do so much more than that. Look for a DJ who will be your Master of Ceremonies, someone who will take care of running the reception. Do they have a schedule of events? What about knowledge of wedding traditions? To my knowledge, I'm the only DJ in this area who gets continuing education in my career. From Master of Ceremonies workshops to sound reinforcement classes and more.
Sad to say, too many people who call themselves DJ's, are ruining it for those of us who truly love what we do and care about or client. We want to do the best job we can and excel at our craft. Those who don't, well, let's just say I've had quite a few calls from people who had their "DJ" take their money and run. Insist on a contract and get references.
kev
As was pointed out earlier, the job responsibilities of todays disc jockey reach far beyond that of just playing music. That’s why the term “disc jockey” really doesn’t describe the profession anymore. It’s too small in scope. The dj’s who have grown in the industry often refer to their occupation as just that, an occupation. They like to be referred to as a wedding entertainment director or wedding entertainment specialist, not to be confused with a wedding consultant, or an event consultant, neither of which have the same level of control during the actual event itself.
I refuse to do a wedding where all I do is play music. I do so much more than that. Look for a DJ who will be your Master of Ceremonies, someone who will take care of running the reception. Do they have a schedule of events? What about knowledge of wedding traditions? To my knowledge, I'm the only DJ in this area who gets continuing education in my career. From Master of Ceremonies workshops to sound reinforcement classes and more.
Sad to say, too many people who call themselves DJ's, are ruining it for those of us who truly love what we do and care about or client. We want to do the best job we can and excel at our craft. Those who don't, well, let's just say I've had quite a few calls from people who had their "DJ" take their money and run. Insist on a contract and get references.
kev
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
TV Interview
So, I'm sitting at my desk working and trying to figure out what I want to fix for lunch, when the doorbell rings. I look out the window and there sits a news truck from 13WMAZ.
I went to the door and there stood Jennifer Bellamy She was doing a story on the county line dispute and wanted to interview me. I said "no problem" and went to put on a shirt with the logo on it. LOL
Good interview and then she started asking me about my business. I'm anxious to see how much of that part gets on the air.
Anyway, it's supposed to air tonight at 6. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Later,
kev
I went to the door and there stood Jennifer Bellamy She was doing a story on the county line dispute and wanted to interview me. I said "no problem" and went to put on a shirt with the logo on it. LOL
Good interview and then she started asking me about my business. I'm anxious to see how much of that part gets on the air.
Anyway, it's supposed to air tonight at 6. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Later,
kev
6 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WEDDING DJ’S
I'm going to take a few days and put up parts of a brochure that I give all brides at bridal shows. This was written in conjunction with Michael Stedman, a good friend of mine from Orlando.
Hopefully, this will help you in your search for a quality DJ/MC.
The responsibilities and job description of a wedding ceremony and/or reception disc jockey have changed quite a bit over the years. Not so very long ago DJ’s were simply asked to play music that provided energy and, hopefully, some dancing.
Today, the professional disc jockey is called upon to make all the formal introductions,handle the logistics of the toasts, cake cutting, the first dance and other traditional dances. Also, the pre-planning and entertainment coordination with the bride and groom, determining the overall musical wishes of the guests and so much more, make the selection of a qualified disc jockey – now commonly referred to, by some, as a wedding entertainment director – that much more important. In addition the DJ is expected to do all this with elegance,articulation, enthusiasm, and flawless presentation.
Anyone who’s ever been to a wedding reception where the disc jockey was obnoxious, overbearing, risqué and embarrassing knows that getting the right guy (or gal) to entertain your guests can make all the difference between a nightmare and a precious memory. Certainly good DJ’s do exist. Perhaps you’ve been to a reception where the disc jockey was smooth, likeable and very attentive to the guests needs. Bingo! There’s a winner!
But where do you start looking? How do you start looking? What do you look for? Relax! Middle Georgia has over 20,000 brides every year who go through the same search, and there are tips and tricks to finding the right entertainer for you.
Here are few tips to get you started before the search begins:
· Start NOW, Don’t wait until 3 weeks before the event.
· Realize the success of your reception is largely in the hands of the DJ you choose.
· Like any professional service, look for quality, not just availability.
· Meet several DJ’s before signing anything.
· Make a few key decisions before you begin shopping like event date and music necessities.
I'll have more tomorrow. Don't forget, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me kevin@macondj.com or call 478.957.6491
Later,
kev
Hopefully, this will help you in your search for a quality DJ/MC.
The responsibilities and job description of a wedding ceremony and/or reception disc jockey have changed quite a bit over the years. Not so very long ago DJ’s were simply asked to play music that provided energy and, hopefully, some dancing.
Today, the professional disc jockey is called upon to make all the formal introductions,handle the logistics of the toasts, cake cutting, the first dance and other traditional dances. Also, the pre-planning and entertainment coordination with the bride and groom, determining the overall musical wishes of the guests and so much more, make the selection of a qualified disc jockey – now commonly referred to, by some, as a wedding entertainment director – that much more important. In addition the DJ is expected to do all this with elegance,articulation, enthusiasm, and flawless presentation.
Anyone who’s ever been to a wedding reception where the disc jockey was obnoxious, overbearing, risqué and embarrassing knows that getting the right guy (or gal) to entertain your guests can make all the difference between a nightmare and a precious memory. Certainly good DJ’s do exist. Perhaps you’ve been to a reception where the disc jockey was smooth, likeable and very attentive to the guests needs. Bingo! There’s a winner!
But where do you start looking? How do you start looking? What do you look for? Relax! Middle Georgia has over 20,000 brides every year who go through the same search, and there are tips and tricks to finding the right entertainer for you.
Here are few tips to get you started before the search begins:
· Start NOW, Don’t wait until 3 weeks before the event.
· Realize the success of your reception is largely in the hands of the DJ you choose.
· Like any professional service, look for quality, not just availability.
· Meet several DJ’s before signing anything.
· Make a few key decisions before you begin shopping like event date and music necessities.
I'll have more tomorrow. Don't forget, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me kevin@macondj.com or call 478.957.6491
Later,
kev
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