DJ Toad at a wedding in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA – “He didn’t smile much but he did keep the dance floor full.” Photo Courtesy: Tony Alter
The DJ will be the host for the wedding reception. He’ll announce everything from the father-daughter dance to the entry of the bride and groom. It’s up to him to manage the atmosphere in a professional manner. A professional DJ will be able to alter the way the event feels in a matter of minutes.
Unfortunately, you have to pay extra for quality in the 21st century. There are ways you can save money for your wedding, though.
The DJ and the Band
Most people choose between a DJ and a band. Savers should always opt for a DJ over a band. When you hire a band, you’re hiring more than one person. Unless you’re hiring a celebrity for your event, it will always cost less to hire a single person.
There’s no real difference between the band and the DJ other than the sort of performance. A band will normally have the better music, because it’s live, but the DJ will have a closer relationship with the guests. They’re only putting on the music. They aren’t creating and playing it.
Provide the Music
DJs will pay for their music. They have to pay a fee to whatever company they use to get their music because they’re a commercial entity. It’s part of the reason the price goes up. On the other hand, if you provide the music, you don’t have to pay any royalties to the record company.
Private events don’t require you to do this. You need to tread carefully, though. The owner of the venue and the DJ aren’t allowed to supply any sort of music, otherwise it’s considered breach of copyright.
Many smaller weddings will have the wedding planner bring in an album or an iPod playlist. You’ll still need a DJ to play the songs and make the announcements, but it reduces their expenses, and therefore reduces your expenses.
Set in Stone
DJs will usually charge by the hour. Make sure you sign a contract that states how long they’re being hired for. It’s easy to lose track of time at a wedding reception. You don’t want to accidentally have them stay for longer than anticipated. If you’ve signed a contract that states how long the project lasts and if they go over the time limit, you aren’t liable for any additional fees.
We recommend looking for a DJ that charges by the hour. It’s easier to compare expenses than looking at a DJ that charges by a flat fee.
Compare and Contrast
The best move you can make for saving money is to compare and contrast. Make sure you’re shopping around for different DJs and different prices. You won’t find much choice during the spring and summer (when most weddings take place) because most DJs have plenty of work and can afford to bump up the prices.
This is why it’s a good idea to do this as early as you can. By booking a DJ early, you’ll be able to get a much better deal.
Cathy Alba is the creative head behind this delightful article. She is a passionate blogger who shares her ideas and insights through her articles. She urges her readers to try out the services of Annapolis Wedding DJ, as they are awesome and can make your wedding more memorable with their lively music.
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