72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.
Nearly 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!
When asked, 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.
65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.
These statistics were taken from major bridal industry sources and publications.
St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine, 2003 ~ Simmons, 2001 ~ USA Today, 2002 ~ National Bridal Service, 2001 ~ The Knot, 2002 ~ Brides Magazine, 2001
Important things to rememeber:
A Disc Jockey fees vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, organization skills, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.
Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you're planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.
A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours". Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your reception.
Not all Entertainment Companies are Alike
Before hiring a DJ for your wedding reception, please consider the following. Ask these important questions...
1) "Has the company been a registered business for more than a year?" The longer in business, the better the service and quality should be.
2) "Does the company's equipment meet commercial quality standards?" No need for you to understand, just listen to their reaction. They should know their equipment inside and out.
3) "Does the company spell out exactly what you get and what they need in a binding contractual agreement?" Read it carefully and make sure it protects you without giving up anything more than your deposit for cancellation.
4) "Does the company maintain a comprehensive music library that is suited to fit a variety of musical tastes?" Ask for a sample playlist, or do they play all types of music for all ages. "Do they take requests?" or do you get to listen to whatever they decide to play.
5) "Will the company provide appropriately mannered, properly attired and trained professional entertainer?" Make sure they will look and act the way you want them to.
6) "Does the company have a performance follow-up program such as a questionnaire or a phone call?" This shows they do care how your reception turns out even after it's over.
7) "Does the company provide you with the opportunity to meet with their reception coordination staff?" This will give you an indication of how serious a commitment they have to the entertainment business and how dedicated they are to making your reception a success.
8) "Does the company have references available for phone calls, or written performance evaluations to confirm their reliability?" What do their past clients think of them?" Do related professionals, such as photographers, and caterers enjoy working with them?" Give them a call they'll be happy to talk with you.
9) "Does the company have a reliable system of storing, retrieving, and updating the information for your event?" It's good to know if your special event will be remembered.
THESE QUESTIONS WILL ASSURE YOU ARE HIRING A COMPETENT, PROFESSIONAL DJ FOR YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION.