Why Wait On The Entertainment?

It never ceases to amaze me. Almost every couple that comes into our office has put off choosing their wedding entertainment until one of the very last items on their to-do list. To top it off, many feel that this is one area where they can afford to save a few bucks. This is unfortunate and also dangerous to the overall outcome of your day.

Let's take as an example a $20,000.00 wedding budget. Most of that will go to food, reception hall and alcohol while another big chunk will be allotted to the dress, shoes, accessories, bridal party gifts, limo, favors, etc.
Now consider the cake. It's not unusual to find cakes priced from three to five dollars a slice. Multiply five dollars times two hundred guests and you've got yourself a $1,000.00 cake! Crazy, isn't it?

So, how much do you have left for your Disc Jockey? Is it $6oo.oo, $700.00, $800.00 dollars? Think about it. You're willing to spend $1,000.00 on a cake which contributes very little to the atmosphere and success of your day, yet your DJ, who can make or break your event, isn't worth $1000.00. This is backward thinking and must be turned around.

With all of the time, effort and emotion that you're going to put into your wedding planning, do yourself a favor and start looking for your entertainer at least one year in advance. Look for someone who is willing to help you plan and organize your day - someone with the personality, skill and talent to make your big day the one you've dreamed about for so long.

You'll also want to be sure the DJ company that you choose reflects your personality and shares the vision of your day and is willing to build a relationship with you. After all, you're going to be spending a year with this person, (if you've taken my advice), so choose based on the level of service, commitment, professionalism and reputation - not price. We've all purchased sale items only to discover that if we had spent a few dollars more, we would have gotten a substantially better product.

This doesn't mean that you should pick the most expensive DJ that comes down the pike either. Expensive doesn't always mean better. It does mean that you should compare like services and weigh "bang for the buck" value vs. price and reputation.

Contract a professional DJ early in the planning stage and you'd be surprised how helpful they can be. A true professional will be "plugged in" to a network of fellow professionals who can make planning your wedding a joy - instead of a potentially stressful nightmare.

A recent survey of newlyweds revealed that when asked how happy they were with the outcome of their wedding day, most said that in hindsight, they would have spent more of their wedding budget on higher quality entertainment. It just makes sense - your entertainment is what your guests are going to remember about your reception. Dancing guests are happy guests.

Our advice;
1. Set aside 10-15% of your total budget for your wedding DJ and book them at least one year in advance. (Before the money's all gone!)
2. Choose a DJ service that includes planning or coordinating then utilize them for their experience and professional connections. (It'll lower your stress level)
3. Make sure the entertainer you hire is the one who will actually be at your reception and get it in writing.
4. Don't hire any wedding vendor without a signed contract. Period.
5. Listen to your gut. Try to get a connection from your DJ. They should be as vested and interested in your day as you are.
6. If you've gotten a DJ on a great referral, follow it up with a meeting, call their references and don't drag your feet. If you know three people who have used them, gave them glowing reviews and liked them - hire them! Why go with an unknown?

Your wedding is one of life's most beautiful events and a stepping stone to your future. Start planning early, look at your budget realisticly, cut out the meaningless fluff so you have more dollars for what matters most and enjoy the process - it shouldn't be a stress-fest.

And why wait on the entertainment?