ALL RIGHT ...STOP!! .. CO-LAB-O-RATE & LISTEN!!!
So I think Vanilla Ice put it best so many years ago.. :)
I am an established corporate/event/wedding DJ who does 99% of my business outside of this website and can furnish you with a list of happy references, particularly other couples who trusted me to help them produce their wonderful day. I used to work in a bank so I understand what accountability and good service mean.
Although personality is super important- being a "fun" guy is such a small part of what I believe is the important part of this business which is ORGANIZATION & PREPARATION!! ( Yuck!)
I see my role as very much overlapping with that of a wedding planner in that I furnish my clients with a proprietary template listing all of the
important events that may take place during the wedding. Through multiple conversations and emails we decide things together such as:
1. Would you like to have a bouquet toss? At what point during the reception shall we do that? To which song? Would you like to hear some suggestions?
2. How would you like to be introduced? Will you walk right in to the first dance? Do you have a song chosen? Would you like to hear some suggestions?
3. Will there be a Father/Daughter dance? ...a Mother/Son dance? Shall we fade out after a minute or so of dancing so that its not awkward?
Before I became a DJ (and a banker) I was a professional guitar player/singer and often my clients are excited to have me perform live music for the ceremony and cocktail hours and then MC and DJ the reception. This might be an attractive option. It sort of simplifies things being that you only need to discuss/contract with one person but you get everything covered!
For the reception, I have multiple top-of-the line sound systems, wireless microphones for toasts, as well as 2 trees of programmable dance lights that change colors with the music and make the mood...
In short, I am an upbeat, dependable professional who doesn't believe you need to sound like a high energy used car salesman to have a great product.
PRICE-
I am certainly not the least expensive DJ out there at all. Through Gigmasters website I generally charge about $1000 for everything (if local). Even if this seems high, this is a significantly lower amount than I normally charge in an effort to be more competitive.
If this were a referral outside of this website I would charge over $2000 which I think is a solid price taking into account preliminary consultations, ongoing dialog, working with the client to produce a rough wedding day timetable, loading music beforehand, arriving at the venue early to set up my sound systems & lights, MCing, DJing, and possibly performing guitar/singing for your event.
There will surely be lower offers out there. I can't blame anyone for wanting to save a few hundred bucks (or more perhaps)
If that is the route you choose to go, I sincerely hope that you have a wonderful experience and that whomever you choose makes a similar effort for your event.
-I am sort of like Starbucks....its not the cheapest coffee out there but you do know what you're getting... hey, its only your wedding, right?...:)
Anyway, Dear Readers, sincerest congratulations on your upcoming big day! I would love to be a part of it..
Very best, Greg
Gregville Music & DJ
Serving San Diego, Palm Spings and Los Angeles areas...