Finding a cheap DJ

What state are you from?

Hi, Monica,

Everyone has some type of budget that they work with. However, having said that, one option is contacting local high schools and colleges in your area because they may have string quartets or harpists, or bands, that travel to national competitions. I would suggest listening to a few of them before you book them. Because they are not officially a "business" they may like the idea of being hired by you and they will take a donation or a lower rate than that min. $600 quote you received.

I am a wedding planner, as well as a collegiate conference professional and we do this all the time with the local school districts. The end result is quality, professional entertainment at a great price!

Connie...Heart and Soul Events

I live in Denver, CO

A good DJ will help keep everything on time and flowing throughout the evening.. which keeps your guests from sitting around twiddling their thumbs wandering what's going to happen next.. or getting bored and leaving.. they can read your crowd and select music that will involve everyone...

I tried to go cheap a month ago at my own wedding by getting some friends to DJ for me using my equipment. If I had it to do over again, I would have found a way to come up with the money to hire somebody.

As for the DJ equipment and other fancy stuff.. Personally, I have quite a bit more invested in music than I do equipment. Most DJs do as well. It's not cheap to have a huge, legal music library.

I know I'm biased, but I would strongly suggest finding the money to hire a decent DJ. You will be disappointed if you don't and your guests will bail on your early if someone is not there keeping things moving throughout the evening. And please get a contract!

Although we are need cheap.. We are DJs and can give you a great deal... DJs are important at your wedding.. they keep the flow of your wedding going so you don't have to... they entertain, and make your wedding day fun!

Give me a call I will help! Snaptive photo and effects plus audio

762-4443

http://www.audio.snaptive.com/

I am a Wedding Planner and can hook you up with a DJ that charges $350. If you are interested give me a call: 770-693-0737.

Monica -

If you can give us an idea of what sort of budget you have for a DJ, I may be able to point you in the right direction. I am a lead Moderator for a national Disc Jockey website where some of the very best in the business congregate. We exist solely for the purpose of making our industry better. Please contact me at your earliest convenience and I will do what I can to help.

When it comes to a wedding, a DJ is more then someone that knows how to work equipment & play music. A real professional WEDDING DJ is also your MC, Event Director, music programmer. Someone who knows how to read a crowd, and play the right kind of music for your guests.

Cheap entertainment is not good, & good entertainment is not cheap.

A good professional DJ will cost at least $1,000 plus. A $350 dollar DJ can only ruin your wedding. You would be better off using the best man as the MC & having an Ipod or boom box. An ipod can't embarrass you on the mic.

Something to think about; Years after your wedding is over, your guests

will always remember one thing. THE ENTERTAINMENT. Ether how much fun your wedding was, or how bad it was because the cheap DJ played

the wrong music, and acted like a clown. Remember the DJ you hire will be the one representing you on the mic in front of you, your family & friends for the 1st time on your wedding day.

Why take my advice? read my website.

We are not getting married until next fall, but I too want figure out the major stuff... We are on a pretty tight budget. The DJ is something that is as important to us as the food. If the venue has a good sound system, you have one less thing to worry about. Now, just to find someone reasonable priced who plays the kind of music you like. We are going to ask a guy who DJ's our friends' parties. He's not a 'professional' but he has a great record collection. You can always inquire at the local record/CD store. But ask for a sample CD or playlist, and make sure they are reliable.

Hope that helps!

Most DJ's do not give you a "discount" or "break" because of in house equipment. Dj's take pride in their own equipment and have spent lots of time and money to give you the best in sound and lights. If you take away a photographers camera and give him yours to use, do you think he will capture your moments the same way? I recommend using a DJ who brings their own equipment.

In fact, I would NEVER use in house equipment because it's unfamiliar to me for one, and two you don't know how well it's maintained - it could not work properly.

Just a thought

Most house equipment I have seen is designed for spoken word and ambient music only. Rarely is it adequate enough to even approach dance floor volumes. Consider this when thinking of getting a cheap DJ. A DJ will have anywhere from **** dollars invested in his sound equipment and $50,000+ invested in his music collection. And thats just on the low end. As you can see the PA system is the smaller part of our investment. Using a house system just cuts down one hour of our time but can hinder our performance if its unfamiliar to us. Not all PA systems are set up or operate the same way.

Remember the old saying "You get what you pay for".

In the case of a wedding, there are no "Do-overs"

If you go cheap or hire a family friend (with no wedding DJ experience) You will have ulcers by your wedding day worrying about it. If the event is lame, your guests will leave early. You will always regret not paying the extra money & hiring a DJ with wedding reception experience. A good DJ & sound system can make or break the event.