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How Much to Spend on Your Wedding Entertainment?
Professional services comes at a professional price. But what should you expect to pay and how is the cost of hiring their services measured? While you could spend anything from $200 to $3,000 on your wedding entertainment, the average amount a couple spends on a band/Dj is approximately $1,000. According to John however, this is just a guideline and every band and every city has their own price norm.
Although pricing varies from place to place and from band to band, most bands/Djs do have a minimum fee for events. “Most bands/Djs have a three hour minimum playing fee”, says John. “A deposit is required and overtime is extra. Enquire the rate for an extra hour in advance because it can be costly.”
Speaking of expense however, if a band/Dj quotes you a price for their services that are over your budget, don't be afraid to say so. “Many musicians/Djs will adjust a fee slightly, rather than lose a gig”, says John. “It's always worth asking and you might just get what you want.”
How to Pick a Pro
Professionalism is the key to hiring a good entertainer. But in a worldwide web of self-proclaimed 'bests' in the business, many of whom are probably working out of the garage at their parents house over the weekend, how do you know if they're really a pro?
One word: credentials. “Make sure the band or DJ is a member of a musicians association as many bands are not”, says John. “While it's not always a sign of an established group, it does guarantee a professional service will be provided.”
Most professionals will also provide multiple services. In other words, a professional DJ won't just be a DJ but will act as anything from the light technician to emcee. “A good DJ will act as sound and light technician, audience motivator, emcee and party organiser”, says Bill. “He or she will also demonstrate an ability to read a crowd and choose the right music at the right time.”
Similarly, a professional band leader will have emcee experience but according to John, with a pro, less is more. “A smart bandleader keeps microphone verbiage to a minimum – announcing the cake, the banquet toss and introducing the wedding party, leaving the speeches to the friends and family. “An outgoing personality is an asset on stage but over-chatty emcees show excessive self-importance and are often a pain to all concerned.”
The only downside to hiring a pro, of course, is that they have a reputation to protect and may not welcome merry guests looking to join in. “Professional bands have a reputation to uphold and many hate amateurs making them look bad”, says John. “You don't want anyone to be disappointed on the big day so finding out the bands policy is important. Ask beforehand and if guests can get up with the band and join in at some point. Arrange it in advance, whatever you do.”
All arrangements and agreements, in fact, should be included in a written contract between you and your service provider, which all professionals will have. “Your contract should cover all musicians and singers, band equipment and sound systems”, says John. “It should state actual playing time, number of hours agreed to and the cost so that there are no surprises and that everything goes to plan.”
Of course, plans can go awry and any professional band/DJ should provide back-up in the event of emergency. “Every pro service must have subs available and on standby in case the band/singer is unable to turn up”, says John. “The back-up should have equal skill to the band member they replace.” A professional will also have liability insurance. “With heavy equipment, accidents can happen so hiring an insured company is a must”, says John. “Ensure this is covered in the contract and don't hire them without it.”
With Djs, on the other hand, emergencies are not the only time you might not get what you pay for. “The most common complaint within the DJ industry today is that the DJ you hire is not the one who turns up on the day”, warns Bill. “Investigate this before you sign the contract and ensure you're made aware of it. You often aren't. You hire a pro so you have the right to expect a professional service that you're happy with.”
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