Why can't I get a quote?

The most asked commonly asked question by brides to their DJ, band or entertainers. I believe this question is asked most because many brides do not know what questions to ask, prior to booking an entertainer. How many times have you booked a DJ for an event? Most young brides never have booked an entertainer.

We, entertainers, offer a variety of services to meet each clients unique needs. What are those needs? Some of the needs include the number of guest, location, length of event, size of venue, style of music, lighting, setup, design, microphones, table lighting, and much more. As you can see, depending on your needs, this is a difficult question to answer. It would be like calling a car dealer and saying, "I need a car, how much are yours?" Well the cost would depend on a lot of your preferences. If you want a used cheap car, it would not be expensive. If you wanted a high class car, it will cost you significantly more.

Image Source: http://wedding-day-bliss.com/2013/02/15/outdoor-wedding-5-ikea-lanters/

"So why can't you just tell me the cost?"

Again, it depends on what you are looking for with services. In Maine, the average cost starts at $800 for about 5-6 hours. The more hours you add to an event, the cheaper your cost. The less hours, the more you'll pay per hour. Then there are all the options and services you might be expecting when paying, let's say $800. Good DJ's will not give you a price over the phone or in an email without all the details because of this expectation. If you were to pay $800 and expect a full uplighting package and you found out on your wedding day that this only covers the music, you'd be very disappointed and frustarated with your DJ. Good DJ's have learned this lesson the hard way and will not just book on one flat fee.

How can I plan my budget if DJ's won't tell me the cost?

Good question. Below is a table of basic average cost for the State of Maine. These cost projections are only estimates. We will not honor prices posted online.

	Bronze Package	Silver Package	Gold Package	Diamond Package
Style & Look	Shabby Sheik Very Clean & Simple	Clean Look Some Dance Lighting	Adding Uplighting and Monograms	Maximum “WOW” factor
Hours Included:	4	5	6	6
Sound:	Minimal	Adds speakers and subs (125+ people)	4 Speakers up to 2 subs, very loud.	Maximum  Sound with remote speakers and sound processing
Lighting:	NONE	Dance Lights	Uplighting Dance Lighting Moving Heads Monogram Cake Table Pinspot	Uplighting Dance Lighting Moving Heads Monogram Cake Table Pinspot Individual Table Pin Spotting Gobo Breakup Projections.
Package is best for:	Simple and short events.  Family Reunions BBQ Shabby Sheik Budget Wedding	Simple Weddings up to 125 guest. Some “Wow” Factor Low Budget Weddings Small Parties Reunions	Traditional Weddings up to 175 guest. Lot’s of “Wow” Factor All Out Parties Class Reunions Sweet “16” Bat Mitzvah	Totally Astonish your guest. Maximum “Wow” Factor. This is like stepping into a movie. This package provides those amazing photo opts.
Cost:	$600-$700	$800-$1500	$2000-$3000	$3000+

What you'll want to think about prior to contacting your DJ is, "What type of wedding are you looking for? Simple or extremely elegant." Your DJ will help you in figuring the cost. Just remeber, the more the DJ does, the more you can save. DJ's are best at lighting and sound, don't trust a venue.

As you can see, the cost of DJ's is not cheap. Here is a break down of the most basic system:

Basic DJ Equipment Cost

4 Speakers $1,000 each = $4,000

Subwoofer = $750

Microphone Wireless = $450

Mixer = $800

Mixer Case = $200

Power Conditioner = $200

EQ or Maximizer = $300

Tripods = $75 each $400

Table = $50

Table Cover = $25

Cables (stereo) = $300

Total for the most basic system: $7,450

What’s not included: Music = $$$$$, Insurance, Advertising $$$ and more. As you can see even with the most basic system, you're looking at a $10,000 investment! When you rent any tool or equipment, you usually pay 10% of the cost of the product. We have yeat to factor the cost of labor. Yes, we DJ's still need to get paid; it's why we're DJing in the first place.

Hopefully this makes more sense as to why cost begin around $800. If you wanted an uplighting package with monograms and custom programmed lighting, your DJ will most likely be bringing $30,000+ of gear. The cost of $2,000 for the equipment, labor and advertising doesn't seem too bad, does it? When you talk to your DJ, think about what you want and what you need; cost is based on equipment and labor. 

Getting a simple quote! Did you know?

Why can't I get a simple quote?

"Why can't I get a quick quote?" is by far the most asked question by potential clients. As DJ's we hear this all the time and are often caught between a rock and a hard place. We want to be able to offer the best service as a low cost, but often what clients seek is much more than a "Basic Package Price." Our future clients are expecting much more than speakers. As a result, we become educators of sound, light and service.

What clients often don't understand is the complexity of variables in making a quote. Granted we all want to offer something at a discount or free, but even with incentives, we still have to make a profit. Often my clients are amazed at the number of variables involved with quoting an event. The basic variables are of course sound and lighting. Many never factor for layout, time, travel, expenses, location and most importantly, the date. Why do these factors matter?

The sound variable is the most critical factor. Many people don't understand venue sound and how it affects the volume and clarity of music. As you add people to a venue, each body absorbs sound. I explain this with a bucket of water. If fill a buck of water and drop in a couple sponges and they float around, it's the same as a room with an adequate sound system. If I keep adding sponges (people to a room) eventually, I'll run out of water and not all the sponges will be equally wet. Just like sound, if you over fill a room or under drive the sound, you're left with some who hear the music and some who don't. Similar to sound is lighting.

Have you ever seen an event with one light? What happens when a guest walks in front? Ever try cooking in a kitchen with just one over head lamp? That's right, the number of people and type of lighting greatly affect the room. Sure, plain white light is crisp and clean, but it doesn't announce "Party." What is the really point of a reception? You want to have people dancing and laughing. This said, the placement of the lights chosen is also critical. 

The placement of lights with a well though out layout also affects the cost of an event. If you need to run speaker or lights to multiple locations or even rooms, then the time and expenses will increase. Careful layout will help to maximize lighting and sound, with keeping cost down. If specific layouts are needed, then it takes time to calculate, setup and add for the changes.

We DJ's enjoy what we do. I've personally DJ'd some events that were booked at 3 hours and I work 3 hours and 30 minutes. But, I've also DJ'd events with a contract of 3  hours and the event resulted in 12 plus hours. (Hard lesson learned) Our time to complete our job defiantly affects the quote. I remember a client who asked for 3 hours of service and was more than willing to pay the going rate. But, she wanted me to set up at 9:00 AM and be gone (leaving my equipment) until noon time and then begin spinning at 1:00 pm! Again, I don't mind donating some time, but waiting 4 hours is not reasonable for anyone! Personally, I charge less per hour for waiting or breaking the play time up. I'm not driving around and wasting gas, so I charge a different rate for waiting than traveling.

The cost of gas today affects every business. Gone are the days where DJ's will travel hundreds of miles at no cost for a client. Trucks, to haul the gear, not good on gas. Driving a hundred miles could cost a DJ $60 plus dollars for the trip. No charge for excessive travel could gobble up the funds. 

Traveling also can result in other expenses, tolls, food, lodging. Often these expenses are never considered when calculating an event. If I DJ past 11 PM and I'm more than one hour from my home, I require lodging. Driving a truck after working 6-12 hours at 1 in the morning is just plain dangerous. Local jobs are always preferred when they're accessible. 

 The clients location greatly affects the cost. I took on a client at a school on a local island to help some kids have a fun dance. The kids had a great time and the 3 hours of work was fun. The location was not fun. First, I had to drive across town and park in a garage. I then asked to roll all my gear to a loading dock, load it on a boat, ride to the island, unload the boat, load into another truck and then into the building. The best part was the return trip in the rain. Needless-to-say, that 3 hour job became close to 10 hours and it was only 10 miles from my home. Location also impacts access to the load in time. If your event location is on the top floor of a hotel or down a long winding unpaved path, this all takes more time.

Finally the day a client chooses for his or her event will drastically impact the cost through supply and demand. Obviously, many people want a DJ during the holidays or New Year's Eve. Looking at the date alone is not enough. We also have to look at events occurring during that time. There are many times when my services were requested during events such as festivals or fairs. The previously mentioned variables and date, add up to cost.

So why can't I just throw out a quote? In order for DJ's to make a living, we have to account for all these factors. Tell us the specific details of your plan through a free consultation and we'll give you the most accurate and reasonable quote we can.

GOBO's Add Elegance

CUSTOM GOBO'S

A custom gobo can add another level of elegance to your event. These gobo's show your comittment and dedication to this day.

These images can be projected on the wall, floor or ceiling. In some cases, they can be multiplied, rotated, moved and diffused.

A great effect is to have the Wedding Party Introductions and have this image appear as the Bride & Groom are introduced. Another effect is ito have it move or multiple when the first dance begins.

The cost of gobos varies upon the size, detail and glass vs. steel. For the most part, a simple gobo can be added for as little as $50 and up to several hundred (this is for 3D Glass Gobos). When you think about the "Wow" factor of a simple table tent or bouquet, the cost of a gobo is minimal.

At M.R.K.Entainment, you will keep the gobo at the end of the event (for all custom gobo's). You will also recieve instructions on how to recycle and use it at other events in the future, if you so choose.

So why settle for simple lighting, when you can add a WOW factor for little expense. 

WANT TO KNOW MORE? CLICK HERE TO ARRANGE A CONSULTATION

EMAIL Michael Here

Hidden Cost or Real Charges

A question I often get is in regards to charges and fees. Too often, we are taken for granted with these two terms. Get a credit card with low interest, miss a payment and you'll learn quickly about hidden fees and charges. I have personally met people who were hit with hundreds of dollars in charges; it's scary. As a DJ,  we want to eliminate these fears to be sure you can enjoy your day without worry.

I know dozens of DJ's in my area. many of these DJ's don't chage for an array of services. When I ask about how they cover the expenses, they just laugh and say, "We just charge even more, this way we can make money on the services that are "included."" In other words, the cost just went up so they can tell you they don't charge for extra expenses.

Here is a list of expenses that I frequently encounter:

• Custom Lighting
• Extra Equipment
• Longer Cabling
• Rental of a Generator
• Extra Access to the Venue
• More Labor for Complex Setups
• Extra Travel Time
• More Gas for Travel
• Wear & Tear on Vehicles
• Custom Gobos (price ranges $10-$500)
• And many, many more...

I can see how clients would be scared of "hidden fees." Hidden expenses make us all frustrated. I'd encourage other DJ's to take my advice and itemize the expenses for your clients. Show the client what they are paying for and how much it cost. Obviously, if you spend an extra $200 on a custom gobo that will only work for this one client, they don't expect you to cover that expense. I don't feel that any client would be against paying for expenses that are legitimate.

At M.R.K.E., we will itemize all your expenses, so you can see where your money is being spent.

Think about!

Last night I went to a wonderful wedding as a guest. I attended this event with my girl friend who knew a few people. It was interesting sitting on the other side of the table. I get the opportunity to observe weddings a couple times a year, which can be great to give a new perspective.

This wedding was beautiful. Decorated and embellished with the best of traditions. From lace to live musicians, this crowd was into the celebration. Held on at old farm with tents and barn conversions, I had to tip my hat to the creative mind of the bride.

The Wedding went well, but I noticed the format seemed awkward. Guest seemed confused about where to go, what to do and when to do it. Needless-to-say, this was resolved with support of the Grooms men. Despite the the awkward transitions, people still enjoyed themselves, the conversation and food and drink.

Part of the awkward nature of the arrangement was the dance floor. This floor was located in the back end of this beautiful old barn. I get it, it was the ambiance. But, the DJ was setup in a stall; I assume to give room for more guest to dance. I approached him to introduce myself and I noticed a few issues. The speakers where not placed above guest head room. What occurs here is, when guest stand in front of the speakers, the music dies on the dance floor. The DJ turns up the music and blast the guest standing in front of the speakers. The table had a linen draped over it, and it did not extend to the floor. This DJ (who was using vinyl, not needed) had cables strewed about and a cheap plastic white milk create on top of the table. He used a laptop (good for music selection and fast searching), but it had no case and the wires dropped about the table. Little was too simplistic; my observation correct noting later that it was difficult to see guest. It's difficult to go to a wedding an not take notes on how others perform.

Despite how others feel the setup should look, one would agree that on a ceremonial celebration, everyone should be dressed appropriately. Well, I felt our DJ let us down in that department too. He was a bit young, maybe mid-twenties. He wore khaki cargo pants and a sort-of white shirt (I think it was white at one time) but I couldn't tell through the wrinkles. He did have a tie on earlier in the night, but it didn't match the wedding party. (Something I insist on to give flow and continuity.) I acknowledge him, shook his hand and went about mingling with guest.

After the dinner, the bride and groom cut the cake and moved over to the dance floor for the first dance. This is where everything fell apart. The DJ announced the dances. Despite the music being too loud, because the speakers were too low, he had a pleasant voice when he left out the "Yups", "Sups", and "Yo Yo's". I was elated to find another great Hip Hop Wanna Be DJ as the entertainment. Let me remind you, this was a more of a traditional family. I kept my comments or judgements to myself, although I could see my girlfriend could read my mind. You never know the connections between event staff and the party. So, it behoves one to refrain. I thought, maybe he's a cousin, someones brother or a close friend just trying to help this wonderful couple save money. (i.e...Don't Do It) Thinking it was a lack of experience, I stayed the course unil...

This would be fine, if he cleaned up the wires?

This is where I need to pause and say, unless you're a Hip Hop artist and you want your wedding with that format, it's generally not appropriate for ALL of your guest. Yes, the DJ proceeded to scratch over the "Slow Dance" songs of the Bride & Groom, Father & Daughter and even the Mother & Son. Now let me say, I get the scratching. Done purposefully and appropriately, it can liven up a dance floor. Kids in high school dances appreciate it. At a wedding reception, I had a difficult time adjusting. I chuckled after a guest turned around and asked me, "Is he really scratching?" I had to sorrowfully admit, "Yes, he is." I decided to wait a bit longer for the dance floor to open.

Now the bridal party invited everyone to the dance floor. I figured this would be a great time to get a waltz, trot or even a disco dance in with the girl friend. As you step in sequence to music for waltz (3 count beats) or foxtrot (4 count), I learned that it's difficult to focus when there is random scratches over the music. Enough was enough. We said our good byes and left. It was an hour drive home and my girlfriend and I had a long conversation. She expressed how wonderful the decorations and ceremony was, but she did notice the poor sound, lack of flow (execution) and of course the DJ who should have assumed the responsibility for the event execution.

Here's my point of this post. Brides, Grooms and Parents of, please DO NOT think about the aspects of your special day in terms of "How can I cut more cost?" Obviously, cost are a determining factor of your event. But, how do you want guest to leave your event? What do you want them to remember? I'll obviously write a letter to this couple thanking them for opportunity to witness their nuptial. But, I will always remember this DJ. I won't recall much about the food; it was acceptable, but bland. The bland food will not overpower the memory of the young kid trying to figure our how to be a wedding DJ at this poor brides wedding.

Read my post on COST. This post explains pre and post survey's of brides expenses. Time and time again, surveys have concluded that Brides and Grooms wish they had spent more money on the entertainment, rather than flowers, attire or food. Strangely enough, many repeat these mistakes.

Think about it. Do you really want to trust a cousin who DJ'd in his college dorm room, at a bar or night club, to DJ your special day? Understanding guest needs, genre, generational differences and blending these elements into a seamless night so that you can be pampered is not easy. It takes experience, equipment and most of all, attention to detail by your DJ/EmCee. Don't fall into the trap of trying to save a couple hundred dollars and leave you guest talking for years about how the awful entertainment. Let them talk about how amazing you were because the DJ took all the extra steps to ensure you were the focus of the day.

Your Wedding Budget

If this is the first time you’ve considered hiring, you’ll find that everyone knows someone who could do it for you. Don’t be swayed by a favor in exchange for making or breaking your wedding day. The ability level of DJ’s and the equipment of DJ’s vary greatly from one to another. In 1999, Modern Bride conducted a survey of brides after their wedding. The survey found that most brides wished they had spent more on their entertainment, and less on food or attire.

The average cost of a wedding, according to “The Know”, is $27,800. The 1999, Modern Bride conducted a survey before and after brides weddings. They discovered that many brides did not budget appropriately. They asked two specific questions, “What percent of your reception budget was spent on those items?” and then “What factor proved most important to the success of your wedding?” The results are graphed below.

In my interviews with wedding and event planners, budgeting for entertainment should be at least 10-15% of your budget for weddings and 50% or more for other events (School Dances, Corporate Functions, etc...). If your wedding budget is $10,000, then you should allow $1,000-$1,500. IF you’re budgeting $20,000, then $2,000-$3,000 should be your entertainment budget. According to brides surveyed, they wished they had allocated more than 4%, when they acknowledged that the entertainment was the the largest determining factor at the reception.

The results of this survey indicate that brides did not allocate the correct budget for their entertainment. It is through a consultation with a DJ that you can learn about what a DJ can offer concerning entertainment. Entertainment can offer much more than music. Entertainment also includes, equipment, lighting, programming, planning, organizing, rehearsing. Do you want to risk your wedding, just to save a few hundred dollars on entertainment? If entertainment is a major factor of your reception, shouldn’t you budget accordingly.

Keep in mind, when you receive quotes from DJ’s, experience, equipment and lighting will affect the cost. Not all DJ’s understand equipment and lighting; it’s investment is enormous. Your special day must be prepared with a knowledgable, experienced and equipped DJ. Ask your DJ for a breakdown (itemized list) of services rendered, this way you can compare what’s being offered. This way, you’ll make an educated and unbiased decision to ensure your day will be a success.
Bride Statistics*...

• 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.

• Almost 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 published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.