Mike,
Why are you wanting a DJ for your reception?
1. Alcohol isn't going to be served so the reception is going to end immeadiately with the cake cutting.
2. A computer with about 55 songs will be more than you need for three hours, figure two hours for cocktails (oops you aren't having any) and dinner.
3. Program in your special dance songs and bang you are done.
4. Everyone leaves, no mess no fuss!
5. There would be no point in open dancing because there won't be anyone wanting to do so. If you did open dance it would just make the very few people willing to show curtesy by dancing uncomfortable because they felt obligated to do so out of respect for you.
6. You have dissed 90% of the DJ's on this board in one way or another from pricing to professionalism, why would any DJ want to even discuss doing your event for any amount of money!
Personally, I like you man but I feel like you have done a lot of cutting on DJs and the profession in general and i can't help but wonder why you would even be interested in having a DJ for your wedding! I am sure there are some great wedding bands in your area, you may want to consider that option!
Just because I have a problem with some people's business practices doesn't mean I dislike specific people. No, I am not looking for just any DJ (we have found plenty of those) but I am looking for our DJ. In fact one of the DJs I am talking to (until he fell off the face of the Earth, I hope he is okay) is a member of this board. We were on the cusp of hiring him, but he has totally disappeared.
1. Actually not, since there will be lots of other stuff other than open dancing after the cake cutting (which is happening very early in the reception immediately following dinner).
2. I know that some people believe that you can not have a good time without alcohol, but my fiance and our families do not believe this. In fact we are usually bored to death during cocktails since we don't drink.
3. If it came down to hiring you or doing that, believe me, that is what we would be doing.
4. Except I would have to pack up the gear and all. I have access to top notch gear (better than 95% of DJs), that is not the issue. We are looking for the person, not the gear.
5. What about people who actually like dancing? If your point were the case, what would be the good of school dances. Unless they serve drinks at proms in your area. Many of our friends just like to dance. Now her family might have some issues (religious beliefs), but there will be people dancing make no doubt.
6. I haven't dissed anyone. I thought we were having open and productive discussions about an outsiders view (who owns a successful business in the entertainment industry) of your industry and practices. If anyone took anything I said personally, I want everyone to hear this, I sincerely apologize. Really.
We thought about a band honestly. But our music tastes are so varied that wasn't really an option. I have very honest opinions. I do not apologize for them. I will not. But you can ask anyone who has ever worked for me as an employee or vendor. I pay well, I know what I want, but I also give the artist a lot of freedom. I need someone special, and I won't settle for an average, run of the mill DJ. I am looking for someone honest and exceptional.
Mike
