Weddings What to cut...

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This came out of the iPod thread.

Let's say that you are running a DJ company that has a pricing that is middle of the road and a prospective client comes to you and says that they have only allocated 1/2 that for entertainment. Now, some would probably say, "Sorry about your bad luck and good luck in finding a DJ" and others may actually have a list of DJs in that price range that they recommend; however, let's say it is an open date and they are open to ideas to help them restructure their wedding budget. What would you offer up?

As for me, as some might have guessed, I would ask the size of the guest list and, if possible, suggest cutting it down. I'd also suggest cutting out favors or DIY invitations.

What's yours?
 
Tom I am sorry but I dont think I could tell that pretty little thing who had these dreams of a special day in her future as she has pictured it exactly the way she wants it for years to come. I think in reality as the DJ the only thing you can suggest honestly is what part of your offering can you cut to allow your service to be chosen. Then again she may have wanted the mirror ball. I would not ask her to cut a thing. I would wish her luck and or suggest a bake sale, pass a hat or something if I was the only solution to completing the dreams.
 
If they are asking for my advice, I'd first need to see what they are spending it on.

Making some changes to the menu, perhaps a buffet rather than sitdown. Flowers, cake, centerpieces, chair covers, limos. If they haven't booked the hall yet, look at different hall options. If they haven't booked the hall yet, I would recommend they consider a Friday to get the prices on everything down
 
Jon:

They have asked you for your suggestions of what to cut.

Now, what's your answer?
 
I agree on your points but in many cases being one of the last decisions to be made those areas are often already cemented. Thanks for making me think though Scott.
 
Sorry Tom, but on this one I'll have to disagree. I do not feel it's my right or my place to tell any bride where/how to spend her money.

If she has already made down payments or paid for certain items, I feel it's disrespectful to give her advice on any changes.

However, I will see if I can cut down on OUR services - maybe only 2 speakers on a stick, no lights, maybe only three hours...

Your thoughts?
 
dunlopj said:
Your thoughts?
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Are that the world is changing and that we have to adapt to the change.

I am not saying that you should outright start making suggestions on what they can cut.

Yes, I will look to my own services first. Honestly, it costs me about $300 to roll out the door per event based on a 40 event year within a drive radius of 1.5 hours (3 hours both ways). That includes all of the business expenses but the assistant. Since I am not going to work without an assistant, add another $150 to that cost for weddings and $100 for parties. Since I am not going to make less than my assistant, add another $150 for weddings and $100 for parties for me. So my minimum wedding price I will work for is $600. and the minimum party price is $500.

Ahem, I haven't done a minimum in a few years.

Anyway, if they are still below that then I will ask what the total budget is they have committed to. If that figure is $12,000 (5% = $600) or more then I'll ask if they mind me taking a look at it to see if I can help them eek some of it over into the entertainment area. If it is below $12,000 then maybe they just do not have the economic means to afford me.

Now, as has been stated by others, we are one of the last vendors people look at and sometimes we are an afterthought. That is only going to get worse with the economy.

Instead of thinking that this is not your place, start thinking of how you can make yourself part of their day.
 
No need to cut anything.

In our area, the Money Dance is very popular (also known as Dollar Dance, Honeymoon Dance, or Valtz De Dolar in mexican circles)

A cheap DJ has no clue about orchestrating this very difficult part of the reception. You have to convince everyone that its a good idea to give $$ to B/G after they've already traveled xxx miles & brought a gift.

I explain (in general terms) how I'm able to make this PRODUCTIVE for the newlyweds as a "Honeymoon Dance" (where you PAY your respects to the newlyweds by dancing with bride or groom and help with their Honeymoon). I make the Best Man (or MOH) the "Scapegoat" (making it look like the idea came from Wedding Party, not the B/G).

A good Dollar Dance, or Honeymoon Dance, will ALMOST ALWAYS make up the difference in cost between the Craigslist DJ and myself.

Those who hire the cheapo newbie, will have less $$$ at the end of the night, AND everyone leaves early (making them LOSE MORE MONEY because they didn't get the full 5 hour reception party they wanted to have!)
 
I have asked them what their total budget was and I was roughly told "none of your business". "If you can't meet my price, please tell me now".

That told me they were not my client.

So I am a little gun shy about asking those type of what I feel are personal questions.

But I do tell them what a decent DJ with their best interests in mind can do for them - like giving them piece of mind similiar to an insurance policy.

Then I let them decide if I'm worth it and if they can fit me in your budget.
 
It almost ends up that the DJ Services are not taken seriously. They have no problem paying the other professionals but when it comes time for the music thay want it cheap. Why is that so prevalent?
This is true as well for club owners, they always want something almost for nothing. I say "Yer gotta pay for me to play".
 
djsarge said:
Well let's see. I just had a bride tell me I was too expensive and they are holding the reception and ceremony in one of the more upscale venues in the area. And it was a very low bad economy basic package price of $500.
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I tell you sarge, they don't show us any respect. :sqmad: Just rent them an Ipod! :sqlaugh:
 
djsarge said:
Well let's see. I just had a bride tell me I was too expensive and they are holding the reception and ceremony in one of the more upscale venues in the area. And it was a very low bad economy basic package price of $500.
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Sarge,

Must've had the same bride meet with me... LOL - not really, but she said that our base rate of $995 was too expensive...

Granted it's a 180 guest affair, at a private country club, and they're having a string quartet for the ceremony & cocktail hour....


To quote Bugs Bunny at the end of the Barber of Seville skit:

"Next....."
 
Alphabet said:
...

Granted it's a 180 guest affair, at a private country club, and they're having a string quartet for the ceremony & cocktail hour....


"Next....."
Click to expand...

You can tell where their priorities lie.
 
DJMC said:
make up the difference in cost between the Craigslist DJ and myself.
Click to expand...


Apologies for a slight hijack: My fee for Corporates and Weddings ( when I still accepted them) ranges from a 750.00 min to 1500.oo, with an average of about 1100.00. I'm have a listing on Craigslist. Just out of curiousity, what's your definition of cheap?

Actually the question is rhetorical. I'm yanking at you a bit. I just don't think generalizing is a good idea...:sqwink:
 
OH my God Matt

you claim no cheese but you have a concerted effort to enhance one of the most tacky and cheesy tools of the trade. Thank God the Canadian masses see this as totally self serving and over the top effort to weasle more from your guests. I have done one in Canada and several in the States yrs back but honestly I hated it and didnt promote it but of course would perform it with enthusiasm when made to offer this Ball of Cheese. I played the YMCA alot and the Stripper when asked however I never recommend either and seldom use them if not asked. OH and its easy if you know how to deliver an acting effort. Sorry for going off topic its just funny mr no cheese uses one of the cheesiet things asides having the bride wear a chicken costume for the Bird Dance.:sqwink:Matt ya know I luv ya:sqwink::sqwink:
DJMC said:
No need to cut anything.

In our area, the Money Dance is very popular (also known as Dollar Dance, Honeymoon Dance, or Valtz De Dolar in mexican circles)

A cheap DJ has no clue about orchestrating this very difficult part of the reception. You have to convince everyone that its a good idea to give $$ to B/G after they've already traveled xxx miles & brought a gift.

I explain (in general terms) how I'm able to make this PRODUCTIVE for the newlyweds as a "Honeymoon Dance" (where you PAY your respects to the newlyweds by dancing with bride or groom and help with their Honeymoon). I make the Best Man (or MOH) the "Scapegoat" (making it look like the idea came from Wedding Party, not the B/G).

A good Dollar Dance, or Honeymoon Dance, will ALMOST ALWAYS make up the difference in cost between the Craigslist DJ and myself.

Those who hire the cheapo newbie, will have less $$$ at the end of the night, AND everyone leaves early (making them LOSE MORE MONEY because they didn't get the full 5 hour reception party they wanted to have!)
Click to expand...
 
I whole heartedly agree with the "beggers dance" being the cheesiest thing at a wedding reception. If they can't afford me and want to beg for more money at the reception...maybe they need someone else.

As far as how I handle these types of requests (we get a lot from our clients...never potentials) we suggest lower priced favors, decorations, etc. We tell them to talk honestly with their other vendors. We (wedding vendors) can all work with our prices in this economy.
 
dunlopj said:
I have asked them what their total budget was and I was roughly told "none of your business". "If you can't meet my price, please tell me now".

That told me they were not my client.
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I agree. They would not be my client either.

But, then again, the ones that are just looking for quotes get asked, "Is price your only concern?" Those that say yes get asked for location, time, and other details to help me determine price and then I quote them and forget them. Ones that won't even answer the qualiying questions get thanked for their interest, told to have a nice day and hung up on.
 
GoodKnightDJ said:
I agree. They would not be my client either.

But, then again, the ones that are just looking for quotes get asked, "Is price your only concern?" Those that say yes get asked for location, time, and other details to help me determine price and then I quote them and forget them. Ones that won't even answer the qualiying questions get thanked for their interest, told to have a nice day and hung up on.
Click to expand...

No offense, but it sounds as though you don't answer their "qualifying questions" first. Price is a major factor. If your service is out of their budget range, why should they waste your time and theirs?
 
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