If that's the norm up in Canada it makes perfect sense. Here in Connecticut you'd get eaten alive charging for things like that. If I were in Canada I'd include MC and wireless mic as a way to get your potential clients
Not a bad idea, eh?Meeting today went well.
- Thread starter MIXMASTERMACHOM
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If that's the norm up in Canada it makes perfect sense. Here in Connecticut you'd get eaten alive charging for things like that. If I were in Canada I'd include MC and wireless mic as a way to get your potential clients
Not a bad idea, eh?
Jeff, I know you socialists do things a bit different from US -- but come on...
My own wedding, the MC (for the formal crap), was the owner of the venue (a relative of mine). It was included in the price of the venue -- no extra charge. He intro-ed the bridal party -- nice voice BTW. Looked and sounded like Frank Sinatra.
The DJ or band does the rest. And there's no MC during dinner -- that's eating time, and chatting time with folks you haven't seen in ages. Last thing I want to hear while I'm eating, is somebody babbling on a mic. We were raised to eat -- we don't need a PowerPoint presentation to show us how.
Cultural differences I expect, but I certainly wouldn't charge extra to talk on the mic.
The thing to do is make the price high enough that it is paid for and they don't know they are being charged for say the MC. That advice is not just for a MC alone but other things. Just don't make it too out standing so they will figure out they are actually getting charged for what they feel should be included in the price.
She was supposed to call or email me this Monday. Nothing so far. I decided to give her a day or 2 more before i send her a text and email because she did say she works 2 jobs. Not to mention trying to plan her wedding. That's a lot. Plus i don't want to look desperate either. I'll check my emails in a moment.
An MC as an extra charge is asking for disaster most days. A price conscious bride might decide to have cousin Billybob who like to drink a lot, but everybody likes emcee the event instead. Recipe for disaster. I am all about being flexible, working with the client, and overcoming the stupid little things without money involved. But most times when it comes to weddings and the like, the more you itemize, the more brilliant "different" ideas they might come up with trying to make their event unique. I honestly think a lot of brides need that horn to go off like the car commercial when you have done enough and not to go too far. I have had brides schedule so much stuff for the event...they can't even remember who, what and where when everyone starts showing up. It sucks, I usually get stuck sorting it out and making sure their day goes well. Not complaining by any means, it can be an honor to be trusted with such a special days events.
Just keep it simple......I DJ for this much, this what you get, this is what you pay. They want another emcee.....well that's above and beyond what your fee is. Most on here would tell to charge extra even.
Just keep it simple......I DJ for this much, this what you get, this is what you pay. They want another emcee.....well that's above and beyond what your fee is. Most on here would tell to charge extra even.
This is why I don't post package prices. My agency is presently negotiating with a would be Client but in this case, the Client is used to paying for the extras so not too much worry there. Like you, I find out what all the needs are then sum them up in my head and give one price with everything included.
Every event is different. I have a certain set of charges that are set. Stairs...$200 for example. Everything else is flexible. If you know the couple has a low budget, but are a nice couple...I will cut them a break, and won't make a big deal about it. If the the bride is a B....going to be more headaches...charge accordingly.... Most importantly I know what my expenses and time involved for the event are going to be and can pop a quote on the fly when needed. If you want a big show....I know how much labor it's going to take to set it up and tear it down. If your 50 miles a way.....I know my truck mileage and current fuel prices...add 20% and cross your fingers. Knowing your operating expenses is the biggest asset any business can have.
I'll text and email this bride later today and just hope she will get back to me. I just hope she isn't too busy to respond.
If she's too busy to respond, she's not interested. How long are you holding her date for?
Would you charge extra for several hours of planning and several extra hours at the venue? That's what it amounts to for me to MC a wedding especially one where I don't know the people aside from a client/vendor relationship.
I base for 4 hours just the dancing part of the reception everything else is extra. Dinner or cocktails are extra, late hours after the 4 are extra. I will cut slight deals on dinner and cocktails and alot of times I'll throw in the Wireless for free.
What I have done is figured out how to get paid more in a low dollar market sounds like I am the capitalist and you are the socialist you're giving it away
Would you charge extra for several hours of planning and several extra hours at the venue? That's what it amounts to for me to MC a wedding especially one where I don't know the people aside from a client/vendor relationship.
I base for 4 hours just the dancing part of the reception everything else is extra. Dinner or cocktails are extra, late hours after the 4 are extra. I will cut slight deals on dinner and cocktails and alot of times I'll throw in the Wireless for free.
What I have done is figured out how to get paid more in a low dollar market sounds like I am the capitalist and you are the socialist you're giving it away
Nah, I don't give anything away anymore Jeff -- it's $250 an hour, no matter what I do -- 3 hours minimum. If you want me in a tux (which ain't gonna happen normally) -- it would cost you two hours for me to get dressed, and a couple hours for me to rent one.
If you want a government official shot -- it's 1 million outside the US -- 100 Mil inside.
See how easy capitalism works...
I got a text back saying they would send a email with questions that her fiance has. It was late when i got the text and I've been checking my emails. I guess I'll get it later today. She did say she worked over time at one of her jobs and that's why she didn't try to contact me on Monday. I still got hope that we will win the wedding.
This is exactly why I don't text my clients, or even potential ones. A regular phone call takes less time to make, and even if you get voicemail, you can still leave them with a positive, personal follow-up. Texting has about as much emotion as leaving an anonymous note on somebody's car.
By the way, I "won" a wedding yesterday, as well as a church social and two corporate holiday parties. Not bragging, just blessed to be doing what I love. It was a good Tuesday.
Update at 9:04 pm Wednesday: Two more 2013 weddings "won" today, as well as a Photobooth rental for Thanksgiving weekend. Mix, what's happening with the texting bride who wants it all?
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