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10 Tips to Get the Most Value for Your
Phoenix Wedding DJ Dollar
"Price is what you pay. Value is
what you get."
Warren Buffett
In this economy, brides and grooms want to get the most value for their money when selecting their wedding DJ. Since DJ prices are determined by a DJ's experience, level of service and quality of equipment, there is little value in hiring the least expensive DJ you can find. Phoenix DJ Billy James offers 10 tips to help you get the best value when hiring your Phoenix wedding DJ.
1. Travel Time
Most DJ's would rather travel minutes rather than hours to get to your reception. Select a DJ who is located close to your venue and then ask if the reduced travel time could result in a reduced price.
2. Prime Time
Saturdays in spring and fall are prime time for Arizona weddings. If your wedding will not take place in prime time, your DJ may consider a reduced rate if it is requested.
3. Number of Hours
Wedding venues may allow you to have access to your reception area for as many as 7 or 8 hours. However, a reception does not last more than 4 or 5 hours. When getting price quotes from DJs, specify the actual number of hours you will require the DJ's services. If you contract a DJ for more hours than you actually need, you will be responsible for the full contracted amount.
4. Number of Guests
From a DJ's perspective, a low-keyed reception for 50 guests has less stress and requires less equipment than a high-powered reception for 200. If you are having a small, simple reception, ask if your DJ will factor that into his pricing.
5. Venue Access
Experienced DJ's love venues with easy access to load their heavy equipment in and out. If your reception venue does not involve parking garages, stairs or elevators, ask your DJ if that advantage can be reflected in his rate.
6. Agencies
Some excellent wedding disc jockeys are represented by agencies. However, when you hire a wedding DJ through an agency, the price you are quoted will be used to compensate several people. Dealing with a DJ directly, rather than through an agency, may better your chances of getting more entertainment value for your money.
7. Upselling
Some DJ services charge extra for dance floor lighting, wireless microphones, extra speakers, etc. This is called up-selling. You will get more value if you hire a DJ who includes these extras at no additional charge or is willing to give you a lower rate by eliminating these extras.
8. Feeding Your DJ
Catering Directors will often ask if you'd like to provide a meal for your DJ. If you feel that's appropriate, ask for a vendor's box rather than including the DJ as part of your guest list. A professional DJ will not have time to sit down to a full course dinner and you'll save $$.
9. Don't Be a Bridezilla!
If you are a fun person and easy to work with, then ask for the "I'm not a Bridezilla" discount. You may get one!
10. The DIY Option
If you already have the music you love on your smartphone or laptop, just rent some DJ speakers. You'll avoid the expense of hiring a pro DJ, and you and your guests can still have a great time. DJ Billy James offers a variety of DJ rental equipment for the DIY bride.
Copyright 2010-2025 Billy James Music, L.L.C.
This information
is intended exclusively for clients of DJ Billy James and cannot
be copied,
reproduced, linked to or utilized for any other purpose without
written permission from Billy James.
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Wedding DJ
and Party DJ
in Phoenix, AZ valleywide
including Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills,
Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Surprise
