Do-It-Yourself DJ Events

If you're thinking of cutting back on your event entertainment budget, I can sum it all up in one word...

DON'T!

I'm not just saying this because I want you to hire me...umm....well, ok...maybe I am. But seriously, the 'self-help' DJ approach is something to avoid...whether you hire me or not.

Take the following into consideration.

Some simple costs and time estimates involved in gathering everything you need to pull off a simple 4-hr Do-It-Yourself event are as follows:

• IPOD - $200 (hopefully on sale somewhere) TIME: 1 hr (less if you incorporate a trip to the grocery store to pick up milk, sardines, or an unbreakable comb.)
  
  
• MUSIC - $100 (15 songs per hr. x 4hrs. plus 40 additional songs for possible guest requests downloaded from the Internet) TIME: 2-3 hrs (IF you have a list prepared and IF you have a fast Internet connection. If you have dial-up access, quit now while you're ahead!)
  
  
• SOUND SYSTEM RENTAL - $300-$600 (based on the amount of equipment needed to properly cover your reception hall size and guest count. Lights usually not included!) TIME: 2 hrs (Includes calling around, and picking up. Van not included.)
  
  
• LIGHTING RENTAL - $100-$300 (based on what effect lights are chosen, if any.) TIME: 30 min (From the same place as the sound system with any luck.)
  
  
• OPERATOR/FRIEND - Min. free meal & drinks ($30-$50) (Hopefully they won't be offended being asked to 'work' at your wedding or event.) TIME: 8hrs min. if they are able to deliver/setup/operate/teardown/return the equipment themselves. If all they can do is run it during the event, then you should be prepared to bring your 'work' clothes and a back brace along with your tuxedo. (What?!...you didn't think 'she' was going to help set it up...did you?!)
  
  
• LIABILITY INSURANCE - $200-$300 (Most venues are now requiring all outside vendors working in their facility to have the proper liability insurance...if even for one day. If you do-it-yourself, that means YOU!) TIME: 2-3hrs min. (to find an insurance agent in your area that provides this type of policy.)
  
  
• TRANSPORTATION - $50-$300 (If you have a van, it's just gas. If not, then it's a rental vehicle PLUS gas and an excess mileage fee for distances over their included mileage; which is usually only 10 feet.) TIME: 2-3hrs (If you have a van) or 4-6hrs (If you need to pick one up, THEN load it). Add this time to your already hectic event day schedule...if you can!

None of these figures include addressing any activities/announcements/problems during the event, or the miscellaneous cords, cables, do-dad's needed, or the general hassle and stress of all this ON TOP OF everything else you're doing! And at the current minimum wage rate, add an additional $150+ on top (your time is valuable!).

Your 'cheap' do-it-yourself event is now at LEAST $1,200.00 and will take at LEAST 15+ ADDITIONAL hours of your time.

Even if you have some of these items already, or 'connections' with willing friends, it doesn't drop by much. And that's if EVERYTHING goes as planned with no problems. Yeah...right!

Now let's look at the costs involved with the other approach. Hiring a qualified DJ service. I can also sum that up in one word...

PRICELESS!

A typical basic 4-hr event can cost in the neighborhood of $500-$600. With no worry or hassle involved with locating and picking up the equipment, setting it up, running all of it, insurance, and so on. PLUS, you get a trained professional to take care of any activities and announcements PLUS more than 100 songs. Not to mention that this person will have back-up solutions in place, and the skill and expertise to overcome nearly any and all unplanned eventualities. (Meteor strikes not included)

So how does that Do-It-Yourself idea sound now?