We need your information to provide you with a quote.

Like most DJs many clients make initial contact via email and many of those come via my web site www.specialistweddingdj.co.uk

I ask for basic information to be provided such as Event, Location, Times etc. So imagine how I felt when I recieved an email with the following information.

Event: Wedding
Location: tbc
Guests: 200
How would you prefer to be contacted?: Email
Will equipment need to be taken up or down any stairs?: Don't Know
Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Times: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM

My first problem with this is that I travel most of the country performing at functions and of cause the distance will have some baring on the fee, Dependant if its a mile away from my base or three hundred miles.

Also stairs for a DJ are a big problem we have a lot of heavy equipment to get into and out of a venue so again this will have a baring on the cost as the DJ might need longer to set up and pack up and also need to hire in extra personnel to help with the load in and out of equipment.

Times are another factor a client has to bare in mind, an afternoon set up is fine but it has to be paid for A DJ booked on an event who has been requested to set up by (in this example) 4pm will need to be prepared and on the road much earlier than a DJ who is due to start at seven pm. I have had people request that I set up in the morning and again that is not a problem but does affect the cost, as once my equipment is set up I have to stay with it for insurance purposes and so an hourly rate is added for this.

Also don't forget that you are not paying for just the three or four hours that the DJ is playing music but for all the extra hours of work and preparation that has gone into that part of your event

Like all other wedding service providers we are a business and provide a professional service but at a fare cost to the client. Included in the costings as well as the above are charges for insurance, equipment rental, transportation of equipment, set up and pack away of that equipment, purchase of new music, cost of administration (stationary postage etc), depreciation value (so new equipment can be purchased when needed to keep up with new trends etc). And last but not least a fair profit for the business.

So if you should find yourself needing to book a DJ for your event take the time to provide as much relevant information as you can and expect a fare quote for a professional service.