What The Event Industry Wants You To Know Discussion 1: DJs

I’m so excited to present a ten-part series giving you the inside scoop on what we event pros want you to know when planning your wedding or event. It’s super important for my readers and hopefully, potential clients, to understand what goes on while we are in the midst of planning your event. Knowing these essentials will help you make better decisions when it comes to hiring the right vendor for your occasion.

For the first part of the series, I had to start with what I consider to be the heartBEAT of the events industry. Our DJs, being one part of what I call the “Holy Trinity” are, oddly enough, thought about last when clients begin their planning process. No lie folks, that needs to change because these are the pros get the party started and keep it lit all night! 

So, let’s dig in the crates with some of the hottest DJs in the industry and see what they have to say.

DJ Labonita

Photo Credit: DJ Labonita

As the Queen Latifah song says, “Oooh ladies first, ladies first!” that’s exactly how I’m starting this blog post! I can only describe DJ Labonita as a pistol… strong, solid, and powerful on the 1’s and 2’s! I first met Labonita at a wedding we were working that happened to be postponed from its original date due to the pandemic. I was asked to take over for a coordinator that didn’t feel quite comfortable jumping back to weddings at the moment. I can say it was a blessing in disguise because I made a new friend and event connection. I asked her what she wants people to know when looking to hire the best DJ for your event or wedding. She says “Preparation is key to make everyone, including the DJ, comfortable. Communication is also key to create the best environment.” I asked her what type of communication does she feel DJs need to have a great night? How do you as a DJ best prepare for a client’s event? “Call me, let’s talk for 20 minutes, so you can explain what [music] you like, and I can ask you questions. Give me the tools and details necessary to do my job the best I can, then we’re good to go!” DJ Labonita, with her Latin roots, has an edge when it comes to music selection. Knowing the different styles of Latin music, because of her background, definitely, helps her create mixes distinct to her brand. “Being a multi-genre DJ helps a lot!” I wanted to know if she had any pet peeves while working in the booth. “Please don’t talk to your DJs while we are working. ‘Hey what’s up?’ is cool, but not a long conversation. Please acknowledge us if we’ve done a good job for you. Say thanks, shout us out, even tip if you want! Lastly, please don’t request a song when I’m in the first ten minutes of my set. I may end up playing the song you want. Just let me work!” Realizing that song requests are going to happen, she has even implemented a way to play songs that guests at particular events want to hear. “I got a notebook and a pen, and I put it in an area close by where people can write their song requests down. Everyone is happy!” I asked her how she navigates in a mostly male-dominated profession. Her answer blew me away! “As a woman DJ, I want to know if you are you hiring me for my skills or my brand? Women in this industry are coming up and are working stronger and harder than ever. We are more prepared than men can ever be, and we are taking over!” I finished up by asking her to give my readers some advice She says “Trust who booked your DJ! Having an event planner is very important for communication, and connects us with other personnel to create the right atmosphere.”  I couldn’t agree with her more!

DJ Nutty The Champ

Photo Credit: DJ Nutty

I’ve probably worked with DJ Nutty the most out of all the DJs I know. I even hired him to DJ my own wedding, and that should tell you everything about how I feel when it comes to his skills and professionalism. So, of course, I had to get his perspective on what he wants future clients to know. “Research is important! DJs need to be able to connect with the people. Be sure to look at the resumes and reviews of the DJ you’re looking to hire.” Similarly to his colleagues, he also believes in communication. “Be committed to filling out the paperwork, like music request forms, your DJ needs you to complete before your event.” These types of forms are necessary for the DJ to know what to play and when, and acts as cues to help the night run smoothly. I asked him what he believes some new DJs may underestimate when breaking into this industry. “Some new DJs can mix but struggle with crowd connection. At any given event, you could have one hundred to two hundred people in front of you expecting YOU to make sure they have a good time! Only experience can teach you how to do both.”  Experience is super important when deciding what DJ to hire. Do they feel comfortable making announcements, can they ad-lib with a crowd? I happen to know that DJ Nutty is the king of engaging with the clients and guests alike on the dance floor. I also asked him what his major pet peeves are while working at an event. “The requests. Be respectful to the DJ doing the job.” This seems to be a consistent answer with all my DJs I’ve worked with and interviewed for this topic. I think the main issue is when song requests are made, guests are under the impression that it’s comparable to calling into a radio station. Guests, by no fault of their own, are expecting to hear the requested song right at that moment. Take note that DJs work long hours putting together playlists based on what the client who hired them listed to hear. The requested song may not fit into the particular mix the DJ is playing at that moment. Remember this before you walk up to make your song request.

DJ 6Five

Photo Credit: DJ 6Five

A DJ whose skill set is as large as his stature, DJ 6Five has been a staple in the Atlanta events industry. I love working with DJ 6Five because no matter who you are he treats you with family-style respect. I continued the conversation about what he feels is paramount in the events industry as a DJ. Again, communication is a strong theme throughout this blog. “Feedback is very important, not just for reputation but to better serve your customer. May it be a DM, shoutout, text message, or professional review, we all need it.” I switched up the tone a bit to talk about the worldwide pandemic that has slowed down our industry. I wanted to get his take on how we pros and clients alike should move during this time. “If you know you are going to a wedding or an important event, stay home for a few weeks to make sure you’re not around people who could have contracted the virus. Be honest about your health conditions to hired event pro’s so this pandemic does not affect more people than necessary.” I asked him what are some other tips you can give to our readers that are looking to hire a DJ in the future. “Always use your best judgment when looking for a DJ.” If you’re not feeling the vibe walk away, and look for someone excited about working with you. He follows up with “Book your DJ at least a year in advance!” DJs work a myriad of events monthly, and to ensure you get who you want to move the crowd, lock them in once your venue is set. As the blog has run, I had to get his pet peeves while DJing at events. “When people ask me if I have a phone charger or want to charge their phone from my equipment.” People…I love you but please stop treating our DJs like they are Best Buy, LOL. They are there to entertain and keep the crowd lit, so charge your phones before heading out to a venue. Another pet peeve of his has to do with another industry group. “Photographers, don’t get group shots on the dance floor and kill the energy during a set. Let me rock, and when the music takes a break get the group shots at that time.” It’s all about timing, and with certain events, they are working with a limited number of hours to do their job to it’s fullest. 

DJ Yotr

Photo Credit: DJ Yotr

Rounding out the list is a new DJ I had the pleasure of working with this year, literally a day before the shutdown! DJ Yotr has an amazing ear for music, and I wanted to wrap up this conversation with his thoughts on hiring the right fit. I asked him what is the best way to get in touch with a DJ people may want to hire for an event. “Social media and business email is the best way to contact the DJ of your choice, as I am always checking my emails for inquiries.” I wanted to know what’s one thing readers and future clients would be shocked to know about DJs “We are walking encyclopedias for every music reference you can think of.” Which to me is a major understatement. DJs have to not only know the genre, but BPMs (beats per minute), remixes, and more. Trust, you name it they have to know it! Following up on my questions with the previously mentioned DJs, I asked him to explain how communication helps him provide the best service for his clients? “There is no excuse why we can’t communicate today. DJs can video conference (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.) each client to get to know what they want” I definitely agree, as we have all had to pivot to meet our client’s needs while planning future events. Quarantine has most certainly made us much more aware of technology, and the best ways to use it effectively. I asked him to shell out some advice that could potentially help clients reading this blog. His tip for future clients is as simple as this “ My advice, for brides especially, don’t panic! Trust your DJ. You’ve given us the song list, we have the planner’s timeline, we’ve got this.” He continues with “Ask your DJ to attend the rehearsal, so we have a better idea of what to play when to play it, and how long (i.e. the processional and recessional). We can play the music to time it right as you’re running through the rehearsal.” I thought that was a wonderful tip, as most DJs don’t make the rehearsal and this could make the ceremony portion of the wedding run much smoother. Finally, I needed to hear his pet peeves and he gave me one that echoed what the other DJs stated, but he elaborated more on why it’s an issue. “It’s not so much that people request, but it’s the awkward song request that is completely outside of the wheelhouse I’m playing. For example, I could be playing a set of 100 BPM songs in a specific genre like T.I., Ying Yang Twins, so forth (early 2000’s) and someone will want to hear ‘Bump and Grind’ style music that totally kills the vibe. I can’t do that right away, but I don’t want to come off as a jerk. So I play it when I finish the set.” I couldn’t do anything but laugh. I want my readers to know how to read the room when it comes to music requests. This way you are guaranteed the best entertainment experience!

Wow, what an amazing way to kick off the first discussion for this ten-part series! I want to thank these wonderful DJs for taking the time to speak with me and sharing their experiences. Knowing what they need from me as a planner, helps me to better convey what you should do when looking to hire a DJ. As readers, take advantage of tips from these pros because they may help you decide who and when to hire the best fit for your wedding or special event. At the end of the day, The most important key to every event is you, your family, and friends celebrating alongside you. Yes we have had to make some changes, and we are learning how to live in this new world but one thing that never will change is the want for a good time. Please give these DJs a follow on their social media accounts linked above, and see where they are spinning from week to week. If you like what you’ve read, please give us a like and share this blog on your socials, and follow us on our socials as well! If you’re getting married or have an event to be planned, be sure to contact us today for a free consultation.

Until next time!

Keep it Chic,
XOXO
Amaris T.

Average Cost of Weddings and Events In Atlanta or Austell

*Insert dramatic music* Dun-Dun-DUUUUUUN!!! Yep, let’s talk pricing folks. This is a subject that many people are afraid to discuss when looking for someone to plan their wedding, anniversary, or corporate celebration.

When I do get asked, I always try to find the best way to answer this question because the response isn’t so basic. In its simplest form, the best way to price an event is all about the hired professional’s specialty, their time in the industry, venue style and location. Also we need to know what your budget is and the type of event you're throwing. Honestly there are very different details from one event to another, and piecing the parts together is no simple task.

Essentially, you are looking to hire someone to pull off an event that expresses your feelings about a specific occasion in celebration form. Talk about complex! There’s so much more to this answer, so for the sake of this blog I will try to break down these 4 points to give you a better perspective on why a planner sets their pricing the way they do. Also we will attempt to explain why pricing may be different from planner to planner. 

Photo Credit: Asad Photo Maldives from Pexels

Venue Style and Location - $10,000

We have all heard the expression “There are three things that matter in real estate, location, location, location!”  This can most definitely be applied when looking for that perfect event venue. Depending on location and amenities the venue offers, the national average for wedding venues are around $10,000. 

Selecting the wrong venue or the wrong location can impact the look and style of your wedding or event, your budget, vendor availability, guest count, you name it! I always ask clients during our consultation if they are dead set on an area they first mention to me.  There is always a strong possibility that if I look 15 to 20 minutes in any direction I can get them a lower price, because venue pricing can fluctuate from zip code to zip code.

The venue style is very important when planning out the event you're having. Although most people do think about a particular area where they want to get married, sometimes the venue style isn't available in the part of town you like. The venue literally sets the stage for the show, and allows you to design the wedding or event look you’ve been dreaming of. As an example, if you love a classic look you wouldn’t have your wedding or event in a barn. If you’re boho chic, your first choice wouldn’t be a modern hotel. It also prevents more work from your design team, and more savings for you because a lot of elements that they would use for the design should already be in place if you pick the right venue. So if you like a modern industrial, the venue will more than likely have exposed beams and edison lights, and will add to the theme you’re going for.

I live in the Metro-Atlanta area and the city is super popular for events with the skyline and nightlife. It's this reason why pricing will be higher in the city limits, and 90% of the time planners are aware of venues close to the area you want to be in for less.

Knowing your estimated guest count will also help you determine the size of the venue needed for your celebration. A good question to ask the venue is what size/type of tables and chairs are provided for the space so you know how many can be seated. Knowing that ahead of time will help you see how the space will be laid out for seating charts. Most venues will have a floor plan available to see how they would arrange the room to accommodate the number of guests you intend on inviting. Also, ask about pricing on days like Fridays or Sundays because even though those days are considered weekends, they are less popular than the forever coveted Saturday. You may get a better deal for those days if you're willing to bend a bit on the date.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Wong from Pexels

Event Type and Budget - $10,000

No two events are the same, and that goes without saying about weddings. Anniversaries, corporate events, birthdays, and other general celebrations (as I like to call them), unless they are cultural (Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceaneras), don’t typically deal in the intricate details like a wedding. For the most part the initial formula is the same...venue, entertainment, catering. However, the devil...or should I say the stress level, is in the details. Needing a Day-of Coordinator alone to help manage a wedding day is a clear give away that planning for your big day won't be like your average event.

The national average cost for a wedding runs around $35,000 and in my area in GA, the average cost is about $32,000. I won’t say everyone will spend that money for their wedding but it’s not an average for nothing. General events can run anywhere from $3,000, $10,000 and can fluctuate lower or higher depending on how extravagant you want to be. To plan a wedding  you need an average of 8-12 months. Even with that amount of time it's a possibility you still will have issues (Think Murphy’s Law), but the more time you have to prevent them the better. With your general events, 2-3 months is sufficient time depending on how extravagant you go.

Other factors you’ll need to consider is other vendors. For example:

• Florists, who can charge $1,000 to $10,000 depending on your event.

• Decorators who bring your table linens and other decor can start around $2,000.

• DJ’s Can start their pricing at $1000.00 for wedding s because they do a lot song changes and announcements during the ceremony and reception.

• Catering’s cost average can begin at $25.00 per head , and this is also depending on the type of event you’re having, and the menu selected.

Outdoor weddings and events can be beautiful, but the additional factors like landscape and weather can create a visual nightmare when planning your special day. Your planner will make sure you have a “plan B” at the ready just in case inclement weather occurs. You may be thinking “Well that’s just common sense!” I’d like to let you know that common sense ain't always common, but we planners understand that you get swept away in the possibility of forever *insert romantic music* and can’t think of everything that we think about on a daily basis.

An outdoor event may require special permits to run generators and other equipment in order to pull off an event successfully. Depending on the city you reside in, that can start at $50.00 to $500.00 or more depending on the venue and the equipment needed. There’s also liquor licenses that may need to be in hand for special events if the venue you’ve rented doesn’t have one. Please make sure you or your planner knows the county law, and has proof that the venue has a liquor license, or if they are a “B.Y.O.B.” style location. These additional factors need to be considered when creating your budget.

Photo Credit: Agung Pandit Wiguna from Pexels

Conclusion

Each planner in the industry specializes in a particular event realm, and although we may dabble in different types from time to time, we all have our faves. Some planners really enjoy general celebrations like Baby/Bridal Showers because they are smaller and more intimate.

Some planners specialize in the super luxe weddings with the large guest counts, upgraded linens, and 7 course meals. The national average cost for a wedding planner is around $1,500, and general event planners charge around $1,000 depending on their time in the industry.  I really want to emphasize that there is a distinction between specialties, and no one event planner in the same specialty is the same.

So when you look at pricing, make sure you are getting what you need out of the hired pro, and what you want for your event. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what their pricing entails, and how hands on they will be. There’s a lot of scheduling involved, appointments to make, and contracts to review. For a wedding they will, more than likely, also be handling the Day-of Coordination as well and that will be inclusive of cost. Knowing that there are many more details when planning a wedding, it's expected that you’ll pay your planner more than you would for other events. 

Should you need more info please feel free to contact us. More than likely we planners already have pricing calculated for the style and celebration you want, but rest assured, whatever your event, a good planner will be worth every cent!

Until next time!

Keep It Chic

XOXO,
Amaris