DJ conundrum...money money money

so, last night at the Fox Hollow showcase we saw Bravo Sounds.

I must say that both FH and I were VERY impressed with their performance. We have a very eclectic musical taste, and I was shocked to hear that all of the music we like was represented.

First off, neither of us like techno- in fact, I hate it, and normally at these showcases that's what you hear.

but the first song they played was Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 , followed by U2 , they then played reggae, reggaeton, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Greek dance music (which I LOVE and go Greek dancing with my girls in Astoria) and latin music (merengue, salsa)

the also blended them so seemlessly that I finally saw how our broad range of tastes could flow so well at the party.

so, I was impressed with performance, NOT so much with the price. I was told it would be aroung $1500 for dj/mc and basic lighting

that is at least DOUBLE of what I wanted to pay- but I also realize I am used to jams at friends houses and such, so I could be totally wrong about what it SHOULD cost for a great and professionally polished WEDDING dj...

please help me ladies...given my criteria, who would you recommend...and please tell me about all of the dj's you visited, not just the one you choose. thanks!

I saw tommy tunes- $1900 for a DJ and MC

and I booked ej the dj for $1500- DJ and MC

Honestly Jess, I think $1500 is a great price. It's double of what we're paying, but we're only getting a DJ for 4 hours and getting a basic light package.

Music is VERY important and you have to absolutely LOVE your DJ. It's the one place that I would splurge on.

If you clicked with them - go for it!

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Posted by hmpena

I am glad you liked them Jess! I am going to recommend Vinny again, because I think he can do this well. I also really liked Top Hat, but they were expensive. I've also heard good things about Tommy's Tunes.

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thanks girls...but I cannot stress enough that I cannot abide by a dj playing even ONE techno song...I might have to drive a nail through there head!

I want to check out Vinnie...does anyone know if he speaks Spanish...that's another thing- Bravo does and it makes my life so much easier for announcements! I'd like to see him in action- does he do any of these events?

To me $1500 seems like a lot for DJ/MC and basic lighting.

We're paying $1600 for DJ/MC for 4 hr reception, entire cocktail hr, ceremony music, lighting and a live percussionist for the reception (4 hrs)!!


ETA: They speak spanish!!

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Posted by JessicaM.

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Posted by hmpena

I am glad you liked them Jess! I am going to recommend Vinny again, because I think he can do this well. I also really liked Top Hat, but they were expensive. I've also heard good things about Tommy's Tunes.

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thanks girls...but I cannot stress enough that I cannot abide by a dj playing even ONE techno song...I might have to drive a nail through there head!

I want to check out Vinnie...does anyone know if he speaks Spanish...that's another thing- Bravo does and it makes my life so much easier for announcements! I'd like to see him in action- does he do any of these events?

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You may want to try Variety-Ray does a great job. Do you need the lighting package?

you might not like me....lol..

I am paying 1400 for dj, mc, and a back up guy that comes, party favors, screen that shows are baby pictures on it while everyone's eating dinner, and then the take pictures of everyone in the cocktail hour to and put them on the screen, customs for some of the dances, lighting all around.. and i can't think what else.
let us entertain you thats the company

Jess, that's about what we're paying for the same deal with LIS. It seems about average and I think it's totally worth it. It might be more than what you were looking to spend but it's one of the most important aspects of your wedding, something people are going to remember. If you really love them, and it sounds like you do, then I would def go with Bravo. This is one area it's OK to go over budget on! GL with your decision!! HTH!!

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Posted by JessicaM.

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Posted by hmpena

I am glad you liked them Jess! I am going to recommend Vinny again, because I think he can do this well. I also really liked Top Hat, but they were expensive. I've also heard good things about Tommy's Tunes.

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thanks girls...but I cannot stress enough that I cannot abide by a dj playing even ONE techno song...I might have to drive a nail through there head!

I want to check out Vinnie...does anyone know if he speaks Spanish...that's another thing- Bravo does and it makes my life so much easier for announcements! I'd like to see him in action- does he do any of these events?

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I HATE TECHNO!

Anyway, I say go for it. They have an amazing reputation and I have yet to hear a negative about them.

Besides, if Hollie, Qiana, and I are coming with our DH (H), and FI's....our gifts combined would cover the cost...

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Posted by ChristineAE

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Posted by JessicaM.

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Posted by hmpena

I am glad you liked them Jess! I am going to recommend Vinny again, because I think he can do this well. I also really liked Top Hat, but they were expensive. I've also heard good things about Tommy's Tunes.

---

thanks girls...but I cannot stress enough that I cannot abide by a dj playing even ONE techno song...I might have to drive a nail through there head!

I want to check out Vinnie...does anyone know if he speaks Spanish...that's another thing- Bravo does and it makes my life so much easier for announcements! I'd like to see him in action- does he do any of these events?

---

I HATE TECHNO!

Anyway, I say go for it. They have an amazing reputation and I have yet to hear a negative about them.

Besides, if Hollie, Qiana, and I are coming with our DH (H), and FI's....our gifts combined would cover the cost...

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LOL...can I have an advance!

hey, Vinnie is playing middle eastern music for you, right? I am going to make an appt. to see him.

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Posted by ChristineAE

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Posted by JessicaM.

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Posted by hmpena

I am glad you liked them Jess! I am going to recommend Vinny again, because I think he can do this well. I also really liked Top Hat, but they were expensive. I've also heard good things about Tommy's Tunes.

---

thanks girls...but I cannot stress enough that I cannot abide by a dj playing even ONE techno song...I might have to drive a nail through there head!

I want to check out Vinnie...does anyone know if he speaks Spanish...that's another thing- Bravo does and it makes my life so much easier for announcements! I'd like to see him in action- does he do any of these events?

---

I HATE TECHNO!

Anyway, I say go for it. They have an amazing reputation and I have yet to hear a negative about them.

Besides, if Hollie, Qiana, and I are coming with our DH (H), and FI's....our gifts combined would cover the cost...

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I like your way of thinking Chris! Jess, if you see Vinny, tell him I say hi!

Great price! I am paying 2300.00 for CH..and 4 hr reception..i upgrated the lighting becaue the FH garden terrace is a long room and i did not think the lighting would go passed the first 1/4 of the dance floor.

good luck!

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Posted by Goldi1021

Just remember this when you consider your entertainment. If your music is good, your pictures will be good. You want your memories in photos showing people having a good time. If people are not up and dancing, yourpictures will show everyone at their seats. So to me, the music goes hand in hand with pictures and is worth every penny. I am using a band but I think $1500 is a great price.

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edited b/c my reply disappeared!

I completely agree with what you are saying. if it turns out that I like them better, I will suck it up and pay more b/c ultimately I want the best party possible. honestly my immediate family has never thrown a party like this, so price-wise I feel like I may be out of touch (as has proven true throughout most of the wedding planning!)

so far though, I've been able to get what I am looking for within the ballpark I have wanted to pay. hopefully I can do the same here. I just wanted some feedback, and thankfully I am getting a lot of helpful observations and opinions.

I am just really saddened at the though of going over budget. but I would be a wreck if I went cheaper and didn't like the outcome.

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Posted by JessicaM.


hey, Vinnie is playing middle eastern music for you, right? I am going to make an appt. to see him.

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Yes, I'm giving him a CD that I'm making with the music, and so will the bellydancer!