DJ conundrum...money money money

Original post by JessicaM.

Sep 22, 2005 10:30 AM

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!

leighdvm Posted: Sep 22, 2005 12:33 PM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

I saw Tommy's Tunes at a showcase and booked them soon after. The MC I booked has an amazing personality and I can't wait to see them at MY wedding. I'm paying more than average but I'm also getting the top package and also the CH singer.

By the way, if you hate techno and tell the DJ that, they won't play it. Any reputable DJ will play only what YOU want.

hmpena Posted: Sep 22, 2005 12:34 PM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

Posted by ChristineAE

Posted by JessicaM.

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

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

I'm so at your wedding! I love belly dancers!

cmastro25 Posted: Sep 22, 2005 12:46 PM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

I have to vote for Vinny from High Voltage again! He will do whatever you want. He's not going to play Techno if you don't want it. In fact, he's more Freestyle than Techno anyway. And the price, you just can't beat it. Definitely go see it. I had seen a lot of DJs before we saw Vinny and each one told me what I needed to make my wedding good. He was the only one who asked us what we wanted.

Kerrycec Posted: Sep 22, 2005 12:48 PM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

we are using Tommy Tunes and paying $1695 for a DJ/MC. They blew us away

Laura&Phil Posted: Oct 05, 2005 12:48 AM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

FH and I booked with Bravo tonight and are paying about that- make sure you mention the FH showcase b/c their price went up a little and they'll give you a break. Another FH DJ gave the same quote so I'd say that's fair for that level DJ...I've heard of others paying less and having great music tho! The office isn't as posh as others and there was mainly one guy. Based on some of what I read on here some people wouldn't be happy with their casual attitiude. Mike had to take 2 calls while we were there b/c he was the only one there. He apologized, of course.

Mike there told us that no other DJ is allowed to plug into the sound system at FH b/c they installed it and FH doesn't trust others to touch it. We went to another FH DJ and they talked about a smaller set up for CH so this seems true.

Bottom line: it's not posh or polished but their MC's aren't annoying like others can get, I hear they're loud but both of my MOH brothers used them and everyone was dancing (one was all Hispanic and the other was Hispanic and Chinese). My neighbor used them at FH b/c no one else knew the type of hispanic music they were looking for. They seem to be more knowledgable than most and always have the floor packed from what I've seen.

As for price, as I said, on par with most. My other MOH went with a 900 guy (Indian company, don't remember their name) and they were horrible- the music stopped in a few places b/c they didn't mix properly and by the end of the night the guys behind the booth were completely different- her Dj must've had another party in the Hall! I didn't feel comfortable going that low unless I knew the DJ was good and I don't have time to shop!! Sorry to ramble...I tend to do that....sooo much info to convey! From what I've been finding, quality seems to go up with price-tho not always!! Good luck!

JessicaM. Posted: Oct 05, 2005 09:27 AM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

Posted by Laura&Phil

FH and I booked with Bravo tonight and are paying about that- make sure you mention the FH showcase b/c their price went up a little and they'll give you a break. Another FH DJ gave the same quote so I'd say that's fair for that level DJ...I've heard of others paying less and having great music tho! The office isn't as posh as others and there was mainly one guy. Based on some of what I read on here some people wouldn't be happy with their casual attitiude. Mike had to take 2 calls while we were there b/c he was the only one there. He apologized, of course.

Mike there told us that no other DJ is allowed to plug into the sound system at FH b/c they installed it and FH doesn't trust others to touch it. We went to another FH DJ and they talked about a smaller set up for CH so this seems true.

Bottom line: it's not posh or polished but their MC's aren't annoying like others can get, I hear they're loud but both of my MOH brothers used them and everyone was dancing (one was all Hispanic and the other was Hispanic and Chinese). My neighbor used them at FH b/c no one else knew the type of hispanic music they were looking for. They seem to be more knowledgable than most and always have the floor packed from what I've seen.

As for price, as I said, on par with most. My other MOH went with a 900 guy (Indian company, don't remember their name) and they were horrible- the music stopped in a few places b/c they didn't mix properly and by the end of the night the guys behind the booth were completely different- her Dj must've had another party in the Hall! I didn't feel comfortable going that low unless I knew the DJ was good and I don't have time to shop!! Sorry to ramble...I tend to do that....sooo much info to convey! From what I've been finding, quality seems to go up with price-tho not always!! Good luck!

thanks so much for this. they are definitely still up there on my list.

Hamptonsbride06 Posted: Oct 05, 2005 10:34 AM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

i saw tommy tunes and get in tune, they both quoted me for $2895! I then went to castle entertainment, with the fliers from tommy, and get in tune, and mike gave me the same package for $2195..i signed the contract that night! mike is awesome to work with my fh adores him..hes my favorite vendor! we ended up in his office for 3 hours watching the yankee game and talking, even my moh walked out of there with a good feeling....it meant a lot to us that he go to know us, and just didnt take the money and say have a nice day

MissingTheBGene Posted: Oct 05, 2005 10:38 AM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

I think that is about average in pricing. I know that Vinny from High Voltage is priced much lower, but I don't know for which kind of packages as I didn't see them.

I saw four DJs - Starlight Express, MME Entertainment, DanceJock and Feel the Vibe. All three, nothing was less than $1300 I think for DJ/Emcee and basic lighting. Starlight was most expensive, followed by MME, then DanceJock, then Feel the Vibe.

Good luck!

susan624 Posted: Oct 05, 2005 10:57 AM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

I only went to LI Sounds and booked them they had everything I wanted and will do whatever you request. For a DJ and MC at LI Sounds it's $1,500. Which I believe is the average price for a wedding. Oh and I agree w/you on the techno me and my FH have different taste in music but we both agree NO TECHNO

October Bliss Posted: Oct 05, 2005 11:01 PM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

I have to put in a plug for Vinny from High Voltage. He is the only vendor I have booked without shopping around. Post on the Vendors Helping Brides board and he will send you a price list. The price list info I got from him is sitting on the desk in my office (with my contract) so I can't tell you exactly what the DJ/MC package costs, but I know it is less than $1500 (since that is what my sister told me to expect to pay).

Brainy29 Posted: Oct 05, 2005 11:46 PM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

My FH and I saw Bravo sounds at a Fox Hollow showcase as well and we loved them, but I have seen prices for dj's under $1000.00. Finer Touch, the Pros. I haven't been to a showcase to see what you get. Has anyone heard anything about either of these companies?

Laura&Phil Posted: Oct 06, 2005 12:21 PM

Re: DJ conundrum...money money money

Just to add, Body Rock starts about there too and we like them. They are liked on the boards and they have a nice set up. We wednt with Bravo b/c we wanted someone who knew ethnic music better and FH & I liked going with a Queens vendor. Also, from the sample video- the MC seemed a little annoying- one of our large concerns. We didn't want some guy yelling at our guests all night!

Both have great reps tho! We felt the $$ was worth getting quality we know is there. (esp Bravo)