what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

ok, here's the story:

before i found you lovely ladies, i went ahead and booked a dj company on a friend from works recommendation. For a dj and mc and the most basic light package i signed the contract for $1650. At the time, I didn't know that it was a bit high for a dj. My FMIL and I have been planning on doing a photo montage to be played during dinner. I called up the dj to ask how much the projection screen would be, he said it would be an additional $350. So now we're talking $2000 for a dj and a 10 minute photo montage. I've already given a $410 deposit

So last night I posted on the vendors board, and already got one quote for $1150 for the total including the screen. i'm going to call around a few more places today.

Should i give up my depostit if I can find another dj for under $1200 (keeping my dj total still under the $1650)

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

Can you show your DJ the quote and see what he might be able to do for you?

Have you met with the second DJ? a price quote is not everything - you need to see if you will click with him and his style.

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

I'd go back over the reasons you chose the DJ to begin with. This is a MAJOR part of your day. I definitely would not choose based on $, esp when the difference you're talking about is minimal because you will most likely lose the $410 deposit.

If you're unhappy with the DJ beause of the way he DJs, I'd switch. If it's to save $200 or something to a DJ you don't know much about, I wouldn't even consider it.

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

One other option could be to ask if your photographer does it and for how much.

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

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Posted by eogara

I'd go back over the reasons you chose the DJ to begin with. This is a MAJOR part of your day. I definitely would not choose based on $, esp when the difference you're talking about is minimal because you will most likely lose the $410 deposit.

If you're unhappy with the DJ beause of the way he DJs, I'd switch. If it's to save $200 or something to a DJ you don't know much about, I wouldn't even consider it.

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I agree. DJ is the most vital part f yur reception in terms of guest satisfaction. Money is important, but should not be your only deciding factor. We are paying a lot more than what is considered 'normal' but don't mind because we know that we're getting a great quality DJ. Good lucka dn trust your gut!

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

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Posted by eogara

I'd go back over the reasons you chose the DJ to begin with. This is a MAJOR part of your day. I definitely would not choose based on $, esp when the difference you're talking about is minimal because you will most likely lose the $410 deposit.

If you're unhappy with the DJ beause of the way he DJs, I'd switch. If it's to save $200 or something to a DJ you don't know much about, I wouldn't even consider it.

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i kind of booked this dj in a panic, thinking that everyone else was booked up. I got along with him great, but i've never been to one of his parties or seen him in action. i'm so confused

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

We went to a wedding where the photo montage was homemade. All you need to do is hang a white sheet against a flat wall. If you don't have a DVD already made they are easy on a home computer (my dad does it all the time for fun) and I can get you the name of the software. You can either rent a projector or some video cameras can project on a larger screen. It might be cheaper.

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

I would talk to your current DJ and try and chew him down on price based on this quote.

you should probably get a few more quotes just to show him how overpriced he is.

Good luck!

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

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Posted by eogara

I'd go back over the reasons you chose the DJ to begin with. This is a MAJOR part of your day. I definitely would not choose based on $, esp when the difference you're talking about is minimal because you will most likely lose the $410 deposit.

If you're unhappy with the DJ beause of the way he DJs, I'd switch. If it's to save $200 or something to a DJ you don't know much about, I wouldn't even consider it.

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I agree- my DJ is more, but I know they are nothong less than perfection- music and food are what can make or break the reception IMO.

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

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Posted by eogara

I'd go back over the reasons you chose the DJ to begin with. This is a MAJOR part of your day. I definitely would not choose based on $, esp when the difference you're talking about is minimal because you will most likely lose the $410 deposit.

If you're unhappy with the DJ beause of the way he DJs, I'd switch. If it's to save $200 or something to a DJ you don't know much about, I wouldn't even consider it.

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ditto

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

My Dj is more than that....so i tihnk thats a pretty good price!!!

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

Ask your videographer about the screen/projector as well.

Re: what should i do? dj advice desperately needed

Call you reception hall. I did a photo montage for my parents' 30th anniversary party at the Watermill. Watermill supplied the screen for me, and the band plugged their equip. in for the sound. Usually they charge a nominal fee, but they threw it in for us.