The Q:"I am writing with confusion and frustration, because as hard as I've tried, I can't seem to find a good, affordable DJ for my wedding on Sept 2nd, 2007 near New Paltz. I live in Brooklyn and have been checking out DJs in the NYC area. They are either kids that charge $400 and need a ride (which I really don't feel comfortable with because I imagine them needing lots of help that I don't want to deal with on my busy day), or they charge $2,000-$2,500, which my friends find outrageous, and I agree. Where's the middle ground? And how do I find it? Or am I not being realiztic?" -Christine in Brooklyn
The A: Hi Christine, I think this is a really good question, but I don't know if you're going to like my answer! Professional DJ's run anywhere from $1500 to $5000 (I know, it sounds crazy, but it's true!) and they are often worth every penny. They typically are providing the speakers, sometimes some lighting and a microphone for announcements as well as their music. If your venue has a sound system that they can plug into you might be able to get some of these prices lower by letting them know that they don't need to cart their equipment all over the place. However, generally you are getting pretty reasonable quotes for the NY area- even in New Paltz.
In terms of whether you go and hire a kid, I say absolutely NOT! If you really don't want to spend that much money, you are MUCH better off calling a local lighting and AV company, renting a sound system where you can plug in an ipod and getting a mic for announcements. You would need to assign a friend or relative to act as MC for the evening and to gauge your playlists. This is more foolproof than some local teen, but not necessarily less stressful in the process.
HOWEVER, here is MY ULTIMATE advice: THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A PROFESSIONAL DJ/ WEDDING DJ.
There's this line that photographers are famous for saying "After the party is over, and the flowers have died, you'll only have the photo!" Well, our saying is "After the ceremony is over and the food has been eaten, you'll only have the dancefloor!" and don't you want it to be FULL!!! The DJ is not just a provider of music, he is the Conductor of fun and a good DJ, who is a professional and able to not just be a light MC, but also able to read your crowd for age, type of music and volume. (the oldies don't like it too loud!)
Some reasonably priced suggestions I can offer to you would be The Pros DJs- www.thepros.com, and this great guy Donnie R. who is really reasonable in his prices and VERY reliable- he can be reached at [email protected]. They are both less than that particular price and we've had good experiences with them.