DJ Myles Twist's rant for DIY DJs
This is my rant regarding the do it yourself dj plan. For what it's worth, as it may come across as self serving as I myself am a professional dj who has many years of experience. You have a few things to consider when going the DIY route, first of all a professional dj who has professional equipment, licensed music, insurance, connect, socan where applicable. Professional DJs are just that, a professional they do this for a living, they cover all the bases or at least they should. (check them out to make sure they are in fact covering all the bases) Also another consideration a professional dj will know how to keep the energy flowing all night, they will know how to trouble shoot any equipment issues that may arise. One of the many things I always ask a potential client is what are the top things that are talked about and remembered from any wedding?. Most answer, food, décor (location) and music. So my follow up questions is, what did you pay for your location (décor)? How much is your food? So why wouldn't you spend extra on entertainment. Your not gonna feed your guests mcdonalds are you? If the top things that are remembered from weddings are location (décor) food and entertainment. Then why not spend something on contracting a DJ! Yes I completely understand that you definitely want to save a bit of money, trust me I do. By all means save where you can. Not all djs are gonna brake your bank, just the same not all cheap djs are going to be a good choice. The DIY dj idea sure can save you some cash, but it won't save you issues that may arise, not including or limited to the legalities. I can say definitely that if you rent equipment from almost anywhere and you run in to a issue, the rental company will not come out to trouble shoot any equipment problems you may have, whereabouts a dj can. A dj can easily make or break a wedding. In fact they can make or break any night they are given the opportunity to entertain. Yeah of course many in fact most djs have a "wedding premium" I do not, nor am I alone here, many djs are fare with pricing in consideration with the amount of work needed for your big day. Myself birthdays vs wedding I'm basically gonna charge the same thing. With exception of the extras ie back lighting, decor, monogram, secondary gear, etc etc (not including backup equipment) Additionally to anyone thinking about doing the DIY dj thing, please look into the legalities that comes with that idea. For starters the issue with Spotify or itunes playlist. If you read the terms of agreement with these services as per most services like them, this music is not licensed for this type of use at all. More and more people are going this route unaware of the possible consequences of such decisions. I know that if your caught up in the legalities of a diy dj event without the proper permits and or unlicensed music, the consequences of such can dramatically outweigh the cost of simply contracting a professional. That's also not including the insurance aspects. Read the fine print please. I'm not saying not to do it yourself, by all means if you chose to, please look into the legislation and legal way to do so. Consider the costs of rentals, licenses and insurance coverage specific to diy dj then the worries of playing the right song at the right moment followed by the next so on and so forth. It might be easier and in retrospect cheaper just to leave it to a professional. Again these are just my thoughts and possibly your concerns, sure you hear about a few couples doing the DJ thing diy and having no problem. They were lucky, as in USA the laws have been cracking down on this in a very horrible way. I know from personal experience that it's happening here in Canada as well. Don't take my word for it. Do your own fact checking. Happy planning, congrats on your engagement and upcoming wedding. May you find the right path and or entertainment for you and your partners big day.
Best Regards
Myles L Twist
