All Day Wedding Package

[Shaun]

I may be missing a trick, but I don't currently offer an 'all day wedding package'. I'm usually completely shattered at the end of a regular gig (especially as I travel a fair distance for a lot of my weddings) so I can only image how exhausting a whole day would be. That said, I'm not completely closed off to trying new things. :)

Those of you that offer all day weddings, what sort of time scales are your all day weddings? 12 noon till 12 midnight? How do you charge? Do you work out the cost based on your 6 hour package and double it for the 12 hours on site, or do you provide a reduced price? Does the price include a second system for ceremony music or background music?

Just curious how those of you that offer an all day package price it, and what the hours typically involved are?

Thanks. :)

[Excalibur]

All Day is exactly what it says. All Day. Turn up as early as is needed to set up all the kit ( usually before too many other suppliers get in the way ) and stay till the end.

Use of Disco as Speech/Ceremony/Background PA is likely to be gratis, but a separate PA is chargeable.

How much? Tricky. Let's say less than double the normal fee.

And as to being tired after a normal gig Young Man, I've got some regular customers who organise their gigs in an adjacent county. Bear in mind that Yorkshire and Lincolnshire aren't exactly small, so when they give me one in the far South of the county, I have a 100 mile trip each way. That dictates at least a twelve hour day, ending around 4am.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Second time I have agreed with Shaun today. I'm knackered at the end of the weekend doing evening gigs.
When I worked for a mate a few years back, I did 2 all day Weddings. Since I have gone out alone I haven't done 1 as yet although over the past 2 weeks I have had enquiries for all day packages including an enquiry about an hour ago for Karaoke and Casino add-on's.

I'd like to know how people go about pricing too.
I charge a price for a 4.5hr Disco duration so generally 7.00pm / 7.30pm - 11.30pm / Midnight. I do charge extra if they want a duration longer than that and I usually go on around £75.00 per hour but I have no idea if that's the going rate?
If someone wanted to book me from 12.00pm - Midnight, I'm not sure what I would charge for being on site for 12 hours.

I asked a fellow DJ a while back what he charged for an all dayer and he said £750.00. Going along the lines of doubling or tripling your usual fee, my price would work out a lot more than that and I don't think people would go for it. I guess it depends what you want out of it and how you look at it. You'd be there anyway in the evening - Yes. Do you look at it as you're going to be out all day so it's got to be worthwhile?
£750.00 for the whole day looks a lot better than (for example), £395.00 for the evening only doesn't it but it's £750.00. I've always said that I want to get as much out of a gig as I can.
Do you look at it as "Well, I am getting £395.00 for the evening which is 4.5hrs. Is it worth doing another 7.5hrs for £355.00?".

It's a tough one...for me anyway.
I'd be very interested (like Shaun) to know what other 'All Dayer's' do too.

[Excalibur]

Do you look at it as "Well, I am getting £395.00 for the evening which is 4.5hrs. Is it worth doing another 7.5hrs for £355.00?".

It's a tough one...for me anyway.
I'd be very interested (like Shaun) to know what other 'All Dayer's' do too.

Look at it this way. What could you earn if you came home? Stay out and earn money, I say.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

The last one I did was in November of last year We did uplighting and supplied an extra small P.A. for a separate room and offered informal toastmastering. I met them at the venue beforehand and probably spent about 20 hours on paperwork, organising and making playlists.

Was it worth it?

No.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I see a lot of people on my Facebook business friends list doing all day packages and they seem to do them quite regularly. I'd like to know what they're charging to do them to get an idea.
I agree with Peter in one respect when he says that you should stay out and earn extra.
I've always looked at it as the weekend is generally where I earn my money. I should be trying to maximise my earnings. I do think it's a tough one though because on one hand, maximising your earnings and taking home a bigger chunk of money is great but on the other hand, from a business point of view....(and I'm not a fully fledged business man)...It's almost like you're doing extra hours for free just to get a bit more (if that makes sense?).

[surround sounds]

I charge around the same £75 a hour for a basic set up without uplighters etc within 25mile radius, Then every 5 mile furthur extra £10 a hour..
Eg gig 45 mins away from me would be £95 a hour= 4 hour gig £380, The early set up on top of that would be £50 making it £430..
On average a all day gig would be 10.30 in the morning till 2.30 the following morning (this would depend on travelling and other times, Also if there was other services eg balloons, Led Curtains, Uplighters etc).. This would total 15 hours.. I take 4 hours music and 2 hours set up and dismantle out od the 15 hours leaving 9 hours.. Then charge around 50% of my fee per hour.. So a gig 45 mins away from me at £95 a hour would be with 50% discount would be hours at £47.50 making £427.50.. Add this to £430 would make £857.70..
I would tell the customer £850.. But this would also depend if they was having other services as well like chair covers, Uplighters, balloons etc because i would be there anyway..
So overall its hard to price because of different services i offer etc

[Excalibur]

and I'm not a fully fledged business man)...It's almost like you're doing extra hours for free just to get a bit more (if that makes sense?).

But are you doing the same in those hours as when you're putting your heart and soul into being a DJ for the evening?

You can charge say £50 an hour for being an ace DJ, but can you charge the same for being an uplighting installer, pressing play on the background music PA, and sitting in the van checking out this forum and the football results? See what I mean? Compare like with like.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You can charge say £50 an hour for being an ace DJ, but can you charge the same for being an uplighting installer, pressing play on the background music PA, and sitting in the van checking out this forum and the football results? See what I mean? Compare like with like.

Why do you need to compare like for like?

You charge the client an hourly rate for being there regardless of whether you are DJing or installing uplighting or whatever!

Are you a business or a charity?

[Excalibur]

Why do you need to compare like for like?

You charge the client an hourly rate for being there regardless of whether you are DJing or installing uplighting or whatever!

Are you a business or a charity?

Obviously less of a Businessman than you. My deficiencies in that area are evident. :o

[ppentertainments]

I have just really started doing a lot of all-day weddings the past 18 months, however moving forward I am trying to steer my work to be all dayers only.
There are a lot of pros and cons to it, however as a sole operator, for me, the pros far outweigh the cons. The main downside is that they are really long tiring days and often require a lot of prep. This weekend I have had 2 all-dayers and out last night, but the consequences have been a day in bed with a bad back. Realistically one a week should be my maximum, as with venues far away I often end up doing around an 18 hour day.

Organisation is an absolute must especially with your timings and as mentioned there is a lot of prep work involved and you can often end up having 3 or 4 meetings beforehand – which obviously needs taking into consideration. There is a lot more responsibility than doing evening only discos especially for the ceremony music.

As I say being a sole operator I find them really beneficial as the fee definitely makes a difference. I don’t really charge per hour or offer a set package as each booking differs greatly, as an example I had 2 all-dayers last weekend, Friday was £1420 and Saturday was £1250 even though the venues were 2 minutes apart from each other. I do find that whenever I am booked for an all-dayer it is a lot easier to upsell uplighting, photo slideshow etc.

For me it is definitely worth it but can see how it can be seen as less favourable to multi-ops.

[Shaun]

Gary, our thoughts on this are pretty simliar!





Bear in mind that Yorkshire and Lincolnshire aren't exactly small, so when they give me one in the far South of the county, I have a 100 mile trip each way. That dictates at least a twelve hour day, ending around 4am.

I regularly travel that type of distance (and further) to and from gigs. So I can sympathise with being out for a 12 hour period, or longer! I can't imagine how long a day it would be if I were to do an all dayer plus travel those distances. There's also the safety aspect of doing such a long shift, then driving home over a long distance at silly o clock in the morning. I think unless I was making a fee relative to the evening fee it just wouldn't be worth doing. That's just a personal opinion though.

[Excalibur]

. There's also the safety aspect of doing such a long shift, then driving home over a long distance at silly o clock in the morning. .
Nowadays, I often look at the possibiity of a cheap hotel near the venue. You can't imagine how welcoming it looks only a few minutes after packing, rather than a couple of hours pounding up or down the motorway.

[ppentertainments]

I regularly travel that type of distance (and further) to and from gigs. So I can sympathise with being out for a 12 hour period, or longer! I can't imagine how long a day it would be if I were to do an all dayer plus travel those distances. There's also the safety aspect of doing such a long shift, then driving home over a long distance at silly o clock in the morning. I think unless I was making a fee relative to the evening fee it just wouldn't be worth doing. That's just a personal opinion though.
You also have to consider your expenses though - 2 gigs at £500 with 2 lots of xxx hours travel and2 lots of £xxx expenses for fuel, or 1 all day which attracts these expenses only once.

[Shaun]

I have just really started doing a lot of all-day weddings the past 18 months, however moving forward I am trying to steer my work to be all dayers only.
There are a lot of pros and cons to it, however as a sole operator, for me, the pros far outweigh the cons. The main downside is that they are really long tiring days and often require a lot of prep. This weekend I have had 2 all-dayers and out last night, but the consequences have been a day in bed with a bad back. Realistically one a week should be my maximum, as with venues far away I often end up doing around an 18 hour day.

Organisation is an absolute must especially with your timings and as mentioned there is a lot of prep work involved and you can often end up having 3 or 4 meetings beforehand – which obviously needs taking into consideration. There is a lot more responsibility than doing evening only discos especially for the ceremony music.

As I say being a sole operator I find them really beneficial as the fee definitely makes a difference. I don’t really charge per hour or offer a set package as each booking differs greatly, as an example I had 2 all-dayers last weekend, Friday was £1420 and Saturday was £1250 even though the venues were 2 minutes apart from each other. I do find that whenever I am booked for an all-dayer it is a lot easier to upsell uplighting, photo slideshow etc.

For me it is definitely worth it but can see how it can be seen as less favourable to multi-ops.

Interesting. Thanks for your reply. :beer1:

Do you limit how many hours can be claimed under the 'all dayer' tag. I could just imagine someone thinking it would be a good idea to have the DJ play to their wedding guests having breakfast at 7am, as they had paid for an all dayer, and they sure as hell are going to have an all dayer!! LOL.

[rossken]

Whilst I don't often get asked to do DJ related activities all day, as I play the bagpipes, I do often get asked to pipe for the ceremony and then DJ at night - I do advertise this service and it is something I am happy to do.

As mentioned above, timing is key and you really have to know exactly where you have to be and when - especially when the ceremony is in a different venue to the reception!

In terms of timescales, the longest day I have had was to arrive at the venue for 9am and leaving the venue at 2:30am - the venue was half an hours drive from my house.

As for pricing, I charge the same price as usual for the disco, but obviously charge extra for piping.

The worst thing about it all is wearing ghillie brogues all day! They are definitely not the most comfy shoes in the world!!! :mad:

[ppentertainments]

Interesting. Thanks for your reply. :beer1:

Do you limit how many hours can be claimed under the 'all dayer' tag. I could just imagine someone thinking it would be a good idea to have the DJ play to their wedding guests having breakfast at 7am, as they had paid for an all dayer, and they sure as hell are going to have an all dayer!! LOL.
I don't really put a limit I take each booking in turn and charge accordingly. To be totally honest I have found the 'what to charge' very difficult. Quite often I realise I am doing too much for the money, yet other times things turn out easier than I imagined - just got to take the rough with the smooth I suppose.

As I say time limits I never out in place, mainly because I do extra time anyway as I always like to turn up early etc - my longest one is this September where I start at 6pm on the Friday, and finish at 1 am on the Sunday Morning (although luckily I do get a room for the Friday night :D ). It does mean I leave home at about 3pm Friday and not get back till about 4am Sunday morning, but a fee which breaks the £2k barrier, for in all honestly not a lot of physical work, does make it worthwhile ;) .

[Charlie Brown]

I must be to cheap!

I look at it like this £375 for four hours in the evening. If I can get another £200/250 for setting up in the afternoon normally around 2.00pm and hanging around all day letting my laptop do it's thing with the background music, that suits me fine. I don't get tired, just chill out, read the paper, smoke a load of fags, chat to suppliers - done. It flies by. Most of my weddings are all day jobs. Better than sitting at home.

Similar to Gary's 'every little helps thread'

[ppentertainments]

I must be to cheap!

I look at it like this £375 for four hours in the evening. If I can get another £200/250 for setting up in the afternoon normally around 2.00pm and hanging around all day letting my laptop do it's thing with the background music, that suits me fine. I don't get tired, just chill out, read the paper, smoke a load of fags, chat to suppliers - done. It flies by. Most of my weddings are all day jobs. Better than sitting at home.

Similar to Gary's 'every little helps thread'
Not a bad way to go about it Charlie, and certainly a lot less stressful - my problem is I get too involved - mother of the bride commented on Friday that she wishes she never bothered with a wedding planner as I gave more advice and organised a lot more on the day.

[yourdj]

I did three all days last week - two of which were back to back. It is tiring but they get easier as you do them. when combined with Master of Ceremonies you are on your feet and active ALL DAY. Only during part of the supper you can have a rest. I love it and it really makes my day when something I do helps a wedding run better. Usually 12 hours although I am limiting it to 10 and charging extra per hour after that from now on.

I charge about £1000 a day which also keeps me going I had three evening gigs too (8 days) so if you do the maths thats not a bad income for such a short period of time. It makes the evening four hour functions a doddle. I did one Sunday and just as i was getting in the swing it was the end of the party :D They go much quicker now.

[Charlie Brown]

Apart from making a few announcements, what else are you Mcing Toby?

I'm not on my feet at all, just pop in occasionally to make sure everything is dandy. It's an easy £600 for me anyway.

[yourdj]

Apart from making a few announcements, what else are you Mcing Toby?

I'm not on my feet at all, just pop in occasionally to make sure everything is dandy. It's an easy £600 for me anyway.

Here is a very brief overview:

YOUR DJ MASTER OF CEREMONY - The New Forest Mobile Wedding Disco - YouTube

Main duties include:

1. Meet and Greet the guests
2. Meet and Greet Bride and Bridegroom
3. Help the photographer get all the special photographs
4. Arrange Receiving Line & Seat guests
5. Introduce Parents of Bride and Bridegroom into room
6. Introduce Bride and Bridegroom into room
7. Make pre-dinner announcements
8. Remain on hand to arrange any problems during the meal
9. Announce cutting of the cake and call people forward to take photographs
10. Announce speeches; ensure speeches are done at right time, by right people
11. Announce departure of bride and bridegroom from the room
12. Encourage guests to depart the room so that it can be made ready for evening event
13. Announce commencement of evening event
14. Announce first dance
15. Encourage guests to join bride and bridegroom on dance floor
16. Bouquet Toss, Garter Removal and other tradional formalities.

In addition, if the wedding ceremony also takes place:

1. Arrange for guests to take their places for ceremony
2. Remind guests to turn off mobile telephones
3. Arrange for bridegroom to meet with registrar
4. Arrange for bride to meet with registrar
5. Announce bride into ceremony
6. Sometimes announce new Mr and Mrs out of ceremony
7. Encourage guests out of ceremony behind the couple

Although you will end up doing lots of bits and bobs:

Things I have done recently include:

assisting with the food service,
getting a high chair for a child,
assisting the photographer and finding/organising people,
looking after and setting up a Hefty bar tab from the MOTB,
Taking the bride to get ready and finding the room is not made so having to sort that out at reception,
Urging the photographer to stop taking photos as they are already late and the registra has another wedding to get too,
going a buying some eyeliner for the bride etc. etc.

Stuff like that so no time for reading a paper :p

Its a great feeling to connect with all the guests as you are with them all day and they get to know you.
The guests will assume you work for the venue and in some way you are representing it.
I have no problems with that as thats what i am paid for. Its a free service at the moment but i will charge for it when i am fully trained.

[Corabar Entertainment]

8. Remain on hand to arrange any problems during the meal
:zip: :zip: :zip: :zip:

:daft:

[yourdj]

:zip: :zip: :zip: :zip:

:daft:

Not a huge part of the job as most venues are more than capable of doing this themselves although people still come to me for stuff - such as removing a high chair and replacing it with a normal one (with cover - which I had to get from the ceremony room miles away). The manager was more than happy as it did not remove any staff from the service area. :) I also had nothing else to do (other than read a paper :D)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I know what you're on about Ang...

[yourdj]

I know what you're on about Ang...

Ah got it :p

That need to be reworded I think.

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/manuel-fawlty-towers-290.jpg

[Corabar Entertainment]

I know what you're on about Ang...:thumbsup: ;)


Ah got it :p

That need to be reworded I think. Might be an idea, Toby!

[ppentertainments]

Here is a very brief overview:

YOUR DJ MASTER OF CEREMONY - The New Forest Mobile Wedding Disco - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYu2a-YYujU)

Main duties include:

1. Meet and Greet the guests
2. Meet and Greet Bride and Bridegroom
3. Help the photographer get all the special photographs
4. Arrange Receiving Line & Seat guests
5. Introduce Parents of Bride and Bridegroom into room
6. Introduce Bride and Bridegroom into room
7. Make pre-dinner announcements
8. Remain on hand to arrange any problems during the meal
9. Announce cutting of the cake and call people forward to take photographs
10. Announce speeches; ensure speeches are done at right time, by right people
11. Announce departure of bride and bridegroom from the room
12. Encourage guests to depart the room so that it can be made ready for evening event
13. Announce commencement of evening event
14. Announce first dance
15. Encourage guests to join bride and bridegroom on dance floor
16. Bouquet Toss, Garter Removal and other tradional formalities.

In addition, if the wedding ceremony also takes place:

1. Arrange for guests to take their places for ceremony
2. Remind guests to turn off mobile telephones
3. Arrange for bridegroom to meet with registrar
4. Arrange for bride to meet with registrar
5. Announce bride into ceremony
6. Sometimes announce new Mr and Mrs out of ceremony
7. Encourage guests out of ceremony behind the couple

Although you will end up doing lots of bits and bobs:

Things I have done recently include:

assisting with the food service,
getting a high chair for a child,
assisting the photographer and finding/organising people,
looking after and setting up a Hefty bar tab from the MOTB,
Taking the bride to get ready and finding the room is not made so having to sort that out at reception,
Urging the photographer to stop taking photos as they are already late and the registra has another wedding to get too,
going a buying some eyeliner for the bride etc. etc.

Stuff like that so no time for reading a paper :p

Its a great feeling to connect with all the guests as you are with them all day and they get to know you.
The guests will assume you work for the venue and in some way you are representing it.
I have no problems with that as thats what i am paid for. Its a free service at the moment but i will charge for it when i am fully trained.

hmmmm far too 'Americanised' for me, also begs the question - how much SHOULD we do before we tread on other proffessionsls jobs.

[NKR]

We did an all dayer on Saturday at the wonderful Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey.

Set off at 9:15am
On site for 10:30am to be set up for pre ceremony music at 12:00 and ceremony music at 12:30.
Room turnaround and then toastmastering for bride and groom entry to room. Background music during starters.
Then live swing/Buble vocal set during the meal (always goes down brilliantly)
Toastmaster and supply mics for speeches.
Turn around again for disco set up.
First dance with colour co-ordinated LED wash lighting
Live slower vocal set to open proceedings after first dance.
Another 1 hour live party vocal set after buffet. (really went down a storm - call me Al was hillarious as the brides father was called Alan)
Disco finish to 1:00am
Pack down get away and home by 3:15am

Yours for £850. Bargain.

[Jonathan Ford]

hmmmm far too 'Americanised' for me, also begs the question - how much SHOULD we do before we tread on other proffessionsls jobs.

I agree entirely. It would be interesting to hear how many other service providers have appreciated your input, Toby. Speaking as a former hotelier, I wouldn't take kindly to you running around my function room "assisting with food service", any more than I imagine you'd take the C&B Manager doing half an hour for you! Still, if you're persuading couples that they need you to "liase" with (or pee off?) other service providers while you trouser a hefty fee, then more power to you!!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I don't want to shoot you down Toby or anyone else that is doing the same thing because you are maximising your earning potential and getting decent money too but part of me thinks that we should stick to what we are good at and that's providing quality entertainment and any additional services that come under that banner (Uplighting, Projection, Dance Floors etc. etc.).

There are businesses out there that go a bit further (like Darren to name one example), that supply stuff like Photo Booths and Sweet Shops etc...but (and here's a question for them..), Have they ever thought about doing the whole MC / Toast Master thing?

Good luck to you and anyone else if you enjoy it and it's doing well for you but the more I read the replies, the more I can't help agreeing and thinking that it is probably a step too far. I'd be interested to find out how you go about selling that to the customer. Do you go along the lines of "Don't worry about paying the earth for a toast master as I can do that too".
Just thought I'd ask.

[Vectis]

part of me thinks that we should stick to what we are good at

How do you know that Toby (in this case, or any member in general) isn't good at acting as the wedding organiser?

As a qualified project manager I often found myself getting involved in all aspects of my disco clients' all-day weddings. When you sit down and get to know them, learn about their plans etc. at the pre-event meetings, it's surprising how many opportunities arise. If you can provide any service at the level of professionalism required and deserved, then why not take a few extra shekels and provide it, rather than sitting around twiddling your thumbs and watching someone else do it?



"Don't worry about paying the earth for a toast master as I can do that too".


My only concern about getting "in too deep" is backup. As a DJ, it's reasonably straightforward in the event of a sudden incapacitation / accident / death in the family / meteor strike to ring round a few DJ's and find a replacement. As a DJ -cum- toastmaster -cum- wedding planner -cum- photographer -cum- MC -cum- whatever, then without a team of folks behind you it would be all too easy to come unstuck and potentially ruin someone's day.

I would urge anyone reaching out into these areas to seriously consider professional indemnity insurance.

That is all :p

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

hmmmm far too 'Americanised' for me, also begs the question - how much SHOULD we do before we tread on other proffessionsls jobs.

Funnily enough, I was thinking the same thing last night and started to 'deconstruct' Toby's post, but then thought better of it as I didn't want to cause offence (for once :sj:)

So may things on Toby's list are down to other professionals. I have recently been asked by the toastmaster if I had the first dance song and felt quite offended that they would feel the need to ask that.



There are businesses out there that go a bit further (like Darren to name one example), that supply stuff like Photo Booths and Sweet Shops etc...but (and here's a question for them..), Have they ever thought about doing the whole MC / Toast Master thing?


Yes, I have, but I believe I could only sell it properly and justify the cost if I belonged to one of the professional guilds.

I have observed quite a few over the years and think that as well as being qualified, being organised and observing tradition, you need a personality and charisma to do the job properly.

[Jonny Boy]

I'm 100% with Toby here...I've done a few "long day" and "all day" weddings now. With the full MC/Toastmaster role Toby describes which can be quite exhausting.

There's a lot more involved than just making a few announcements from behind the booth and pressing play on a background music playlist, if you're going do it well, IMO.
But of course, like all the services I offer, if that's not what the client wants/can afford, then a simplified option is available too...

TBH, the list of duties Toby lays out are still pretty typical of most decent British/Redcoat Toastmasters IMO: the role is to expedite the smooth running of the day for everyone. Being that we're also there for the evening too, when many MCs would have gone, it means the whole day can feel even more seamless.

Also re: Jonathan's point about stepping on other suppliers' toes - I've found the opposite to be true, and been thanked for helping make their job easier, not *taking over* their job. EG "assisting with food service" might be having a quiet word on behalf of a veggie guest who'd been served meat to expedite the catering team solving that issue before it becomes a problem OR in some instances it's possible "do" something simple/practicable to bypass venue staff being pulled off another task - eg fetch a wheel chair/zimmer frame, which I have done..or find a highchair, which Toby has done.

Like Nige & Kev, my all-day services might also include day-time live set(s) during reception drinks/ wedding breakfast/evening refresh/ sometimes in separate room/2nd PA, sometimes not - all depending on what the client wants/timings/budget.

SO TO ACTUALLY ANSWER THE QUESTION...LOL
I charge my full evening fee, then have amounts of each additional service as a stand-alone service, which are discounted when combined together.
Eg if they've paid for me to sing (for example) during champagne reception I won't charge them the a huge amount for leaving a background playlist going throught the meal into the evening entertainment. (Unless they book a Premium service which requires me+additional DJ.)

If they want me to set up background music *only* in the afternoon, I will charge a decent (but reasonable) amount at this prevents me from earning a stand-alone fee for performaing in the afternoon-only at a separate wedding.

[Corabar Steve]

I have recently been asked by the toastmaster if I had the first dance song and felt quite offended that they would feel the need to ask that.
That's only happened to you the once???

Near enough every time I've worked with one they've asked. I've never thought of anything of it. Although the last time one asked I adopted a face like this > :eek: & said ":Censored: I knew there was something I'd forgotten!" His expression was priceless.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Also re: Jonathan's point about stepping on other suppliers' toes - I've found the opposite to be true, and been thanked for helping make their job easier, not *taking over* their job.

Playing devil's advocate then...how would you feel if a waiter came over and told you that you were playing too loud or the wrong type of music?

Or if a photographer came over and started telling you when you should be playing the first dance song.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That's only happened to you the once???



I didn't say it happened only once, just said recently..

Maybe it's because I look more like I know what I'm doing? :sj:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

How do you know that Toby (in this case, or any member in general) isn't good at acting as the wedding organiser?

I don't! I mentioned that I'd seen the video(s) posted and thought that it was ok from what I saw. I wasn't having a go at Toby or anyone else.

As a qualified project manager I often found myself getting involved in all aspects of my disco clients' all-day weddings. When you sit down and get to know them, learn about their plans etc. at the pre-event meetings, it's surprising how many opportunities arise. If you can provide any service at the level of professionalism required and deserved, then why not take a few extra shekels and provide it, rather than sitting around twiddling your thumbs and watching someone else do it?

I totally agree with this but as I said, I do think there are times where it appears to be taking too much on. The examples that Darren has given regarding waiters etc are good ones. I have also had toast masters ask me if I have the first dance ready and a few other things and it kind of makes you wonder why you do the pre-function meetings and go through everything.
I have done Project Management in the past and also (to a small degree) event co-ordination. I'd like to think that when my DJ career is over, event co-ordination is the way I'll go. I don't personally think I could multi-task like Toby and some others do by doing all that they do so fair play to them.


My only concern about getting "in too deep" is backup. As a DJ, it's reasonably straightforward in the event of a sudden incapacitation / accident / death in the family / meteor strike to ring round a few DJ's and find a replacement. As a DJ -cum- toastmaster -cum- wedding planner -cum- photographer -cum- MC -cum- whatever, then without a team of folks behind you it would be all too easy to come unstuck and potentially ruin someone's day.

Agreed.

I would urge anyone reaching out into these areas to seriously consider professional indemnity insurance.

That is all :p
:D

[Pink Elephant]

"Or if a photographer came over and started telling you when you should be playing the first dance song."

Does that not happen at every wedding? :p

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

"Or if a photographer came over and started telling you when you should be playing the first dance song."

Does that not happen at every wedding? :p

Alright, maybe that was a bad example, but you can see what I'm getting at!

[funkymook]

Most weddings I've done haven't had a formal Toastmaster/MC and the venue's duty manager usually takes the role (some have been excellent, some had no idea at all).

I see it as a good middle option between a true professional MC and the venue manager making announcements throughout the day.

[Jonny Boy]

Playing devil's advocate then...how would you feel if a waiter came over and told you that you were playing too loud or the wrong type of music?
Or if a photographer came over and started telling you when you should be playing the first dance song.

That's a good question actually. :)
Why not just assess & respond to it just like one does with comments/requests from guests.
Has said waiter spotted/been made aware something I've missed? (eg blood running from Aunty Betty's ears? :eek: )
Then I'd appreciate the info, especially if it makes me look attentive & a better service provider.

Or is he just being a merchant banker? Smile, nod, explain your position and seek a compromise.

I'm not talking about the MC role fussing over the minutae of the others' service here ("that fork's more than exactly half an inch from the other one - good god man, reset the table!!")

[Shaun]

The more I read the more I feel offering an all day wedding package just isn't for me. I'm not saying I'll never do it if I get asked, but I won't be actively promoting it.

[ppentertainments]

The more I read the more I feel offering an all day wedding package just isn't for me. I'm not saying I'll never do it if I get asked, but I won't be actively promoting it.

It isn't for everyone I must admit - the benefits for me is that I can now take a weekend off nearly every month, although the weekends I have all-dayers I never see anyone hardly.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

One question I forgot to ask was....

Those that do all day weddings, do you promote them on your websites?
Just wondered as maybe I have missed a trick somewhere?
I don't get enquiries for all day weddings and wondered if that was because I don't advertise as doing them or actively promote them.
I have a section where I promote 'wedding extras' which includes the Uplighting, Dance Floors etc and I also mention that I can provide extra P.A. equipment and other stuff to keep people entertained during the build up to the evening entertainment (Games, Quizzes, Digital Karaoke, Casinos etc..).

[yourdj]

hmmmm far too 'Americanised' for me, also begs the question - how much SHOULD we do before we tread on other proffessionsls jobs.

American? Granted the term started in america but all the traditions originate from England before any of these people knew America existed :D
(such as raising a toast and introducing knights of the realm into the room).

I never tread on anyones toes and so far every manager has been more than happy that I am there as it gives them a break and they can focus on food servcie and staffing rather than running around the venue chasing up the photographer as he is taking "one more bleeding photo". Although there are a few managers like my tenant Vicky (hotel manager) who loves it (been trained with me by Brian Wroe) so in that situation I take a back seat. :)

The photographer on Fri said "I wish you were at all my weddings you make things so much easier" which was a big compliment. I think it suits some people and I actually never wanted to go down this route but have actually found it works well now and love it.

Maybe I was not made to feel useful as a child or something :D


I'd be interested to find out how you go about selling that to the customer.

I dont really? Its on the site and emails and most of the time the client brings it up before me at the meeting which is ideal. :) There is a bit of confusion between what I can do and what the average venue manager can do hence the video I have posted. :)




TBH, the list of duties Toby lays out are still pretty typical of most decent British/Redcoat Toastmasters IMO:

I actually pinched that list from Brian Wroe (a toastmaster). I will change it when I have developed a list of regular things as I am not a toastmaster - rather MC / general asistant / skivvy for the day :D


"Or if a photographer came over and started telling you when you should be playing the first dance song."


Neil you did Brians workshop - has it helped you at all :)


One question I forgot to ask was....

Those that do all day weddings, do you promote them on your websites?
Just wondered as maybe I have missed a trick somewhere?
I don't get enquiries for all day weddings and wondered if that was because I don't advertise as doing them or actively promote them.
I have a section where I promote 'wedding extras' which includes the Uplighting, Dance Floors etc and I also mention that I can provide extra P.A. equipment and other stuff to keep people entertained during the build up to the evening entertainment (Games, Quizzes, Digital Karaoke, Casinos etc..).

Have a look at my personal site as its geared up for the MC stuff: http://www.newforestwedding.co.uk/

The other site is more geared up for extras as there are four of us: http://www.yourdj.co.uk/tobyoptionalextras.html

[ukpartydj]

I don't mean to insult anyone here but how the hell do you sell yourself for £400 for 4.5 hours ...

I have a nice set-up with speaker and table scrims good quality lighting and am confident making the usual announcements everyone is always thrilled with how things go ... then I look at a website where a guy has half of what I do and his set-up looks average and he's booked up loads of dates at prices from £400!

I charge about £350 for all day event locally with a pre event meeting... what's the secret? haha

[yourdj]

I don't mean to insult anyone here but how the hell do you sell yourself for £400 for 4.5 hours ...

I have a nice set-up with speaker and table scrims good quality lighting and am confident making the usual announcements everyone is always thrilled with how things go ... then I look at a website where a guy has half of what I do and his set-up looks average and he's booked up loads of dates at prices from £400!

I charge about £350 for all day event locally with a pre event meeting... what's the secret? haha

No you wont upset anyone ;)

The secret is not to base a show on equipment, although having good quality gear with back up is a must. Unless its a teen event or such like. We are talking weddings in this post. £350 for 10 hours is £35 an hour which is very cheap. Depends on the quality of what you provide and the types of clients you attract. £300 is a normal wedding fee for 4/5 hours "around ere" and i am only a few miles down the road.

How long have you been a DJ? Looking at your site it looks pretty nice although selling the ipod discos may well put you out of a job
Not sure how you can justify renting a set of speakers and lights for £100 and then do the same all day with you there doing all the technical work and Djing for £350 :lol:

Do not just look at the 4.5 hours as there a multitude of other costs and time involved. Especially as I am full time DJ and this pays my mortgage.

I do not generally sell myself as i have a good local reputation a nice website and I meet clients and spend lots of time
with them to make sure things are spot on. No one ever questions the price tbh :) I average about £590 for 5 hours.

:)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'd say that the last couple of lines of Toby's post are spot on.
First of all, it's not all about the equipment in my opinion. Yes, it has to be half decent and presented well but it's YOU at the end of the day that people pay for.

If you have a good reputation and are known in your area as providing an excellent service then people will book you. You can also charge accordingly for the service you provide (probably wrong kind of description there but you know what I mean).

Like Toby, I am a full timer (that doesn't seem to make much of a difference these days though to be honest) and I have to pay my mortgage and bills too, just like everybody else. I don't go out with a minimal set up and neither do I go out with shedloads of equipment either. I've been full time (self employed) now for 7 and a half years and up until around 4 years ago I was going out and doing exactly the same thing as I do now for around half the price I am charging now.

I'm not saying a higher price means extra quality because I have seen for myself in the past that it hasn't been the case but there is probably the mentality out there with some customers that paying a bit extra does mean extra quality, reliability, going that extra mile etc...
A friend of mine said to me ages ago (whether he was right or wrong, it doesn't matter) that by charging the 'going rate' (what everyone else in the area was charging) doesn't make you stand out. He said that by charging slightly more than everyone else would gain me interest and enquiries. It was quite a gamble at first. I decided to try it out one day (I don't put prices on my website). The first time I took a deep breath and said "The price for a 4.5hr Disco will be £***", I expected some verbal abuse from a price hunter but it wasn't like that at all. Maybe I was lucky and the right person called at the right time? They asked what they got for their money as they had called other locals and the prices were all similar yet mine was more expensive. I explained everything and got the booking.

I wish I had done it sooner to be honest. I am cheaper than Toby for 5 hours and no doubt cheaper than a number of people in my area but I also know that I am more expensive than the majority in my area. Does it mean that I am quieter?
No - I am booked up well in advance and very happy. When I am finally able to invest more money in to what I am doing and upgrade equipment and services etc, I may up the prices too.

I am no expert (far from it) but you have to believe in what you're doing. More importantly, believe in yourself and what you're worth. That sounds like a cliche but it's true.

[ukpartydj]

I started doing kids discos 3 years ago part time, got quite a few then quit my full time job 10 months ago and been doing it full time ever since.

I know experience is everything in this game and I'm not suggesting I'm worth the same as someone who's had 5, 10, 15 years experience.

The last 3 weddings I've done I honestly think another DJ couldn't have done it much better than I did. Maybe it's time to creep the prices up but I'm just ticking over nicely at the moment don't want to lose any work hiking prices up.

One thing I'd like to know is do you always do face to face meetings beforehand? I only offer them if they are local do you still do them miles away?

[soundmaster mobile disco]

I did three all days last week - two of which were back to back. It is tiring but they get easier as you do them. when combined with Master of Ceremonies you are on your feet and active ALL DAY. Only during part of the supper you can have a rest. I love it and it really makes my day when something I do helps a wedding run better. Usually 12 hours although I am limiting it to 10 and charging extra per hour after that from now on.

I charge about £1000 a day which also keeps me going I had three evening gigs too (8 days) so if you do the maths thats not a bad income for such a short period of time. It makes the evening four hour functions a doddle. I did one Sunday and just as i was getting in the swing it was the end of the party :D They go much quicker now.

Toby im curious what does you client get for £1000?

[soundmaster mobile disco]

Shaun its not something i would normally do,but i have my first one coming up in july.Its only in broughty ferry so not to far travelling but im still going along to set up around 1pm,the ceremony is at 3pm.then ill play background music till i start at around 7ish.

pricewise its not quite double time,but its a figure that im happy with considering its the first one ive done!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

"One thing I'd like to know is do you always do face to face meetings beforehand? I only offer them if they are local do you still do them miles away?"

I'm pretty certain that there's a whole thread dedicated to customer meetings somewhere but to answer your question...

Personally, I don't do customer meetings before they book me. I always said I wouldn't do it but relaxed it a bit a while back. I had an enquiry from a couple out of my radius but they were really enthusiastic and asked if they could meet me beforehand. Now, I don't like to meet before customers book because I don't like to feel like I am auditioning for the booking or to feel as if I have to prove to them why they should book me.

I turned up at this particular address (the Wedding was going to be held in the grounds) and it was a mansion type place, absolutely huge (it was the Brides parents place). They were all actually very nice people but at times I felt uncomfortable. I listened to what they required and I was able to cater for everything quite easily. They still sounded very enthusiastic and were happy with the price too which was a good one. It was a Sunday wedding and a very good payer. They said to me in the meeting that they had a friend who was also going to be a guest that did DJing too. When they got back to me a few days later, that was the reason they decided not to book with me. They said they had decided to let their friend do it.

That's when I said I wouldn't do the pre-booking meetings again. I went out on a Sunday afternoon, waited 20 minutes for them to turn up as they'd been 'lunching' (as they called it) and I sat with them for over an hour. I wasted 45 miles worth of Diesel just to sit in someone's mansion and feel like I was under the spotlight when I could have been doing other stuff.

Apologies for the long reply but here's another one...

Last week I received a call from a friend of a friend of a friend who said I had been recommended. As they hadn't seen me do my thing before, they asked if they could meet me before they book with me for their wedding next year. It's to be held at my out of town residency (who I am the recommended supplier for too). I thought I'd give it one last go seeing as I had been recommended. I expected it to be a case of simply turning up, telling them everything and then getting the booking.

We arranged a date and time via email and that was it. I then realised that I had double booked myself with a customer that had already booked me for their wedding in a couple of weeks time. I emailed them back straight away saying that I had double booked and asked if they wanted to re-schedule and left it at that. I went to my meeting and half way through I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. When the meeting was over I checked it and there was a voicemail from the customer asking where I was. They were quite angry as it goes which was surprising. I called them back and got a mouthful from them. They moaned that they had waited in for 20 minutes and I hadn't turned up. I advised that I had sent an email to them the same day as I had arranged a date and time and they wouldn't have it.
I left it at that.

Those are 2 examples of why I don't do pre-booking meetings. I don't have a problem meeting people that have booked me as I factor that in to the price. The price includes a pre-function meeting. If it's quite a journey away, I will arrange to meet them at their venue or somewhere central to both of us.

You say about "creeping up the price" - Do it. It may get people asking WHY you are a touch more expensive than others and then you can sell yourself. If I hadn't of done it, I'd still be going out for the same price as I did a few years back and I personally think I am worth more than that.

Good Luck!

[yourdj]

5, 10, 15 years experience.

A DJ who has been operating for 20 years and goes out once month may have less
working experience than a DJ who has been operating 5 years and goes out 10 times a month :)

i do not judge expirience in year, bar perhaps they have lived through many of the music revolutions as a DJ and have had more time to think about things.

I would suggest to you to get some decent pro shots of you and what you do best - ie make people dance.
That way you may be able to charge more - assuming you are worth the price?

[ppentertainments]

Toby im curious what does you client get for £1000?
The chance to see a cheesy, grinning DJ videoing himself all day :D :D :p :D :D

[yourdj]

The chance to see a cheesy, grinning DJ videoing himself all day :D :D :p :D :D

No offense but all you have seen from me are my videos so you have nothing to base that comment on. I am not cheesy and grinning all day :mad:


I am relaxed, friendly very orgainsed and easy to work with. :)
I am also not videoing myself all day. I hardly ever video myself (I do 3 gigs a week).
And when I do its not much - generally just the bits of footage you see.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

As Toby said, it doesn't matter how many years you have been doing the job....I've been DJing 23 years next month and there are people on here no doubt that have been doing it a lot longer than that.
The consistency of going out every weekend or doing 2 or 3 gigs a week, varied gigs, all types of gigs etc will soon build up the experience.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I average about £590 for 5 hours.



Your averages seem to have gone up rather a lot Toby. I'm sure recently you were saying you were getting an average of about £400?

Based on your 3 gigs a week and an average of about £1800 a week, I would have thought you'd be hitting VAT registration soon? £7200 a month x 12 goes way over the threshold. Unless of course you are dreaming...

[yourdj]

Your averages seem to have gone up rather a lot Toby. I'm sure recently you were saying you were getting an average of about £400?

Based on your 3 gigs a week and an average of about £1800 a week, I would have thought you'd be hitting VAT registration soon? £7200 a month x 12 goes way over the threshold. Unless of course you are dreaming...

I do not know the official figure :p

Its only three on busy months occasionally four a week (which tbh is too much) and one/two a week on a quieter month like Jan.
Not that this is anyones business :rolleyes:

As per pricing - it Depends what day of the week it is and if they book extras (usually uplighting at £120 or mirror ball at £45) .

Mon-Thurs: 4 hours: £345 / 5 hours: £450 / All day (10 hours): £785
Fri & Sun: 4 hours: £445 / 5 hours: £500 / All day (10 hours): £885
Sat: 4 hours: £495 / 5 hours: £595 / All day (10 hours): £985

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Depends what day of the week it is and if they book extras (usually uplighting at £120) .
I do not know the official figure :p



No, so you are making it up then. How the hell can you say you get an average of £590 a gig and then say you don't know the exact figure?

If you are averaging that figure, you will need to register for VAT. If you are 'making it up' as I suspect you are, then I would stop putting your made up figures on the forum.

You're a nice bloke Toby, but you are talking out of your bottom.

[yourdj]

No, so you are making it up then. How the hell can you say you get an average of £590 a gig and then say you don't know the exact figure?

If you are averaging that figure, you will need to register for VAT. If you are 'making it up' as I suspect you are, then I would stop putting your made up figures on the forum.

You're a nice bloke Toby, but you are talking out of your bottom.

No I am not as i have four all day events a month (very quickly increasing that figure - but lets forget that) on average which
makes up for the lesser paid week gigs and quiet patches. Shall I go in to the 2-3 events on busy nights I sub out too then?

If it means that much to you I can give you my accountants phone number and you can talk
to him in the morning as I would rather discuss all day DJing which this post is all about and have a cup of tea. ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Toby, You say it's "Nobody's business" but you posted prices and told people your rates for each day. If you are going to do that then you have to be prepared to be questioned.

Also, remember that there are 'eyes and ears' everywhere so if you are doing what you're doing, someone somewhere is probably going to give you a call or knock on your door sometime soon if you know what I mean.

If it's all above board, good luck to you. You seem to be doing well.

[Pe7e]

I do not know the official figure :p



The current threshold is £77K p.a. which equates to slightly under £1481 weekly. The VAT man isn't known for his sense of humour.

[djtrev]

I wont get involved with the specifics of all the hourly/daily rates but I must question the charge of £45 for a mirror ball.

[funkymook]

I wont get involved with the specifics of all the hourly/daily rates but I must question the charge of £45 for a mirror ball.

Is it the amount or the principle you are questioning?

My view is that there's no rule that says if a DJ owns a mirror ball they have to use it at every gig - if it's offered as an extra and clients are willing to pay for it I don't see a problem, same as mood-lighting, they have a choice.

As for the amount - if people are regularly hiring it then it's been priced correctly.

[djtrev]

Both

[funkymook]

Both

I was expecting a bit more to be honest, not much point posting you don't like something without the reasoning behind it.

I don't charge for mine as that's my choice - but I have no problem if others do.

[djtrev]

Sorry,just answered the question but for what its worth.
I look at it the same way as I would a mic.Its not something I would put a price on,if I have one so I will take it and it enhances my presentation,although I grant you it isnt exactly part of your standard DJ kit.
Aside from the fact that they cost about £45/50 new (I think) I would consider the costing to be excessive.

[dehayco]

I wont get involved with the specifics of all the hourly/daily rates but I must question the charge of £45 for a mirror ball.

You may have a point if nobody hired it, however i think Toby uses it a fair bit so obviously his clients must feel its a good deal. At the end of a day Toby runs a buisness so if he can charge then why not?

[yourdj]

Sorry,just answered the question but for what its worth.
I look at it the same way as I would a mic.Its not something I would put a price on,if I have one so I will take it and it enhances my presentation,although I grant you it isnt exactly part of your standard DJ kit.
Aside from the fact that they cost about £45/50 new (I think) I would consider the costing to be excessive.

I suppose this is relevant to all day DJing to I will post. :p

It's 50cm and it takes about 15-20 mins to set up as a separate fixture. :)
£45 may be a big add on for some peoples clients but it's not a hell of a lots for mine
and the effect it gives off is more than worth it for the brides.

I am not charging for the cost of the fixture but the time it takes to set it up.
Do you think a florist will spend much on a few flowers? No - you pay for her expertise and time.

Give your client (or any of the guests for that matter) a mirror ball an atlas bracket and two lights and see how far they get :D

You can hardly compare that to having a mic which is a standard piece of kit
for a DJ and a decent set of wireless mics should be the main bit of kit for any all day DJ.




Can we focus on all day djing and stop having a go at me please.
Although i have said what I have as an example as I do lots of all days I am not
too happy having to publicly having my business ripped to shreds :(

[Corabar Entertainment]

Aside from the fact that they cost about £45/50 new (I think) I would consider the costing to be excessive.Not when you consider the ball (...and, of course, it depends on the size), the rotator, clamps, safety bonds, possibly specialised stand(s), leads, case(s), and, of course, the light(s) to light it with. Then, of course, the time to set-up / dismantle. (OK, that's not long, but if you're adding it as a 'extra' to the show, it's still extra time.)

Like Martin, we don't charge extra - it's purely a different style of set up for us, but, again like Martin, I don't see the problem if someone does.

For the record, whenever we've discussed a mirror ball with someone, they've ALWAYS asked "How much extra for that?" and have been very pleasantly surprised when we've said that it's included in the price.

[Charlie Brown]

Aside from the fact that they cost about £45/50 new (I think) I would consider the costing to be excessive.

It's called running a business. :)

[yourdj]

I must add that the mirror ball, uplighting and another optional extra is free for all day bookings.
Charlie is right - It is called running a business and that is called "dangling a carrot" :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

No I am not as i have four all day events a month (very quickly increasing that figure - but lets forget that) on average which
makes up for the lesser paid week gigs and quiet patches. Shall I go in to the 2-3 events on busy nights I sub out too then?

If it means that much to you I can give you my accountants phone number and you can talk
to him in the morning as I would rather discuss all day DJing which this post is all about and have a cup of tea. ;)

It doesn't 'mean so much to me'

I don't like inaccuracies and BS.

If you are averaging those sorts of figures then you should be VAT registered. You aren't, so either you need to be speaking to the VAT man or not posting figures on here which aren't accurate.



Can we focus on all day djing and stop having a go at me please.
Although i have said what I have as an example as I do lots of all days I am not
too happy having to publicly having my business ripped to shreds :(

Well don't post figures then if you don't know if they are true or not.

[Paul The Party Dj]

Good to see peace and love in the community.

In defence of Toby, he is good at what he does and he often puts stuff out there to try and help others only to be shot down because he's done it quickly from the heart and not prepared and checked his post. He delivers a service his clients like and are prepared to pay for.

I do mostly all-day weddings now. For me it started because I love music and adding a soundtrack to the whole day seemed like a good idea. Then I realised that I could act as a compere (master of ceremonies) because I could speak clearly and correctly and I also had the sound reinforcement from my PA which was playing the music. The joy I now get from doing my job is far greater than I ever achieved from rocking up at 7 and setting up during the room turnaround - I meet with all my clients at least twice, often three or four times, so I really understand who they are and what they want. Many of the elements that I get involved in are traditional but have been ignored and lost over recent years (receiving lines, introducing each speaker, organising a grand finale), my clients love it but it's not for every couple and obviously it's not for every DJ. If I can do 50 all-day weddings in a year I will make a very comfortable living. All-day weddings take a lot of work - I probably spend 60 hours on some including meetings, planning, and performance, but I absolutely love it

Peace and love :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Good to see peace and love in the community.

In defence of Toby, he is good at what he does and he often puts stuff out there to try and help others only to be shot down because he's done it quickly from the heart and not prepared and checked his post. He delivers a service his clients like and are prepared to pay for.



I don't doubt that Paul, but you cannot simply start bragging and putting up figures which aren't true or don't add up. I have no doubt he supplies a decent service and charges accordingly - I have no problem with that and welcome decent hard working operators that push the bar up further.

[Paul The Party Dj]

I don't doubt that Paul, but you cannot simply start bragging and putting up figures which aren't true or don't add up. I have no doubt he supplies a decent service and charges accordingly - I have no problem with that and welcome decent hard working operators that push the bar up further.

Very fair comment Darren, but I think we all know that one bad month in a year - or even taking 2 or 3 holidays in a year can bring the average down very quickly. The other thing I've found is that it often takes a while for the new fee's to really kick in as often we might be booking new clients at our new prices but we still have a lot of gigs to do which we took 12 to 18 months ago at a much cheaper rate.

Cheers peeps :beer1:

[funkymook]

Sorry,just answered the question but for what its worth.
I look at it the same way as I would a mic.Its not something I would put a price on,if I have one so I will take it and it enhances my presentation,although I grant you it isnt exactly part of your standard DJ kit.
Aside from the fact that they cost about £45/50 new (I think) I would consider the costing to be excessive.

Thank you, they're valid points and worth posting. I'm sure many think the same way (and up to a point I agree with you), I don't think there's a right or wrong here though - just differences in how we run our businesses. Some build those sort of extras into their pricing, others charge it as a separate item, one way or the other the client is still paying for it.

And getting back to all day weddings.

I keeping my pricing simple and quote one price for the evening and one price for all day. The only extras are for travel if it's further than 50 miles away.

For this they get suitable background music, ceremony music, use of mics for speeches. Sometimes I'll auto play the background, other times I'll DJ it live - it depends on the situation. I don't offer an MC service other than the usual announcements.

Most of my bookings tend to be for genres and styles that appear on the 'unplayable playlist' threads so mine is actually an easy sell as my clients are fussy about their music and bunging anything on for the background isn't an option for them. It's actually a great way of getting those brilliant but non-dancey tunes played throughout the day.

[djtrev]

Not when you consider the ball (...and, of course, it depends on the size), the rotator, clamps, safety bonds, possibly specialised stand(s), leads, case(s), and, of course, the light(s) to light it with. Then, of course, the time to set-up / dismantle. (OK, that's not long, but if you're adding it as a 'extra' to the show, it's still extra time.)

Like Martin, we don't charge extra - it's purely a different style of set up for us, but, again like Martin, I don't see the problem if someone does.

For the record, whenever we've discussed a mirror ball with someone, they've ALWAYS asked "How much extra for that?" and have been very pleasantly surprised when we've said that it's included in the price.

You give me all the reasons for charging for the service and then tell me you dont charge.I dont have a problem with that but it does appear to be a bit contradictory.


It's called running a business. :)

With all due respect Charlie coming from one of our 'successful' entrepreneurs that is a bit of a 'smart arse answer'.


I must add that the mirror ball, uplighting and another optional extra is free for all day bookings.
Charlie is right - It is called running a business and that is called "dangling a carrot" :D

Toby,I respect you for what you do and what you have achieved but please give me a little credit as I am well aware what the guys on here call 'business'.I make no secret of the fact that I question the pricing of DJs on this and other forums but I reserve the right to have an opinion and also the right to voice that opinion.What I also have an issue with is BS and people taking unneccessary advantage.

[Mark Wild]

I've never done and I'm not interested in doing all day weddings :)

[JAMdisco]

introducing each speaker

Ladies and gentleman, boys & girls, this is a RCF ART 322a and his name is Hale, and onto the next speaker....

Sorry, couldn't resist lol :D :p :coat:

[djtrev]

It's 50cm and it takes about 15-20 mins to set up as a separate fixture. :)
£45 may be a big add on for some peoples clients but it's not a hell of a lots for mine
and the effect it gives off is more than worth it for the brides.

I am not charging for the cost of the fixture but the time it takes to set it up.
Do you think a florist will spend much on a few flowers? No - you pay for her expertise and time.


(

Wrong answer Toby.Now that's part of what I call BS.

[dehayco]

Wrong answer Toby.Now that's part of what I call BS.

Why is it BS ? Toby is a business, if his clients pay extra then good on him. I seriously don't get what you don't understand. Different business work in different ways, theres no right or wrong.

[Corabar Entertainment]

You give me all the reasons for charging for the service and then tell me you dont charge.I dont have a problem with that but it does appear to be a bit contradictory.Contradictory? No, not at all. Please re-read as I was responding to a specific statement of yours claiming that you could BUY it for £45. I even quoted you to make it clear exactly what I was replying to!


Aside from the fact that they cost about £45/50 new (I think) I would consider the costing to be excessive.


Not when you consider the ball (...and, of course, it depends on the size), the rotator, clamps, safety bonds, possibly specialised stand(s), leads, case(s), and, of course, the light(s) to light it with. Then, of course, the time to set-up / dismantle. (OK, that's not long, but if you're adding it as a 'extra' to the show, it's still extra time.)

Clearer now? :)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'll get a round of 'Chill Pills' in for everybody.
I don't take a mirror ball with me, I don't own one as yet but seeing the effect they can have, I'll be getting one. If a customer asks if I have one, I will advise them that it is an extra so I will charge for it as it's not something I use all the time. Pretty much the same as Uplighting & Projection. I don't take that along to every gig and I charge extra for those so it seems the way to go for me anyway.

[djtrev]

Not when you consider the ball (...and, of course, it depends on the size), the rotator, clamps, safety bonds, possibly specialised stand(s), leads, case(s), and, of course, the light(s) to light it with. Then, of course, the time to set-up / dismantle. (OK, that's not long, but if you're adding it as a 'extra' to the show, it's still extra time.)



For the record, whenever we've discussed a mirror ball with someone, they've ALWAYS asked "How much extra for that?" and have been very pleasantly surprised when we've said that it's included in the price.






It's 50cm and it takes about 15-20 mins to set up as a separate fixture. :)
£45 may be a big add on for some peoples clients but it's not a hell of a lots for mine
and the effect it gives off is more than worth it for the brides.

I am not charging for the cost of the fixture but the time it takes to set it up.
Do you think a florist will spend much on a few flowers? No - you pay for her expertise and time.



Can we focus on all day djing and stop having a go at me please.
Although i have said what I have as an example as I do lots of all days I am not
too happy having to publicly having my business ripped to shreds :(

So on the one hand Angela equates the cost to include all fixtures and fittings and a little time to set up and Toby just takes forever to set it up.
Isnt it strange how costings are made.

[funkymook]

So on the one hand Angela equates the cost to include all fixtures and fittings and a little time to set up and Toby just takes forever to set it up.
Isnt it strange how costings are made.

I'd say 20 minutes is about right with using the atlas bracket and positioning the lights - that's hardly forever.

And I've no doubt Toby has taken fittings and fixtures into account (so cost of stand, atlas bracket, lights etc).

So your initial you can buy one for £45 doesn't take into account the extra equipment required - so now it's looking more like £120+ to do it properly.

We get that you don't like the idea of charging for this but you're now going off topic - please start a new thread if you want to discuss the hire rate against the buying costs of equipment - it's a very interesting topic and deserves a thread of it's own.

So please

:ontopic:

[djtrev]

No need for chill pills Shaker.
Its a discussion forum and no one is getting angry,just putting forward a point of view,albeit a seemingly negative one.lol
If you were to buy a Wizard or Acrobat to compliment the rest of your lights would you suddenly decide to charge for that?
As I said earlier I would consider the addition of a mirrorball to my lighting to be something to compliment the presentation of my rig.
I have to say that I am not that enthusiastic about the effect it gives.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Djtrev, If I were to buy another light to compliment the others, No, I wouldn't charge extra for it because it's improving the overall set up.
Something I don't take along to gigs that has been requested is in my opinion an 'extra' and I charge accordingly for 'extras'.

However (with a capital 'H')....If someone was undecided on (for example) Uplighting or a Dance Floor and they were looking for a deal to be made, I MAY add an 'extra' at a discounted rate or possibly free of charge.

The 'Chill Pills' comment was purely in jest by the way.
What I find interesting about this thread is that some people seem to think that charging for extras and additional services is kind of out of order? I see it (and I'll say it again) as maximising your earning potential. It's already been commented that we are (the majority anyway) trading as businesses. I may not be the best business man in the world but I know not to give stuff away for free all of the time and will charge where I feel I need to.

It seems like (and apologies if I am wrong but it's just an observation), that MAYBE some of the people who are either against charging or whatever MAY BE slightly narked because they haven't done it as yet and are missing a trick. Now, I have one foot in that camp when it comes to All Day Weddings (which this thread is about really), because I have never advertised or promoted myself as being up for doing them. I will have a re-think about that side of things.

This thread has helped me in that way because it made me realise that I haven't gone down the All Day Weddings road. I have failed to even think about that side of things so thanks.

[Corabar Entertainment]

So on the one hand Angela equates the cost to include all fixtures and fittings and a little time to set up and Toby just takes forever to set it up.
Isnt it strange how costings are made.Oh dear Lord..... Am I really being that obscure today?

For the last time, I was not commenting on how to charge, what to charge, whether or not you should charge.

I was merely pointing out the error of your comment that you could buy it for £45.

[Jonathan Ford]

I've never done and I'm not interested in doing all day weddings :)

I've done one, last year. I don't advertise for them....but I'll do virtually anything for money so wouldn't rule it out.

With regard to the mirror ball discussion, I absolutely agree with Toby. If it's an add-on to his standard show then it's absolutely right that he charges for it...and if he's getting plenty of takers then stick an extra £10 on the price I say. Afterall, isn't our raison d'être to extract as much money from each client that we possibly can?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Afterall, isn't our raison d'être to extract as much money from each client that we possibly can?No (well it certainly isn't mine). Mine is to receive fair pay for the work done.

[djtrev]

Having been asked by Funkymook to keep on topic,I will try to join in and put my opinions forward as from a part time hobbyist.(albeit effectively retired)
I have never considered DJ'ing as a business because it seems to me in order to achieve a level of a acceptable standard of living I would have to charge a rate that I was not comfortable with given the service that I perceived I supplied,so I accepted that I had a fair paying day job and the DJing would be set at a fee that would not only be worthwhile to me but just as important that it would be set at a figure I was comfortable to offer it to clients.
This difference of attitudes to fees between full time and part time DJs is the fundemental reason why it is difficult to appreciate the viewpoint of each camp.
If I had an enquiry for a wedding the fee would be for me and my rig at what would be my worthwhile/comfortable figure.
In effect I am offering myself to the client for that day.If they then ask for early set up(which is more often than not an advantage to me ) and background music or any service that I can supply.

[yourdj]

Toby.Now that's part of what I call BS.

Yes a brilliant service (BS) ;) Thank you :p



With regard to the mirror ball discussion, I absolutely agree with Toby.

There is one person in the world then :)
I sometimes would rather not have it as i know the set up is tight anyway so an extra 20 mins to set it up is often not an option.
Loads of DJ's charge around this price for a 50cm mirror ball on an atlas bracket so I am not sure what the fuss is about really :)



Peace and love :)

No chance - must be the weather and the fact that its a busy period or something. :)
As paul said I am not willy waving but someone asked what I charged and I gave my prices. Simple as that.

These are based on this year by the way so when the accounts come through I will most probably have to be VAT registered.
It was on the brink last year and I am much busier this year. :)

Thats the last comment I will make on this matter as its rather boring :o

[djtrev]

No (well it certainly isn't mine). Mine is to receive fair pay for the work done.

100% agree with Angela on this one.We probably dont agree on what constitutes fair pay though.
Unfortunately Jonathan and I might be reading too much into this but sometimes reading between the lines I get the impression that some people take advantage of a situation and look on it sometimes as a cash cow

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

These are based on this year by the way so when the accounts come through I will most probably have to be VAT registered.
It was on the brink last year and I am much busier this year. :)



In which case, you should have already registered. Your accountant should have advised you to register if you were 'on the brink' last year.

[djtrev]

Yes a brilliant service (BS) ;) Thank you :p



There is one person in the world then :)
I sometimes would rather not have it as i know the set up is tight anyway so an extra 20 mins to set it up is often not an option.
Loads of DJ's charge around this price for a 50cm mirror ball on an atlas bracket so I am not sure what the fuss is about really :)



No chance - must be the weather and the fact that its a busy period or something. :)
As paul said I am not willy waving but someone asked what I charged and I gave my prices. Simple as that.

These are based on this year by the way so when the accounts come through I will most probably have to be VAT registered.
It was on the brink last year and I am much busier this year. :)

Thats the last comment I will make on this matter as its rather boring :o

Oh come on Toby be a big boy and play nicely.

[sweetie]

Oh come on Trev you are rather mature to be trolling

[theoloyla]

I have done lots over the years. Like others I dont specifically advertize for them. I generally price myself for an evening and reckon on not starting before 7 or finishing after 12. So if an early set up for a wedding is required and background music, use of mike for speeches etc then I will charge extra.

[ukpartydj]

[I]

Those are 2 examples of why I don't do pre-booking meetings. I don't have a problem meeting people that have booked me as I factor that in to the price. The price includes a pre-function meeting. If it's quite a journey away, I will arrange to meet them at their venue or somewhere central to both of us.



Thanks for sharing that, I've had similar experiences actually although I've only done 2 meetings before neither have booked. Really helpful stuff from both you and Toby.

Regarding the "am I worth it" comment ... I'll be honest currently I don't believe I am - however I guess if I push the prices up a bit and I still get great feedback that's how I will determine my worth. I'd currently value myself at £250 for a 4.5 hour wedding with standard equipment. and £350 for all day which now I think about it is quite a discount on double the time!

[djtrev]

Oh come on Trev you are rather mature to be trolling

Actually Sweetie,it did occur to me that I might be considered to be trolling*,so if thats the case I best retire from this thread.



* I am not sure that I really know what trolling is.

[yourdj]

So your initial you can buy one for £45 doesn't take into account the extra equipment required - so now it's looking more like £120+ to do it properly.
:

From memory the ball was about £40 which was cheap, the atlas was £70, the speaker stand to hold it £25 - and the lights were £30. i am looking at getting a bag (which seems non aquirable at 50cm) for about £30-40 - so more like £200.


In which case, you should have already registered. Your accountant should have advised you to register if you were 'on the brink' last year.

Will look into that. Thanks for bringing it too my attention. :)


Regarding the "am I worth it" comment ... I'll be honest currently I don't believe I am - however I guess if I push the prices up a bit and I still get great feedback that's how I will determine my worth.

Price is what you think you are worth I think so charge what you are comfortable with. :) At the end of the day we are not running a charity and as long as you provide a professional service the client is happy paying for and its not a rip off then great.

Reaching out to the right market is key as a stnd social club wedding couple will have completely different views on what they want to / or can spend as opposed to a stately home wedding costing £30,000 just for the venue hire. Not always the case as people will segregate different budgets to different things they feel are more important. Some brides think chair covers, a dress and a cake are worth £2000 and the DJ £200 and other brides the opposite. ;)

Others will spend £50 on a set of speakers - ipod it and then spend £5000 travelling round the world :D

[funkymook]

Actually Sweetie,it did occur to me that I might be considered to be trolling*,so if thats the case I best retire from this thread.

* I am not sure that I really know what trolling is.

Grumpy and cantankerous rather than a troll I'd say :D

No need to retire from the thread - you do/have done all days weddings so taking the price factor out of it (and we all charge different rates) I don't see why your experiences aren't just as valid as anyone else's in regards to everything else involved.

[yourdj]

* I am not sure that I really know what trolling is.

This is a typical Troll in his native habitat:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvhBcdQ4oMA/TzQlSOSsFNI/AAAAAAAAACY/B78ICQCg3GE/s1600/troll.jpg

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Could someone provide some links to how I would go about setting up this mirror ball addition?
Cheers.

[yourdj]

Could someone provide some links to how I would go about setting up this mirror ball addition?
Cheers.

As normal i have a video on it to how clients :p

SORRY,

(I forgot the cost of the motor/extension cable in the £200 price - so make it £210-230) :)

MIRRORBALL - BARTLEY LODGE - wedding DJ Master of Ceremonies - The New Forest - YouTube

[Jonathan Ford]

No (well it certainly isn't mine). Mine is to receive fair pay for the work done.

Having just seen a video of Toby singing to Mrs Toby in his pants....I've mellowed. To qualify my earlier statement, I mean that I want to make as much money as possible from each client, within the context of being able to justify my rate. And this comes from the guy that advises clients against booking extras if I don't think they add value.

[djtrev]

Grumpy and cantankerous rather than a troll I'd say :D

No need to retire from the thread - you do/have done all days weddings so taking the price factor out of it (and we all charge different rates) I don't see why your experiences aren't just as valid as anyone else's in regards to everything else involved.

Yes I think that would be a fair description.Troll doesnt sound nice.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Troll doesnt sound nice.It's not meant to.....


.....cos it isn't! :D

[djtrev]

As normal i have a video on it to how clients :p

SORRY,

(I forgot the cost of the motor/extension cable in the £200 price - so make it £210-230) :)

MIRRORBALL - BARTLEY LODGE - wedding DJ Master of Ceremonies - The New Forest - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvlBN43XcnA)

So am I wrong in assuming that the profit from an all dayer would more than likely cover the cost of that.
Read nothing else into that other than the question asked.
Of course if you find the question to intrusive on your business I will understand but I would genuinely like to know.

[yourdj]

Having just seen a video of Toby singing to Mrs Toby in his pants....I've mellowed. And this comes from the guy that advises clients against booking extras if I don't think they add value.

Sorry about the pants video. :p

Good to not sell anything really - just suggest and they make up their own minds as you say.
Sometimes people say "I would love to have the uplighting for £x" and the venue is just not suitable (for example the video I posted above (oak paneling)) or perhaps the turn around time is not enough in the old day when i needed wires (all battery and wireless DMX pars now which is well handy). :)

[yourdj]

Its the service you provide that is most important and not the equipment.

I have lost count of the conversations with people at shows and online who cannot
get that as they are still stuck in the roadshow days where kit is king.

It's a different world now with modern media assisting clients purchasing and super cheap kit and better marketing advantages its tough to keep up.

The all day DJ (and perhaps MC) is a newish concept so to speak, so if its for you then great.
It is most rewarding from my experience and it makes the evenings a complete doddle.

If your an evening DJ then great too as with any industry there is always space in the market for any kind of operator. :)