Weddings - All Day Packages

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Hi all,

Something I have never actively promoted or pushed is an all day package for Weddings.
I know Toby and a number of you do this.
Do you get asked if it's something that you can do or do you try and sell it to the customer.
I'm not looking for pricing or what an all day package includes because I have a good idea about that already.
I'd just like to know how you go about selling to the customer if it's something that they have not enquired about.
As I said, I don't get that many enquiries for all day packages but maybe it's something that I should look into?

Cheers
G

[Jonathan Ford]

I don't "sell" anything particularly hard, but I do mention it in most initial replies to enquiries - no more than one line saying that we can do it. My hope is that if it's something they've considered, the line will pique their interest and they'll come to me.

Though I offer it, it's not something I enjoy. I've found the majority of venues I've done these services at would much rather do the MC bit themselves. If I stick a playlist on during the day, I feel like I'm not doing enough to justify my fee, and if I DJ the background music live, I feel like a proper :Censored::Censored::Censored: stood there on my own while they eat. Frankly, I'd much rather rock up an hour before the reception and crack on....

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Thanks mate.
I kind of feel the same but I am always looking to maximise potential earnings and it's something that I will possibly mention I can do to test the water.

[Spirits High]

It is something I offer and has it's own page on both the DJ websites.

I find that some clients do search for it via google etc but mainly it's when an enquiry comes in for a marquee or the timings are longer than the norm I let them know that it's available in the initial contact.

[yourdj]

Hi all,

Something I have never actively promoted or pushed is an all day package for Weddings.
I know Toby and a number of you do this.
Do you get asked if it's something that you can do or do you try and sell it to the customer.
I'm not looking for pricing or what an all day package includes because I have a good idea about that already.
I'd just like to know how you go about selling to the customer if it's something that they have not enquired about.
As I said, I don't get that many enquiries for all day packages but maybe it's something that I should look into?

Cheers
G

Hi :) generally clients know about the options before they make the enquiry,
but its usually a budget thing or just down to the fact that they don't need it.

If your not the sort of guy that likes to get up and do speeches then you can always just provide sound and lighting.
I don't actually charge that much more for being an MC as its more my time at the venue.

Normally they are most interested in the Ceremony music as no bride wants to be embarrassed by no music or something.
They then see the benefits of having a dedicated professional for certain things and its not that much more than the evening.
all day bookings have shot up last year probably (and a complete guess) to about 20% and are already more popular this year.

I generally let them book the evening and make their minds up but far more people are going straight in for the all day option which is excellent.

It does help having a residency when they get the evening with the package and pay a bit extra for all day - so it does not seem as much :)

Good luck.

[PureWeddingDJs]

I do alot of all dayers, I cant do anything else that day, so may as well earn some extra money.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

It's funny actually, today I have had 2 enquiries for weddings and I've pushed the all day wedding thing and got a "We'll have a think about it" reply.
I guess the all day package would work more for couples that are getting married early?

[musicologydisco]

"All day" for me is sometimes 2pm but more usually 3pm or 4pm start for background music and mics for speeches then disco later. I separate music for ceremony charge as very few, I have found, actually require this. Also allows more options for the customer.

[DerekPen]

Generally "brides don't know what they don't know"
So they have no idea what a "DJ" can offer to enhance their wedding day celebrations.

Unfortunately they don't understand what happens when a venue says they will play a CD or I-Pod for the ceremony music.

They have no idea as to the lack of emotion and dynamics in the room when they accept The Duty Manager as their MC

This means only you can advise and educate them, however the only way you can do this is by meeting with them and asking them about their existing plans.

I would suggest you listen attentively and make notes and then show / demonstrate HOW you would do things DIFFERENTLY.

If you demonstrate that your ideas will enhance the occassion and help create "Spotlight" moments then you have a good chance of hosting the event and creating a memorable wedding reception.

Most importantly brides tend to book the all day package because the know, like and trust you.
Peace of mind is something brides value highly.

It's not easy to do, but it can be very worthwhile in more ways than one.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I don't hard sell it but I've had a few recent enquiries about this. I'm actually working on one just now for 2015 :)

As someone said, on any given gig day, I can't really do anything (or want to do anything beforehand) so you might as well go for it.

I suppose you need to convince the people that it's worth paying a considerable amount more so you have to sell yourself since any clown with an iPod can do ceremony music and background music during a meal.

[DerekPen]

I don't hard sell it but I've had a few recent enquiries about this. I'm actually working on one just now for 2015 :)

As someone said, on any given gig day, I can't really do anything (or want to do anything beforehand) so you might as well go for it.

I suppose you need to convince the people that it's worth paying a considerable amount more so you have to sell yourself since any clown with an iPod can do ceremony music and background music during a meal.

I wouldn't say they would be "paying a considerable amount more". If the bride looks at the costs of hiring a sax player or string quartet and maybe a Toastmaster then your fee will be very competitive especially as you can do so much more for them.

The DJs who attended my recent wedding specialist workshop in Glasgow quickly realised that they have a great opportunity to earn good money while delivering exeptional entertainment.

[funkymook]

I suppose you need to convince the people that it's worth paying a considerable amount more so you have to sell yourself since any clown with an iPod can do ceremony music and background music during a meal.

And they'll be playing that through what system? And taking the time to compile a bespoke playlist or just letting anyone's iPod loose on shuffle

It's not a difficult sell really.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I agree. I had a meeting a couple of days ago and the Wedding Co-ordinator was there. She was very nice actually but it seemed pretty obvious that they wanted to keep everything in-house.
The background music thing came up during the conversation and I asked if they had a small P.A. on site for this. I was told that the venue used an I-Pod docking station with speakers as it was loud enough. The Bride & Groom turned to me and asked me for ideas and I was about to tell them that for the number of guests they had during the day, the I-Pod idea was adequate but the Wedding Co-ordinator jumped in and spoke over me (which I wasn't impressed with) advising them that it would be an extra cost if I had to supply an additional P.A. System (which was true). The good thing though was that the Bride & Groom knew exactly what they wanted and told the Wedding Co-ordinator that they wanted everything to be perfect and if it meant an additional cost then so be it. I told them that as long as they worked together and created a playlist of the background music that they wanted to hear, the I-Pod idea would be fine for them and they took my advice on board.

Maybe I talked myself out of an additional fee on this occasion but I am not out to fleece people and provide something when it's not really worth it.

[funkymook]

Generally "brides don't know what they don't know"
So they have no idea what a "DJ" can offer to enhance their wedding day celebrations.

Unfortunately they don't understand what happens when a venue says they will play a CD or I-Pod for the ceremony music.
.

I've got a marvellous example of this.

My clients hadn't booked me for all day as there was no room for me to set-up. But I had created a special mix CD for their ceremony music.

Two nights before I delivered the music to the venue and asked to double check it would play OK on their system - they pulled out a battered, paint splattered portable CD player which when I tested it was also broken and made any CD skip like mad.

They then started asking all the staff if anyone had a spare player! An hour later they still hadn't found one and I decided not to wait around.

On the day itself I arrived early as I really didn't trust them to have sorted it out, and they hadn't! They had found a replacement player which probably cost about £15.

So I quickly set-up a speaker at the back of he ceremony room and did it myself. The entrance music was a very powerful piece that would've been completely lacklustre on their player - it sounded fantastic through mine!

Now I think I got the hotel out of a disaster as I doubt they were going check they're broken player before the day, but the duty manager decided to take it as me interfering and gave me real attitude the rest of the day (so much so I made an official complaint about him).

Speaking to my clients afterwards they told me ceremony music was part of the Hotels wedding package and they couldn't believe what had happened (they also made a complaint about the service).

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

And they'll be playing that through what system? And taking the time to compile a bespoke playlist or just letting anyone's iPod loose on shuffle

It's not a difficult sell really.



Most decent venues will provide a small PA for the ceremony and can just as easily offer it to play background music for the dinner and drinks reception...

I meant you had to sell it in the sense that a lot of couples baulk at DJs asking fairly standard, reasonable prices charged to provide evening wedding entertainment so getting them to nearly double that even if it does mean the music for their full day can run flawlessly could be an issue.

Did you receive or charge extra for running sound for that venue and basically providing the full days entertainment after all?

The one's I've secured, the couples have been the one who have asked for it first. I'll maybe start mentioning I can do the whole day and see what the uptake on that is.

[funkymook]

Most decent venues will provide a small PA for the ceremony and can just as easily offer it to play background music for the dinner and drinks reception...

I meant you had to sell it in the sense that a lot of couples baulk at DJs asking fairly standard, reasonable prices charged to provide evening wedding entertainment so getting them to nearly double that even if it does mean the music for their full day can run flawlessly could be an issue.

Did you receive or charge extra for running sound for that venue and basically providing the full days entertainment after all?

The one's I've secured, the couples have been the one who have asked for it first. I'll maybe start mentioning I can do the whole day and see what the uptake on that is.

In-house systems is something I double check at my venue visits, I don't take anything for granted now.

The couples who baulk at my evening fee don't book me anyway. Those that do book me are usually very open to early set-ups, bespoke music, use of mic etc.

I don't double the evening fee, it still has to be an attractive value for money package to the client - I'd rather convert more to my all day service than price it out of reach (it's still a decent amount though).

I didn't charge on that occasion as it was my choice to arrive early (though there was a charge for doing the ceremony mix as that took me some time) - but I was handsome tipped!

The selling of the service is all about how you present it - I believe I offer an excellent package with many benefits to the clients (and to me). If you think it's a lot of money for a bit of background music then you probably haven't fully explored what it can add to the day.

[Excalibur]

Sometimes it's worth doing what is in effect an "All Day" package, for instance if you've set the kit up early for access reasons. ( And it's just so much nicer to have all the kit in ready to go before the guests arrive. ) It's not too taxing to stay with the kit and play some nice relaked/relaxing music. If you can increase your fee, or at worst secure a booking, then it's worthwhile.

[yourdj]

Generally "brides don't know what they don't know"

Is this your catch prase now then Derek?
You should stick this on your website.

“He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool...shun him.

He who knows not and knows that he knows not is willing...teach him.

He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep...awaken him.

He who knows and knows that he knows is wise...follow him.”

Its an old ancient chinese proverb. :)

A Sax player in Spain last night kept saying "oh yer" - the whole bar was saying it by the end of the set.
He then said "Oh No" which was quite funny.

[DerekPen]

I agree. I had a meeting a couple of days ago and the Wedding Co-ordinator was there. She was very nice actually but it seemed pretty obvious that they wanted to keep everything in-house.
The background music thing came up during the conversation and I asked if they had a small P.A. on site for this. I was told that the venue used an I-Pod docking station with speakers as it was loud enough. The Bride & Groom turned to me and asked me for ideas and I was about to tell them that for the number of guests they had during the day, the I-Pod idea was adequate but the Wedding Co-ordinator jumped in and spoke over me (which I wasn't impressed with) advising them that it would be an extra cost if I had to supply an additional P.A. System (which was true). The good thing though was that the Bride & Groom knew exactly what they wanted and told the Wedding Co-ordinator that they wanted everything to be perfect and if it meant an additional cost then so be it. I told them that as long as they worked together and created a playlist of the background music that they wanted to hear, the I-Pod idea would be fine for them and they took my advice on board.

Maybe I talked myself out of an additional fee on this occasion but I am not out to fleece people and provide something when it's not really worth it.

This is typical as to the way venues and "planners" treat brides - it is a joke!
Problem is they have no idea how inadequate their services are. mainly because they don't know any better.
Who are they to tell a bride what she should or should not spend money on.
As DJs we know that music should be dynamic and in order to be played IN PUBLIC to maximum effect it needs to be played through a mixer. The DJ can alter the sound levels so that the music is delivered to the audience in the way it was intended.

[Jonny Boy]

Generally "brides don't know what they don't know"
I would suggest you listen attentively and make notes and then show / demonstrate HOW you would do things DIFFERENTLY.


Wise advice there Mr P. Although I've found sometimes they don't even know what they want and have nothing much to ask/say. Hence I've had to lead the discussion and 'walk' them through the day.
Feels wrong to be doing most of the talking, but I suppose it does demonstrate range of knowledge/expertise.

(If/when you can actually pin them down to a consultation/ballpark costs don't send them running!)


If you demonstrate that your ideas will enhance the occassion and help create "Spotlight" moments then you have a good chance of hosting the event and creating a memorable wedding reception.

I like the phrase "Spotlight moments"...until now I've been using "keystone moments" ...since IMHO getting these small pieces of the event (day/night/both) 'right' are a basis on which the WHOLE event just succeeds or actually excels.
I might nick "spotlight" from you tho, if thats OK?!

;-) :-P

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I'm going to add an "All Day Package" to my extras section on the website and see if that has any impact on people asking for it.

I was discussing this with my brother who plays in a wedding band that has just started pushing for background music stints earlier in the day too. We both came to the conclusion that a lot of wedding clients might not even realise DJs and bands are prepared to offer this service. Especially if venues are discouraging them in place of some scabby ghetto blaster. :)

I suppose it's how the package is put to the client. If you can show them that you're providing more than just background music for example as you said Derek, we can control the atmosphere and the dynamics of the whole day just like we do with the evening gigs.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I timed this thread spot on.....guess what?
I've got my first all day package for next year.
It's quite funny actually as it's via a friend of a friend. They had the thought of an afternoon Karaoke session in their minds and although I try not to do them that much (saying that, I have one this Saturday), I wasn't going to put them off. Then, during the conversation we got on to the subject of horse racing. I don't know how we ended up talking about them, I think it may have been the Groom that mentioned that his Dad had a horse in training?
Anyway, I asked them if they had ever been to a Race Night and they said Yes and they also said they'd loved it so I sold an Afternoon Race Day to them. I told them that there are loads of possibilities for table names if they wanted to base the theme of the wedding around it etc but that's a long way off.
Happy with that.

[PureWeddingDJs]

Nice one.

[STEVE HANLEY]

We've only ever done one full day package and it was enjoyable, but hard graft as well. We to set up 3 different types of rigs in various parts of the building. One upstairs to provide ceremony music. Another in a different part of the building to provide music for the drinks reception. Then main rig where the wedding breakfast and main evening disco was being held. Also provided radio mics for speeches during the breakfast. We were on site from 10am on the Saturday and finally drove out of the car park to go home at 1.30am on the Sunday.

Would I do it again? Definately.:beer1::beer1:

[DerekPen]

Just a note to advise you to check out the sponsored / advertising - workshops section of this forum.

The workshops in Reading, Bolton, Leeds and Glasgow will be my last regional workshops.
I've decided I can no longer devote the time and travel it takes to hold these events.

However I'll still probably do one to coincide with the BPM show In Birmingham once a year.

So this may be your last chance to take part in one a little more local to where you live.