Roller Banners at a wedding - Tacky or tactical?

[DJIanScott]

I was helping a fellow DJ pack down last weekend as my gig had an earlier finish, so whilst waiting for him to play his last tune I wandered into an adjacent function room to be nosey....check out the kit being used and the tunes being played.
The DJ wasn't a 'known' face so I stood back and observed the final ten minutes of his set. He was clearly struggling with a miserable non-cooperative audience, and some of his microphone work was a bit amateur, but that wasn't the part that let him down the most.....as either side of his small set-up he had two 7' roller banners with his mobile disco business name and contact details emblazoned upon them (poorly designed too...but I do a bit of graphics work so I'm a bit picky!)

Now I realise that these banners are excellent promotional tools for wedding fayres and trade shows, and maybe even to leave in the lobby of a venue in which you're a regular....but at a wedding reception? To me it seems tacky to advertise in such a crude way on someone's wedding day...the banners were highlighted even more by the use of an LED uplighter on each one.......it kind of reminded me of the dark old days of the early 80's where mobile jocks would have a perspex screen in front of their table with their name signwritten in sticky letters!

Does anyone here agree with me or am I on my own?! I'd love to hear your comments

[BeerFunk]

Absolutely agreed. At a push, a discreet smallish logo or banner, but a full blown banner just looks awful. In my opinion, it sends out a message that you're not 100% committed and focused on the wedding, if you're plugging for work in that way.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I totally agree if it's emblazoned with contact details and is obviously trying to sell yourself to other clients. It's akin to sticking flyers down on the table.

Sell yourself with your performance, not some cheap plastic banners.

The 2 examples I've seen which are somewhat acceptable are from bands I know.

One got a large fabric backdrop (kind of like the one bands hang at festivals) with nothing but their name / logo on it. It ooks pretty fly and it punts them covertly in that everyone will know their name and it only takes a bit of googling to find out more if you're interested. I don't think this would work with DJs though as it is a very band centric thing.

Another band I know have 2 rollers which are pretty cool in that they're designed to look like Marshall stacks with the band name instead of the Marshall logo on it. They kind of merge into the look of their set up though if someone wants to have a closer look, they can find all the details they need on it.

Very obvious "THIS IS WHO I AM, THIS IS HOW YOU CONTACT ME TO BOOK" type banners are not only an eyesore but totally inappropriate. If someone did it at my wedding (heaven forbid that ever happens) I'd tell them to get it down.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sorry Callum, but while I agree that it looks awful, I think your statement about not being 100% focused and committed on the current job to be nonsense.

You have a banner that stands there that doesn't require your focus or attention . How does that mean you aren't focused or committed? :confused:

I actually had the name of my company on the front of my stand for years and years and it did very well advertising my business and only once whilst working for an agent was I asked to cover it over. Of course this was a while ago...

[Excalibur]

it kind of reminded me of the dark old days of the early 80's where mobile jocks would have a perspex screen in front of their table with their name signwritten in sticky letters!
Harrumph!! :eek: Do you mind? Mine was laser printed sticky backed plastic, if you don't mind!! ( Mind you, the previous one was indeed sticky letters. :o:o )


Does anyone here agree with me or am I on my own?!

Now, I think you're in the majority. Years ago, you'd have been the lone voice in the wilderness. Times change. ( Doesn't mean It's guaranteed to be for the better though. :D )


I'd love to hear your comments
Be careful what you wish for. It may come true. :D

[BeerFunk]

Sorry Callum, but while I agree that it looks awful, I think your statement about not being 100% focused and committed on the current job to be nonsense.

You have a banner that stands there that doesn't require your focus or attention . How does that mean you aren't focused or committed? :confused:I think I could have worded it a bit better! :)

What I meant was that you've been booked and paid to provide a service and a show for your client, but at the same you're actively advertising yourself to your client's audience.

OK, you could argue that the banner advert is passive and it doesn't affect your ability to do the job, which is true. But then, it's almost like an invitation to everyone in the room to make enquiries or discuss business - and it's not on your time, it's on your client's time.

[funkymook]

I think I could have worded it a bit better! :)

What I meant was that you've been booked and paid to provide a service and a show for your client, but at the same you're actively advertising yourself to your client's audience.

OK, you could argue that the banner advert is passive and it doesn't affect your ability to do the job, which is true. But then, it's almost like an invitation to everyone in the room to make enquiries or discuss business - and it's not on your time, it's on your client's time.

I wouldn't do it - but if the DJ in question gets bookings from it I doubt he or his clients give a damn what we think.

[BeerFunk]

I wouldn't do it - but if the DJ in question gets bookings from it I doubt he or his clients give a damn what we think.
You're right, there are different markets for everyone, so no right or wrong answers here.

[ukpartydj]

I think it depends on the level your pitching at.

If you're getting paid £500 for a classy looking setup and DJ then I'd be a little annoyed. If it's £200 then I can't see the big problem.
Either way it should be included in your contract or explained to the client that such advertising will be put in place.

I would hope that any DJ who plans to advertise using roller banners takes a picture of his setup with the roller banners for the client to see before they book.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Jesus, are we really talking about a roll up banner or sign?

Putting it in your contract? Really? :rolleyes:

[DazzyD]

...it kind of reminded me of the dark old days of the early 80's where mobile jocks would have a perspex screen in front of their table with their name signwritten in sticky letters!

...


Yes. The dark old days when people had money to spend, it wasn't vastly cheaper to drink in the house and the venues were rammed to the rafters with punters out for a good party. You only had to play one song to get a full dancefloor as everyone was up for partying the night away. I mean, compare that to the bright lights of today when people are staying in as it's far cheaper to drink in the house watching reality TV and those that do venture out are seldom up for a good party but rather just there for the buffet - because it's free.

Am I being a bit too cynical? Maybe but, as Peter said, times change but is it really for the best? :zip:

As for the OP comments about the advertising. My personal opinion is that it's not a good thing when the advertising medium is used as part of the actual setup. I've no problems with advertising elsewhere in the room or even off to the side of the stage but to use two roller banners as pillars each side of the rig then that would be too much for me.

[ukpartydj]

Jesus, are we really talking about a roll up banner or sign?

Putting it in your contract? Really? :rolleyes:

I think it's the easiest way of telling your client that you'll be setting up advertisements along with your disco equipment as I personally wouldn't expect roll up banners if I booked a disco much the same as I wouldn't expect to find a business card from the florist on the table arrangements.
If it's built into your stand or whatever then that's not much different from RCF sticking badges on their speakers so I can't see a problem with that personally as long as it's unobtrusive.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I personally don't like the idea of having these roller banner things at Weddings or whatever booking it is.
If people want to get your details then they will ask for them.
Ok, it's a bit different when it's used for Wedding Fayres.
I just don't like it personally. I'm not having a go at those that use them, if it works for you and your customers don't mind you using them then that's up to you (has anyone ever asked if it's ok to use them or do you just take it for granted that it will be ok?).

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think it's the easiest way of telling your client that you'll be setting up advertisements along with your disco equipment as I personally wouldn't expect roll up banners if I booked a disco much the same as I wouldn't expect to find a business card from the florist on the table arrangements.


Not a great analogy really. Flowers are visual. People don't book at a disco to look at it.

[funkymook]

If it's built into your stand or whatever then that's not much different from RCF sticking badges on their speakers so I can't see a problem with that personally as long as it's unobtrusive.

That sort of defeats the object...

[ukpartydj]

Not a great analogy really. Flowers are visual. People don't book at a disco to look at it.

Hmmm... I see your point but everything is visual even if that isn't it's main purpose.
I personally see a business card at the bottom of a table's focal point being the same as a lifesize roller banner next to the dancefloors focal point.

All this being said I don't think people are wrong to turn up with banners, I would feel a bit naughty doing it without asking though.


That sort of defeats the object...

Depends, for the price bracket Budget - Average I'd say obtrusive adverts may aid you (I use a few obtrusive items on my website to encourage enquiries).
Premium items and services of which many wedding DJ's fall into generally opt for a subtle advert as you're not grabbing the customer they are "invited" to learn more about your business rather than have it shoved in their face.

[BeerFunk]

The interesting thing here is the division of opinion. It's likely that that the same division of opinion will occur amongst your clients - some won't care in the slightest, and some might be a little annoyed that you're actively selling your services at their function.

I guess the key is - do you ask permission first?


Not a great analogy really. Flowers are visual. People don't book at a disco to look at it.It's not the main reason for booking, no.

But then, if you're not bothered about what it looks like, then why bother splashing out on a nice starcloth? Why bother using DMX to create subtle lighting effects for weddings? Why bother tidying up your loose cables?

Here's another anology for you (sorry!)...

Many online services, such as video streaming, are available for free but are subsidised by advertising. If you pay for the premium service, you don't get adverts.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Tacky.

Do a good job, make people want to get your details then just give them a card. Selling has already been done. Sticking a roller banner up and having it someones first dance shot is just poor form IMO.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It's not the main reason for booking, no.

But then, if you're not bothered about what it looks like, then why bother splashing out on a nice starcloth? Why bother using DMX to create subtle lighting effects for weddings? Why bother tidying up your loose cables?

But we aren't talking about that. I didn't say I wasn't bothered what it looked like. I said flowers are to look at, generally discos aren't.

[Excalibur]

I said flowers are to look at, generally discos aren't.
Sir!! I sincerely hope you are not implying that I and my kit are not the epitome of aesthetic elegance, a visual feast of epic proportions, a cornucopia of ocular delight. Were I a sensitive little soul, I could easily regard that as a grave personal affront. ;)

[SC Events]

Sir!! I sincerely hope you are not implying that I and my kit are not the epitome of aesthetic elegance, a visual feast of epic proportions, a cornucopia of ocular delight. Were I a sensitive little soul, I could easily regard that as a grave personal affront. ;)

Oh Peter, I'd love to know what 90% of your posts actually say :lol:

[DazzyD]

...

Here's another anology for you (sorry!)...

Many online services, such as video streaming, are available for free but are subsidised by advertising. If you pay for the premium service, you don't get adverts.

This is actually a very good point. People do pay extra for a service online so they don't have to see/hear adverts. Good comment!


Tacky.

Do a good job, make people want to get your details then just give them a card. Selling has already been done. Sticking a roller banner up and having it someones first dance shot is just poor form IMO.

This point also has a flipside. If you have a bad night (or you're just generally crap!!) then maybe splashing your name everywhere isn't a good idea. Punter talking to his mates "Ooh, that XYZ Discos were here last night - the music was rubbish and it sounded absolutely awful!". If you're good and someone wants to book you for their function they'll do one of two things. First, they might come up and ask for a business card. Alternatively, they might wait a few days and ask their host (ie your original client) for your details. That's the best way to go about things imo. The biggest plus is that, when they ask for your details, they've already seen you so will be genuinely interested in your service. This means the selling aspect has already been done. Think about it! ;)

[ukpartydj]

This point also has a flipside. If you have a bad night (or you're just generally crap!!) then maybe splashing your name everywhere isn't a good idea. Punter talking to his mates "Ooh, that XYZ Discos were here last night - the music was rubbish and it sounded absolutely awful!". If you're good and someone wants to book you for their function they'll do one of two things. First, they might come up and ask for a business card. Alternatively, they might wait a few days and ask their host (ie your original client) for your details. That's the best way to go about things imo. The biggest plus is that, when they ask for your details, they've already seen you so will be genuinely interested in your service. This means the selling aspect has already been done. Think about it! ;)

True, playing devils advocate -

many people who are interested in a product are too shy to approach us or may not know they want the service until a few weeks later.
I spent a long time tracking down a DJ which I wanted for my 18th Birthday because I saw him play heavy metal in a pub for somebody's private party, this could have been avoided if I'd seen a banner with his name.

I'm almost convincing myself now that it might be a good idea ... :daft:

[DJIanScott]

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to comment....it proves that it was a relevant topic and not just a personal annoyance!

I've since found out from the venue that the DJ was charging around £400 for his services that night. From my viewpoint, this is a good fee and the client should have expected a lot classier appearance. I do recall the kit was quite minimal, and I know that the speakers were only Mackie Thumps and the lighting was a couple of generic dot-based LED effects. I wish I'd taken a photo, because despite the banners being so obstrusive and garish, I don't remember the business name!

[Excalibur]

I've since found out from the venue that the DJ was charging around £400 for his services that night. From my viewpoint, this is a good fee and the client should have expected a lot classier appearance. I do recall the kit was quite minimal, and I know that the speakers were only Mackie Thumps and the lighting was a couple of generic dot-based LED effects. I wish I'd taken a photo, because despite the banners being so obstrusive and garish, I don't remember the business name!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarghh. Incoming!! Time for :sofa: I reckon. When the dust settles, and if it's safe to come out, I'll take some of my pills and see what I can add to the "discussion".

[Corabar Steve]

My opinion is they shouldn't be anywhere other than any event that you attend with the sole purposes of selling your services & definitely not at functions. If somebody wants to book you they'll ask for a card.