Should I hire a DJ for my party?

[donald...really]

I am planning a big graduation party for my husband who is getting his Doctorate. I've rented a beautiful room and the food is going to be great. Because of those two things, it is already costing me more money than I was hoping to spend. To save some money I am thinking of not hiring a DJ, and instead renting some speakers and using a laptop or I-pod for dance music. Has anyone else done something like this, and if so was it easy? Or should I just bite the bullet and hire a DJ? Any suggestions, tips, or thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[mickeyboat]

What kind of party do you want to have? Do you expect people to be dancing? If so, I would get a DJ. If it is just a meal and conversation-type party, then I think and iPod would be fine.

 

[Cleocat]

I agree with mickeyboat. You just have to think of a couple things. If you do the ipod who will make sure the music is fit for your guests. Who would be in charge of it and what I mean is setting it up and taking it down, changing songs, volume control.Also if something breaks or is stolen who would be responsible for repairing or placing it. Just one more thing you should'nt need to worry about. Granted a dj will cost more but they are expeirenced in making a good party better. They can read the crowd and play what would be appropriate music for your guests. You will not need to worry about set up and the fore mentioned issues.
Call around a get some prices and think about it. I would lean twards the dj if it fits into your budget. The other thing to take into consideration is will you have the room for a dj. You don't want to cramp a already small room. Good luck in making your decision.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

How many people are you talking and for how long? Is this a room or a reception hall set up for dancing?

If it is like 200 people and a huge reception hall with a dance floor then I would have a DJ.

 

[dakcp2001]

I am planning a big graduation party for my husband who is getting his Doctorate. I've rented a beautiful room and the food is going to be great. Because of those two things, it is already costing me more money than I was hoping to spend. To save some money I am thinking of not hiring a DJ, and instead renting some speakers and using a laptop or I-pod for dance music. Has anyone else done something like this, and if so was it easy? Or should I just bite the bullet and hire a DJ? Any suggestions, tips, or thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

On the wedding board a lot of girls have done this for their reception. You will still need someone to MC or turn the ipod off & on when needed, but I think it would be a great alternative to a DJ. ANd you could purchase a Bose IPOD dock/speaker system that you could resuse in the future, rather than just spending money for a one time DJ. Do you have any technology savvy friends that could volunteer to handle it at the party? If you have to handle it yourself, it will be a pain, but if someone else can handle it for you, it would be great.

 

[Sebastin01]

Yes, it is so much fun if there is a DJ in a party, with the wide range of music he has he can play the songs according to the situation and entertain the people. I hired a wedding DJ for my wedding; thanks to the DJ he really made the wedding memorable for everyone who attended my wedding.

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

Well, as I am a DJ, let me respond with the following:

1. The DJ can adapt to your guests in no time at all.

2. The DJ can also make announcements

3. The DJ hauls in all the gear, sets it up, and takes it down.

4. The DJ usually has literally 5000 songs or more, some have 100,000

5. The DJ takes the pressure off of you when it comes to worrying about putzing around with an iPod all night.

6. More than likely, the DJ will have equipment that will sound way better than anything you are supplying.

OK, so obviously my opinion is biased, but this is an important event, of almost the same status as a wedding reception. And it is a one time event. I network with DJs all over the country. You can expect to pay $500 - $1000 for most DJ's in that area.... less if the DJ is a craigslist DJ, and possibly more f the DJ is well known and high quality.

That all said, I also rent out a basic system that people can plug their iPods into.... and I bet 25% of them come back and say they wish the had hired a DJ.

Either way can work. But which way can really enhance the event?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You do know this is a ZOMBIE THREAD!? I am sure here party went off with a hitch, a year and a half ago.

 

[luvmy3]

You do know this is a ZOMBIE THREAD!? I am sure here party went off with a hitch, a year and a half ago.

I hope the OP comes back to update, I have been dying to know what she chose

 

[kirbsam]

on pins and needles. please come back and update us op

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

You do know this is a ZOMBIE THREAD!? I am sure here party went off with a hitch, a year and a half ago.

LOL, and now I see it was bumped by a person with one post.

 

[Rora]

I need to know what happened!!

 

[FredinFL]

If it were a Sweet 16 or Bat Mitzvan or wedding, I would say go with a DJ, otherwise, play your own music and save some $$

 

[GeorgeG]

I would go with a DJ, but shop around for one who will give you what you want. Just like bands, there are DJs who may just play what they think is good music and not so much what you want. Any time you hire a DJ or band you need to be specific about what you want, which includes letting them know the age groups you want to please.

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

I would go with a DJ, but shop around for one who will give you what you want. Just like bands, there are DJs who may just play what they think is good music and not so much what you want. Any time you hire a DJ or band you need to be specific about what you want, which includes letting them know the age groups you want to please.

Even tho this is an old thread, I agree. Before signing a contract I make sure my potential clients know that I do not ever play songs with explicit lyrics. And if that is what they want, then they need a different DJ.

 

[Deb in IA]

Yes, it is so much fun if there is a DJ in a party, with the wide range of music he has he can play the songs according to the situation and entertain the people. I hired a wedding DJ for my wedding; thanks to the DJ he really made the wedding memorable for everyone who attended my wedding.

Hmm. First post here, eh?

For me, if I were going to spend money, I'd hire live music.

ANYONE can play a set list, and I see no reason to pay anyone for that.

 

[FredinFL]

FYI, $500 DJ's usually sound no better than your ipod and some speakers.

 

[frijolefrito]

I dj'd back in the day with turntable and records and the whole bit. Now there is no point. You can use your ipod or you can use software that mixes stuff for you. All you need is good taste in music. I went all digital now and got the numark ns7 but that's a 1500 toy. Ipod on shuffle + good taste... GOLDEN.

Karaoke dj setup stuff is different. You need a dj for that.

Oh wait and weddings. Cuz all your friends should be celebrating the day with you.