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Updated: Nov 2, 2020
5 Levels of DJs
Level 1 DJ
*Someone who thinks they are a DJ when they are really only a playlist maker.
*Songs mash up and don't blend well.
*No second system for ceremony, no back up computer (if the computer crashes, your wedding is over).
*They don't own a sound system and don't know how to set their gear up.
*They don't have a professional controller (professional gear used to control DJ software and get the sound to the system professionally with mic input and separate line out).
*They don't know how to beat match or read a floor.
*Usually uses lower quality free downloads instead of buying their music or streams the music (bad idea due to songs stopping sometimes when buffering and also the low quality).
*Little experience but think they're good.
*Usually a friend or family member.
*Says things like "I have 500,000 songs" (that's half a million dollars! LOL think a DJ can afford that)?! If they did not buy the music, the quality is most likely low!
*Your wedding is at serious risk of sucking!!!
*Usually charge $500 - $800 a wedding.
Level 2 DJ
*Someone who thinks they are a DJ but still does not know how to beat match, read a floor, or use a professional controller.
*Songs mash up and don't blend well.
*They have a sound system (usually not a good one) and lights (same) and know how to set it up.
*No second system for ceremony, no back up computer (if the computer crashes, your wedding is over).
*Usually have a wired mic (not as versatile as a wireless mic).
*Little to a lot of experience but not as a real DJ.
*May or may not be good at keeping and understanding time-lines at weddings.
*Usually uses lower quality free downloads instead of buying their music or streams the music (bad idea due to songs stopping sometimes when buffering and also the low quality).
*Says things like "I have 500,000 songs" (that's half a million dollars! LOL think a DJ can afford that)?! If they did not buy the music, the quality is most likely low!
*Large DJ companies tend to hire these guys and pay them little to DJ your wedding (BEWARE)!
*Your wedding is at high risk of sucking (you're rolling the dice)!!!
*Usually charge $500 - $1100 a wedding.
Level 3 DJ
*Someone who might have a professional, high quality sound system and knows how to set it up properly.
*No second system for ceremony, no back up computer.
*Someone who has access to professional DJ lighting.
*Someone who has access to a wireless mic.
*Someone who has a professional controller or CDJs with a high quality sound card.
*Someone who can beat match (blend the songs based upon tempo and makes intelligent song choices that create a consistent vibe on the dance floor).
*Someone who has DJ'd clubs but not weddings (they are limited in their experience and the ego is too large to play what is considered all age music).
*Usually not comfortable on a mic.
*Not experienced with time-lines of weddings.
*Good DJ for clubs but would not be best for a wedding.
*Typically buys half of what they need and gets lower quality or streaming music that is lower quality.
*Wants to charge a lot because they are a good DJ for a club but have no wedding experience.
*Your wedding is at high risk of sucking (you're rolling the dice)!!!
Level 4 DJ
*Someone who has a professional, high quality sound system and knows how to set it up properly (usually only one system).
*Someone who has professional DJ lighting.
*Someone who has a professional wireless mic.
*Someone who has a professional controller or CDJs with a high quality sound card.
*Someone who can beat match (blend the songs based upon tempo and makes intelligent song choices that create a consistent vibe on the dance floor).
*Someone who has DJ'd clubs and some weddings (they still have to refine their playlists and learn to work professionally with the clients and the vendors).
*Somewhat experienced with time-lines of weddings.
*Someone who buys 99% of their music so it's high quality and not streaming (streaming should be only used in emergencies).
*You'll probably be ok with this DJ but who knows because they are under the five year mark with weddings.
*Usually a sub-contracting DJ that gets paid fairly well.
*Usually shows up about an hour early to set up and if there's a problem, well....
*Charges a minimum of $200 an hour, typically $250 an hour.
Level 5 DJ
*YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR>THIS IS THE BEST DJ!
**This DJ has a back-up computer in case the main one dies and back up cables.
*Someone who has a professional, high quality sound system and knows how to set it up properly.
*Someone who has a second sound system for the ceremony.
*Someone who brings a set of subs for the larger weddings.
*Someone who has professional DJ lighting.
*Someone who has a professional wireless mic.
*Someone who has a professional controller or CDJs with a high quality sound card.
*Someone who can beat match (blend the songs based upon tempo and makes intelligent song choices that create a consistent vibe on the dance floor).
*Someone who buys 99% of their music so it's high quality and not streaming (streaming should be only used in emergencies).
*Someone who has DJ'd clubs, corporate events, festivals, private parties, and weddings.
*This DJ arrives an hour and a half early to set up and make sure everything works.
*This DJ has their wedding playlists dialed in as well as making your custom playlists.
*Very experienced with time-lines of weddings.
*This DJ will work with you and your vendors to make sure your wedding is amazing!
*Usually an owner of their own company with great reviews.
*Has DJ'd weddings more than five years and seen it all.
*Knows how to help you with your time-line based on years of experience.
*Understands the vibe to create a successful night.
**Pricing starting at $250 an hour up to $400 an hour depending upon several factors.
Updated: Nov 3, 2020
We are honored and so excited to win the award of Couples' Choice award from Wedding Wire! It is a great feeling to be recognized as Portland, Oregon's BEST wedding DJ services. We really love what we do! It is our biggest passion to create the most amazing experiences for brides and grooms on their special day!
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