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.
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