NO WEDDING CRASHERS!!! or Bridal Magazines and Websites need to "get with the times".
It's a question I'm asked often, it's a question that brides are encouraged to ask by just about every wedding website or publication out there in the great big world of wedding planning. The 64 thousand dollar question you ask? Can we come watch you perform at a wedding?
This question is about as current and appropriate as powder blue tuxedos, high hair, and weddings recorded on VHS. As outdated as this question is, it is asked often and to just about every DJ and MC service that I know and have talked with.
The question is outdated and inappropriate for two reasons. We now live in an era where everyone is a star, has a website, youtube, myspace, facbook, or personal wedding or information page. With individuals being able to share personal information about themselves and thier lives the same has occurred in the business world, in particular the wedding industry. Top notch photographers, videographers, venues, florists, and bakers have embraced the digital age and many have websites, and the elite and quality services are sure to boast an informative and entertaining website.
The same applies to the DJ, Music and Entertainment industry. Many companies, including Fingerlakes Entertainment have made the jump in the past few years to digital and we have our entire comprehensive music, video, and karaoke libraries on site at every event that we perform. Websites have become a necessity and even a benchmark of qauality DJ Services in the Finger Lakes Area and across the country. With numerous wedding forums, websites and message boards available to brides, grooms, and others helping them plan you can get a great idea and do research on most DJs even before you email or call them.
The question is outdated because customers can receive information about the DJ service without visiting and seeing the DJ Perform live. We recommend to clients asking to see us perform visit our website, view our blog and view the pictures and videos from events that we have performed at in the recent past. This is so much better than seeing 5-20 minutes of someone in person for a number of reasons. First, you can do it from the comfort of wherever you are. It is pretty inconvenient (not to mention gas is over $4 a gallon and you have to drive to the venue) to make arrangements and have to drive across town or farther on a weekend evening to get a short glimse of a wedding dj.
In addition to convenience there is the "wedding crasher" factor. Recently I had a prospective client email and see if she and her fiance could come watch me perform at an upcoming wedding if I was going to be close to their home. I politely responded with our policy of not inviting clients to other peoples weddings and explained why. Her response was priceless! She stated that, in fact, she was relieved that we had this policy and that she was put up to asking it by friends helping her plan her special day. She went on to say that she was mortified of the thought of strangers "crashing" her wedding and being present for a very important occassion and time for her close friends and family.
I've never been comfortable inviting prospective clients to current clients receptions or parties. I have had people not involved in a party or a guest at the party approach me for information or prices. I'm flattered and although I do believe each event is a sales vehicle for Fingerlakes Entertainment, it is not in that particular way. When I'm presented with this situation I politely provide a business card and let the prospect know that I appreciate them stopping by but to contact me during business hours and I would be happy to talk to them and give them my undivided attention.
As an Emcee and DJ I realize what I do is not rocket science but there is a great deal of detail and communication that takes place at a reception. Whether I'm communicating with the venue or room manager, another vendor or guests I need to be focussed and attentive to make sure my client, their guests and the vendors are happy and to make sure the event is perfect.
If a DJ Service you are interviewing or vetting offers to invite you to another clients events, it should send up a red flag. Be assured that if they feel comfortable inviting you to someone elses special event, they will have no problem inviting complete strangers to yours.
