DIY Versus Hiring a Pro DJ
Anyone with a phone and a Bluetooth speaker has the potential to be appointed a DIY DJ at your next event. But being a DJ is more than simply playing music. That's why when you are choosing between a DIY DJ or hiring a pro DJ, you should consider the pros and cons.
Pros of Being a DIY DJ
There are numerous advantages to being a DIY DJ. Those benefits primarily revolve around saving time and money, but only a limited amount of time and money.
Save Money
To hire a Los Angeles DJ, you'll need to fork over approximately $750 for a four-hour event. If you decide to take the reigns, you can save money, as you'll only have to rent audio-visual equipment.
You could get a subwoofer for about $140 per day and a portable speaker for $60 per day, saving you nearly $550 for the day. Then, you'd save time looking for and vetting a DJ but not much time on the day of the event as you'd need to control the music and the AV equipment you've rented, leaving little time to enjoy the show.
Save Time Vetting DJs
Regardless of the event, you'll typically have to spend a few hours vetting DJs you've shortlisted before you hire someone.
Vetting DJs requires listening to their portfolio, calling previous clients for testimonials, and creating a contract agreeable for you and the DJ.
Cons of Being a DIY DJ
Despite the pros, there are far more cons, but we'll only focus on three of the most significant drawbacks.
The Moment isn't Memorable
Since DJs are the most significant entertainment for most events, their impact on the event extends far beyond music selection. Instead, they shape the event with music that dictates the mood and atmosphere. This mood can make moments within the event memorable and far more enjoyable for guests.
As a DIY DJ, you have zero experience shaping an atmosphere or environment to get a crowd — drunk, sometimes hostile, often tired or disinterested — to get engaged in the event and entertainment.
Music Becomes Monotonous
DJs have to enjoy a variety of music and genres. If you're controlling the music, the tracklist becomes monotonous. The music will reflect your taste with a likelihood of some trendy songs. Even if your music taste is more eclectic or trendy a DJ will always know more songs and how to incorporate these songs to add to the kind of event you're hosting.
There's an obvious line between tasteless and tacky placement and selection that's far more appropriate. A professional DJ represents the latter.
There's No Room for Last-Minute Changes
If the playlist isn't drawing the response you want, as a DIY DJ, you likely won't be able to make a last-minute change to your playlist without ruining it. A DJ can make necessary changes to the playlist and often uses the response from the audience to determine the direction the playlist should take.
Unless you want your event to be the but of any joke, don't skimp on your entertainment budget. Because the nominal savings you make on doing it yourself will lead to a lackluster event. The better choice is to hire a pro DJ. You're guaranteeing your guests — and yourself — a great time.
