How Much Does A Wedding DJ Cost?

You will find a wide range of prices and services when looking for entertainment for your wedding day. Most couples have no idea what to ask or where to start and end up choosing the cheapest DJ they can find on Craigslist or a friend of a friend. Before you make a choice that you will regrest we off you some general pricing information.

The Cheapest

This guy wants $250 for the job while the other one wants $1200.00 Easy call right? CAUTION! A DJ charging 100.00 an hour or less are most often part time hobbyists. They might have no idea how to coordinate and deliver what you want at your wedding. Just call them and you will notice a huge difference with their customer service skills. You may get a hand written contract and limited ability to reach them. This might be a risky deal because they might show up with low grade equipment (some don’t even show up at all). Sure, there is a possibility that you can spend $200-$600 on your wedding DJ and be happy, but you have to understand what cheap wedding DJ prices really mean.

Average Pricing

You don’t need a fancy DJ, just someone to play music. So you call a agency and they will book a DJ for you at a reasonable cost.  That’s safe right? Usually many are larger wedding DJ companies subcontract 15-25 wedding DJs every weekend. They improve their profit margin this way to support that google listing you found, bridal show advertisements and overhead. There are many good DJs that are subcontracted by these companies. However, they might be so big that you might not know who will your wedding DJ will be. You lose that personal connection and a DJ that understands your needs.

Do you want an average DJ to do your average reception, or do you want something extraordinary?

A full-time company like Pierce Events depends on your referrals to generate future leads and business. This means that they are 110% dedicated to your wedding reception. The wedding DJ cost needs be looked at with their references. Ask for recent clients’ names, phone numbers, and e-mails.  Any reputable company will be able to give you this information.

Expensive Wedding DJ Prices

Top tier DJ’s charge anywhere from $1500-$4500. There may be added value, such as an additional DJ/wedding coordinator, lighting, staging, etc. Other times, this price is determined by an owner with an overinflated ego. A high priced DJ does not mean that they have instant credibility. Make sure you know who and what you are getting and why they charge what they charge. They should be totally dedicated to your wedding on that day.

So, how much does a wedding DJ cost?

This depends on how comfortable you are with the lighting, experience, equipment, music, and fun options. You should try unique things because your wedding is far from ordinary. This does not mean you need to break the bank with wedding DJ prices, but see what options are really worth the cost. The typical wedding DJ cost will vary between $800-$1200. In the short term the wedding DJ price will be a factor in your budget, and long term 80% of the success of your wedding is based on the entertainment. If you want to have a great time, interview multiple companies, compare and choose the one that fits your needs and budget.

If you would like to speak to Pierce Events about your wedding day call them at 724-986-6939

 

The New Guest List

Have you ever fumbled through sheets of paper searching for a name as a guest stands waiting in front of you. You’re not sure if the name is spelled with a “C” or a “K” and a line is now forming. The solution is here. Check In Easy….

Check in guests electronically on your iPad or iPhone.

Eliminate your paper guest lists today. This amazing guest list app makes managing check-in at your event lightning fast and simple. The app is perfect for special events, corporate parties, conventions, fundraisers & night clubs. Unique boarding pass technology lets us send an email with a unique barcode to your guests so they can be scanned in at the door with either an iPad 2 or iPhone.

Get the night started right with a streamlined check in process, and get your guests in as quickly as possible.

Check In Easy iPad/iPhone application is for simple and fast guest registration, check-in, and management at events from 2 people to  20,000.

- Eliminate the need for paper guest lists, clipboards and binders

- Upload a guest list from excel and you are ready to go

-Check in through web app and live sync with iPads and iPhones

- Email & text alerts tell you when important guests arrive

- Boarding pass feature lets you send your guests printable tickets with unique bar codes

- Quick check-in using the integrated ticket scanner

- Search for guests quickly -

Manage guest list during the event

- Easily download guest list of who attended and when

GUEST LIST APP – CHECKINEASY.COM from Guestlist App on Vimeo.

Wedding Songs We Love to Hate

Whenever we sit down with a bridal couple to talk about music selections for their celebration two big questions are asked. What songs do you want to hear? What songs do you NOT want to be played?

Often times people know more what they don’t like. A recent bridal couple began naming songs to put on the the Do Not Play List. Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”; “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang; John Mayer’s “Your Body Is a Wonderland” is not invited to the wedding.

All the typical “wedding songs” were off limits. Being involved in many weddings, a night without the songs that everyone plays is a welcome break. Here’s the problem…. The reason why everyone plays those songs is because people love those songs.

“I Gotta Feeling” is ranked No. 1 on the list of most requested party songs over the last 12 months. Oh and “Celebration” after all these years is still at No. 26.

So it presents a bit of a conundrum in an era when weddings are as much, if not more, about the guests’ experience as the bride and groom. No matter how much a couple loathes “Love Shack” (No. 11 most requested and No. 10 most banned), is there something to be said for putting taste aside to get everyone grooving?

We always stress to couples to consider guests and not just what they like to listen to. Yes it is your day, but be considerate. We have had couples choose every single song to be played frome begining to end and others choose a single artist or group to play all night. Trust me, grandma is not going to want to hear the Greatful Dead for 6 hours.

A DJ needs flexibility to satisfy guests of all ages. Couples should keep ”Do Not Play” songs to no more than the 10 songs they truly can’t stand.

A list that’s too long or restrictive can dampen a party. If your guests are asking for certain songs that are banned they feel shunned when told thier request won’t be played.

To ensure that “everyone from 3 to 103″ was entertained at her wedding in June, Abby Jakoplic left her musical fate to the DJ and banned the Do Not Play list. She welcomed the cheesy and cliche — including the No. 1 most shunned song. “We had everyone from toddlers to grandparents out there doing the ‘Chicken Dance,’” Jakoplic said.

Yes it cheesy, but cheesy can be fun. That’s a song all ages will dance to. In case you were wondering:

 

Top 5 Do Not Play songs

“Chicken Dance”

“Macarena” by Los Del Rio

“Y.M.C.A.” by Village People

“Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper

“Electric Slide” by Grandmaster Slice

Event Planning Trends, Themes and Ideas for 2012

Yvone Kon

Pittsburgh Event Planning Examiner

Every person planning an event wants it to be special.  As peoples’ lives become busier, and with the success of so many event planning shows on cable TV, more and more people are relying on professional event planners to help them realize their dreams of spectacular weddings, successful corporate events and memorable and unique parties.  Shaun Pierce, President of Pierce Events, discusses upcoming trends for 2012, event themes and some of his favorite places to plan events in Pittsburgh.

Whether you’re a bride, a corporate client, or the host or hostess of a party, as 2012 begins, the trend in events is to offer something unique and memorable.  Mr. Pierce is seeing “bold color choices, custom invitations, mobile food trucks, and dynamic entertainment and design” in upcoming events.  Mr. Pierce’s clients are becoming more involved in the creative process.   Rather than choosing a general theme, couples will try to reflect their style and personality by using décor and design elements.  Corporate clients rely heavily on company branding as a theme, incorporating the company message and logo as design elements.

Environmental issues are more important than ever as we begin 2012.  However, Mr. Pierce is not seeing an increase in requests for ‘green’ events.  Most clients are budget-conscious and hosting a green event is still an expensive endeavor.  Pierce Events offers the option of green events to their clients if requested, and works with many suppliers and venues that have green practices.  Mr. Pierce says clients in Pittsburgh can find ways to incorporate green elements into their events. “Often times, our clients can host environmentally friendly events without really trying.  Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center was the first ‘Certified Green’ convention center in the world.”

Pittsburgh has a wide variety of venues and locations to hold events.  Whether an event is large or small, Mr. Pierce says his company works very hard to match the venue with his client’s needs.  Some of his favorite venues for weddings include the iconic and elegant Wyndham Grand, overlooking Point State Park; The Renaissance Hotel, with stunning views of the city and beautiful photography locations; and The Mansion at Maple Heights, perfect for an intimate events.  For corporate events and parties, Mr. Pierce favors Pittsburgh’s museums, universities and sports complexes.

As you begin to plan your event, the most important thing to remember is to make it unique and memorable.  If you’re planning a wedding, make sure it reflects who you are as a couple.  Tell your story.  If you’re planning a corporate event, it should reflect all the wonderful things about your company.  Using an event planner to assist you with all the details, and planning your event in Pittsburgh, is a great way to get started.  According to Mr. Pierce:

“Pittsburgh is finally being recognized as a gem of a city.  I see more people choosing Pittsburgh as an event destination.  Couples that have left Pittsburgh are coming back here to get married.  Companies are discovering we can produce world class events at a fraction of the cost of other locations.”

For more information on Pierce Events, or to contact them to plan your event, please call 724-986-6939 or visit their website.

Weddings Trends 2012

One of the most often asked questions we get from brides and media is “What are the new trends?” And so we thought we put the cyber pen to paper and list the top trends we see, along with asking some of the industry pros on what they see for 2012!

  1. Incorporate Color Into Your Gown

No longer are brides going with the traditional all white dress. We have seen brides choose bold colors like red and black or more subtle incorporations of pink and light blue.

“Consider asking your seamstress to sew your favorite colorful fabric to your wedding dress’ crinoline petticoat; as you walk down the aisle, everyone will catch glimpses of your favorite color beneath your long white gown,” said Preston Bailey.

2. Photo Finish

You may have heard of brides and grooms renting photo booths, but “back drops” (where guests use a variety of props and backgrounds to take snapshots) are an emerging trend.

The possibilities are endless-planner Bryan Rafanelli suggests individual handheld photo frames in a variety of colors, a favorite quilt, or setting up in front of a great architectural element at your venue.

3. Go Natural

Hearty flowers in subdued hues and even trees add a clean, fresh feel to your fête. Rafanelli recommends miniature calla lillies in white, green, lavender, or brown for receptions outdoors.

4. Mix, Match and Miniaturize

 Smaller centerpieces will reign supreme in 2012, especially in multiple container shapes and sizes. Stay away for tall massive pieces. Consider a combination of exotic flowers mixed with the classics (roses, orchids, calla lillies) to add a modern feel to your wedding décor.

“Tight bunches of hot pink carnations in square containers, coupled with orchids in another holder can look great, even with mini English roses in another container. It’s all about balance,” said Rafanelli.

Also don’t be afraid to mix a couple of vibrant colors (“Tangerine Tango” was revealed as the new Color of the Year by Pantone). This eye-catching aisle was created by Nikki Khan.

5. The Truck Stops Here

The food truck revolution continues as a popular addition to events, and experts predict that it’s going to pick up steam in the coming months.

“Old-fashioned ice cream trucks, crème brûlée trucks or even bacon trucks offer a fun addition to the end of the night or the after party,” said Sasha Souza.

 

Top Wedding Songs for 2012

Event entertainment booking service GigMasters.com announced the Top Songs for 2012 weddings. The lists are based on a survey of recently married and soon-to-be married brides and grooms.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love and At Last remain the most popular songs, with newer songs like Train’s Marry Me breaking into the top 5,” says Marta Segal Block, GigMasters’ Editorial Director. “Although many of the songs being chosen aren’t new, what is new is that brides and grooms are taking a larger role in choosing the rest of the songs for the reception. The majority of couples are creating “Must Play” and “Do Not Play” lists for their reception, and some are even creating specific set lists.”

TOP 5 FIRST DANCE SONGS 1.    At Last – Etta James 2.    Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley 3.    Marry Me – Train 4.    You and Me – Dave Matthews Band 5.    All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo tied with Lucky – Jason Mraz, The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra and Then – Brad Paisley

TOP 5 FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE SONGS 1.    I Loved Her First – Heartland
2.    Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong 3.    The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra 4.    Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman 5.    My Girl – The Temptations tied with Unforgettable – Natalie Cole

TOP 5 ‘DO NOT PLAY’ SONGS 1.    Chicken Dance 2.    Electric Slide
3.    Macarena 4.    YMCA 5.    Cotton Eye Joe

TOP SONGS FROM 2011 FOR 2012 WEDDINGS 1.    Marry You – Bruno Mars
2.    Just a Kiss – Lady Antebellum 3.    Love You Like a Love Song –Selena Gomez 4.    Countdown – Beyoncé 5.    We Found Love – Rihanna

We asked Shaun Pierce of Pierce Events about song choices for couples. “Most couples have fun choosing songs that are important to them. It’s amazing how certain songs can set the tone and create romantic or fun moments. Often times even the bridal party will choose their own songs for the enterance”

Pierce says if you find yourself at a loss for choosing songs or are looking for something out of the ordinary they are always ready with suggestions.

Have fun creating your own soundtrack for your special day.

“12@12″ New Year’s Eve Party

We know you have lots of options to ring in the new year, but you will be hard pressed to find a better deal.

JOIN US FOR THE HOTTEST PARTY IN TOWN!

The award winning DJ duo of Shaun & Jim Pierce present the dancemix countdown show 12@12

December 31st at West View Banquet Hall as we countdown to 2012. Tickets are just $35 and includes food, beer, mixers, party hats and the Dance Mix Countdown Show with Pierce Events. BYOB!.

Enjoy music from yesterday and today with a live uplink to Times Square!

Doors open at 8:30PM Entertainment from 9:00PM-1:30 AM.

Call 412-931-7260 for information

Get tickets at the West View Fire Hall 412-931-7260 or at Remo’s catering 412-822-7844

Tips for Successful Event Marketing

Maria Cucciniello of The Hip Event offers how-tos for successful event marketing, before, during and after.

Event marketing, at its core, is about revealing the existence of an event to appropriate audiences and delivering a valued guest list to the client.

Before Your Event

Pre-planning is almost as important as the event itself. When hired to execute a publicity event, our company, The Hip Event, puts together a complete promotional schedule that will ensure decisive exposure. This schedule includes everything from the creation of invitations, media alerts, other deliverables, and the dissemination of key messages to all targeted outlets. These messages must be timed perfectly or the publicity of the event will lose all credibility with the intended audiences. Messages must be delivered to print media and broadcast media outlets at different times. Calendar listings and social media invitations must be strategically positioned in relation to the promotional schedule. A successful event engages targeted audiences at precisely the right time, appropriate for each medium.

Keeping detailed records of who RSVPs to the event is monumentally important. A final list of event attendees confirms for the client the value and reach of your work. The list also provides the client with brand new contacts and potential new business partners—evidence of a successful event.

 

During the Event

Documentation is also an important part of event marketing. Remaining up-to-date with any last minute changes to event details keeps the lines of communication open between your company, the client, and any press contacted. Before, during, and after an event, we always update and distribute a fact sheet with major details so nothing can be misconstrued, especially in post-press coverage.

Post-Event Activities and Follow-Ups

Post-event activities include a recap of the event. This would include photos from the event, data collected from RSVPs, pre- and post-event press clippings, and an activity report outlining every effort that went into the event from our end.

We hold a follow-up, face-to-face meeting with the client. During this meeting we offer suggestions that would help the client capitalize on the success of the event. These suggestions often take the shape of a compelling and strategic six-month public relations plan. Publicity and its benefits—especially surrounding events—can take time, often months, and that is something we constantly stress to potential clients.

As a public relations, special events, and lifestyle marketing firm, we leverage our work—be it press or events—by delivering a newsletter to our followers. These newsletters go out each week with news and photos of past events, recent publicity, and a preview of events they can look forward to. By keeping our existing contacts up-to-date and giving them a way to share our information with others (via social media), we have generated a significant amount of new business.

Event marketing is still a word-of-mouth business. Our greatest strength lies in connecting people, places, and services together that support each other—whether for purposes of publicity or the next big event.

Maria Cucciniello is founder and CEO of The Hip Event, a full-service public relations, lifestyle marketing, and special events firm that creates successful campaigns for clients in the fashion, beauty, hospitality, retail, and entertainment industries. For more information, visit TheHipEvent.com, call 973-707-7125, or email maria@thehipevent.com.

Weddings on Canvas

Hiring a photographer or videographer to capture wedding memories is the norm, but have you ever considered a wedding painter? Rather than a camera, these artists use canvas to preserve the occasion, setting up their easels at the ceremony and reception.

Although it’s a pricey proposition, with the potential to run into several thousand dollars, some couples like the novelty of having an original work of art featuring their special day that they can treasure forever. And it’s just as much fun for the guests, who can watch as the event comes to life under the artist’s brush. Some couples even choose to have the painting reproduced on their thank you cards—an extra special touch.

Long after the phots and videos are stored away, your creating is sure to hang on display. It will become an heirloom that will last for generations.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net

TCV – Taking Care of Vendors

Many events we produce require long hours of set up and tear down in varying conditions. A 4 or 5 hour event often takes 8-12 hours if not more of on site preparations and production. Photographers, videographers, bands, dj’s, event planners, and the many other talented professionals that make your event happen spend countless hours on their feet in order to meet and exceed your expectations. 

I can’t tell you how many times we have been in extreme heat or cold for hours on end making sure all goes as planned. If you want the best out of your event team, remember to do what you can to make them comfortable for your event.

Some event pros specifically spell out in their contract what and when they are to have a break, what meal is to be provided and when and certain accommodations. We always try not to put specific restrictions on our clients, but there are days we pay the price.

Even if you are not contractually obligated to provide meals, basic needs such as food and drinks should be considered. Vendor meals do not have to be the $75 per plate meal you planned for your guests. Often a simple sandwich and bottle of water will do. Most venue/caterers will offer some sort of “vendor meal” option. Often vendor meals can be served in a separate area near your event space allowing your team to take a quick break.

A restroom needs to be available to your event staff. It sounds like common sense, but most people forget about the production crew and the hours they put in. Making your event team comfortable generates better results.

As an event planner, we handle most of the communication including small details like vendor meals. If you don’t have an event planner, let your team know in advance where and when their meals will be served. Also, find out exactly how many “assistants” each team member will have on-site. If you take care of conveying these details before your event, you eliminate a cause for stress the day of your event.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net