Colin Cowie Sez: Opt for a Fantastic DJ
In a set of recommendations on GetMarried.com, 7 Tips For The Budget-Savvy Bride, acclaimed wizard Colin Cowie Tip #4 is:
“4. Opt for a fantastic DJ
Instead of a big orchestra band, find a great DJ who can create great background music and just as easily keep the guests moving on the dance floor.”
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These days, when most couples shop for music, they usually have a preference: Band, orchestra or DJ. However, as Colin suggests, if a bride’s budget is not sufficient for a great band, it should still be large enough for a great DJ.
Music plays a disproportionate role in the success of a wedding reception.
What do you think of Cowie’s recommendation? Agree? Disagree? Your comments?
Do you think the published opinions of industry experts have significant impact on the decision making of brides? Does high-level advice trump effective wedding marketing?
Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority
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Andy,
I think a lot of brides in a lot do value Colin Cowie’s advice and respect his opinions & will consider them carefully.
In addition to him being a great arbiter of style on a high end level, he is very good at bringing that style to the masses with his products sold on HSN & JC Penney, etc. When he is on HSN talking about how to create style on a any budget at home and are able to afford his products, I think they identify that his advice is attainable & relatable. When he gives wedding advice on tv & in books & media, they seem to appreciate & respect his opinions more.
Not all the wedding “celebrity” planners can reach across all the demographics like him; some try but appear fake in their approach to planning on a budget because you can tell they don’t believe what they are saying.
And for the record, YES, Colin is right and he speaks for a lot of planners (myself included) who will agree that a great DJ is going to make a better party & investment than a mediocre band when dollars count.
Quite a plug for Colin. I agree about Colin’s ability to plan great budget weddings. However there is a very distinct difference between bands and DJ’s. Orchestras are only designed for one very specific type of wedding, so we won’t even go there. Bands add a great spice to the reception and there is no comparison between bands and DJ’s, but that’s IF the band knows what they’re doing. The advantage with a DJ is that a) they can set up in a smaller space, b) they can play song requests on the fly, c) they are easily replaced and d) they’re typically cheaper than a band. But making sure that they can articulate with the crowd, pay attention to the mood of the room and be presentable is the trick. Do your homework and ask for multiple references on no matter who you pick, because while DJ’s can be cheaper, there are really good bands that you can get for about the same cost. Those that say otherwise haven’t looked recently.