Digital Kills the Wedding DJ

This article has been prompted by one that appeared in The Times Online some time ago.

The article refers to how some couples are using ipods to supply their wedding reception music as opposed to hiring a DJ, although this could also apply to any other event.

This may seem like a good money saving idea, but lets take a closer look at what it means in reality. I agree that couples could save money on hiring a DJ but, and it is a big BUT, what are the potential ramifications of doing so legally.

Firstly in the UK any electrical equipment used in a public place and accessible to the public must have PAT (Portable Appliance Test). This is to make sure that the device is safe electrically. That means using an ipod with any form of mains supply either to the ipod itself or a mains powered docking station must have PAT. There are many companies doing PAT, usually charging per item, but most also have a minimum fee of around £70.00 plus VAT.

The second factor is if extra amplification is required then it will mean hiring additional equipment which will also add to the overall cost.

The third factor is that an ipod does not come with any lighting which mean the hire of lighting effects if you want some.

It is now we hit the major stumbling block. If you are using such equipment you must be conversant with its safety and operating instructions. Why is this? Because you will be liable to be sued if anyone at the event has an accident, and if you have no knowledge of the safety and operating instructions then you cannot mount an active defense should the matter go to court. The next point to this is that to offset any possible action for injury you will have to have PLI (Public Liability Insurance). Yes the venue may have it but it is you who are responsible not the venue. PLI is not cheap to obtain, and if you read most small print it will require that all electrical items have a valid and current PAT, otherwise the PLI is void. PLI is a legal requirement.

Lets do some simple maths at this point:

PAT £70.00
PLI £150.00 (though you may get it cheaper)
Equipment hire £60.00 (hire equipment must already have PAT)

Total cost £280.00

Next let us take a look at using an ipod for your musical entertainment. You have downloaded your songs the party is going well, and then a guest wants a particular track, do you stop the music to download it as you don't have it already or do you just say they can't have it and risk offending them. This is something that should be considered, also how much do you spend downloading the tracks in the first place.

There is available a system that has 60,000+ tracks available to play, and which you can hire from certain places. Basically it is a large digital jukebox for want of a description cost on average £300.00, and yes it can do requests, but what happens when someone puts on a track they love that clears the dance floor. Or will the music someone likes and puts on offends other people at the event.

A good quality DJ will set you back on average £300.00 for the evening, some cost more some less, but £300.00 is a fair price, unless you have special requirements. A good quality DJ will also have PLI and all equipment will have PAT, if it is required. A DJ can also play requests, and adapt to different situations, being human has advantages. Then there are the times someone wants a request but can't remember the title of the track and is also not sure who recorded it so they try and sing it to the DJ hoping they will know, now you can't do that to a machine.

When all is said and done to be legal and do it yourself will cost the same if not more than getting someone to do it for you. The other benefit is they will also set all the equipment up and take it all down, and there is no having to return the hired equipment which saves on time too.

I hope the above has made you think a little, sometimes it is better to get a professional rather than DIY.

© Paul Sims