Ask Me Help Desk - Outstanding payment to Wedding DJ

I got married this past July and I hired a DJ company to play music at my reception. The company had me sign a contract consisting of the nightly events and what the DJ will be playing, doing and announcing.

I placed a deposit and was going to pay the remaining amount after the reception, but the DJ that was sent by the company did play the music, did not announce anything, was not prepared for the nightly events that was all selected and included in the contract. I even called the company two days prior to the wedding to go over the contract and make sure that it was understood what the DJ had to do.

After that pathetic display and almost disastrous wedding I did not pay the remaining amount. I sent the company a letter stating what happened that night and that I will not pay him the outstanding amount.

What can happen if I refuse to pay? What can I do legally in order not to pay the amount?

They can take you to small claims court, then it's up to them to prove that they provided the services in the contract, you will have to prove that they didn't.

I'm not a legal expert, but I've seen this happen time and time again. Re-read the contract, make sure that you didn't receive the services stated therein.

Good luck.

I agree with Altenweg on this one. The type of service may not have been exactly as you wished it to be but service was rendered. It is unfortunate that this issue does come up from time to time but remember the most important event did take place... The union between Husband and Wife. Congratulations!

Yes, scrutinizing the Contract again would be a good thing to do. If they were to have provided the services as stipulated in the Contract and didn't, then you have lot's of witnesses to back you up about what did occur because of the people that were at the wedding reception.

If that's the case, then you have nothing to worry about by not paying them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reno2008

I got married this past July and I hired a DJ company to play music at my reception. The company had me sign a contract consisting of the nightly events and what the DJ will be playing, doing and announcing.

I placed a deposit and was going to pay the remaining amount after the reception, but the DJ that was sent by the company did play the music, did not announce anything, was not prepared for the nightly events that was all selected and included in the contract. I even called the company two days prior to the wedding to go over the contract and make sure that it was understood what the DJ had to do.

After that pathetic display and almost disastrous wedding I did not pay the remaining amount. I sent the company a letter stating what happened that night and that I will not pay him the outstanding amount.

What can happen if I refuse to pay? What can I do legally in order not to pay the amount?

I don't know what State you are in - in NY if they were in "substantial compliance" with the contract (as interpreted by the Court) you have to pay.

It depends upon the extent of what you thought you would get and what you DID get.

Thank you all for your input on this issue.

The contract was fairly simple to fill out and very detailed. It basically outlined the event from what song the bride and groom come in, first dance, cake cutting, etc. and until the end of the night.

First the DJ was supposed to play cocktail music that we requested and he didn’t. He played music that he only had and liked. The DJ was supposed to announce us when we walked into the reception, and he didn’t my MC had to step in and announce us. The DJ was supposed to play music during the supper and he didn’t until my MC went up to him and ask him to play some music. All of these items were stated in the contract. (I could go on and mention a dozen other items that the DJ was supposed to do that was in the contract.)

After all the speeches and the dance was going to begin, the DJ was playing music that was not selected in the contract and told us that he doesn’t have any other music and wasn’t told about what music too play. After all that I had to get one of my guests to take over and play music that he had on his laptop and play the CD’s that we had provided the DJ to play.

I hope that this doesn’t occur to anyone else. If you would like to know which company this is feel free to contact me and spread the word.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reno2008

Thank you all for your input on this issue.

The contract was fairly simple to fill out and very detailed. It basically outlined the event from what song the bride and groom come in, first dance, cake cutting, etc. and until the end of the night.

First the DJ was supposed to play cocktail music that we requested and he didn't. He played music that he only had and liked. The DJ was supposed to announce us when we walked into the reception, and he didn't my MC had to step in and announce us. The DJ was supposed to play music during the supper and he didn't until my MC went up to him and ask him to play some music. All of these items were stated in the contract. (I could go on and mention a dozen other items that the DJ was supposed to do that was in the contract.)

After all the speeches and the dance was going to begin, the DJ was playing music that was not selected in the contract and told us that he doesn't have any other music and wasn't told about what music too play. After all that I had to get one of my guests to take over and play music that he had on his laptop and play the CD's that we had provided the DJ to play.

I hope that this doesn't occur to anyone else. If you would like to know which company this is feel free to contact me and spread the word.

It sounds like he was not in substantial compliance - you could either sue him for the return of your money OR not pay and see if he sues you and then counterclaim.

Are they demanding payment, and/or threatening to sue you? Have you spoke with the owner of the company about all of this?

All of the previous posters are correct. At this point you don't really have to do anything else expect be prepared if they sue you. And it sounds like you are.

Do you mind if I ask what the total to be paid was, and how much your deposit and outstanding balance are? I'm just trying to gauge how likely they would be to come after you. Also, have they given any acknowledgement of sub-standard performance?

Yes the Owner is aware of what has happened. I have sent him a letter detailing the night. But he refuses to pick it up. He has sent a notice of payment about a month ago.

Ever since then I haven't heard anything. The deposit was $375 and the balance owing is $415.