If you belong to any local Kent wedding or event groups on Facebook, you’ve probably seen posts asking for budget supplier recommendations. Within minutes, dozens of people drop their prices in the comments.
When you’re trying to stretch a wedding budget, seeing a Photo Booth or DJ offered for £150 to £200 feels like an incredible win. But why do prices vary so wildly across the exact same service?
A lower price isn’t automatically a bad thing; we all had to start somewhere. But understanding why a price is low helps you make a safe choice, so you don’t run into last-minute surprises. Here is an honest breakdown of how pricing works in the event industry and how to spot a genuine bargain without risking your reception.
When I first started out as a DJ back in 2009, I was charging £250 a night. I was completely honest with my clients: I was building my experience, honing my skills and my price reflected that stage of my journey.
If a supplier is upfront that they are newer to the industry, building a portfolio or offering a seasonal discount, that is a completely valid bargain, especially if you’re keeping a close eye on your budget.
The key is transparency. You just want to know that the price matches their experience level, so everyone is on the same page.
Regardless of what a supplier charges, whether it’s £150 or £1,500, most established venues across Kent have strict rules about who can set up equipment on their property. Venues like Cooling Castle Barn, The Old Kent Barn, Bradbourne House and Commissioner’s House require outside suppliers to provide:
- Public Liability Insurance (PLI): Usually £5M or £10M coverage.
- PAT Testing Certificates: Proof that all electrical equipment has passed safety testing.
Before booking any low-cost offer off social media, double-check that they have this paperwork ready to send to your venue coordinator. Every year, suppliers arrive at loading bays only to be turned away at the door because they don’t hold valid insurance or PAT test certificates.
If you find a great price on social media that fits your budget, ask these three quick questions to protect your day before paying a deposit:
- Crucial for venue entry: “Do you have up-to-date PLI insurance and PAT test certificates for our venue?”
- Commercial backup vs. borrowing gear: “What is your backup plan if a piece of equipment fails on the night?”
- No hidden travel fees later: “Does this quote include full delivery, setup and late-night pack-down?”
Our Recommendation
There is nothing wrong with looking for a deal and newer suppliers can do a fantastic job when given the chance. Just make sure whoever you hire is fully insured, clear about their experience and bound by a proper contract.
When you book with us, your investment covers commercial-grade equipment, 17+ years of experience, a 2-person hosted service and complete peace of mind from start to finish.
