Are you stuck for music and entertainment on your big day? We talk about why sometimes it’s a good idea to hire a wedding DJ for your big day.
Don’t feel obliged to use the ‘in-house’ disco at your wedding venue. Some venues offer this in their package but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best DJ for the job. Shop around! Look for recommendations, or maybe phone a past client. Check the DJ’s website if they have one, if it looks unprofessional, chances are, their performance could be unprofessional, too.
Arrange a meeting with the DJ before booking them and again before your wedding day. As well as gauging their appearance, you’ll be able to see if you ‘get on’. Ask the DJ for their advice on when to have the first dance, buffet and so on, and remember you’ll need to allow about 90 minutes for the disco to set up.
Try to avoid being ‘too cool for school’ and remember it’s a party for your guests, too! The best wedding DJs are booked up well in advance so make sure you check availability and book early – don’t risk leaving it until the last minute.
Do you need wireless mics for speeches or special lights? Make sure you get these extras included in any quotes. Use your budget wisely. Good wedding DJs may cost a little extra but will make the entertainment more memorable.
Many brides DIY their music but be careful! How would you deliver the sound? What about requests? A DJ can respond to the crowd and ‘read’ the room so why not leave it to them?
Entertainment company Sternberg Clarke asked some of their most popular DJs a few questions about how they get the party started.
What’s the best first dance song that you have been asked to play?
“A couple of months ago, I was asked to play Everything I do (I Do It For You) by Bryan Adams as a first dance. The couple chose this track despite knowing that their group of friends disliked it, for reasons known only to them. The twist was that I was asked to edit this track with their real first dance song – You shook me all night long by AC/DC, they even choreographed an exciting dance routine, too. Everyone got the joke and joined in. Just what the couple had hoped for. It was risky, but the end result was magic!”
Richard Ellis
“Louis Prima’s song from The Jungle Book, I wanna be like you, it turned 100 adults turned to children.”
Mark Hatfield
What is the song that gets everyone on the dance floor?
“For me, it will always will be – I saw her standing there by The Beatles.”
Mark Hatfield
“Anything recent! Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 is great and everyone goes crazy for Rihanna’s We Found Love.”
DJ Freight Train
What is the song that makes everyone leave the dance floor?
“Anything by U2 or Coldplay. Instant floor clearers. I often get playlists from clients and if either are on there, I start to cry…”
Mark Hatfield
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI65kgPwwucp
What has been the most memorable wedding that you have played at?
“I remember a lavish wedding at Guildhall in London. The bride was tall, stunning and graceful. The groom however, looked introverted and forgive me for saying it, a bit nerdy. I couldn’t quite figure out the match until halfway through the evening until he tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to play the M.C. Hammer track, U Can’t Touch This. As soon as I dropped the track, he took a run up to the dance floor, somersaulted over the crowd and started break dancing incredibly well. It was at this point I was reminded of the age old saying, ‘never judge a book by its cover’.”
Richard Ellis
Sternberg Clarke have been providing high quality entertainment for events for the last 20 years.
