Bit of a DJ nightmare - any ideas!!!

You're really doing the right thing looking for another DJ. There is no such thing as 'family favourites'....what appeals to one family won't to another. And as for providing the music for your DJ......I'm mortified!!!!! Surely thats what you pay him for....to provide the music you want and to source it for you too. I've often been given unusual playlists with a few hard to find tracks......and I've never failed yet. I even resorted to emailing the actual artist once to buy a rare recording that one of my brides wanted.

I'm not sure where you're based, but try our guys here.... https://www.weddingdja.co.uk/

Thanks Sandy, I'm in Kent I will check it out!

Hiya, first post here! Just a quick question, as I'm getting married in Kent too, with a venue with a resident DJ - whereabout are you getting married?

My hotel is in Sittingbourne - Hempstead House Hotel, You?

Welcome by the way!

sara x

Is there something in your contract with the venue about the resident DJ, e.g. will they let you bring in anyone else?

I'd be finding that out first before you start looking around. And if you must use them show them the emails etc. and state that you are not happy with his seemingly unprofessional/unexperienced cv (as it were)

Snap - that's where we're getting married too! Still a few months away though - not till August.

Concerned about the DJ now though! Was it that he wasn't listening to what you wanted that's putting you off? The venue highly recommended him to us, so we just went with it, as it's one less thing to worry about. Nervous now...

The venue is lovely, and I def wouldn't change that.

I think it will depend on what your looking for, I don't necessarily think that he wasn't listening as such, it is just that he is not really my style of DJ so I guess it is what you are looking for. I am not looking for audience participation or family favorites, it is not in keeping with my evening or the guests I have coming. The most worrying thing for me is the whole "put on a disc and I'll play them!"

I have several club DJs coming - not that I expect the evening to turn into a usual night a Pascha or Ministry, but I do need a good mix and I just get the sense that he is not going to be able to accommodate my needs.

No there is no contract to say I have to use him, I guess I was just a little shocked by his response, I think he just has his whole set and it all feels a bit cheesy to me.

I am a Kent girly too... I'd check out whether you are allowed to change etc as suggested above.

I think I am going to be booking Bee Jays, I've spoken to them loads of times as wedding fayres, and they seem great! They sit down a go through a list of exactly what you want them to play, any don't plays and must haves. Really need to give them a call soon....

xxx

For those who are being forced to have Resident DJs, this is illegal for a venue to impose.

If they do not allow to to bring your own DJ then simply call your local Trading Standards Office.

Also for venues charging a fee for you to use your own DJ, ask or rather demand they put it in writing detailing what the charges are for.

If they charge you £80 for electricity then this is also illegal.

No venue can prevent you from using your own DJ unless your DJ does not have Public Liability Insurance or have their equipment PAT tested. (electrical safety)

Some venues might also insist on a Risk Assessment, so best to check your DJ has all these.

Hi,

I have a couple of business cards from DJs that I've met at weddings in Kent - I don't have them with me right now, but I can post some recommendations later if you want?

I've photographed weddings at Hempstead House, it's a very nice venue with lovely grounds - I'm sure you'll have a great day. The reception room is plenty big enough for a DJ to set up without needing the "whole of the dance floor" so no idea why he'd say that?? Sounds like you're definitely doing the right thing by not booking him and finding someone else!

Hey i am also a Kent bride - although not Hempstead House but i do have a friend getting married their next year so will be interested to hear how good the DJ is too pass on.

Im just looking into DJs at the moment and have also spoken with Bee Jays who at the moment seem the best option but i will post any other worthy options if/when find them x

We've got DJs in kent if you'd like to give our guys a whirl....here www.weddingdja.co.uk