Help with booking a wedding DJ

We have gone with the recommended DJ for our venue but checked that we can provide a list of music we want playing on the evening which will hopefully make sure everyone is up and dancing

I'm not much help here, just butting in for replies! I am also struggling to find a DJ - one of the few things I have left to book.

Our venue did recommend someone (and helpfully offer to add their £400 fee to our bill....) but like you when I looked at their website it seemed crap, the kind I would normally dismiss straight away (I figure if they can't have a decent website in this day and age how much effort will they put into the night). Plus that price seems a bit steep to me when some others are quoting half the price.

I also seem to be getting extra charges (£50+) for they to take the equipment upstairs in a lift?!?

Where are you based, it might help people to advise.

xx

There are different aspects to the dj's service: music & lighting. You need photographs of their lighting, or is all the lighting being supplied by a specialist venue decor company via the hotel package?

In terms of music most of them these days are computerised and can play/download whatever you want. I'd ask questions about equipment failure, eg what happens if your laptop breaks down? Do you have a backup?

You also need to ask whether they have PL & PI insurance as the venue should insist on that.

I find that most dj websites are pretty bad! So don't judge them harshly for a poor site!

Ooh good point, we are getting married in Maidstone, Kent.

I'm glad it's not just me Samidolls! I think the website should be a good reflection of your company. It's pretty much the first place anyone looks these days.

Wow, those extra charges though seem a bit absurd! If they had to get it up 100 stairs I could maybe understand, but to take it in a lift...

Thanks Ollievision! Hadn't thought about the lighting part too. Our venue won't be providing that. Really helpful to know those sorts of questions too!

Have a word with Kevin at https://www.facebook.com/partybeatdiscos fantastic guy to deal with and he will walk you through on what you need and don't need.

Hi,

Facebook & Twitter are also great places to get an idea of reviews and clients opinion. (And of course here on Hitched!)

One area which is difficult is seeing a DJ/band who specialise in weddings because you can't gatecrash anyones wedding!

Ask if you can have a big input to the playlist. Do they do lots of cheesy DJ talking???

So my H2B is a dj and he also does clubs, but to be honest even if you were to go to one of his club nights it wouldn't give you much indication of how he'd be at a wedding. In a club he's pretty much making his own choices of what to play within the constraints of the type of venue, night and customers. When he does weddings, he'll ask for a specific list of what to play/not play and timings, and then rely on reading the room for the rest. You don't have to give a dj a long list if you don't want to, but the more guidance you can give as to what sort of music you'd like, the better. The other thing is speaking - do they have a mic or can the venue provide one, and do you want them to talk much or just do announcements ("the buffet is now open!") The other aspects I can think of have already been mentioned - lighting and Pl insurance.

Here is an article I wrote with a few tips on choosing a DJ http://www.jmfdisco.co.uk/blog/kent-dj-for-wedding-help-finding-your-kent-wedding-d.html - hope it helps

Hi folks. My husband and I got married at Peckforton Castle - www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk in April of this year {2015}. It was a truly wonderful day. We were told that the DJ had to have at least ten million pounds worth of PLI cover and a valid PAT certificate. We searched Google for potential DJ's as we wanted something a little more unique and stylish than what was being offered by the venue. We found a company called Wedding DJ Cheshire - www.wedding-dj-cheshire.co.uk who are based in Cheshire {surprise! surprise!} but provide DJ services throughout the UK. We emailed them and received a reply back within a few hours. Daniel the owner, who is also the DJ couldn’t have been more professional, helpful and friendly. His knowledge and choice of music is exceptional. He happily accepted our Top 10 playlist in advance and played all the tracks on the night, along with any additional requests from our guests. The sound and lighting were superb with a rotating mirror ball being the icing on the cake. All his equipment is of the highest quality and looks like it’s brand new! We opted to book the full Premium package. We also booked a few additional hours for an early set-up, this included the use of two wireless microphones and their sound system for speeches and also a lovely selection of classy, relaxing background music for the Wedding Breakfast. We would highly recommend Daniel and Wedding DJ Cheshire - www.wedding-dj-cheshire.co.uk to anyone looking to book a really great DJ. Hope this helps! Lara. x

Hi

Although we are based in worcester we do travel all over the UK, even to Europe on occasion (i do like those weddings ), if you would like a quote for anything or just to chat about more options for you please feel free to drop me an email ******@**********.**.**

www.greenclaws.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/greenclawsentertainment

Have attached a couple of images from previous weddings we have worked at

I can send contact details for numerous couples we have worked with in the past, plus a number of different wedding venues where we are recommended.