If you there was one thing every DJ in the world could ask their clients, it would be this: What are the top three things your guests are going to remember about your Wedding Day? When you think about it , everyone that talks about a wedding, these are the topics that most often come up. The number one answer is: The ceremony. Everyone is going to remember how beautiful the bride was that day. How Handsome the groom was. How the vows were made, and all the feelings of joy that were brought out that day. Number two answer is: The food. This one ranks up there pretty close to the ceremony. If you're guests are met with a good meal at your reception, it opens up their emotions to be more accepting to the evening. Which in turn makes for more fun at your reception. And last but certainly not the least... Is the Entertainment. Most often this will be what your guests remember the most. How much fun they had. The party is something everyone talks about for years. Some of the things we always hear from our clients is, thanks for getting Dad out on the dance floor. Or Mom line dancing with the girls. Everyone had such a great time last night. What a great party. Most DJ Companies will put at least 40 hours into your wedding. Planning you're Grand entrance, a timeline of events, song selection, meetings, email & phone calls. This does not include setup times which usually takes on average of 2 hours to setup. Speakers, sound check, Up-Lighting, Monograms, trussing, dance floor lighting. And lets not forget the Photo Booth. Then another 2 hours to pack up. If the ceremony is being done by your DJ, then that is a second system, that needs to be setup up.(if your ceremony is in a different location) Sometimes, we think of DJ's as just the guy that shows up to play music. It's easy to choose the cheapest DJ around, But are you getting what you want for the money that you spend? Most companies will have a package that will fit any budget. Try to remember what you're guests are going to remember the most, Ceremony, Food, & Entertainment, then make sure you choose a company that can make that happen. Don't be afraid to talk to your DJ, after all they are a Big Part of your day.
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It’s not often in my industry that I am astonished by couples, looking to get married. But this one caught me by surprise. I had gotten a call sometime in late August, from a guy name Chris. He told me that he was having a wedding in 3 weeks, and asked if I were available. I had one spot open, so I told him, yes, we were available. Thinking this would be just like every other wedding I’ve done in the past. I sent out contracts to be signed, itinerary to be filled out, and everything was a go.
I loaded up the equipment 3 weeks later, and headed to his venue. He had told me it was at his home, and the ceremony would be in the front yard, with the reception, in a large shop building, he had been cleaning out for weeks. As I drove down an old, old, dirt road, I started thinking, I can’t be going the right way. But as the road came to an end, I saw the front yard. In the yard was a homemade arbor, in front of that, rows of hay lined up, with an aisle. On the hay were seating streamers, for guests to sit on. I knew then I was at the right place. What happened next? From the moment I arrived, I was inspired. Chris, with his soon to be wife, Ashley, came out to meet me. After talking with them about where I should set up, and going over a few details for the ceremony, I started to get to work. As I watched them preparing for the wedding ceremony, I had started to notice something about these two. The more you talked with them, the more you wanted to talk to them. It was charming, almost endearing even. As the ceremony countdown began, I went in to check on Ashley. As I came around the corner in her house, she was nervously shaking. I asked her if she was nervous, she asked me “am I shaking?” Yes I told her maybe just a little. I asked if she was ready, she replied yes. Going back outside to check on the groom, Chris, I noticed, he was trying hard to hide his nervous behavior too. He did a pretty good job of keeping it to himself. But being in this industry for so many years you tend to learn a lot about brides & grooms. Everything went amazing for the ceremony. The Vows were made, and family and friends cheered as they walked down, the rows of hay aisle. Few minutes later, I took some pictures for them, just as a keepsake, for them to have. I went into the reception area, where I had setup the DJ Booth. Asked all the guests to please come in. I let some background music play, while I went out to talk with Chris & Ashley about their grand entrance. It was during this time, that I learned what they had accomplished on their own. What they told me next shocked me even more. They have been together for seven years, they have three children, two boys and a new baby girl. They planned this wedding over a, two months, span. Doesn’t sound like a lot does it? But let me stop you there. They were trying to make the most of their budget, to get the best possible wedding. They had managed to create one of the most elegant simple country weddings I have seen to date. But that’s not what made it so inspiring. As the night went on, not only did I notice, what Chris & Ashley had together, the whole entire family and friends seemed to share. As I looked out across the room, you could almost reach out and grab a piece of love, like you would if it were a piece of cake. It literally filled the room. I went over to Chris & Ashley, and said, look what you’ve accomplished here. As they took the moment to look around, and, I found myself doing the same thing. Happiness seemed to be overflowing everywhere that night. Everyone there, seemed to be lost in a moment of time. As if only that moment existed. As I watched Ashley dance with Chris during their first dance, I could see in both of them, why everything there seemed to stop. Love isn’t a word strong enough to say what I saw. If there is a word greater than love, then that would be the word I’m looking for, to say. There is so much more I could say about this couple, but I have to stop somewhere. Now I’m no writer, but 1 thing I learned is Sometimes it’s not the venue, or the dress, or cake. Sometimes all it really needs, is the moment… 1. Ask Few Song Suggestions From Your Closed Ones It is generally impossible to satisfy everyone when it comes to wedding. However, music is that one part where you could try. For this, ask some song suggestion from your friends and relatives. Say for example, one of your uncles and aunts might be good at salsa dancing. So why not ask them to suggest few tunes for you? Or even better – you could also include a on-the-spot song session, where guests would be asked to list their favorite songs on their response cards. You could pick a few that have been repeated the most. 2. Pick Songs That Remind Of Your “Firsts” Since you are now tying the knot, the kind of song you pick should be “memorable” too. You could choose songs that reminds of your 1st date, 1st dance together, 1st meet, 1st concert together, 1st trip together and so on. 3. Check Out The Lyrics Too You both might love similar songs – probably ones that remind you of your romantic times you spent with each other – however, you must always read its lyrics prior deciding to go with it. The reason: Some songs might sound pleasant but have inappropriate or irrelevant lyrics, making it unfit for first dance. 4. Play Some Hits If you are relying upon a band, then ensure they play your wedding song well & make sure to check their list once because later when you find that the tune you love is not on their list – you’ll be disappointed. Again, read or listen the lyrics carefully. 5. Pick The Correct Tempo The one important thing to note on your wedding song is the “tempo”. Make sure that your wedding song is 100% danceable. Obviously, you don’t want something that is off tempo, boring & dull. Moreover, if the chosen song is in a way where you can’t even dance – it’s the worse! 6. Have Fun Now, the most important thing is to have complete fun. Do not take things too seriously if something goes out of your expectations. Pick a song that is purely meant for you & your partner. Ever wonder where to start when it comes to choosing a great venue for your reception? Is the venue large enough? Does it provide all the amenities (linens, color choices, centerpieces)? Is it handicapped accessible? Does it have dance floor? How many rooms, how large are the rooms, do they have an outdoor area, what is their pet policy, what are their prices, and so much more!
Since this is one of your biggest expenses, why not ask your dj? After all, most dj's have been to all the local venues at least once. Many times have they been there more than once. They can at least answer most if not all your questions, about the venue. Not only that, the DJ will also be able to tell you, if the venue is more accommodating, to the type of reception you wish to have the night of your wedding. Choosing your venue, is something every bride & groom must search out. But a good place to start, might be with your DJ..
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AuthorDean Turner Owner of Active DJ's. Archives
March 2017
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