Get your party started… your wedding reception is a one-off event – just like your wedding dress is a one off creation. It will never be repeated and above all else, guests will remember whether or not they had a good time. Your wedding disco is central to this, so your evening entertainment really is the one aspect of your reception you can’t afford to get wrong!

Avoiding Agencies

“There are many companies out there competing for your business.” says Andy. “Personally I feel it’s essential that any company offering entertainment for weddings should show an active interest in your big day and it should be them DJing your wedding personally, helping you with music choice and timings and with any other queries you have. They should be happy to be contacted at any time and always happy to help.”

Andy warns of companies that are, in fact, an agency for DJs rather than a DJ, many of who have no knowledge of your ideas and songs – or experience of working with their ‘recommended’ contractor. Ask any company for the actual DJ’s name, photographs of their equipment and contact name and number… this should reduce the risk of this happening to you.

Resident DJs

“Likewise, many venues offer to supply ‘resident’ DJs – which can be problematic.” Says Andy. “Some venues will supply the cheapest DJ they can find to maximise their profit. You need to speak to a DJ to confirm music tastes, set up times etc. If you can’t get hold of them to speak to them personally, it’s definitely time to ask the venue why. Admittedly there are very good resident DJs but equally there are poor ones too – it may be an idea to ask to see the DJ at work at the venue prior to your Wedding.”

Professional DJs and Hobbyists

Like many areas of wedding planning, laptop computers and iTunes style software has made it easier than ever for people to set up as DJs and take on bookings they are simply not suitable for. Often, however, they lack the professional equipment, backup machinery and legal essentials like insurance and electrical safety testing.

“A reputable DJ will have professional equipment, sound systems & lighting, which is suitable for any room.” Says Andy. “The last thing you want is a DJ turning up with inferior equipment – terrible sound and poor lighting equipment, which simply isn’t up to the job. A reputable company will also have PLI (public liability insurance) and equipment will be PAT (portable appliance tested) for the safety of you and your guests.”

What to Expect from a Pro

It is always a good idea to check whether your DJ will carry backup equipment. Any reputable company should have cover for everything. You don’t want your Big Day ruined because one easily replaceable piece of equipment has broken.

You will also need your DJ and disco to be set up in time and ready for when your Evening guests arrive… liaise with your chosen DJ and venue to ensure the DJ is free to set up and that the venue will be open to allow them to set up.

Finally, can your DJ supply cover in the light of illness or injury? It is essential that cover is available in the event of an emergency – imagine an evening reception with no music, lights, or first dance!

Choosing Your Music

As your wedding day is of such emotional importance, you will no doubt have songs very special to you that you will want to hear during your wedding reception, so check in advance that your DJ can play these and accommodate any other requests you or your guests may have.

As a wedding is a big celebration, the DJ's job is to take into account all of the requests, as well as to judge on the night and adapt their choice of music accordingly so everybody has a night to remember. This is where good DJs are essential to your evening.

Extras Features

Make the most of your entertainment company; many of whom now supply optional extras – this can include uplighting to colour any room in any colour scheme, and large projectors to show any images which some photographers can show from just a few hours earlier.

Above All Else…

A professional company, whilst costing slightly more than an amateur’s service, will have all the above in place to avoid any disasters and equipment to enhance you Wedding.

“The Disco is the one service you need to get right.” Says Andy. “You only get one chance to get it right, don’t jeopardise it by cutting corners to save a few pounds.”

Andy Mullineaux is the owner of Sparkling Discos, based in the North West of England.