Wedding Forum - Anyone else having issues trying to decide?...

Hi All,

I just wondered is anyone else having issues when looking for a DJ/ Band type of thing?

Me and my partner have different opinions of what we like and this can pose an issue as neither taste is 'regular'.

When we have spoken to people we seem to come across the i have had the comments that they have been doing it for over 20 year etc but then not being funny they tend to be a tad older than my music tastes and probably have never heard of half the stuff we like.

Has anyone else had this issue?

Also im finding that i would like to look at them in action as i want to know what im paying for cos lets face it i get a cake tasting session, flower consultation and get to see examples of other peopls work that im paying am arm and a leg for!

Also if anyone knows any good DJs im South Hampshire area and would apprchiate recommendations.

We went with a band, who would appeal to the majority of our guests. My OH and I are into a wide range of music, including DnB and dubstep, as well as jazz and swing. If we played what we liked best, the majority of our guests wouldn't dance; so, we've gone with a band who play music we still enjoy and will dance to (mainly 60s/70s rock and pop, as well as some more modern (ie current) rock/pop), because the majority of our guests like this music, and atmosphere is very important to us; if everyone's standing around, it isn't going to be a good party, it's that simple.

They'll be playing from about 7.45pm (first dance) until about 11pm, with around 2 breaks during which we'll play a mix of music streamed through an ipod. At 11pm, we will play music through an ipod until the end (likely about 2-3am). We will sit down and carefully think about the tracks and playing order; we will get some of our DnB in, but it'll be like one track every 10 tracks. For the end of the evening, we'll have more mellow music, as by then it will only be a hard-core group left, and we'll probably just be sitting and talking, and so just want background music.

Music is SO important IMO as it can really make or break the atmosphere. So, I would think about your guests, and what they enjoy, and try to cater for everyone. Eg when we're hosting a party at mine, there are two 'regulars' who like soul, but most other people don't. So, when we make our CDs/play-list, we make sure we have say one soul track out of every 15 tracks. This keeps them happy, and stops them repeatedly asking us to play soul (lol), but also means that our other guests aren't getting bored because we've played 3 or 4 soul tracks in a row.

Sounds like a lot of work, and TBF it is, but honestly, it's worth it. I can honestly say that any party we host ALWAYS has a great atmosphere; and this is largely down to the care we take over the music. I've been to so many where they've just not got it right, eg they've catered to their tastes and ignored their guests, and a) people stand around and don't dance and b) people leave earlier.

Once you've thought about that, any decent DJ should be able to play what you want.

can you download the music you want and get dj to play it? Our wedding is a mix of English and hindu,and we have managed to incorporate both throughout the day. We're having a gospel group sing modern songs in the chapel before the English ceremony, then between the English and hindu ceremonies we are having indian dhol drummers at regular intervals, then a couple of indian songs at the hindu ceremony and the dj in the evening will start with a some bhangra and Bollywood songs, followed by English songs. I guess it's a bit more difficult though if you're looking to combine 2 very different styles in the evening.

Hiya Stinky87,

I will post some DJ recommendations on your wall shortly as I can't list them on the forum any longer.

To answer a comment you made in your OP, it is unlikely any DJ will allow you to turn up to see them in action, as most events a DJ is booked for are Private Parties... Would you let somebody you don't know turn up to your Wedding Reception just to see what the DJ is like? Your best chance of seeing them live, is to ask if the DJ at any public events, such as in a pub etc.

A good DJ will take the time to go through your requests, whether you've submitted them online or in person. I have done events where the music requested has not really been my area of expertise or my cup of tea, however, I spent about 2 weeks trawling through google researching the genre and buying suitable songs, if I didn't have them already, and the nights went very well - It comes down to the old saying, Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance!

As for the age thing, I'm 22... I have 4 DJ's who work for my company, with another 3/4 more I can call on if needed and all but one are older than me, by around 10 years! Most of our work is Wedding Receptions as well - around 85%. Experience is an important factor, but you should also feel confident your chosen DJ will provide you with a great night of entertainment.

I regularly meet with new clients and a few are surprised when I turn up, the seem to look around for someone older!


Regards,

Scott.


Update: Message with recommended DJ's is Sent.