Personally, I find it better to have a 'live' DJ (Doesn't necessarily have to be a full-time DJ like myself), as when the band are having a break and the DJ is playing, he/she can read the dance floor to try and get people dancing, whereas a pre-recorded playlist just might not work.
Even, if the band only have a pair of CD players or similar, that they can play music off 'live' to entertain your guests and try and get them dancing, I believe would be a better option, as you don't want your guests getting bored in between sets.
If you have any questions at all regarding DJ's / Discos please feel free to post a message below.
Regards,
Scott.
CommentAuthormym72
Hi Scott
This is probably a stupid question - but what is the minimum number of people you could have at a wedding, to have a DJ - as we're only having a small wedding and at the moment we're just in the hotel bar for the evening (possibly with backing music on a CD). I don't want to get a DJ and find that it's overkill because of the lack of people, but don't want to have an evening with very little atmosphere because there's no entertainment.
good quesation mym i was thinking exactly the same thing. at one point we were thinking of having nothing as it is such a small wedding we arent sure it will be worth it, but we dont want the guests getting bored and leaving early and besides it is a celebration, so if not a dj, then what else do we have?! x
CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
scott i need to contact you ....would email be best ?
ta for the advice about a dj in between sets of a band cos i have m heart set on a band the only problem is it is working out 750 for 5 hours which works out at 30 per hour per person!!! i think this is ridiculous as we had only budgeted 500 :( so we gotta see what we can do but do you think if we just put party songs on a cd in between then people might get up and dance?? an save us the cost of a dj aswell?? esp if they at least 160!!??
i cannot wait to marry my best friend
i love you ry!!!
engaged midnight 2009
Mrs Ryan Sheader (to be) lol :D
To answer your question, I have DJ'd at all sorts of events both large and small and have found that, more often than not, the smaller numbered parties are great nights. The atmosphere is usually great and because the guests are mostly family, with a few close friends as well, it is more intimate and more people will 'let their hair down' - When I say 'small number parties', I mean 20/30 people...and yes these parties really can be more fun than a disco for 200/300 people. :-)
Hi lalabunni,
Yes an email would be great or you can send me a message via UKBride?? - Thank you :-)
P.S. Are you the B2B from Coventry?
Hi krazykitty,
What I posted above were just my thoughts of what could happen with a CD on between the band's sets, however, it could be the opposite.
If you really did want to use CD's, then get an idea of what everyone likes/dislikes before you choose what to play. - Maybe get everyone to write 1 or 2 of their favourite songs on their invite or similar to gauge what your guests like, then you can get the music together?? Don't forget the music you and your H2B like though lol!
If you need help with getting a list together with some of the most popular tunes at a disco, just ask, and i'll post a list below. :-)
P.S. Apologies if some of this post doesn't make sense, it's just turned 3:00am and it's been a loooong day - i'm shattered lol!
CommentAuthorTotallyLovedUp
can you please post the list of popular songs?? dont know what we are doing yet regards to the whol diso thing so that would be really helpful! thank you x
CommentAuthorsbride
Hello, we have decided that we want mostly the music we like as its our special day and we want to enjoy it. Music is a big part of our lives and is very important to us. Obviously we gotta have some music to cater for the older generation. What would you say is a reasonal amount to songs to cater for the older ones?
I am now Mrs Stacey Stiles and loving it!
CommentAuthorFaeth
Best music related quote from a wedding:-
Mother of Groom: "I really don't like the music." Groom: "That's the point!! If you did I'd be worried!"
Sorry for not getting back to you as promised, I've been extremely busy, I will do ASAP.
CommentAuthorUnknown
hi scot....we are having a dj for our wedding but the night before he is doing my friends 30th so same people will be there and he is doing an event the sat before. do you think people will get fed up with him?
CommentAuthorScott C
edited
Hi MrsBarkertobe,
Not necessarily. With the amount of songs that have been released over the years, your DJ should be able to vary the parties quite a bit music-wise, although if everyone is enjoying the music, then why fix what already works? :)
However, there will always be a number of songs that us DJ's class as 'floorfillers' that get played at the majority of parties as they have a record of getting people up and dancing.
I hope this helps,
Regards,
Scott.
CommentAuthorMrs.Caz.Lewis
hi i was just wondering, we cant afford like a private venue for reception so we are having a family reception at my h2bs nanas house, we already sorted out DJ though so can he play music outside in back garden but not loud or is that impossible? nana doesnt think its legal,and will not be late reception only maybe from 1pm to 4-5pm?
It's perfectly legal to have a party with music in your garden, but I believe the rules say that loud music has to be turned down or switched off at 11:00pm, however as your party is finishing at 4/5pm there shouldn't be any problems.
Out of courtesy though, I would let your neighbours know (in writing) that you intend to have (loud) music playing for a few hours on the day you're having the party - They can't really moan then because they know!
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Scott.
CommentAuthorMrs.Caz.Lewis
thanks scott x
CommentAuthorClairebear67
This thread has been great, thanks Scott for the advice, we are getting married in 2013 so I hope you dont mind if I message you closer to the time if i have any niggles about any dj stuff. : )
CommentAuthorScott C
Hi ClaireNoble,
No problem, speak to you soon :)
Regards,
Scott.
CommentAuthordee
Hi Scott, just a quick question. . . What are the most popular first dance songs, every wedding i go to seems to be heaven. . . I just want mine to be a bit different from what most people choose, we haven't really got a song that means something to us so are just going to choose one that we both like. Oooh just out of interest too, What is the most random first dance song you have played???
Can't wait to become Mrs Hardwicke. . .
CommentAuthorScott C
edited
Hi Dee,
Some of the most popular ones are:
Lonestar - Amazed Aerosmith - I don't Want To Miss A Thing Michael Buble - Everything Bryan Adams - Heaven Shania Twain - You're Still The One Eva Cassidy - Songbird Leanne Rimes - How Do I live
My most random first dance was Rage Against The Machine - Killing In The Name...Let's just say the Bride & Grooms parents were 'surprised' lol :D
Regards,
Scott.
CommentAuthorxxhan87xx
edited
Hi scott just wondering what songs djs class as floorfillers? And if they mind being given banned songs such as dj casper lol x
26th August 2013 1pm
The Las Vegas sign
WE'RE GETTING MARRIED AT LAST
CommentAuthorMrs_Job
Hi scott, our dj is provided by our venue as part of our all inclusive package and want to give him a list of songs id like playing, can you give me some ideas of party songs to get guests up dancing, eg ymca type songs?? Thanks
CommentAuthorScott C
edited
Hi both,
Sorry for the delayed reply, i've been here, there and everywhere!
Xxmrsb2bxX,
It is your Wedding, so if you want DJ Casper, you have DJ casper lol! - Any decent DJ will let you choose the music you want, however, I would suggest that you don't give him/her a list on 200 songs, as he/she wont have time to play them all! I have made this list with a load of songs to give you and idea, about 6 months ago, I hope it helps: *****************8
Mrs_Job_2_B,
If you have a look at that link I have pasted above, it should help you out a bit. :-)
Regards,
Scott.
EDIT.....Sorry scott no links of any kind in the forum even if it is to a ukb thread. If you know the name of the thread post that instead then the members can do a search for it that way. thanks MODS
CommentAuthorluvlifejen (mrs berr
is it cheeky to vito certain songs that h2b and me dont like or ones that would have me crying? (due to missing ppl) x
soon to be Mrs Berry 26.11.2011
CommentAuthorTotallyLovedUp
i dont think it is jen!! it is your wedding, if you dont want certain songs, dont have them chick xx
CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
Hun talk to your DJ ......
we have already said to our that there is some styles of music we dont want played and there will be cetain songs that will get mantioned as we get closer to the time, if you have a professional DJ as we do they will have the mind set of ..."you are paying for them,it is your wedding,you have the music you want played"
if anyone wants the detail of our fantastic DJ im more than happy to pass on info
mine is included in the packaged just dont want certain songs played for numerous reasons
thanks girls much appreciated xx
soon to be Mrs Berry 26.11.2011
CommentAuthorTotallyLovedUp
can understand that hun. if they played certain songs at ours it would totally kill the mood and just upset a lot of people so we will be doing the same x
CommentAuthor~*~ Becca ~*~
i bumped up a t hread earlier today with a list that Scott made up of a lot of popular songs from different decades etc..it could help you if your struggling for idea x
17.09.2010 ---I am officially Mrs Rebecca Mollins
Twilight - its' like my own personal brand of Heroin...
Edward Cullen - The Hottest Vampire since 1901 !!
I have OTD - Obsessive Twilight Disorder :D
CommentAuthorScott C
Hi All,
Just to let you know that I am still about should you have any questions Disco/DJ related.
It's been a busy couple of months with Weddings, but I should be able to check the forums a little more frequently now, so if any of you ladies have any questions DJ/Discos wise, just post them below :-)
i have a question!! right, we have booked a band and the will be playin a total of 1 and a hlaf hours. they have said they will play music through there sound system for the time they are not playing so people can still dance but do you think this will be enough or is a dj necessary?
CommentAuthorScott C
Hi Rebeccalou,
Personally, I would recommend a DJ as I have been to several functions that have just had a band and they just put a mix CD on or Mini Disc player and there were gaps between each song, so people didn't really dance or if they did dance, they tended to leave the dance floor.
Also, with a DJ, you get some interaction (if you want that), so it's not just song after song, so hopefully your guests won't get bored.
Another point to consider, if some of your guests don't enjoy the band, you have a DJ there as back-up if you like, to break the night up a bit and get the guests to enjoy themselves.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Scott.
CommentAuthorClairebear67
Hi Scott, Could you possibly tell me approximately how much on average would a Dj charge for a 5 hr set, our venue has an in house Dj and they have said if we want to use him, it will be £300, not booked him as not sure if that is expensive. Thanks
CommentAuthorMrsMay2b
Hi Scott,
I am getting married in Oxfordshire and the DJ our venue recommends is going to cost £500!! I feel that I am being completely ripped off. What do you suggest I do? What should I look for when finding an alternative DJ?
Thanks
Kim
CommentAuthorLittle Kettle
Kim - that was the average price we were quoted in London and I thought the same as you! Fortunately, we have booked someone that I found through UKBride and they gave me a 20% discount for being a member here too!
Hope Scott can offer some good advice to you hun Hx
Vegas baby!
Moderator
CommentAuthorScott C
Hi Clairebear67,
As a rough guide, for a good quality DJ, you'd be looking to pay around £275 - £550 for your Wedding.
Some DJ's charge more, some charge less, as I said, it's only a rough guide. It all depends what your DJ offers you in return for your money and what prior experience they have etc.
Your quote for £300 is about right to be honest, in my opinion.
My biggest piece of advice to all Brides, is please don't scrimp on the DJ, after all, the Reception is what your guests will remember most and it makes up for about 50% of your big day!
Hi Kim,
As I mentioned above, £275 - £550 is about right for a night's entertainment which is usually quoted for 4 - 5 hours.
Make sure your DJ has Public Liability Insurance - most venues will ask for this, PAT Tested equipment - to make sure all the equipment is electrically safe and make sure, when you do book a DJ, that he/she sends you a booking contract along with Terms & Conditions to sign.
I would also find out how long they have been DJ'ing and how many Weddings they have previously done. On top of that, ask to see some testimonials.
Most DJ's I know (Myself included), who all run professional discos, offer a Pre-Event and/or a Pre-Booking meeting where you can meet your (potential) DJ and run through all the details with them face to face. These meetings will either be included within your quotation or there may be a small extra charge to cover fuel costs/time etc.
I hope these responses have helped you both :-)
Regards,
Scott.
CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
well all i can say is that i have a fantastic DJ who is really taking notice of what we want and is not charging us the earth
Hi Scott Thank you very much, the venue have said that the £300 is just for the services of their Dj for 5 hours that if we want anything else ie Pa System,Lighting, Screens and Technical support will be extra, might have lighting as well but again depends how much it will be. Will speak to the venue next week and get an idea how much , then can I run it past you to see if we are getting a good deal? Thanks again. : )
Thats great lala sounds like you have a really good Dj. : )
CommentAuthorSijen
That sounds bad of your venue Clairebear. Our DJ is £270 to play 7:30pm to 1:30am and that includes all his stuff, lights, pa etc. He was recommended to us by our venue.
10 years together...
Finally Mr & Mrs
27.07.12
CommentAuthorClairebear67
Sijen - Well I think I will be getting onto them on Tuesday not so sure they will be there tomorrow, if i can do a deal with them then I will look elsewhere for a Dj. Sounds like you got a great deal there. : )
