Choosing a Wedding Disco
Choosing a wedding disco can be a challenge as it is rarely possible for you to see them at work at another wedding reception and you are largely relying on reviews and recommendations to establish whether you have found a good professional wedding DJ with a range of appropriate music for all ages, or an amateur who would like to call himself a wedding DJ on the basis that he has a disco mirror ball, has been to a wedding reception so knows what happens, and has bought an impressive looking sound system.
Are all wedding DJs the same?
Anyone can buy equipment, call themselves a DJ and set up a disco company, just as anyone who owns a camera can call themselves a photographer. However for such an important occasion you will obtain more satisfying results by using a professional experienced DJ from a reliable disco company, and ideally one that you have heard performing at another wedding and that knows how to get the guests on the dance floor and keep them there dancing the night away from your first dance to the last.
A professional wedding DJ will spend time planning your event weeks in advance to ensure that he has all the music you have requested and that he knows the age range of your guests and the sort of occasion you are wanting to create. Communication is key; give your guests the option to suggest favourite songs for the evening reception when they reply to your invitation and let your DJ know what you are wanting, rather than risk him leading your guests in some Gangnam wedding dance or a rendition of the Chicken Song when you are wanting a sophisticated disco.
Remember that if you are having a live band you may still need a wedding disco for the breaks between each live music set as your musicians will generally play 3 x 40 minute sets. Don’t risk all of your guests leaving the dance floor by ensuring that you have a good DJ, rather than the pre-recorded CD of disco music that the live band may supply to fill the gaps.
How do I choose my DJ?
For the budget option simply phone around until you find one with a wedding package that suits your price. If, however, you want your evening to be a unique and fitting celebration for you and your guests then you will need to do a little more work - but it'll be worth it.
Once you have your short list it's time to narrow this down. Do they specialise in weddings? What experience do they have? Are they a member of a professional organisation? Do they have testimonials from previous clients? Much of this information can be gleaned from their web sites and if there is anything else you want to know that isn't covered you can ask them. A professional DJ will be happy to give you all the information you need to help you to decide whether they are right for your event.
Discos and DJs FAQ
What makes a good wedding DJ?
We recommend using a professional, experienced DJ from a reliable disco company, and ideally one that you have heard performing at another wedding. A professional wedding DJ will spend time planning your event weeks in advance to ensure that he has all the music you have requested and that he knows the age range of your guests and the sort of occasion you are wanting to create.
When should I book my wedding DJ?
If there's a particular DJ that you want to hire, you should try to book them 9-12 months before the wedding. If you're open to working with a DJ company, you can usually wait to about 6-9 months ahead of time.
How much does a wedding DJ cost?
Wedding DJs typically charge between £200 – £600. A DJ’s rate can vary according to factors such as experience, equipment and set length. It comes down to what kind of experience you want and how much you are willing to spend.
What equipment do I need to provide?
Wedding DJs will usually have their own decks, PA and microphones, and many have disco lighting. Discuss with your DJ whether they do need you or the venue to provide any equipment, such as a PA system or lighting.
Can wedding DJs take song requests?
Your DJ can essentially play any song you ask them for. Although, it is a good idea that you send your DJ a list of the tracks you’d like them to include in their set before the wedding as some might not be able to provide to requests on the night. You could even ask your guests to recommend a song when you send them their invitation and get them to help with the playlist.
Do all DJs MC whilst performing?
Many DJs will do this as it makes the performance more interactive with the guests, and brings that extra excitement to an evening. Announcements are part of this, so whether its informing your guests that the cake cutting is about to happen or announcing the wedding couple to the dance floor, it is good to find a wedding DJ who is also a good MC.
