Music at your wedding. (Or any other party)

When you have a wedding disco or any other party there are a few things you might want to consider regarding music. I use the wrods 'wedding' in this post, but this can apply to Birthdays, christenings, Communions or even a Christmas party.

No matter what you’ve done to prepare for your Wedding, remember this: Music Enhances the Memories. You’ve purchased a Beautiful Wedding Dress. You’ve spent hundreds of Euros on Photography, Flowers and Food. You picked the absolute perfect Venue to host your amazing wedding. But after all of that, your Wedding will be judged by how entertaining it was and if the music was good or not. Music is the most important enhancement of any event, especially weddings. So, if you’re considering a Band, a DJ, a traditional Irish music group to play live music, or all of those combinations, here are a few tips to think about that will help you make decisions and add the great finishing touches to your Wedding.

1. Don’t dance alone for too long
When it comes to the first dance, you don’t have to stay on the dance floor on your own throughout the entire song. The DJ can do several things to make this moment a little shorter without being obvious. Have them make an announcement to ask others to join you on the dance floor, or simply ask everyone to applaud you as he fades the song & moves right on to the next scheduled dance. If you’re asking people to join you on the floor half way through a song, it might be an idea to ask a few couples ahead of time to be prepared to get up there & get the rest of the crowd into it.

2. Silence isn’t beautiful
Every Wedding Ceremony needs music, especially the crucial period just prior to the start of the ceremony, approximately an hour. As your guests arrive, you need to have music playing, possibly a hired musician or the DJ playing pre-recorded music. If you choose a DJ, you can play anything you want! Sometimes my clients choose music like Jason Mraz, Adele, Corinne Bailey Rae, Simon and Garfunkel, The Fureys or even some relaxing electronic music like Café Del Mar. Either way, this sets the mood for what the evening is going to feel like, but Silence is not an option. Even in the most serene setting, a Wedding is a celebration and should be accompanied by great music!

3. Take charge of the Music
If you’ve hired a band for the reception, the band has maybe a 100 or more songs in their repertoire, a DJ has thousands. You have options! Make sure to tell the entertainment provider what you do and DO NOT want to hear. You don’t have to pre-program every last second of the music, but you shouldn’t just say “Play what you like to hear” I like to have the guidance of the Bride and Groom because I play songs that say something about you as a couple, your personal music tastes are important, it's YOUR day so you should have it the way YOU want it !

At the same time, maybe there’s a song you hate or that has painful memories associated with it, make sure to ask that the song is NOT Played. Beyond that, obviously you should trust the DJ to play great music but don’t be afraid to step in and ask the DJ to play more of your style of music if that’s the feel you want your wedding to have and the entertainer is straying too far from it.

4. Don’t Blow your guests eardrums
DJs and Bands LOVE loud music, maybe you do as well. But, it’s not a good idea to blow the speakers out at your wedding. Granted, as the night goes on and the dancing is really cranking, the music should be louder, but make sure you have a word with your entertainment beforehand to keep the music at a tolerable level as the evening progresses.

Many friends and family come from all over the country and a wedding might be the first time they have had a chance to catch up on the latest developments and so will want to talk before jumping straight onto the dancefloor. I can say that I always watch my volume levels, and there’s nothing worse than being asked to turn down the music, especially when I know it isn’t very loud…but, sometimes, DJs and Bands can’t tell with certainty if the music is getting too loud, especially if they’re into the dance set and working hard.

It’s not a bad idea to ask someone to keep their ears open to the volume and if it’s a problem to assign them to ask the entertainment to turn it down so you and your fiancé don’t have to worry about it! Either way, you want everyone to have fun and there’s a time and place for the music to progressively get louder.

5. Dirty Words Do Hurt You
Your Wedding is no time or place for explicit language. Keep in mind, older guests will be offended by foul language at your wedding, so there’s no reason to play it in the music, considering I have edited versions of songs. Most songs are edited for radio, but there are some that are still questionable and could offend some in attendance. Ask yourself if the song is truly that important to hear the explicit version.

6. Heavy Metal is probably too heavy
I love hard rock and classic rock. I also love some heavy metal and punk, but there’s an appropriate time and place for that music, and it’s almost certain that your wedding is not the place. If you MUST fit it into the evening, don’t have it played during dinner…and don’t stop the dancing just to appease your need to hear Napalm Death, Rammstein or Lordi I promise you, 90% of your guests will not appreciate it.

Play that music at a planned time, maybe you and your friends have a mosh pit routine you want to do and the guests will find it hilariously entertaining and might even want to get involved, that could be interesting to see grandma in a mosh pit! Either way, don’t insist on including it if it doesn’t fit the overall mood of the event, or just play it really late in the evening when most of the older folks have gone home. If however, you have a heavier more edgy wedding planned, by all means, Rock On!

7. Don’t get stuck on one genre of music
You love 80′s New Wave, or you are a Hip-Hop connoisseur, Great! Now, just don’t play that music all night at your wedding and we’ll all be happy. Too much of a good thing is never good. Mix it up, that’s what DJs do really well. Everyone wants to enjoy themselves and feel like they have a chance to dance to the kind of music that makes them move, so it’s best to play short blocks of 3 or 4 of the same kind of music and then mix out to something else.

As the night progresses and the die hard dancers are still dancing then we can cater to whatever style of music they want to hear the most and stick to that for a while. In general the rule for Music Entertainers is, play a great mix, everyone has fun!

Careful who you book to be your DJ

I found this on Gumtree and thought would post it on here. I have edited it slightly, but most of these views are that of the original poster.

There are a lot of DJ's advertising on the internet, so how do you know if they are genuine and reliable ? Well most of them have posted what are called 'stock' photos of lights, people dancing, equipment etc. These ARE NOT what they supply, if you search for 'disco light' 'DJ rig' 'disco crowd' on Google you will see these. Some DJ's have even used OTHER DJ's set up photos to make them look more professional.

When you book a DJ they provide one of the most important things for your party, people always remember the music and if they had a good time, so make sure you see what they ACTUALLY use. A number of hotels and other venues are now asking for DJ's to have public liabilty insurance, so make sure your DJ had this or they will NOT BE ALLOWED TO PROVIDE MUSIC. Obviously this would nto be good for your wedding.

A professional full time DJ will also be registered with the Revenue service and if they are not be very wary of booking them, they are not paying tax on thier earnings and that is putting yours up every year ! When you get a receipt from a reputable professional DJ that gives you piece of mind that you have made sure they pay tax. ALWAYS ASK FOR CONFIRMATION OF YOUR PAYMENT.

Professional DJ's use professional equipment, you can get a pair of cheap speakers, an amplifier, a CD player and a couple of flashing lights from a well known electrical shop in the city centre, but they are not reliable enough or powerful enough to provide decent sound for a big party. CD's can get scratched, (despite what the manufacturers claimed when they were released !) MP3's downloaded from the Internet illegally are not good enough quality either, so don't think if they are using a laptop or iPod that it will be any better. I use a custom designed DJ computer that only uses high quality MP3 files, it can play these through a professional quality soundcard so the quality is always perfect. This is not for normal home use, it is only for DJ work. (it doesn't have the programs that clog up the smooth running of a professional machine)

Just be careful when choosing a DJ, you might save money booking someone cheap, but you wont save a bad party because of a BAD DJ ! To give you an idea of DJ's posting other DJ's set up pictures this photo is from 2 other DJ's as you can see from this site

Now I will admit on my website I have stock photos, but they are not shown as pictures of my equipment or any parties I have done. ALL content in my gallery is my own equipment at parties I have provided discos. I have watermarked my photos and videos to try to stop other DJ's posting them as their own. Just remember you get what you pay for, a cheap DJ might be chaep for a reason, is he (or she) doing it for pocket money or a full time job ? If they are doing it for pocket money, who's pocket is it going into ? not the tax man's or the insurance company.

Professional DJ's have websites with their own domain name, most DJ's who are what are sometimes called 'bedroom DJ' use free websites like Yahoo, Freewebs, Bebo, etc. They also use free email like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo etc, make sure your DJ has a registered email address and website, this ensures you are dealing with a professional full time DJ.

Music for your wedding

Selecting the songs for your wedding reception can be almost as tricky as creating your seating plan.
Do you keep Gran and Gramps happily foxtrotting around the dance floor, or do you ensure your friends are carving it up all night long by keeping the top-40 hits spinning?
The simple answer is to remember that you can’t please everyone, so it’s best to use music as another element to create the atmosphere you want to achieve. If you’re envisaging a classy, sophisticated reception, choose classic songs with everlasting appeal – young and old alike will be captivated by the dulcet tones of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. You can easily modernise the genre by keeping this millennium’s artists such as Duffy and Michael Bublé (his hit song Sway is bound to get everyone in a spin) on high rotation.

Some couples would prefer their reception to be more about letting their hair down.
If this sounds like you, mix the latest pop hits (think Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta Feeling) with old-school beats that everyone knows, such as the Grease Megamix. After all, a wedding reception is one of the few occasions where it’s perfectly acceptable to break it down to the Macarena or form a conga line. You’d be surprised which tracks tickle some people’s footwork fancies.

Music gives lots of opportunities to personalise your wedding. A lot of people like a traditional band so they can get everyone dancing, however, you cannot expect a acoustic band to play "Disco Inferno". This is often the dilemma of bands who are hired for their cool ambience but are being hassled to play rock 'n roll at 10pm when everyone is in party mode.

Whether it's soft background listening or loud dance music you can choose between live musicians or a DJ.
The number one decider could be cost - DJ's are usually cheaper than live bands simply because you only need one person. It's also easier for them to play a variety of styles well, and most of them take their breaks during a song so they keep the music coming all night long.
On the other hand musicians bring an energy and visual interest that DJs just can't match.

Once you've decided get a written contract including the date, times, place, selection of music - particularly for special songs like your first dance, total price, deposit and payment details. If necessary you might need to visit the venue together to sort out logistics and gauge any needs or problems. Discuss food arrangements - will you need to provide a meal or snacks for whoever you chose during the session ? These are things a lot of people forget when booking entertainment.

Please visit my site at http://www.discoroyale.net for more information on how I can make your party simply the best !

Booking a DJ for your wedding or party

Everyone is different, with different tastes and different ideas of what makes a good party. So why book a DJ instead of a band ? Are you a little bit country, while he's a little bit rock and roll? If you book DJ, you can be sure they play slow & fast songs, as well as old and new tunes to encourage different sets of guests to hit the dance floor. Here are a few things to conside when booking a DJ.

Budget

Of course DJs generally cost less, and prices vary depending on equipment requests and whether it's a weekday or a weekend. A 4-piece band, for example, will generally be more expensive than a DJ, since there are more people to pay. Band prices vary by the number of musicians, the amount of time you want them to play for, day of the week, and what time of year it is. With a DJ generally the price stays the same except maybe for New Year's Eve or for long parties. Usually 4 hours is enough dancing, but of course if you're getting married it could be an all day affair. I don't charge more for a wedding than for a birthday party. Unless I am providing more services like background music while the meal is served etc.

Space

Of course a lot of places there won't be enough room for a full band. Many venues are not designed for large groups and this is where a DJ can be a better option. This is due to being able to fit into a smaller space and adjust the number of lights accordingly, but still give a good display. I have done house parties with just 2 light effects and still provided a good party. Don't get your heart set on an 5-piece band before you check whether the venue has any restrictions on the number of musicians and pieces of equipment you may bring in, as well as if there are any electrical power supply or noise limitations. For example, a venue near houses may not allow you to have the music too loud, or a small room may not have enough power sockets. I only need 2 sockets to set up as I use distribution leads. Ask these questions before you start scouting bands.

Why book a DJ?

Bands can be more expensive than DJs. Also, no matter how great the band, they can't have the repertoire of a DJ, who can keep a huge variety of music on hand. I personally pride myself on having all the hits from the various charts every week, as well as being able to find nearly every song you would like played if you give me enough notice. Don't fear the DJ: The days of Saturday Night fever and flashing traffic lights are gone, at least with a professional DJ. Today's DJ's are artists in their own right, offering balanced and eclectic mixes of musical styles for all ages. Plus, the songs played will sound exactly as you remember them, encouraging sing-alongs and improvisation. Depending on the amount of equipment a DJ brings, he'll take up less dance floor space and can be relocated with relative ease. A DJ with a charismatic stage presence and excellent MC skills can really set the mood and keep the party going.

Before You Sign

A DJ should be open to your likes and dislikes. Give them your personal request list, songs they must, and, perhaps more importantly, a do-not-play list. Worried that you'll hear the "Macarena" at your once-in-a-lifetime event? Specifically prohibit the playing of a song you feel strongly about in your contract. I always ask if there are songs you don't want played and make sure it doesn't happen. This is because if you happen to have a 'special song' from a previous relationship, you don't want it making things awkward on your special day. If a guest asks me for a song that is on your 'banned list' I will give a polite excuse for not playing it. Obviously if they insist then I will maybe consult you for advice.

Visit my site for more information on my services and how I can make your event 'simply the best'

Tips for a strees free wedding or party

One of the more daunting challenges a bride and groom must face is the hiring of their entertainment. This is also true even if you are organising a birthday or christening. If you have (for whatever reason) decided to book a DJ over a band, there are a few things you really should consider before hiring anyone.

While contacting various DJs, getting their prices, meeting with potential disc jockeys/wedding entertainment directors, and comparing the notes you take on each one can be a bit of a hassle, it is important to remember the lasting impression a bad DJ can make. Doing a bit of homework and keeping these tips in mind will help you make a well-educated decision; the kind that allows you to walk into your reception or party feeling comfortable and confident.

Thinking That All DJs Are The Same

Every DJ has their own style, skill level, methods, and vary a lot in their equipment quality and music library. An amateur DJ lacks the experience and knowledge required to execute a flawless reception. The last thing a bride wants to do on her wedding is remind the DJ it is time to cut the cake or dance with her father and get the reply, “Oh…. Yeah… Right…” Or find the DJ has forgotten the birthday/christening girl/boy's name
A professional entertainer knows how to get your guests on the dance floor. Asking a DJ how they get people dancing will often get you an odd answer. Also, if a DJ only has one genre of music, they sincerely lack in versatility. Your favorite DJ that spins Modern Rock music all night may be perfect for the bar, but more than likely your grandmother doesn’t want hear Maroon 5 all night at your reception.

Hiring The Cheapest DJ You Can Find

The phrase “you get what you pay for” holds a lot of water in the case of hiring a DJ, especially for a wedding or party. There are DJs which can cost as little as €100 or as much as €800, for a five hour wedding. Is the DJ that is only charging €100 no good at all? Who knows, they might do a decent job, but there is one thing that is certain: Either the DJ doesn’t have a lot of experience or they are the worst businessperson ever.
Any DJ that has performed for numerous weddings or parties (at least 100 or more) knows that there is far too much involved in presenting wedding entertainment to only charge peanuts. The average wedding usually has around 25-30 hours invested from start to finish. Even a birthday party has about half that time for preparation. The DJ has to make sure he has the songs wanted on the playlist of asked, for a start.
Because the entertainment for your reception is what you, your family, and your friends will likely remember the most, isn’t it worth more than the cost of invitations? Your entertainment is an investment that you your guests will enjoy from start to finish, not just the first half of the night. If half of your guests leave after dinner because loud music was playing during the main course, the venue isn’t going to give you a refund.

Not Making Sure The DJ You Want is “Guaranteed” To Be Your DJ

This is probably the biggest complaint from brides all over the country about DJs. You went to a DJ company that has more than one DJ, you requested a specific DJ, and another DJ shows up in his/her place. Any time you deal with a big DJ company, make sure you get in writing that the DJ you want is the one that will show up.
There is one company, in this area, that tells brides “We don’t schedule the DJ until the week before the wedding” and “We let you pick three DJs AFTER you sign the contract. If they’re available, they might do your wedding, they might not, no guarantees.”.
Does that sound like a company that has your best interests in mind or one that is trying to run a company with limited accountability?
Imagine you’re going to buy your first “dream car”. How would you feel if the dealer said, “Pick three you like, sign this contract, pay your money, and maybe you’ll get one, maybe not…”? When you book Disco Royale, you are dealing with ONE DJ, he will make sure the venue is visited, the start and finish times are agreed, and the right songs are played.

Hopefully, these tips can assist you in making a good decision when it comes to your entertainment. No one likes to walk into their wedding reception filled with anxiety, not knowing what or whom to expect, or find the birthday party dead as the grave. Spend some time on your choice, making the final call with your husband/bride to be or family, don’t let anyone bully you into making a snap judgement based on sales tricks and high-pressure tactics.

Ask specific questions

Music Selection – If you don’t like the style of music they play, tell them. It is your day, the music should be what you want, not what they want to play. Make sure you enjoy all the music that is played.
Company Insurance – Every DJ should have public liability insurance for that “just in case” situation.
Force Fed Vendor Advertising – Do not let them do this at all. It is your Wedding. They shouldn’t be advertising on your dime. Don’t let the DJ set up one of those Wrinkled Banners advertising their company and web site. Nor should ANY of your wedding vendors be advertising on your Big Day. Business Cards KEPT in their pocket should be the only advertising you see at your wedding.

Paying on eBay

Is it just me or does anyone else find the marketworks buying process longwinded? you commit to pay, you fill out your details, you confirm details, you pay, got get sent to paypal, and you get 4 emails telling you that you have paid! I get receipt when I pay by paypal, I can see my past payments in my paypal history screen, and I know I have paid because it's on my credit card statement. So why the 6 pages just to sell a €6 cable?

Junk Mail

I have just had a sticker leaflet thingy shoved through my door, I didn't ask for it and I'm not sure if you have it here but when I lived in the UK we have the mail preference scheme. Whereby you register your name and address on a website and they will stop junk mail companies sending you junk. They get a hefty fine if they do. We also have the same for the telephone sales calls. I actually worked for a company who cold called people and if anyone on the list had TPS next to their name we were not allowed to call them. Again a big fine if we did. The lists were provided by BT so I would assume only BT customers were on it.

Anyway back to this leaflet, the grammar on it was a bit like the 419 Nigerian scam emails you get. Not very good and at the top is said 'breast cancer prevention programm' spot the obvious mistake?! Anyway at the bottom it had a website address, so I decided to see what is was. The URL was http://www.donotdelay.org but the actual URL is this http://www.nedelsk.lt/index.php?set_lang_id=en&show_content_id=573 It looks like it is only for women with breast cancer in Lithuania, now I'm not sure about you, but I lost my natural mother to breast cancer, (I was adopted at 6 weeks and she died before I could trace and meet her) and many women in Ireland and UK die from breast cancer. Wouldn't it be good to support them first?

I am not being cold or heartless, but my mother always said 'charity begins at home' and there is the other saying 'Put your own house in order before trying to straighten someone else's' Also the website is written in atrocious English as I expect they have typed it in Russian and then used babel fish to translate it!

My website has very good English ! Visit it at http://www.discoroyale.net for all your DJ & Mobile Disco Hire in Dublin