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Reception
Advice
Bridal Supplement Interview
I was recently asked to take part in an interview for a newspaper Bridal Supplement. Here's a copy of their questions and my answers ...
1. What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the
moment?
It is usual for the evening reception to last for about 5 hours (8-1)
with an earlier finish recommended if the event is mid-week. This
may seem a long time (about one third of the whole day) but it flies
by and the Grand Finale comes around all too soon. The evening would
normally start with the traditional Bride & Groom 1st dance,
followed by parent/son/daughter dances, if required, and then a
special song for the wedding (bridal) party.
This is usually the last formality of the day so it's now time to
relax and enjoy the party. The bride may wish to throw her bouquet
at some stage although this particular tradition is less common,
most choosing instead to either present the flowers to someone
special or keep them as a memento. A mid-evening buffet is also very
common, especially if extra guests have been invited for this part
of the occasion.
Having a disco as the main entertainment is still the most popular
choice. The versatility of being able to play music to suit all
tastes and ages in one of the key factors however it doesn't have to
be just all music. Many DJs can also offer party games, pub quiz,
cabaret and karaoke to make the event memorable. Other options
include a band/disco combination, ceilagh dancing, Irish dancers -
even a comedian or magician.
2. Could you name a few of the most popular type of music and
songs you are asked to play?
The most successful receptions are those that include a large
variety of music genres, for example from Rock and Roll of the 1950s
through to the latest RnB tracks. There is no set formula and the DJ
will take into account the clients' requirements and use his/her
experience to play the right music at the right time, taking the
guests on a journey that is both memorable and unique to the
occasion.
The stereotypical image of a wedding DJ is someone who plays the
most cheesy music ever produced. Fortunately this is not really the
case. Todays professional wedding DJs will spend many hours planning
each event, taking into consideration the clients wishes so that the
music played reflects their personalities and makes the occasion
unique for them.
The Bride and Grooms first dance should also reflect their
relationship. Romantic songs are still the most popular however it's
not unusual to have a fun or upbeat tune to start the festivities.
3. At what stage in planning a wedding should the couple approach
their chosen DJ or band?
To ensure the best chance of your first choice being available my
advice is to contact them as soon as your have your date/ venue
arranged. The earlier you make your enquiries the bigger and better
choice you have. This doesn't just apply to entertainment either -
photographers, videographers, cars, suit hire can all be booked for
popular dates up to 24 months ahead.
Many wedding planner sheets recommend booking the entertainment at
the 6 months before stage. Your choices will be limited if you leave
it this late - unless your wedding is on a Tuesday in January!
4. What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?
You may receive quotes that vary immensely from £200 to over £1000
because there are many factors that influence price including demand
for a particular DJ service, whether it is a hobby or profession,
how much time/effort is invested in each event and how long you
require the service for. You may want your DJ to cover the whole
day, to provide music during your ceremony and wedding breakfast, as
well as the evening, and this would also effect the price.
Professional DJs will use top of the range equipment, carry back-up
as well (just in case), spend many hours planning your event to
ensure everything goes smoothly and have those other 'invisible'
things such as Public Liability Insurance and Safety Certificates
(now required by many venues).
Price is an important factor and the temptation will be there to
spend more on the cake or the decor than the entertainment
especially when cheaper alternatives are available but keep in mind
all the time and money you have committed to your event and the
impact the DJ will have on how everything turns out. A successful
wedding requires the combined efforts of a number of professional
services working together. Your evening reception is just as
important so choosing a Professional DJ who specialises in weddings
is always a good investment.
5. What advice would you give to any couple planning a wedding
reception?
Planning your wedding should be a fun and exciting time, not a
chore. Having a plan of action will reduce the stress that normally
occurs when you think something has been overlooked. There are many
ways to achieve this but one of the best is to have a pocket size
notebook that you can carry with you. Ideas can come at the
strangest times so having the book to hand will ensure that these
are added to your list straightaway. It saves having lots of pieces
of paper that may go astray, left at work when you need them at home
etc.
It can also be daunting when you realise how much is involved in
planning your wedding. Split this up into manageable chunks,
allocate an area in your pocket book to each, delegate some of the
jobs to friends/relatives who would be honoured to have a part in
the organisation and suddenly what initially looks like one mammoth
task is actually lots of smaller ones which are more enjoyable to
accomplish. You can also print off the planner from my site to help.
My own particular areas of expertise are with the evening reception,
ceremony music and toastmaster services. There is a section on
my site with free advice for anyone planning their big day and
you can also find useful information at
The Wedding DJ Association web site.
My final piece of advice is to research and find professional
wedding service providers who can meet your specific requirements.
Listen to their advice but also make sure that your own ideas and
wishes are incorporated into the overall plan so that you achieve
the wedding of your dreams.
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