Wedding Entertainment Tips n Tricks

This is usually the first question most people have to go through when considering entertainment. I’m not going to push you in any particular direction because ultimately, it needs to work for you and your wedding. But things worth considering are:

* Size DOES matter! Is there enough for a band, or even a DJ? A DJ needs less space than a band, but then a laptop/ipod needs less than both.

* Venue size and environment. If you have a venue that has multiple rooms at your disposal, bands and DJs can lead to people sitting in a room away from the music. This is particularly true if they are catching up for the first time in a long time. In this particular case, you might want to consider a laptop/ipod instead. This is especially true on very hot days, such as those experienced in Central Otago during Summer. Hot venues will encourage people outside – perhaps speaker placement can be considered instead. However, this is one of those situations where you wont know what people will do until you get there.

* Does the venue provide a microphone, speaker system? If so does it cost to use it, and if not ... will you need to hire? Hiring speakers can cost as much as $300-400 and the quality and strength will be variable. Most bands and DJs will come with not only PA system and microphones, but also lighting as well.

* Age range of your guests, where they come from and what their music tastes might be – if you want a truly successful reception then consider music that will work for all people, or at least a selection of music that will cater to a variety of different people. This is more about picking the right band or the right DJ – not all DJs will have all types of music and not all bands will be able to play a wide range.

* System failure – if the speaker system fails, will you have a back up system? Will your band or DJ have a back up system? Doesn’t happen often, but worth considering because it has happened. Most DJs and band members are unofficial tech experts from having dealt with every known problem in the past.

* One of the most common problems with the laptop/ipod system is people changing the music or playlists to suit their own tastes. Enable a lock feature if you can and have only 1 person in charge of the music. Ensure you have enough music to last as much as 5 hours at least. Consider the expense of purchasing music as well.

* What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? What kind of atmosphere do you think will come about as a result of a band you're considering? Or a DJ? Or an ipod/laptop? Ultimately you should choose the entertainment option that is best for YOU. Few professional bands or DJs would put themselves forward if they truly didn't believe they would be a good fit for your event.

It always pays to interview your entertainers. The last thing you want is to hire the wrong option for your wedding. Things worth finding out are:

* What their music selection is like, what do they have?

* What their set up looks like, including, will they have branding? When you spend a lot of money on the theme and setting of your event, the last thing you probably need is “GOOD STUFF DJS” emblazoned across the front of your dance floor. If they are a quality act they should have invested in business cards on hand for anyone that asks. The branding is unnecessary. The same can be said for lighting, lighting should be suited to your venue and event.

* Do they have an agreement and do they require a deposit? When is the balance due?

* Will they personally play at your event, or will they subcontract out? If so, who will play?

* How many weddings have they done, how large is their setup?

* Do you have references and any who would be happy to speak directly with us?

* What is included or not included in the price? Lights, overtime, microphones, etc?

There are different types of DJs no doubt. Some DJs wont be right for your event and some will have music limited only to certain events. It pays to have a think about what music you want, what type of event you want and whether the DJ you hire will be able to deliver what you want. This is no different from picking a band. Not every DJ can play every type of music AND actually get it. Not all rock music is suited to rock events and not all dubstep is good dubstep, etc. The same can be said of Club DJs. Generally their music is geared towards club events, but will they have music that can cater to your older guests? Will a Wedding DJ that you’re looking at be able to play some of your more alternative tastes? Is mixing music important? Worth having a think about generally before you hire the first DJ you come across.

And a word of warning - BEWARE the BEDROOM DJ. The bedroom DJs are generally really eager and willing to do a good job and generally nice guys, but often without the right gear or the right music.

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