Wedding Supplement Interview

[Paul Smith 0]

After so many DJU Interviews the tables have been turned and I have been invited by a newspaper to take part in a feature for publication in their October Wedding Supplement. Here's the questions:

 

1- What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the moment?

2- Could you name a few of the most popular type of music and songs you are asked to play?

3- At what stage in planning a wedding should the couple approach their chosen DJ or band?

4- What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?

5- What advice would you give to any couple planning a wedding reception (if any)?

 

I have already prepared my answers in draft form but before I submit them I'd be interested to hear how others would answer. You can either make a post or send me a PM.

 

I will publish the final answers here and any PM responses too so please let me know if you want your input to remain anonymous as this will be respected.

 

 

[Gary 0]

After so many DJU Interviews the tables have been turned and I have been invited by a newspaper to take part in a feature for publication in their October Wedding Supplement. Here's the questions:

 

1- What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the moment?

2- Could you name a few of the most popular type of music and songs you are asked to play?

3- At what stage in planning a wedding should the couple approach their chosen DJ or band?

4- What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?

5- What advice would you give to any couple planning a wedding reception (if any)?

 

I have already prepared my answers in draft form but before I submit them I'd be interested to hear how others would answer. You can either make a post or send me a PM.

 

I will publish the final answers here and any PM responses too so please let me know if you want your input to remain anonymous as this will be respected.

 

Question 1: What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the moment?

HHmmmmm, I wonder what they consider to be the "types" of wedding reception? are they thinking "Irish" Vs "Jewish", or "dual gender couples" vs "Single gender couples" ... the mind boggles? I'd approach this question by offering the types as being "Traditional" vs "Contemporary" and state that I have no preference for the following reasons - I like the traditional weddings due to everyone knowing what to expect with either all or some of the traditions being kept - eg: The First Dance, The cutting of the cake, the speeches, bouquet throw, archway, parading of the couples children from previous marriages etc... I also like contemporary weddings due to the new and exciting challenges and idea opportunities these events can present.

 

Question 2- Could you name a few of the most popular type of music and songs you are asked to play?

In terms of music style and genre, experienced DJs appreciate that nearly all weddings feature a very wide range of age groups, from little Sara-Louise the bridesmaid who likes something from the charts, right up to Great Auntie Edna who likes nothing more than a few 60's tunes. All DJ's, excluding perhaps the sub £100'ers will appreciate this and be able to play requests for almost any style of music. I/We also ask the bride/groom to be if there are any genres of music, that should NOT be played. Whilst it's not uncommon for a couple to simply tell us to play a general mixture of music from the 60's to current day, but no heavy metal or hip-hop. Some wedding forums and articles suggest that the couple make a list of songs for the DJ to play. We welcome such lists, although as only around 12~15 songs can be fitted into an hour, and guests requests coming in throughout the night, a list of around 30 tunes at tops is ideal.

 

Question 3- At what stage in planning a wedding should the couple approach their chosen DJ or band?

As soon as the date and venue is known. Once booked, any special music requirements including the couples first record, can be agreed upon at any time, ideally a month or so before the big day. If there are any very specific, or out-of-the-ordinary music requirements then the more notice, the better.

 

Question 4- What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?

Much in the same way that the local door-to-door sales rep might offer to slap paint on your entire house for just £100, it's possible to book cheap music providers for a wedding. Unlike a house paint job however, a wedding (we all hope) is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The couple, their family and their friends will be spending typically 5 hours in the company of the couples choosen DJ - thats longer than they'll be in the church or registery office, longer than they'll be eating the meal, longer than the champagne will last (especially once Uncle Charlie gets stuck into it...). The evenings entertainment is a major time-slice of the day and has a proportionate effect on the overall enjoyment.

 

Question 5- What advice would you give to any couple planning a wedding reception (if any)?

DJs are often the last people to leave the venue and as such we're often able to see some of the behind the scenes aspects. So, so often huge amounts of expensive buffet food is eaten by the bins, rather than the guests - a literal waste. With this in mind, my suggestion would be that any evening buffet thats planned is only for around half the head-count of the number of people expected, especially if you've already given them a fantasic meal during the wedding breakfast.

[Dream Catchers 0]

1- What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the moment?

I find that the most common type of wedding reception in my area (Manchester) is the typical Village Hall or Social Club event.

There is an increasing number of Marquee receptions but as of yet I haven't done one.

 

 

2- Could you name a few of the most popular type of music and songs you are asked to play?

For the younger weddings where the B&G are in the 18-25 range the majority of the music tend to be R&B,Dance and a bit of Funk from mainly the charts, artists such as Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Mika etc...

The second time rounders where the B&G are 40+ there seems to big a big demand for the 70s and 80s with anything going really I've actually been asked for a bit of Punk on a couple of occasions.

 

3- At what stage in planning a wedding should the couple approach their chosen DJ or band?

As soon as possible, even before they start planning a wedding really. The best way of making sure that they have the right DJ for their special day is to see them in action at an event similar to their own. When they go to a wedding reception pay attention to how the DJ performs and how he works the crowd, if he/she is good get a card off them, if they don't perform as well as they expect then remember their shortcomings and avoid other DJs that are the same.

The most important thing to remember is that it is their special day and the DJ is going to provide entertainment for many hours, make sure he meets YOUR expectations.

 

4- What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?

Cost vary greatly around the country and also for the size and type of reception. Prices range from as little as £120 for a small reception supplying just music for 50 guests for 4 hours at night, going up to in excess of £1000 for a Marquee event with all the PA installed for an event that starts at noon and runs into the early hours.

 

 

5- What advice would you give to any couple planning a wedding reception (if any)?

Spend the same amount of time and attention on getting the right DJ as you do on all the other components of the wedding. OH and book me ;)

 

Jim

[Paul Smith 0]

Thanks for the replies thus far

Question 1: What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the moment?

HHmmmmm, I wonder what they consider to be the "types" of wedding reception?

 

I must admit that when I first read the 1st question I thought 'WHAT?' so quickly skipped to Q2 onwards and then came back to this one at the end.

 

I have had some PM responses to this (much of which isn't publishable tongue out icon ) but this is an opportunity to get our side of the message across so I want to get it right - there's no point blinding the readers with science or baffling them with bull :poo: either.

 

If you want to pick just one or two questions to give your response to - that's fine. The important thing is that I get as much feedback as possible before I submit my replies over the weekend.

 

 

[Dukesy 0]

I miss read the question number 4! Oops! :joe:

 

This question has really intrigued me now and got my juices flowing!

 

4- What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?

 

Before I provide my conclusions, I'm sure the average Wedding fee will vary from source to source and that the 'demographic factor' plays a part but please bare with me on this as the answers are going to influence someone for sure when published.

 

In their 'Budget Brides' section, Hitched states that the average UK Wedding cost is £10,000.

2% of this fee equates to £200.00.

From the Polls conducted on the forum, there may possibly be a bit of truth in that 'average wedding cost' when the 'rates' are perused.

 

But if you search Hitched, an article (Wedding Cost Saving) stated that the 'average cost' was listed as £17,000.

So 2% of that is £340.00

 

According to the BBC, Weddings abroad in Spain cost around £15,000. These Weddings are supposed to be around £5,000 cheaper than Ireland's.

 

I read somewhere last year that the average UK Wedding was between £16,000 - £20,000.

If so, just 2% of the cost would be £320.00 - £400.00 respectfully.

 

£30,000 for a 'luxury wedding' doesn't seem unrealistic either.

2% of the 'luxury wedding cost' equates to just £600.00

 

I've heard of venues where the hire fee alone can be £3,000. And looking at the established top Wedding services in the City, such as the £1200+ for three hours Chauffeuring in a top car (including a bottle of bubbly!!) or the £1200+ for 80 photos, or the £20+ chair cover services, etc, then maybe the average cost of a 'typical' UK Wedding lies between £10,000 and £15,000, assuming that for double this you can have a luxury Wedding!!!

 

So maybe, if we were to assume that the average cost of a Wedding DJ should lie around the £300.00 mark, would a typical fee lie within a margin of, say £50.00 either side of that figure???

 

This is all very interesting for sure, but what thrills me is that there are apparantly DJs/entertainers who charge 5% of the average wedding fee.

 

So based on the £10,000 average wedding costs, this would equate to a fee of £500. smile icon

On £17,000, 5% of that equates to £850.

The 'luxury wedding cost' of £30,000……equates to £1,500 :Thumbup:

 

An interesting question indeed. Maybe we should choose our answers very carefully. tongue out icon

[spinner 0]

After so many DJU Interviews the tables have been turned and I have been invited by a newspaper to take part in a feature for publication in their October Wedding Supplement. Here's the questions:

 

1- What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the moment?

 

Not sure what this means exactly but 70% of mine have been formal, 95% in hotels, the rest in marquees.

 

2- Could you name a few of the most popular type of music and songs you are asked to play?

 

Each one really is different to the last one. One recently has been all indie, another all soul. Otherwise it's anything from current chart through classic and modern soul, disco, Britpop, R&B, 80's, 70's 60's etc.

 

 

3- At what stage in planning a wedding should the couple approach their chosen DJ or band?

 

 

As far in advance as possible. 12 months is sensible.

 

4- What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?

 

For a 5 hour session, between £400 and £700 depending on audience size, distance and clients' preference ( based on my tarriff - what's typical for one is not for another ).

 

5- What advice would you give to any couple planning a wedding reception (if any)?

 

Make sure you meet all potential suppliers well in advance and be certain they can provide what you want.

 

Edited September 14, 2007 by spinner

[rictic 0]

Q4 the question re fees; i feel there is no 'typical' wedding many weddings if not most run along the same lines but typical is to generic a word nowadays to me.

each wedding is and has to be unique in its own way. otherwise you could get them off the shelf at tesco's.

the dj's job is really to package the entertainment in such a way that the b&g feel they have had the most unique personal service they could possibly be given regardless of the cost.

 

Q5 liaise liaise liaise

 

 

just my own opinions i may be wrong but then again i usually am.

 

 

one final piece of advice i would give is

 

 

BEWARE OF EX R.A.F. DJ'S. WE ARE ALL MAD AND CRAZY. TOO MUCH AV GAS IN THE SYSTEM.

 

by the way paul, you ask some real good questions bro and get us thinking. w t g

Edited September 15, 2007 by rictic

[Little John 0]

1- What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the moment?

 

Formal but self hosted by the Bride and Groom.

 

2- Could you name a few of the most popular type of music and songs you are asked to play?

 

Difficult! With the B&G typically being older than weddings in the 80's and 90's their music tastes can be more mature and varied. Also what inspires one happy couple may well despair another.

 

3- At what stage in planning a wedding should the couple approach their chosen DJ or band?

 

As soon as you have the date and location look for the entertainment for you guests, that way you can have what you want!

 

4- What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?

 

The numbers can be regionally very different. Look for value between cheap and re-assuringly expensive. Your after dinner music can be half of the time your guests are together, and it is one thing they will remember.

 

5- What advice would you give to any couple planning a wedding reception (if any)?

 

Plan before the event so that you can enjoy it all falling into place on the day. If you are hosting your own day get a trusted person to be "host" on the day so that they field all questions, solve all problems, and do everything to make your day run well.

[Dukesy 0]

Q4 the question re fees; i feel there is no 'typical' wedding many weddings if not most run along the same lines but typical is to generic a word nowadays to me.

Perhaps there are 'McWeddings' and 'Wedding's then!

:bouncy:

[rictic 0]

miaow sarccy knickers lol.

you know what i mean. a typical wedding here would be get bladdered and have a punch up.

[Paul Smith 0]

otherwise you could get them off the shelf at tesco's.

Wouldn't surprise me to discover that they've looked into it - not enough profit for them though tongue out icon

 

I will be submitting my answers to the paper this week, taking on board some of the comments made as well. Will report back ....

 

[Dream Catchers 0]

Perhaps there are 'McWeddings' and 'Wedding's then!

:bouncy:

Would that be a McWedding with cheese :bouncy:

 

Jim

[Secret Disco 0]

Would that be a McWedding with cheese :bouncy:

 

Jim

 

No but for an extra £30 ...we can go LARGE!!!!!!!! :flirt:

[brianmole 0]

miaow sarccy knickers lol.

you know what i mean. a typical wedding here would be get bladdered and have a punch up.

Nice, quality crowds!

[rictic 0]

exaggeration really but i noticed that when families get together and beer flows they seem to fall out over stupid things.

i done a christening couple of years ago where the mum took her new boyfriend and the dad had all his family over from ireland for the do.

there was near murder at the end of the do, they all wanted to hit the new boyfriend, i had to hustle him out the back door behind the stage and play loads of irish music to keep them all happy and singing along.

[Tonsk 0]

1- What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the moment?

Bespoke - People seem to want on the surface a very unique and different function to everyone elses, hence bespoke - Although many end up (through no fault of the B&G or disco) as similar traditional affairs

 

2- Could you name a few of the most popular type of music and songs you are asked to play?

This one is easy, yet very difficult. There are a few songs often repeatedly requested - But then they can all change dependent on age of the celebratees... If I had to list genres it'd be 70s and 80s, or R&B and dance again, age dependent.. Song names would be harder - Although the Proclaimers 500 miles seems to be a constant this year for my functions....

 

3- At what stage in planning a wedding should the couple approach their chosen DJ or band?

As soon as they have decided on the date. Leaving it till the last minute is the worst possible thing to do - If they have seen the DJ or band and want them, you must remember that artiste can only perform at one function per night, so they have to be quick to secure them.

 

4- What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?

Cost, although important, shouldn't be your deciding factor. Pricing varies from £80 through to £1000s... A good way to decide who to use and how much to spend is to speak to the entertainer/band and chat through your ideas - See if they are talking about the same things you are, mention a genre and see if their recommendations would be the same as yours.. This won't tell you if they are a great DJ, but will let you know if they think the same about music as you do. As long as you feel confident with them (and if you can see them play great, but always remember that they could be catering the music to someone else's style) then they are the right person.

 

5- What advice would you give to any couple planning a wedding reception (if any)?

Don't panic, don't stress and just enjoy your day when it comes. Remember that if anything doesn't go the exact way you planned, only you will know. Any wedding professional you speak to should be able to offer you help and positive suggestions on how to make your day special - Listen to them, ignore what you don't need and embrace anything you can use to achieve the day of your dreams.

 

[Dukesy 0]

Have you submitted your reply yet Paul?

[Paul Smith 0]

It's on my 'To Do' list and close to the top so I reckon Sunday (Gigs must come 1st) - it's important that I get the right balance so I'll be re-drafting my replies, taking on board some of the suggestions and hopefully making a small step in the right direction with edificationalising the readers tongue out icon

[Mattaious 0]

1- What is the most popular type of wedding reception at the moment?

 

Personally i believe its the Tradtional type - Alot of receptions nr me are this at the moment

 

2- Could you name a few of the most popular type of music and songs you are asked to play?

 

In no particular order

60's

Motown

80's

Cheese

 

3- At what stage in planning a wedding should the couple approach their chosen DJ or band?

 

Before they contact and organise there caterers/Wedding cake and other Suppliers/providers

As The DJ MAY be able to provide information and recommendations - thus offering and all round service

 

4- What would be the typical cost of a wedding DJ?

 

I dont think there is a "Typical Cost" All dependent on services required,

Difficult to say -

 

5- What advice would you give to any couple planning a wedding reception (if any)?

 

Dont jump in and go for the first supplier/provider of any service, Ask other people for the recommendations. Speak to people who have experienced the planning process