Wedding Gig

[dennis menace 0]

Hi guys.

i need a lot of help from your experiance, a week saturday i have my first posh gig and im panicing. on what to play, so i could do with a top 100, wedding songs? also do i play a game is there any suggestion?

Now i have only played two wedding gigs before one in the back room of a pub. And another in a social club. But this is 5 star hotel. And im frightened of ruining the day.

[Paul Smith 0]

Oops - the 1st question I would ask is why did you take this on so early in your career?

 

Have you had a meeting with the Bride & Groom to discuss their requirements?

 

Have you had a meeting with the Functon Manager to discuss logistics?

 

It may seem great at the time when you take a booking such as this but if you are not prepared it can do your reputation more harm than good if things go Pete Tong.

 

There are loads of playlists on this forum but TBH they can only be used as a very general guide - every wedding is different and it comes down to the experience of the DJ - something that can only be learnt over time.

 

Anyway do a search for wedding music, wedding songs, wedding playlists on the forum and you'll have something to go on. You should also check out the knowledge base where there is guideance on weddings.

 

Oh and welcome to DJU - I hope the above doesn't come over too harsh but you have jumped in at the deep end.

[rictic 0]

welcome mate , but i don't envy you.

all i can suggest is don't be to 'flash' try to sound relaxed as if you are in a panic it will show through. act as if you do these every week and will sound as if you do.

if you sound confident and assured people automatically assume you are right even when you aint.(well sometimes they do)

as paul said have a consultation with the b&g, you need some sort of clue as to what they want.

and you need to know timings of certain aspects of the do too.

 

one more suggestion, if you have any contacts with wedding experience it may well be worth splitting the fee in exchange for a helping hand on the night.

regards

dave

[Norfolk DJ 0]

 

You must speak to the bride and groom to obtain their musical requirements, and also visit the venue and talk to the functions manager.

 

Once you have done one of these functions, the next one will seem easier.

 

my main advice is not to panic. There are plenty of topics on here about popular tracks but you need to at least know what their first dance will be any any other specific requirements. Other factors like when is the buffet and are the B&G staying to the end need factoring in.

 

Usually at 90% of my weddings they are after pure party music, but some don't want it so you must check.

 

good luck

 

rob

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

Some good advise above... I do weddings every week and they do get easier. Music depends on the age group of the B &G and of course the guests...However most wedding I tend to find the older 50-90`s works the best and some party tunage.

 

As with the games? :omg: :protest: Not at a 5 star hotel. You`ll probably find the clients you are working with are a bit classy for games. I may be wrong buts thats my general experiance.

[Dukesy 0]

Great advice and worth taking notes. BTW - Welcome to the forum.

:djuhi:

[Danno13 0]

I wouldn't be too scared just because its a posh hotel, just remember your suit and your Ps and Qs

 

Most weddings are no different to a normal family party.. apart from formalities like the first dance.

 

When it comes down to it, they just want good music to dance to, exactly like any other gig.

[rictic 0]

pees and queues? or is that peas and cues? lol.

how about a game of throw the merc keys on the table and see what woman you go home with roflmao.

or even...........guess the brand of thong.............gucci,,,prada,,, m&s.

 

omg the options are endless.

 

seriously,no games bro. you may see some fun and games tho these posh lot are worse than us.

[Mattaious 0]

First of all :welcome: to the Forum

 

I think you have mighty courage to take such a gig on with you only just starting in your career, however i wish you luck.

 

Like most others have already said, A wedding is not that different to any other gig, Besides the first dance etc..

 

My advice would be the following

• Have backups of the first dance - E.g - CD/Laptop or Other HDC
• Wear a suit or shirt/tie
• Remember your P's and Q's
• Give the kit a good clean (if needed)
• Organise a meeting with the bride and groom and discuss there needs.
• Speak to the hotel- ask them if they have a running order - who is manager that night - anything you should know e.g - parking needs and time to setup and packaway
• Listen and Read your audience -
• Have a "brain freeze" list of songs to play - Just in case the old grey matter stutters
• If you need to setup early - Do ALL your sound checks etc before anyone arrives
• Take your "backup equipment" - Just incase
• AVOID Games - IMHO
• Be prepared for Mic Work - Have in your mind or "Q cards" to help you.
• Ask for the names of close family etc
• Most of all (after all that lot) Relax, be yourself -

 

 

However - If you feel you cannot or will not be comfortable with the gig, Consider organising for help or even asking here if a DJ is free and fancies tagging along. Im sure someone would be able to help.

 

 

I hope the above hasnt scared you off, If it has im sorry, Just remember this is one day that the Bride and Groom will remember for years to come.

 

Let us know how you get on

 

Matt

[DJ Spinko 0]

Welcome to the forum, personally I'm glad that I'm back and picking up the feel for it out there again.

 

The best piece of advice I've seen here, don't panic.

 

There's lots of great tips here, some real do's and don'ts, print this thread off and highlight on it what you feel is important or worth using on the day.

 

On the day, speak to the bride and groom, be interested in their day, ask them how it has gone, tell the bride she looks great, ask them where they got married/are going on honeymoon etc.. They will feel that you care about them and with them relaxed and you calm it will get you all off on the right footing.

 

Games - avoid them like the plague, watch out for the ar*e who will ask for songs you haven't got or want you to play something really off this planet and promises that it will get everyone dancing, it won't.

 

Good luck, let the forum know how you get on

 

Cris

[Swingcats 0]

Hi guys.

i need a lot of help from your experiance, a week saturday i have my first posh gig and im panicing. on what to play, so i could do with a top 100, wedding songs? also do i play a game is there any suggestion?

Now i have only played two wedding gigs before one in the back room of a pub. And another in a social club. But this is 5 star hotel. And im frightened of ruining the day.

 

 

Be there on time, but expect everything else to be running off time,

 

Make sure your other channels are all totally switched off when playing the first dance and don't fiddle with any nobs or buttons while its playing!

 

expect nothing, weddings vary alot, go with the flow. Oh and after they eat, don't expect a mad rush back to the dance floor, I remember one time, only 5 came back after 40 left for the meal at 9pm.

[Dukesy 0]

You said

frightened of ruining the day

Why not explain / share all your fears so that we can help more.

[djtim 0]

Don't forget to take your PAT and PLI certificates. 5 star hotels will want to see 'em.

 

Sounds obvious but please ensure you have a really good mix of music - weddings tend to have guests of all ages from toddlers to great grannies.

 

Visit the venue beforehand to check that your sound system and lights are up to the job. If it's a barn of a room and you've only got a small rig this will show. Maybe worth considering hiring some extra gear. Don't skimp on this - you will get recommendations and other work if you do a good job - so you may need to bite the bullet and cut into your fee a little, if necessary.

 

Check the running times with the Hotel - speak to either the Food & Beverage Manager or, if it's 5 star, they may have a dedicated Wedding Coordinator. Make sure you know stuff like when the buffet will be served, last orders and at what time the music must stop. Check when you can access the room - does this give you enough time to set up? Is the wedding meal being held in the same room? What time does this start/finish?

 

Be prepared to take requests but don't be tempted to play these immediately to please one person. Keep to a music programme that flows and explain to anyone that you will play their request when it fits in. If you do this politely most(!) people will understand. I often get people asking for completely incongruous tracks (you know, Meatloaf when you're in the middle of a Motown section) and they want it played now! Rehearse how to deal with this - it may sound silly but "role play" it for a few minutes with a friend; dealing with people effectively is one of the key elements of being a good DJ.

 

Above all keep asking questions! How, what, where, when, how. Don't make any assumptions!!! If you ASSUME you make and ASS of U & ME

 

Above all, try to relax. If you look worried and concerned this will show. Remember that verbal communication is all about how you say things, not the words you use. I've shamelessly copied the following as it sums this up better than I can.

 

Believe it or not, we speak to the world without saying a word through non-verbal communication. Almost every facet of our personality is revealed through our appearance, body language, gestures, facials expressions, demeanor, posture and movements.

In our professional and personal lives, we’d like to think we could make friends and influence people if we verbally articulate our message with optimism, enthusiasm, charisma, poise and charm. However did you know that the verbal impact of communication only accounts for 7% of your overall message? The bulk of our communication comes across in our appearance and body language, comprising 55%. Tone, speed and inflection of our voice make up the remaining 38%.

 

Since non-verbal communication encompasses 93% of our overall message, let’s take a closer look at what that entails. It can include your attire, tone of voice, clearing your throat, rubbing your eyes, crossing your arms, tapping your toes, scratching your nose. Eye contact, or lack thereof, gestures, crossed legs, open arms, and the scent we transmit are all forms of non-verbal communication. Through your choice of clothing, hairstyle, glasses, accessories, and makeup if applicable, your appearance also communicates a strong message. The way you dress plays a vital part in how listeners receive you and how others respond to you. According to John T. Molloy, author of Dress for Success, clothes are used as a tool to control how others react to you and treat you.

 

In an interview situation or during a business meeting, it is very important that you send out the right signals. Always look attentive and interested in the opportunity or conversation - do not slouch in your chair. If you fib, your body language, tone of voice or choice of words will probably give you away. Classic body language giveaways include looking everywhere other than the person you are speaking to and concealing your mouth behind your hands while speaking.

 

Not only is it important for us to be aware of our own body language, but it is as important to understand what body language means so we can effectively assess and react to others. For example, we may pass negative judgment on someone because they slouch, fidget, or pout. If we are aware of why we made the judgment, we can filter out our biases and understand what their body language means and what it is telling us about that individual.

 

The most significant fact you should remember is that non-verbal signals have five times the impact of verbal signals. When the verbal and the non-verbal parts of the message are congruent, the listener believes your message. If they are incongruent, usually your words are saying yes, but your body language is saying no.

 

Remember, actions speak louder than words.

 

Apologies for length! Hope this helps.

 

Break a leg!

 

Tim

 

 

 

[Dream Catchers 0]

I wonder how he got on!

Please update us dennis.

 

Jim

[dennis menace 0]

Hi Guys

 

Just an update in my frightrning wedding experiance.

 

Thanks for all the replies i received. And i did take note i did contact the bride for the first dance. and had all the songs for the ceremony on the one disc. copied quadrouple. I also had a few minutes with registra who showed me all the hand signals when to play and when to stop. That went fantastic. I popped off then to the chippy as no one was offering any salmon and caviar. I played some contempory music through the meal varing from 70s-00s. Meal was over 8ish. I had to chase the bride for when they wanted the 1st dance. Which took place at 9pm. i done the introduction just as i had read with the new mrs & mr b&g gave a brief discription why this certain song. Half way through i evited people on the dance floor to join if they wanted which never happened. Went onto the second song and they walked off. 9.20 went into party songs ymca etc. i had 15-20 people on the dance floor out of about 70. and the time warp cleared the floor ? Played mostly 80-90s as the bride requested. But with little interest i ask for request i played reggae/modern dance/rnb. 10.45pm I was down to an audiance of 30. I kept going with some really classic disco music. motown with no takers. anyway finnished off with dirty dancing mix. and some badmanners/madness i had 10 people on the floor. and typical when you finnished they want more.

worried about nothing i was paid i have a possiable booking in januarybut one of the guest enjoyed the music. Perhap i was hoping to have the manager say that was a good night can i have your number.

thanks you for any one who come back to me

[nigelwright7557 0]

You clearly need to talk to the couple to see what they wants as their first song or maybe first few.

 

In my 30+ years at doing wedding parties its just the usual party music.

 

I would recommend turning up smart for wedding parties.

 

It looks professional if the gear is already up before peopel start arriving.

 

I did one a few years ago and was told to be there for 8:30pm and everyone was already there so I had to fight through people to get my gear set up.

 

If i set up early I never take my CD's in as someone might start nicking them.

The gear I can repalce but some of my CD's I cant.

 

[Corabar Steve 0]

You clearly need to talk to the couple to see what they wants as their first song or maybe first few.

 

Communication with the client is paramount for any gig, not just weddings. It's the only way to ensure you play what the client wants & not just play what you want (because as we all know we all think our own taste in music is superb & everyone else should like it). You must always cater to your client(s) & their guests & not your own ego.