One important part of being a wedding DJ is pre-event planning.

Speak to the B&G well before the event and find out:

• Names of all key people at the event
• Timings eg meal, cutting cake, speeches, time you will have access
• Their choice of 1st dance and, if applicable, the version.
• Do they want Parent dances (Father/Daughter etc) + song choice(s)
• Do they want a dance for the Wedding Party (+ song choice)
• Any other songs they want played during the evening
• Any songs they don't want played at all
• Is there a buffet and, if so, the timing of it
• Are there any sensitive subjects you need to be aware of
• Is anyone celebrating a birthday/anniversary at their reception
• Do they plan to leave early
• Do they have a specific song to end the night

If you haven't been to the venue before and, if it's pratical, make a visit beforehand and speak to the function manager. Hopefully you'll pick a time (arrange by phone) when you will also have access to the function room. Check out where you will bring your equipment in - is there somewhere safe where you can place it whilst waiting for the guests to vacate the room. Locate power points and also find out from the function manager if there is anything else you should know (sound level cut-out/restrictions on finishing times etc).

Arrive on the day with plenty of time to spare. I always make a point of tracking down the function manager to let him/her know I've arrived, find out what point they are at (usually running late) and I would then go & see the B&G (between courses) just to let them know I'm there.

If possible unload your equipment and put it somewhere out of the way then chill for a bit.

With the meal over and the room vacated move your equipment in, set-up carry out sound checks and once you are happy give the nod to the function manager. At this point I would have some background music playing. Once the staff have finished re-arranging the room have them reduce the lighting to a level you are happy with - take account of the lighting you will use, are there candles on the tables etc because although dark is good - too dark is dangerous plus it is a social occasion and people will want to see each other.

At this point I would also go to find the B&G again. Confirm their 1st dance & other set dances. Also find out how soon they would like this (I usually aim for pretty early, once everyone has settled back into the room).
Next hunt down the other people who will be involved in the set dances. Let them know the order & when they are expected onto the dancefloor. If you don't do this you may find some empty gaps whilst they get themselves organised - or the tune is already halfway through before anyone appears.

The guests are now making their way back into the function room. Use this time to chat to them on a one to one basis. Introduce yourself & let them know you'll take requests during the evening.

Not much time for this though because the B&G signal that they are ready for their 1st dance so onto the mic, welcome everyone and introduce them. At the end of the dance make another announcement that will get everyone applauding then into the set dances which should go like clockwork because everyone knows what to do & when (!?)

After all that it's time to relax and get a party atmosphere going, a few sing-a-longs perhaps if they're not ready for large scale dancing, a few songs for the youngsters, maybe a waltz or two, even that one special tune that will always get Uncle Bill up to strut his stuff (alone) - which someone would have told you about during your one-to-one chats earlier.

Sometime during the evening the Bride may wish to throw her bouquet so this is something you need to arrange. Be aware of any low lights or obstructions & point these out to the bride just before she throws (she won't have noticed them).

When it gets close to buffet time be ready to slow things down if necessary. If the party is in full swing you may not want to but you have to balance that with a wasted/cold buffet if no-one goes to it or indigestion for those that do - this is something that can only be decided at the time.

Check with the bar staff what time they want last orders called and plan your finale with this in mind. For instance if you want everyone up on the dance floor in a circle or forming an arch you don't want to do this at the same time as last orders or you'll lose some of the guests. Also plan your finale so that it finishes within the time set by the hotel or you'll give them the hump and they won't want you back.

Once the event is over approach the B&G and offer your congratulations again, thank them for booking you and wish them well. Then it's the DJs favourite bit when they wave the magic wand and all the gear packs itself away.

Paul Smith - 5 Star Disco