HomeLives.co.uk | Weddings

Back in the seventies, most DJs were part timers. They worked in various professions, then fuelled their passion for music in the evenings and at weekends. There was no time for preparation or meetings. It was a case of throw on the jeans and T shirt and head out of the door armed with the usual selection of singles. Lights flashed in your eyes, choking smoke, and music so loud it was distorted……those were the days!!!

Times have changed considerably, thank goodness. There are more full time professional mobile disco companies than ever before. As well as presentation, more emphasis has been placed on individualising the entertainment to suit the occasion and the guests attending. The whole ‘Mobile Disco’ experience has moved up a gear too with reputable companies providing contracts of engagement giving you peace of mind, carrying certificates of insurance, reassuring you that they comply with guidelines and laws and generally going the extra mile to make your evening truly special and memorable.

‘Specialists’ have emerged too, such as the ‘Wedding DJ’…..an unusual breed that have worked hard to finely tune their skills, to raise the standard of wedding entertainment and to change the perception of the humble DJ of the seventies. These clever little critters have come together to form the Wedding DJ Association.

The Wedding DJ Association was formed two years ago as a National organisation, bringing together wedding DJ specialists of the highest standard. Membership is strict, with each individual having to prove they have reached the required criteria. To maintain this standard, each DJ has to comply with a code of ethics and agree to abide by the constitution of the Association.

For many brides and grooms, booking a DJ is a fairly new experience. Booking the right DJ is paramount to ensure that the end of their special day is how they want it to be and fits in with how they’d imagined. With the Wedding DJ Association, Brides can now find a wedding DJ specialist in their area and be confident in the knowledge that they have found a supplier of the highest standard.

What can you expect from your DJ from The Wedding DJ Association?

• Many members are happy to meet with you prior to booking. You need to have a good rapport with the person and be confident that they can create the atmosphere you want as they will be leading your evening entertainment, and be part of your day for 5 hours or more.

• Discussions about how you want your evening to progress. From lighting and sound to including particular events such as a bouquet toss or types of music, WDJA members are committed to making your reception entertainment unique and personalised.

• All agreements and payment will be in writing, signed and duplicated.

• They will always be appropriately dressed for the occasion.

• They will be in attendance at your venue in plenty of time, courteous to all your guests and attentive to your needs and requirements.

• They will source the music you want, and present it in the way you request. For example, some people prefer a more sophisticated approach with minimal input from the DJ and less microphone work. Others opt for a personality DJ who is able to entertain and encourage a party atmosphere. WDJA members will discuss your options with you and ensure the evening is to your taste.

• Backup! Whether it’s the DJ himself who blows a fuse or the equipment he uses, WDJA members ensure they have a backup plan for life’s unforeseen eventualities.

Other things to consider when deciding on your evening entertainment:

• Music too loud can drive some guests home early. Don’t be afraid to ask your DJ to play music at a volume that is suitable to dance to, but also comfortable for those wanting to chat.

• Not all discos provide mobile night clubs. If you have more senior guests attending, engage a DJ that lights only the dance floor and doesn’t flash disco effects in the faces of seated guests.

• If you have children attending, many wedding DJs are happy to accommodate them with suitable dances and games.

Every wedding is unique and finding the right DJ to match your needs and requirements will ensure your evening is just how you want it to be, personalised and memorable.

 Sandy Sounds, The Wedding DJ Association (WDJA) www.weddingdja.co.uk

Inclusive Wedding Entertainment

A Ceilidh (Barn Dance) – an ideal choice for your Wedding Celebration

Choosing suitable entertainment for a wedding celebration or evening get-together on the day can be one of the trickiest organisational tasks you will ever have to perform.

Just think of all the things you have to consider;

• Firstly you’ll have to provide something that appeals to a wide range of age groups, from your elderly aunt to your 12 year old second cousin who has more energy than sense and is hyper-active from the excitement of staying up late.

• Next, you have to consider that many of the guests will be complete strangers to each other, two different families as well as friends from work and your social circle. Ideally you want to give your guests a chance to mix, something that can ‘break the ice’ in the easiest possible way without putting them ‘on the spot’.

• Finally, if you’re organising one of the biggest days in your – or a member of your family’s – life, then you want to have an event that won’t take up too much of your precious time on the big day – believe me you’ll have other things on your mind!

So what can you choose that will cover all the above bases?

Some kind of entertainment that has stood the test of time…

A popular choice for this part of your special day is to have a Ceilidh, Barn Dance or American Hoedown.

What is a Ceilidh or Barn Dance?

A ceilidh – pronounced ‘kay-lee’ – or barn dance /Hoedown (the terms are pretty much interchangeable), consists of a band who will play a selection of danceable tunes, a ‘caller’ who entices people onto the floor and then teaches the them the simple ‘moves’ they need to do for the next dance, and of course your wedding guests – the dancers. It doesn’t matter if you or your guests have never been to a barn dance or ceilidh before, the movements are so natural and the dances so thoroughly explained that anyone can do it, the caller even keeps calling the moves after the music has started to help you along as you dance. No-one is excluded because dancing this way is the most natural thing in the world – as many countries and generations can affirm. The music is lively, even funky, so that everyone moves to the groove, gets into it, and does not feel embarrassed or awkward and no-one worries if you make mistakes – it’s all part of the fun!

The caller selects the dances, organises the dancing, encourages the guests to participate – and generally acts as a master of ceremonies during the musical part of the evening. The dancing gives the guests a chance to meet each other naturally during the course of the evening, especially during the progressive dances. The dancing is pitched at the level of the dancers, and can last for as long or short a duration as you wish. It is quite common for the newly wed couple to lead the first dance – which is a nice start to their married life and some callers even have specific wedding dances that can help break the ice. If you specify exactly for whom your event is being held – an experienced, professional band or agent will select a caller who will be ideally suited to your audience.

Maybe you’re put off by the idea of the music? Well don’t be. The music produced by a barn dance or ceilidh band can come in a variety of flavours – from full electric line-ups with drums and electric guitars to more traditional ensembles or bands with a continental flavour. The music can be lively and energetic or sedate and refined, possibly both during the same set! It’s your choice. The choice of band will usually determine the flavour of the evening, so if you’re into English, Celtic (Irish, Scottish or Breton) or French music, or hot Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco or Scandinavian music, there are bands available who specialise in your preferred style of music.

Read the rest of this entry »