Choosing a DJ for Your Civil Partnership

When choosing a DJ for your civil partnership it's vital that you find one that works with you to help create a fabulous atmosphere for you and your guests. So, what questions should you be asking and what do you need to know when you’re looking for a DJ?

Book someone you actually like! You are trusting someone with your money to get everyone on the dance floor. Don’t book a DJ who looks like they would wear a fleece to a party, has a phone holster on their belt and has large-rimmed, smoke-tinted glasses – unless you like that look!

Ask the DJ if this is their full time job. Do you think somebody who works all week and then DJ’s all weekend, every weekend, will be the backbone of your party?

Ask to see a copy of their Public Liability Insurance and Portable Appliance Test certificates before booking. PAT proves their equipment is safe to use and without it, the PLI may be useless. PLI only costs the DJ around £20 a month and, while it doesn’t prove that they are a good DJ, it does show they aren’t the worst. Many DJ’s say they have PLI and PAT but haven’t, putting your party at risk.

Quality costs! Specialist equipment such as speakers, lights and music can cost around £10,000 and a good DJ will put in hours of preparation for every couple. A typical mobile disco will only have around £1,000-worth of equipment and the DJ will probably be part-time. This explains why it’s perfectly possible to find someone who will only charge you £350.00.

Everyone is different but your DJ should be someone like you, someone you would actually want to talk to at a party and would feel comfortable inviting to your wedding. A good DJ should love playing the music that you and your friends love partying to. They should also be able to include your relatives at your wedding, blending the tracks you love with those that will get your family members up and dancing.

How should you get the best from your DJ? You shouldn't! Your DJ should get the best from you. They should spend time with you, talking to you and learning how to make you and all your guests party together. They will use any tracks you suggest as a starting point for a discussion about what you love dancing to and why those songs mean something to you.

What’s the secret of maintaining a packed dance floor?

• If possible book a venue without any noise limitations!
• Have the bar in the same room so that your guests can join the dance floor when their favourite songs begin. This keeps everything fresh and your guests stimulated.
• A high quality sound system so people can feel the music while still hearing each other talk.
• Understanding the audience and anticipating which songs will keep them rocking.

Article by London Based Wedding Planner Lester Gethings

Image Courtesy of Flyin' Footwork

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