What other information the DJ needs for a successful wedding.
The are a few things to consider to help ensure the success of your wedding. Usually, the DJ will be provided with a copy of a few different Run sheets prior to the wedding day, this will include the time when the following takes place.
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The Guests arrival
Drinks & Canapés
Entrées
The Wedding Party's Arrival
The Mains
Champagne for Speeches
The Cutting of that Beautiful Cake
Dessert
Coffee –Tea
Last Drinks
Bar Close
Venue Close
This is a separate run sheet to the DJ Music Run sheet. The Venue/Wedding Planner usually provides this run sheet and should work with you to ensure your wedding runs the way you want it to. The DJ needs a copy of the Run sheet for speeches and formalities especially if the DJ is the MC. They also need to know the names of the people who are giving the speeches, and how to pronounce their names correctly.
Usually incorporated with the Run sheet is a map that includes instructions about parking and loading zones. It will also contain a map of the room and where the DJ is to set up and what times the DJ can gain access to the venue.
Most venues supply a table for the DJ to match the decoration of the room. ( Please let your DJ know if they need to bring a table before the day and what colour tablecloth you would like them to use.)
It's so important that the DJ you choose can work well with the MC and other coordinators such Wedding planners, Venue owners, Caterers, Bar staff, Maitre d, Event coordinators and Photographers. Most of the time the above people are perfect strangers and their timing has to be perfect as there is a lot to do in 5 hours. If the DJ is not the MC please ensure your chosen MC keeps the DJ in the loop regarding what is going on such as any unforeseen delays. These people need to be able to communicate well together in a professional manner to ensure your wedding runs as close to time as possible and the hot main meals are not served cold.
Everyone hopes and most pray that they have the perfect wedding day and why wouldn't they... all those hours spent finding that perfect person and that perfect:
Wedding gown, veil, shoes and accessories.
the Other outfit
Bridesmaid dresses, shoe and accessories
Groomsmen's suits, ties and shoes.
Flower girl's outfit
Page Boy's outfit
Marriage Celebrant
The Wedding Planner
Venue/Caterer
DJ
Photographers
Hairdresser
Makeup Artist
Florist
Flowers
Garter
Cake Maker
The Invitations
Gifts for the Bridesmaids and others
The Wedding Book
The Wishing Well
Photo Booth
The Wedding Cars
Wine
The Champagne
and...
With so much going on that sometimes people forget about the music
Once a few years ago, I was contracted out through another DJ company to play at a wedding in the city. I arrived to find there was no run sheet nor was there a song list to help guide me. I was unable to meet with the Bride and Groom because they were running late from the photos and heavy traffic. I asked the wedding planner who informed me that there were no songs for the Bridal Entrance, Cake cutting, First dance or the Bouquet toss and to just play anything. The wedding planner disappeared never to be seen again. This was so surprising as the Wedding was in a very expensive venue and it was a formal wedding with lots of guests. I collected myself and I played songs that I thought were appropriate and hoped for the best. I have to admit I found it a little challenging because I thought to myself. "I hope I am playing music they like." At the conclusion of the Wedding the young function manager approached me and told me she thought it went well and the Bride and Groom were content. I was happy because it is always my ultimate goal, to make sure the Bride and Groom happy or in this case "Content."
Surf Clubs can be a beautiful place for a Wedding Venue, especially at sunset
Next Blog: Where have I played in the last 10 years?