Selecting a disc jockey for what is arguably the most important event
of your life is a bit like betting on a race horse. When you’re at the
races you read all about the horse, who, what and where he’s been
trained and you select the horse based on several things. His past
performance, who he’s raced against and where. You review his
performance history but in the end sometimes you just go on a gut
feeling and sometimes that’s what it comes down to when selecting a
disc jockey.

A successful disc jockey has to love his chosen profession and has to
love music because if he/ she is just in it for the money they’re not
in business long. Disc jockeys need to be thick skinned yet polite and
tactful as some clients and guests can be difficult as the party
progresses. This is why I personally recommend that my DJ’s don’t
drink any alcoholic drinks while working. Disc jockeys don’t make
large sums if you consider the time away from the job site that’s
involved with preparing and setting up for specific events and running a
successful DJ Service which also includes equipment maintenance, music
purchases and proper AVLA licensing. There is a lot of behind the scenes
preparation involved , especially with weddings as every bride wants
their event to reflect their taste in music. DJ’s often get lists of
nearly 200 songs to play at the celebration which would take 4 nights to
play. Sometimes the majority of these songs, while they may be great to
listen to, won’t get the invited guests out of their seats and
that’s where your DJ’s experience comes into play.

Brides need to ask the DJ what his experience level is with regards to
weddings because if you hire a DJ with primarily bar experience you
could be in for a disappointment. A DJ with wedding experience tends to
be more multi-dimensional in his knowledge of music genres and therefore
can more likely respond to the needs of a party with an age range of 8
to 80 years.I personally won’t hire a DJ under 30 years old because
life experience and DJ experience at playing private functions are the
two most critical components you DJ posses.

In the final analysis, DJ Services can boast about their quantity and
variety of the music, their commercial grade equipment, their optional
lights and fog etc. When all it really comes down to is the right DJ
with the right kind of experience. There is no substitute for experience
and you may pay a little more for it but you’ll be happy you did.

By Ted Chamberlain – Ted’s Tunes DJ Service

Begin by discussing what you want with your partner, fill out this list
and bring it with you when you choose invitations and stationary.
Preparing ahead will make the selection process a breeze. Here are some
important things to discuss and keep in mind:

Tips for Ordering Your Invitations:
Know your wedding date
Know your colour scheme and any theme
Save and show any clippings that show ideas you like
Save and provide any wording you would like to include, or any quotes or
poems that would make it special to you and your partner
Provide the full names of the bride and groom, or the way you would like
it to appear on the invitation. For example Jennifer Rose Wyatt verse Jen.
Also include both parents’ names if desired, including any desired titles
(Dr. etc.)
Decide who will be inviting (For example the couple or the couple with the
parents)
Provide the addresses for the ceremony and reception sites, and decide
whether or not you would like to include a map
Provide any additional information you would like to include, such as
accommodations.
Provide the itinerary that you would like to include (for example dinner
begins at 6:00)
Decide whether or not you would like to specify adult-only reception
Decide when you would like to get to receive the invitations and when you
would like to mail them out
Decide when you would like your RSVP’s returned by, and whether or not you
would like a menu option included
If you are having the invitations labeled, you will need to provide the
names and addresses of your guests including any desired titles (Dr. etc)
Providing a typed listed is prefered, either by c.d. or email. This will
ensure no mistakes which can happen with the transfer of a written list

Don’t Forget the Ceremony:
Decide whether you would like reservation signs to ensure seating for the
wedding party and those who are part of the ceremony – these can avoid
embarrassing other guests
For programs, you will need to provide the names of those in the wedding
party and any other participating in the service (minister, musicians
etc.) as well as the order of the ceremony service and any other desired
content you wish to include

How to avoid Confusion at Your Reception
Provide the names of all your guests for place cards
Decide on how many tables you will have in order to create table numbers
Decide what type of seating plan you would like and provide a copy of your
desired seating plan to your professional
Decide how many menus you would like – one per person or one per table
Decide how many favour tags you will need
Don’t forget to ask you wedding professional about rentals for seating
plans and place card holders

Plan Ahead for Your Thank You Cards:
Decide how many thank you cards you will need. It is a good idea to order
them when you order your invitations. This way you have them handy and
ready to go. Keep in mind when ordering you will need thank you cards for
showers and other events as well as for the wedding.
Article by Hannah Reid – HER Invitations