Keeping the kids amused.

[Shaun]

I know some dj's that refuse to be baby-sitters at events but working closely with the kids can be a surefire way of getting refferals.

Weddings especially:

There's nothing worse then children running riot when the bride and groom are about to take the floor for their first dance.

Here's what I do if there are a lot of children at the reception (I always inform the bride that I'll do this during the consultation meetings)

By the time the wedding reception is about to start the parents of children in attendance usually need a well earned break from the kids. I usually use this time to get the kids on the floor for some little games, interactive dances and fun. I try to do this at a fairly quiet sound level to give the parents a chance to socialise and enjoy the "break". Usually about 15 minutes or so where the kids are made the focus of attention is enough to keep them happy for the rest of the evening.

After the "kids time" I ask the children to sit quietly at the side of the dancefloor to watch the bride and groom have their first dance of the evening. Asking them to sit around the dancefloor and to clap their hands as the bride and groom come onto the floor makes them feel involved even during the first dance.

I've had so much good feedback from guests stating how grateful they are for us taking the time to get the children involved. Happy kids = happy parents. Happy mums 'n dads = happy party. ;)


So....if you're one of those dj's that cringes when you see lots of kids running about, use it to your advantage and gain lots of referrals.

[Corabar Entertainment]

What a great idea Shaun!

[Shaun]

Works a treat Angela. We give all the kids glow bracelets and glow necklaces too.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sounds great Shaun, although to be honest I'm not sure I'd have the patience....

[Shaun]

I sometimes feel that way too Darren. However, we've all experienced receptions were kids are running wild....which could and occasionaly does hinder the adults from wanting to participate in the dancing. For the sake of 15 minutes the problem can be solved. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I sometimes feel that way too Darren. However, we've all experienced receptions were kids are running wild....which could and occasionaly does hinder the adults from wanting to participate in the dancing. For the sake of 15 minutes the problem can be solved. :)

Still don't think I'd have the patience. :embarasse

I'd rather stand behind the decks and moan about unruly kids... :teeth:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Just a question Shaun, do you ever find that it makes the kids think you are their 'new best friend' and they then expect more from you when you have moved on to the 'adult' part of the night?

[Shaun]

That does sometimes happen Angela. There is a way around that (if you don't work alone)

I usually bring a roadie/assistant when i do weddings. After the "kids" segment I concentrate on the Bride, Groom and adult guests and leave it to my assistant to deal with the kids and let them know that i'm busy with "grown up stuff". Once the children visually see that my attention is diverted elsewhere they tend to leave me be.

If I didn't use an assistant I guess I would just let the children know that "their" time was finished for a little while and I had to let their mums and dads have some fun too.

[Shaun]

Still don't think I'd have the patience. :embarasse

I'd rather stand behind the decks and moan about unruly kids... :teeth:


You should try the Corobar Steve method of crowd control then


Cattle prod & a sharp stick, keeps 'em away

:D

[Corabar Entertainment]

Darren has had a bad experience of a kids party...... he did his own son's party :omg:
...and don't let Steve's comments fool you - I could show you some customer 'Thank you's' from Mums saying how great he was with the kids - including at 'adult' parties :omg: :omg:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You should try the Corobar Steve method of crowd control then



:D

LOL! :teeth:

I suppose I've become less tolarent of other people's kids since I've had my own...

10 years ago I used to love kids at weddings...

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Darren has had a bad experience of a kids party...... he did his own son's party :omg:

That is very true.

Leave it to the experts I say! :)

[Shaun]

I don't have kids yet....which may explain my patience :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't have kids yet....which may explain my patience :D

I was wondering!

It all changes... :teeth:

[soundtracker]

I did a do last wednesday for a renewal of vows- there was ONE kid there who was expecting to be entertained. Some Hope - Go outside and play with the traffic!

[Corabar Steve]

...and don't let Steve's comments fool you - I could show you some customer 'Thank you's' from Mums saying how great he was with the kids - including at 'adult' parties :omg: :omg:
I love kids, nice bit of Hoi Sin sauce, some spring onions, cucumber.......

[colinm345]

That is very true.

Leave it to the experts I say! :)

SECONDED

[Wolfie]

I don't mind kids running around.. you can soon bribe kids with requests if they behave,

the thing i'm not much for is where you get the one kid & his mate who stand staring at you all night so it looks like some badly organised Chad convention..

http://www.zoo.co.uk/~mmenterprises/chad.jpg

[Corabar Entertainment]

PMSL!!!! :D :D

[Shaun]

I did a do last wednesday for a renewal of vows- there was ONE kid there who was expecting to be entertained. Some Hope - Go outside and play with the traffic!


:D



In all serious though I'm always surprised that parents don't try keep their kids more under control at weddings. The majority seem fine about letting their kids rum amok

[Corabar Steve]

:D



In all serious though I'm always surprised that parents don't try keep their kids more under control at weddings. The majority seem fine about letting their kids rum amokBecause the majority of them are concentraiting on the more important task at hand.......

Getting bladdered :teeth:

[Shaun]

Maybe there's a market for upselling these for events where kids will be :D

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/unbranded/i/unbranded-indoor-kennel-car-crate-2-door-lrg.jpg

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Maybe there's a market for upselling these for events where kids will be :D

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/unbranded/i/unbranded-indoor-kennel-car-crate-2-door-lrg.jpg

Great idea!

Could do with one of those at home sometimes too.... :teeth:

[Corabar Steve]

Maybe there's a market for upselling these for events where kids will be :D

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/unbranded/i/unbranded-indoor-kennel-car-crate-2-door-lrg.jpg
As long as it's not situated next to the Disco rig :teeth:

[Shaun]

Just outside the fire exit would be good placement I'm thinking.

[Corabar Steve]

Hmmmmmmmm

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Hmmmmmmmm

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent!

[Shaun]

Hmmmmmmmm


LOL :teeth: