Party time or too formal ???

[ppentertainments]

Point of discussion, came about from a meeting I had earlier and the B&G had already spoken to other DJ’s :

‘Taking the whole context of the wedding day into account and all the celebrations, formalities, emotions that have passed by, the disco is the time for relaxation and enjoyment. The party would rather have a disco that they enjoy and can party too rather than extending the formalities of the day further than what is required. A few wires hanging on show or not having the highest grade equipment is far less important than playing the right music and everyone enjoying themselves. As long as the DJ is smart why should I care if he is wearing a Dinner Suit, shirt and tie or whatever ?

Too much talk about how the disco is the most important part of the wedding day, the stuffy formal image is not what the party time should be about.’


What are your thoughts ??

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

My thoughts are why can't you have tidy cables, a tidy show, decent gear, be smart and play the right music?

Why the comparison between a few hanging wires and playing the right music? Doesn't make any sense to me.

Why should the bride care if the DJ is smart? Why should she then care whether her guests are smart or the venue is properly dressed? And so it goes on...

[ppentertainments]

The comments were made after meeting other DJs at home and at wedding fayres and their opinions were as above - basically they felt that the DJ's they had spoken too were more worried about the formalities and 'minor' details than the fact they were there to entertain and provide a party atmosphere.

[funkymook]

I suspect at least one of the other DJ's has really pushed the MC angle and also told a few stories about 'unprofessional' set-ups and forgot the fun factor.

A client doesn't talk about hanging wires, highest grade equipment and formalities like that unprompted.

Sounds like the oversell has put them right off!

[Excalibur]

Initial thoughts, for what they're worth.
There is a certain amount of formality and protocol to be observed, but I tend to agree with the sentiment that the evening should primarily be fun. Sadly nowadays, that can often mean it descends into unseemly behaviour, often with unfortunate consequences. It is a fine line between letting your hair down a bit, and abandoning all regard for those around you.

Regarding the style/substance debate, my views are well known. I'm with Darren all the way that it's preferable to have tidiness as well as good performance, but if it's a choice between a DJ with shabby kit and clothes who packs the floor all night long, and one with immaculate kit who stands there deadpan playing all his songs to an empty floor, well you can guess which one I'd take.

This game can at times be a balancing act, and often that's the hardest thing to achieve.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

The comments were made after meeting other DJs at home and at wedding fayres and their opinions were as above - basically they felt that the DJ's they had spoken too were more worried about the formalities and 'minor' details than the fact they were there to entertain and provide a party atmosphere.

Fair comment, but if you are planning an event and spending a lot of money, wouldn't you be concerned with the details?

[funkymook]

Fair comment, but if you are planning an event and spending a lot of money, wouldn't you be concerned with the details?

I've never been asked or discussed these things with clients - I think it's taken as a given it'll be a suitable, tidy set-up and appropriate for the occasion.

Of course that's trusting me (or any other DJ) to deliver this, but I can understand if a DJ focussed to much on this side of things without being asked it could put people off.

[[email protected]]

Yes, but the start of the evening is really an extension of the daytime formalities, often with cake cutting, introduction of the first dance, so wearing the dinner suit, being tidy, looking nice is quite important.

You can still give them a belter of a party later on.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

With Martin on this, certainly someone has given them the oversell when they are just after a DJ.

[weekender45]

surely this is the challenge and the standards we are all trying to achieve, - everytime.

right clothing,right appearance,right gear and the ability to deliver a memorable enjoyable disco. - everytime

[Twinspin]

It doesnt matter what i tidy up or how i dress or what equipment i have im still rubbish. So the rest doesnt matter. :D

even though i do make the setup and appearance look respectable

[paulg]

Rather than prattle on about wires etc. I just send a typical set up picture to show what they are getting, ask what music they like and want and leave it at that. Seems to work OK.

I'm in no doubt that a good DJ is preferable to a DJ with OCD.

The blurb and competitor knocking would put me off too.

[Ryu]

I think the thing here is about the overly negative sales pitch of the other provider. Whinging about Sids and wires on show is all good and well when discussing with other industry people....but don't make it the bulk of your pitch to brides and party organisers....Its without doubt good practice to do, but I would expect most brides want to hear how much of an amazing wedding reception they'll have rather than be relieved the DJ is using Velcro straps! :D

[WWDJ]

Whenever I communicate with customers, I talk about the plans for THEIR day and the music THEY would like. Then I ask them if they have any questions.

I never discuss what I am going to wear, what kit i'm going to use, etc.

I dress smartly and appropriately for their function. For a wedding that is shirt and trousers and a jacket if I am going to be doing anything like MC function.

The equipment will be tidy because that's how I roll.

Pictures on the website so they can see what they are getting.

No need to oversell.