Hi Guys,

Some help please,

I've got a wedding coming up in a few months. Here in Ireland it's nearly tradition to have a band on first and then a Dj afterwards. These gigs I've done thousands but now it's shifting slighlty to having a Dj for the full night instead of a band. I've done a few of these gigs not a whole lot really.

The wedding coming up have asked that i interact a good bit with the guests. OK this i haven't really done at all. It's not usually my style. I usually let the music do the talking so to speak. I've no problem doing it but just looking for ideas of what kind of things i could do??

They have suggested asking people to get up dancing and dedicating songs to people and certain tables at the wedding.

Ok trying to drag people up can be a little annoying, I've seen it done and just think leave them alone. Dedicating songs is fine no problem there maybe hand out request sheets at the start of the night but anyone with any other ideas would be great

Thanks

I would say if your not confident then dont take the gig let them get a DJ that can do this...

Nik

Me too..........

I am a personallity DJ.I specialise in interaction and get booked for this reason.It can be learned but your own style is unique.
Nik knows my ways as Ive talked to him on the phone on many occasion.

If you have doubts dont do the gig.However if you want to become a Peronallity DJ then practice and introduce sections slowly over time with other gigs.You will perfect a good rapour in time.

Paul

Warning sarcastic humour not to be taken literally and meant light hearted

end of sarcastic humour

I thought your maybe looking for friendly advice from fellow DJ's who have made this transition from your post, not negativity ! I am of the attitude of lets have a go let's take the challenge. Paul offers a sensible and friendly approach
Great advice there.

For me preparation is the key .

Get the people concerned emails or better still do a full consultation get to know all the parties names get to know who is who ,what music they like get a playlist of what there guests would like which track" uncle nobby" always dances like a wobbly kneed jelly too etc etc communication is the key ..only when you know them can you feel more comfortable.

I am guessing you have already met the B&G or is this a more general request? If you have met them already or this was booked from a recommendation or one of the B&G went to a previous function you have done they probably hired you because they liked what they saw and heard!

Obviously if they are wanting you to be stand up comedian for a couple of hours that's a bit different..although i have heard of DJ's doing a stand up course to gain confidence . changing and improving is what i strive for ..staying the same makes it boring for you and your guests.

I feel there are some who try to protect there segment of the market by making it sound too complex or too skilled for people to try ..This is not brain surgery or rocket science . most people are happy if we turn up on time with gear that works and play songs they can dance to ,in the right order, say a few words pack up and go and leave it tidy ,do that and 99% of customers will be happy.

Not so long ago i did my first wedding after reading on various forums i felt really down..was i up to it? was it so much different to my pub gigs? could i make the transition? many sleepless nights , many hours of reading then the gig came..piece of cake .. its easier than some friday nights i can tell you!
I have had a constant stream of wedding gigs booked from that first one..when i can fit them in from that first one ..i do not advertise that i can do weddings and i have residencies on Thur Fri and sat so the next one i have is on a Sunday the 3rd of may all the weddings have come from people who went to the last function... i am only on my 17th wedding BUT they hold no great fear for me now ..yes i get nervous but i wont get my self worked up about it like i once did.

Embrace the challenge , i for one support people who try something new.

I agree..........times may be hard and we need to adapt, think out of the box

think of your first pub gig or your first karaoke (if you do them) it wasnt a walk in the park but now you have mastered it.

Sometimes the crowd wont be listening to you anyway and you cant expect them to, they dont know you, they are not your friends, You cant force anything on them. Ive had simular requests and tried and failed to get the audience interaction people ask for, but i tried as requested and bit the bullet

On the other hand on some occasions it has worked, a few simple observation gags and a bit of general banter with a few 'up for it' guests

Look like you are enjoying the evening dance and sing behind the decks, make eye contact with the guests get their names for requests and 'big them up'

My favourite gag is - introduce the night and state how wonderful the bride looks ask the crowd to agree (lay it on thick), then turn to the groom pause and say....we all love a try'er

Give it a go........we NEVER stop learning

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'll try and answer some of the points raised.

No I haven't met the bride and groom yet. But we will be having a meeting in a couple of weeks. They booked me after seeing me at a wedding they attented. And also a recommendation from friends. So not doing so bad there.

My point really is that I've never done this before nor have I seen it done. I have no problem giving it a go I'm confident on the mic. I'm just looking for ideas from other professionals as to how they do it. I can take these ideas and adapt them for myself that's all.

Some of the ideas are great such a bigging up the requests, super, like the gag too MintyDave (if you've anymore I'd love to hear them).

There are a couple of things i do already such as rock the boat where i pick out the worst dancer who's never done it to choreograph it for the guests on the floor, usually gets a laugh too. In Ireland we do a siege of Ennis (traditional dance) i usually join in just to show people who don't know how to do it so this relaxes people and again it's good fun. And the macarena where i speed up the song as it goes along so people have no chance of keeping up. Again these are just small things that make the night fun. I'm looking for another couple of ideas.

I explained to the couple that I've never done a wedding like this, but they still enjoyed the wedding they were at and are more than happy to book me.

Thanks Guys
Paul

Agree with what your saying rob, but read my post again. and read the OP also... He is not confident...

I agree that its good to push the boundaries but not on some ones big day and at their expence.

Nik



Then it looks like you will be OK.. My apologies from your first post it came across as you did not know what you were getting into. From what you have said above you will be fine.

Nik

If it goes really sour at the end of the night say............Ive been Dave from Richmond Karaoke & Disco.......sorry i wasnt very good.

hang on................thats me..........never mind i doubt i'll be giging in ireland soon

Do report back on what happened

Paul,

This type of event is my main business. Based on our meeting a few weeks back, you'll do great. It just requires a bit of planning.

Couple of tips,
1. Learn the names of the groomsmen and bridemaids make a point of getting friendly with them all. They will make great helpers/victims when it comes to getting things moving.

2. Watch/mix with the crowd during the meal and speeches. Spot the ones who look like they are game to join in. If you take time to listen to the speeches you may find some info there which will come in handy, make a couple of notes if needed.

3. Any good salesman will tell you that you have to confident in what your selling. In this situation what you'll be selling is to the audience is that if they join in they'll have a great time and it will add to their family/friends wedding. Sound confident when your encourage the crowd to take part.

4. Judge the crowd. Sometimes they are just happier sitting and supping. If they don't want to join in after your best efforts so be it, don't irritate them by keeping at them and at them.

5. Look like your having fun too.


Good luck

John

Thanks John,

I was actually thinking about ringing you for advice on this

Cheers
Paul

Always happy to help,

John

TskkTskk!

12 Posts........none suggesting you play some great music.Suggest that will be 98% of the night anyway.



Its your music they'll remember ....long after your gags!!You cant dance to Chubby Brown!!

Apart from the question he asked :-


Jim

He can be as good as Peter Kaye.... and he'll still fail if he don't play the right stuff.

I think he has the music content covered as they have seen him and like him. The point Paul was asking advice on was the guest interaction.

BTW Good Luck Paul.

Jim