There are so many times you wonder how to get out of certain things.
You are booked til twelve and the client tells you that it is ok for you to carry on playing... I always only accept the word of the duty manager on these occasions... Providing you are polite your client wont mind that you have to check it out with the DM before continuing.

There must be loads of situations where we can share a "how to get out of" tip

for the guests who insists you play a really poo track which you know will clear the floor..... just say, "Im really sorry, I dont have that particular track" - they cant argue with that one can they!

OR yo ucould say well I have a really lomg list of requests and so Ill put it on the list but probs wont get played.

If someone asked for something naff or something we don't have then:
a. The other DJ has it tonight
b. We had that one stolen last week
c. Ask the guests - put it to the vote over the mike
d. When it's busy I normally tell the punters ask for anything but if no-one dances to it within 30 seconds from the start off it comes.

Paul S

Yeah I agree with Paul some nice little tips there especially (A ) lol I like that one

I always tell people I am the most honest DJ they can find, if i don't have it (v.unlikely unless its Electric Slide ) I will say so there and then, and also that I will play absolutely any requests but if the person asking does'nt dance within 30 seconds of it starting its off ( unless others 'do' like it)

..when you are silly enough not to issue a contract,and the booking has been agreed for nine months - you have all the relevant details which would only be in your diary if the booking was "confirmed" - and then the clients cancels two weeks before hand - so what do you do? Thought I didnt have a leg to stand on so approached the CAB who informed me that when you provide a service and have agreed to provide that service, you then have a verbal contract which is equally as binding in law as a written contract. The client could argue that they only made an enquiry but provided you have asked all the right questions and written down relevant information pertaining to that booking you will win the day.
For instance, if it is an enquiry, you would not ask about personal information such as are the brides mum and dad alive/still together etc, what there first choice of dance is etc etc.
I know the easy answer is to always ensure you have a written contract but numb heads like my goodself who on occasion forget to issue one (pressures of being a mum/wife/general good person) - dont let your income be compromised. I always explain that I earn my living doing this job and once I have accepted a booking then I would not let them down (I did a wedding two days before having my last baby, have worked on crutches and walking sticks).
So guys, if you are ever let down, dont be afraid to persue your income through the small claims court - you will win should you choose to go down this route.
Saying this, if there are circumstances beyond anyones control (groom legs it two days before wedding with future mother in law) then as a decent person, I let it go

With or without a written contract if they cancel within 14 days, they pay. My contracts, like most agents say 30 days, the arguement being, that inside 30 days it is virtually impossible to fill that date, and up to now, I've had no probs. I wrote my contract, and had it checked by a solicitor, and he reckoned it was 100% OK.