Not a trick question… who chooses the DJ? Was it the venue? It’s becoming more and more common for couples to be faced with “the in-house DJ” or to have to pay a fee if they don’t use them.
Will you let the venue choose your dress? your flowers? your honeymoon destination? photographer? cake maker?… so why do they want to choose the DJ?
To have control… if they supply the DJ, they’re working for them, not you. They will do what they want, which may not be what you want.
Or, maybe, because they then get a cut… that’s right, that £500 DJ that you are paying them for will almost certainly not be getting anywhere near the £500…
I can understand that some venues may want to protect themselves from the “fly-by-nights” of the DJ world. They don’t want someone coming in and playing way too loud and annoying their neighbours (who may report them to the local authority and lose their licence) but a professional DJ isn’t going to do this. They have a reputation to protect as well.
An independent, professional DJ, such as myself, will meet with you, be there to offer unbiased advice and advise you on things that can be done to enhance your wedding. Venue-appointed DJs rarely have any contact with you before the wedding.
Recommended Suppliers
Recommended suppliers are a different thing altogether. A venue’s not going to recommend someone unprofessional or not very good, it’s their reputation as well! OK, they may be getting a finders fee or token amount, but it won’t be a hefty chunk of the fee. I work with some of the best venues in Hampshire and beyond as a trusted and recommended supplier.
I think venues have a duty to point out any restrictions to couples when they are viewing. Not hide things away in the small print, that, let’s face it, most don’t read. You’d be surprised at some of the restrictions I’ve come across over the years.
It should be up to you to choose who you want to work with you on YOUR wedding. You should meet suppliers and make up your own mind about who YOU want to use.
Ask questions when looking around venues such as “Are there any restrictions on what we can do or who we can use?” “Do you have set timings for the evening?”
Some venues have excellent DJs, but that DJ may not be the one for you, remember, not all DJs are the same… you need one that suits you.
One of my many reviews from clients:
Alan was Master of Ceremonies and DJ at our New Year’s Eve wedding and was absolutely fantastic! Our wedding would not have been the same without him. His DJ Set was brilliant and really got the party going. However, not only did Alan and his son ensure that the day ran smoothly, but his support and advice throughout our wedding planning process were invaluable.
If we were to do it all again, one of the first things I would do is hire Alan, and I’d recommend anyone else planning a wedding to do the same. Not only will you end up with a brilliant DJ and MC, but you will have someone who can help guide you through the process and put together a great wedding!
