| From a DJ's Perspective | | | | and arranging alternative entertainment for them, |
| So, you've read the "how to choose the perfect | | | | together with a qualified child minder? Did you know |
| wedding venue" articles posted on the web, published | | | | that there are entertainment companies out there that |
| in the bridal magazines and you're wondering what the | | | | provide these services? This prevents anyone getting |
| heck it's doing on a DJ Hire site... Well consider this, | | | | hurt on the dance floor and the kids will have a ball! |
| who attends more weddings in a year than your maid | | | | Remember that weddings are a time for friends and |
| of honour, and who gets to leave the wedding venue | | | | family to get together... |
| with the last of the wedding guests (keeping in mind | | | | Did you know that if you choose a venue in a |
| that the wedding photographer only stays until the | | | | residential area you'll be restricted in terms of the |
| bouquet and garter has been thrown)? In other words | | | | music on the night? So instead of the rocking party |
| who really gets to know the ins and outs of choosing | | | | you expected, you'll be having a toned down affair |
| a wedding venue to have a decent party at? | | | | with guests nagging you (and your DJ) to turn up the |
| There are loads of things to consider when choosing a | | | | tunes. Now you might not have thought about this, and |
| wedding venue. First there are the obvious ones: How | | | | the venue probably neglected to mention this, but as |
| many guests can it accommodate; does it have | | | | they are in a residential area, they are not allowed to |
| sufficient parking; is it safe; what's the food like; are | | | | play loud music, especially not after 22h00 at night. And |
| there electrical outlets for the DJ's, band; etc. | | | | as a DJ we are obliged to stick to that rule, or we |
| But what about the party? I mean the ceremony, while | | | | might be kicked out. Usually your party will also end |
| it is the essence of the wedding, only lasts 30 to 45 | | | | strictly at 00h00, so no overtime here... |
| minutes, while the reception can keep going for | | | | While a wedding in the country or in outlying areas are |
| anything between 4 to 8 hours, and it is in this time that | | | | a better choice in terms of the music, you have to |
| your guests will want to be entertained. And honestly, | | | | consider that your guests might have been drinking the |
| the jazz band only plays for so long! This is where I | | | | whole evening and some of them will be driving home |
| come in. You see, I've been a DJ for 13 years now. My | | | | afterwards. A good idea might be to have the |
| specialty: weddings. And I've seen my share, trust me! | | | | telephone numbers of cab companies handy for those |
| So what should you be looking at when you choose a | | | | guests who have had one drink too many, after all you |
| wedding venue, to not only make sure that the | | | | wouldn't want your guests to remember your wedding |
| wedding is unique, stunning, elegant, but also a wedding | | | | as the night they spent in jail... |
| that your guests will talk about for years to come? | | | | Finally, always keep in mind that your entertainment for |
| Let's start with the basics: there's a good chance that | | | | the evening will be one of the most important choices |
| 50% of your guests will be smokers, so the venue | | | | you'll make. Should you decide to go with a DJ, always |
| must have a facility for smokers. Now usually this is | | | | ensure that they are registered with both SAMRO and |
| done outside, which works fine, but what happens | | | | SADJA (the South African Music Rights Organisation |
| when it rains? Can they cater for this, or will the | | | | and the South African DJ Association). This will |
| smokers just leave early? I mean let's face it, smokers | | | | prevent embarrassment during the evening and also |
| don't party unless they have a cigarette in hand... | | | | ensure that you get quality entertainment - All Night |
| Secondly, what do they have planned for the kids? I | | | | Long! (For more on SAMRO and SADJA please visit |
| know that some couples specifically request their | | | | their respective websites). |
| guests to not bring kids along, but hey, if that were you, | | | | Derek Jansen |
| would you want to leave your kids at home? How | | | | DerekJay Entertainment - DJs, Karaoke, Jukeboxes |
| about booking a smaller venue (or a room) for the kids | | | | and more! |