Firstly, you need to decide what your expectation is for the day? How long has your potential prospect been in the industry?
Fly by nights may be cheaper, but the chances are they won't still be in the industry by the time your big day arrives. Or your potential DJ, who is charging way less than the industry standard, might have sub-standard equipment.
Some questions to ask:
Our tip for the bride and groom who might have trouble choosing their 1st dance song is what song speaks to you. Every couple has a story to tell, a shared moment, a significant time or place, and usually a song that goes with the moment.
First time out together or a song that played during your 1st kiss; or certain lyrics that sum up your emotions or feelings for one another; or just a song you both love.
Does it have to be slow? No, not at all. A wedding day can be exhausting and so busy. And this will be the only time during reception and 1st moment of your marriage where it's just the two of you. Enjoy it, take it ALL in. There are no rules, just your moment.
Well, the great thing about weddings is that it's usually a mixed group from many different generations. A good DJ will know how to tie it all together seamlessly.
To have a full dance floor, you need young and old all having a great time together.
So, don't just look after one generation or genre. Mix songs for young and old try get the crowd into the habit of guessing what's next. There is an art to this. Wedding classics do obviously work, and research into each group prior to the day is vital. Rule of thumb, but not exclusively, you generally look after the older crowd in the earlier parts of the evening and increase the tempo as the night goes on.
Every wedding is different, and every crowd responds to different music tastes. Demographic, average age, and area specific all come into play; and research done prior to the day.
If your dancefloor is empty, I would suggest going back to the classics. What we in the industry call "wedding cheese" it generally works every time.
Everyone knows the songs, and you can target a larger majority of the crowd and start using the ‘sheep factor’, where more people start feeling comfortable and following one another; breaking barriers.
Building a foundation in the earlier parts of the evening is also crucial. Once the dancefloor is open for the 1st time, don't break the momentum. Start/stop can empty a dancefloor.
I would recommend using your 1st dance and then opening the dancefloor as your final proceeding. Everyone is on the dancefloor, and then it’s up to the DJ to keep them there. Without realising the awkwardness is gone, and you have a captive audience.
Ready to rock the night away!
Author - Matt the DJ from Southern Light Events
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