Music and entertainment are the MOST important elements that shape a wedding or any other special event.

On the other hand, hiring a DJ service can be a very daunting task and a stressful experience. However, with a wedding plan by your side, and the right Wedding DJ service, you can assure yourself that you can face the situation, with ease.

Here are five steps to help you hire a DJ for your event.

1. Start early. When you hire DJ service, start as early as possible, at least a year before the actually wedding or event date. This will give you time to discuss the setting and tackle the details for your choice of DJ music and DJ entertainment service.

2. Consider the Experience. Professional experience is a factor to consider when hiring a DJ service. You will surely want to leave the hands of your wedding event to a wedding DJ service that will give it their best for the success of your wedding event.

3. Ask for references. This includes the past clients that your DJs have worked for. References may include video clips or photographs of their recent events.

4. Pricing. The usual going rate for disc jockeys for a four-hour on-site performance range from $350 up to $1,000. You don’t necessarily have to choose the cheapest; just go within your means and choose the wedding DJ services who can satisfy your entertainment needs.

5. Watch them live. No video or recording can best beat a live disc jockey performance. If you want to make sure you are 100% happy with the disc jockey service you choose, go and watch the DJ service in action!

Did you know..... the term "Disc Jockey" and "DJ" also have been written and displayed as: discjockey, discjockeys, discjockies, discjockie, dee jays, deejay, dee jay, also deejays, DJing DJs, DJ's, and Disk Jockey or Disk Jockeys. It's interesting to see the many different variations of this simple term, Disc Jockey. Now you are in the know!

Imagine the moment, holding your life partner’s hand as you stroll onto that hardwood floor with the cheers and applause of friends and family ringing in your ears.

Most couples intend to dance the traditional first dance, but most of them also know nothing at all about dancing! So as the big day approaches their sense of panic increases. Avoid anxiety by following a few easy tips.

Ask yourself: are you going to do something special or do you prefer the old traditional approach?

Either way here’s some good news that will fortify both your motivation and your confidence:

IT’S REALLY EASY TO CUT A FABULOUS FIGURE ON THE DANCE FLOOR DURING YOUR FIRST DANCE … AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A GREAT DANCER TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

In fact with a little preparation you can transform that pivotal moment from something you’re dreading into something you can actually look forward to, a performance you’ll look back on with pride.

Let’s start by breaking it down into small, easy-to-manage chunks:

Here are your essential steps:

Define your vision

Pick your Song

Plan your Entrance and Exit

Who’s going to Lead?

What Dance Will You Perform?

Practice Makes Perfect

The Most Important First Dance Tip!

Define Your Vision

First Step: What is your vision?

If you don’t have a goal you don’t have much chance of achieving it.

Take a moment to paint a movie in your mind. Imagine that you could have any result you desire. What would your first dance look like? What is the mood that you want to create?

The choice is yours and you can amp up the energy level and kick-start the dancing or maintain a sense of elegance and tradition. There is no right or wrong way to approach it, if it’s right for you it’s right period.

Whatever you decide, be sure to tell your camera operators where you will start and finish your dance.

Pick Your Song

There are a few things to consider when choosing your first dance tune.

Does it inspire you?

Your connection may be that it could be heard playing in the background when you got engaged or perhaps during another pivotal moment during your history together.

The connection could be as simple as the fact that you both love it!

Have options: Narrow your list down to a few finalists and then try practicing to each one of them and choose the one that feels the most comfortable. If you don't like a song, don't dance to it!

If possible pick a romantic song with a good easy to hear dance beat that’s steady throughout. (this makes it easier for rookie dancers)

Although a love song is great for the traditional First Dance take a moment and consider the alternatives.

We’ve found a pseudo tango is an easy to learn step that has a great deal of visual appeal. Better yet, regardless of the style of dance that you decide to try there is one simple rule:

Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated. Very few, if any of your guests will know that you’re not doing it correctly. Remember this isn’t the TV show, So You Think You Can Dance and your guests are not Simon Cowell or the Horse-faced Female Dance Judge with the annoying voice. (if they are then cut your losses and hire a professional instructor ASAP lol)

Plan Your Entrance & Exit

If you plan both your Entrance and your Exit it will really add some polish to your presentation and will subconsciously make you a little more confident.

The Entrance: There are an unlimited number of options but we find the most workable and effective methods are:

You both stroll onto the floor hand in hand (if so, you should decide in advance where you should enter the dance floor and where to leave)

Plan what will happen when you end your dance. Will you invite everyone onto the dance floor or just your parents and/or grandparents?

Who’s Going To Lead?

Your next endeavour is to decide on who is going to lead. Start by taking an honest assessment of your obstacles. Ask yourself, “Are we equally inept on the dance floor or could it be that only one of us is terrible? (in 99.99% of cases we find that the Groom is way more klutzy than the Bride)

Normally HE leads...SHE follows. (At least when you’re on the dance floor). Try it the traditional way to see if he can pick up a few simple moves. (be sure to keep it basic and simple)

He keeps time and dances to the music...she keeps in time with him.

If this isn’t working it’s time to switch places and have the Bride take over as you enter the next phase.

What Dance Will You Perform?

Fortunately you don’t need to be a great dancer to put on a show that will inspire a sea of smiles and a torrent of hoots, hollers and applause from your assembled guests.

The first step is to take an assessment of your abilities … or lack thereof.

If you are both in the “Totally-Rhythmically-Challenged” category and don’t want to invest the time or effort in developing an “act” you can always perform the ever popular, Grade 6-Side-to-Side-Slow-Dance. You remember that classic don’t you? All you have to do is grip onto each other and shuffle from one foot to the other in time to the music.

If you’re not sure what to do just ask any school kid to show you. (if the kid is reluctant to help just threaten to hide their pimple cream until they comply – it works every time)

Just imagine that you’re one of the un-dead zombies from a movie like Night of the Living Dead without the forward motion.

Apparently you are aspiring to something a little more impressive for the showcase that is your first dance otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this right now.

You will definitely want to consider taking some private dance lessons. It’s not imperative but a dance instructor can help you learn some easy dance steps designed to be an exact fit with your song of choice.

If your budget can’t handle the additional expense of dance lessons do not fear as you can still put on a decent show without professional instruction.

PRACTISE

As with an undertaking your chance of success is directly related to the effort you put towards it.

Practice as much as you can so you won’t have to concentrate as much, preferably at least twice a week.

This will allow you and your partner to feel more confident on the night so you can relax and actually enjoy your first dance!

Our biggest tip in this section is to practice dancing in something similar shape and length-wise to what you will be wearing.

Practice sometimes without the music, especially at the beginning stages, it will help you concentrate on perfecting your steps, and leading or following.

Look straight ahead (not at your feet), when dancing. Remember you are steering. Believe it or not your feet will work without your looking at them!

Perform with confidence and a big smile for each other and your guests

It is most important to look confident and show you are enjoying yourselves while performing your first wedding dance. The easiest way to achieve this is to hold your head high and smile. What ever you do, don't ever look at your feet.

Check out the floor you will dance on. Make sure you know its dimensions.

THE BIGGEST TIP OF ALL TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL FIRST DANCE!!

I’ve attended well over a thousand weddings and there is one mistake that will almost guarantee that your First Dance won’t make the positive impression you are hoping for.

That mistake is attempting to dance to the entire song!

I keep a close eye on the crowd and here’s how it plays out almost 100% of the time.

A portion of the crowd run up to the dance floor with a beaming smile of expectation on their face and a camera in hand. They cheer for the beautiful married couple and diligently snap a few shots of our stars as they twirl their way around the hardwood. Then about a minute in to the dance boredom sets in, the smile fades and they start scanning the rest of the crowd for something interesting to watch.

It’s not your fault it’s simply the nature of the beast. Even some of the contestants on “Dancing With The Stars” would have trouble making a standard slow dance interesting.

As a bride you may be thinking that 90 seconds or 2 minutes is an awfully short time but trust me it won’t feel that way when you are on the floor. More often than not we see the Bride and Groom starting to chat with each other partway through.

If you are dead set on hearing the entire song you can open up the floor part way through the song to the guests which will give them something to do.

If you are going to have a Bride/Father and/or Groom/Mother dance however, bringing the guests on won’t work very well unless you let them stay up during those dances. We find that most Fathers want the floor to themselves when taking that ceremonial spin with their newly married daughter.

Most importantly - have FUN. Fun is the most important factor on your wedding day. But whatever else you decide on keep it short. Anywhere between 90 seconds and two and a half minutes is just right for your First Dance.

For the most complete list of Wedding First Dance Songs please click here:
http://500weddingfirstdancesongs.blogspot.com/ or check us out at: http://www.creativedjservices.com

Posted by Scott Barratt at http://weddingfirstdancesecrets.blogspot.com/
Reference:

Lesson 1
Be prepared

• Preparation is essential make sure you create a to-do list well in advance
• Set party date that will not coincide with public events or holidays
• Notify all invitees by email, sms, or phone
• Pre-book your entertainer, mobile DJ, or Karaoke unit well in advance
• Invite your neighbours (you will be glad you did) as they will enjoy the music instead of complain about it.

STEP 2
Party Room

Prepare your party room at least 24 hours prior to event. Setup Chairs, tables, bar and other social requirements the day before so as not to create too much to do on the day.

Provide power access for your DJ or entertainers as well as a separated or roped off section so that guests won't wander in and spill cocktails on the DJ's precious equipment.

Lock or pad bolt any areas you don't wish people to access, or place signs on doors saying "Staff only"

Give the DJ access to the room on the day of your event to setup and test equipment. If you are having singers or hosting a karaoke party be sure that they are placed in an easy to view corner of the room.

Hang all decorations and layout all food requirements e.g plates, utensils , glasses etc on one side of room opposite to the performers so as not to create a distraction.

Hang clearly labelled signs pointing to the toilets (nothing more embarrassing than directing someone who is hopping from foot to foot).

STEP 3
Snacks

Just like chips to seagulls, so is finger food to party goers.  Distribute them around the room, and try to wander around every hour with fresh hot finger food and offer them to chatting guests.

Keep the food simple and don't waste time unless it's a black tie ball. Party favourites are usually the ones that most people know and like. Offering caviar may not suit most people's taste, but party-pies and cheese and crackers and nuts & chips?never get a complaint.

Remember that party goers like to graze and drink together, so keep them coming each hour.

If you choose to serve more advanced snacks like chicken wings with dipping sauce then have an assistant serve them while you place the sauce, napkins, and chicken wings on the serving plates. Nothing tastes nicer than fresh and hot finger food.

If budget is tight don't forget your local pizza shop will almost be willing to offer you a discount on bulk pizza orders (usually 5 or more) even the big pizza chains offer this deal if you ask.

STEP 4
Bubbly

A good glass of "Champers" definitely gets the party going every time.

Although technically speaking it is sparkling white wine that most people refer to, it is affordable by the case and practical to serve.

Recommended for Budget:

• Seaview Cuvee Brut
• Mathew Lang Brut

Real Champagne

• Moet Chandon
• Piper
• La Verve Clicquot

Never serve sweet champagne at a party as it will send most people over the edge and you may end up cleaning more than dropped food from the floor.

Always choose Brut (Dry) if possible, this will cause less hangover and most people tolerate it better than sweet champagne.

STEP 5
Music

If you are hiring a DJ then you can give them a rough guideline of what you prefer to play, but don't limit them to just this type of music. Most mobile DJ's have a good ear for music and a keen eye for the crowd.

Provide them with a recommended song list of no more than 20 songs you feel will be suitable, and let them do the rest. If they don't play the song you requested in the first hour of the party, don't start harassing them to play it. As most DJ's realize that a crowd takes time to warm up and they like to reserve certain songs for the right moment.

Music

    * Avoid playing heavy metal at most events - NO Rage Against the Machine either!!
    * Don't annoy your neighbors by continuing till 5 am the next day
    * If the floor is full and you don't like the song DON'T ask the DJ to change it.
    * Reserve slow songs till the last 30 minutes of the night.

STEP 6
Etiquette

Mingle with your guests and offer to top up their glass of champagne from time to time. In western culture we often don't realize that serving others is actually a sign of showing respect for them being your guest.

Be polite and courteous with people you don't know. Keep conversations light and never discuss serious subjects as it can change the atmosphere of the party.

Laugh, dance and joke with people. Also, never forget to introduce people to each other as this is another lost social grace.

When greeting guests always go to them and welcome them into your home.

When they leave see them to the door and wish them a safe journey home.

Safety

I once assisted at a party where a guest dressed in a rather smart suit walked straight into the spa bath and nearly drowned. Yes sometimes it's not as obvious to others as it is to us whom know our way around.

• Move all dangerous items that people could trip and fall on.
• Wipe up any liquid or food spills ASAP
• Make sure your insurance is covered for 3rd party accidents
• Put barriers near water or pools
• Don't let anyone intoxicated drive
• Diffuse arguments by drawing one of the parties away and offering to dance with them, don't offer then another drink as this may be the reason they are arguing.

STEP 7
The Aftermath

Now you have just thrown the party of the year and your guests have all straggled home one by one. You stand in the middle of a silent room and survey the damage inflicted by your triumphant achievement. At this point in time most people would call it a night and say "I will deal with it tomorrow" trust me, if it was half the party it should have been you won't want to see another one in sometime.

STOP!!  Before you drag yourself off to bed with a alka-seltzer and some water remember waking up to the aftermath feels worse than the hangover you will have while cleaning it.

Grab a large bin or rubbish bag and drag it into the room (even a wheelie bin will do) start by dumping all the plastic cups and broken glass in the bin. Then dump any wasted food and refrigerate any good left-over (the dog is probably wagging his tail wanting some).

Stack all chairs and clear the floor so that you can sweep it of any mess. Now most people would say that's it. But an extra 20 minutes will mean you can sleep peacefully and not wake up to a house that stinks of spilt beer and rotten food.

Grab a mop and mop the hard surface floors, vacuum any crumbs and set the room back in its original state.

STEP 8

Stand back and admire your success pre and post. Now you can sleep in and awaken to the house that hosted the PARTY OF THE YEAR!

Source: www.dejaiz.com

Its your big day and the last thing you want to do is ruin it all because you thought your young nephews iPod with over 5,000 downloaded songs would be enough for your very important event.

Remember a good Mobile DJ is a professional. They are proficient in the art of delivering the required music, creating the right atmosphere, and assisting in directing the flow of the evening all at the same time.

Yes its true iPods are great for personal use. They store music and let you play them in orders that you choose, but they lack one major feature, the ability to cue up a song whilst one song is playing.

Pros and Cons

Although the obvious advantage to using an iPod is the fact that you wont need to spend money on a DJ, but remember the iPod still requires someone to operate it throughout the night. And why would you want to cut corners for the celebratory part of your special day.

How are you going to find and cue up people’s favourite song? The Bridal waltz is about to begin and you cant find the track!

The above points are the most fundamental things a DJ will do seamlessly throughout the night, as well as announce different requests and provide a carefree way of you and your guests enjoying the evening.

Its the DJ's job to worry about the music - not your job to worry about how to press buttons on a iPod. As an example I could fix my car with a pair of pliers if i needed to, but the truth is its better to have the correct tools on hand to make the job much less simpler. Thinking you are saving money doesn't always mean your saving your special day!

Are DJ's Expensive?

Think of it this way, a mobile DJ will come out to you set up the equipment, supply all the music, lighting and atmosphere and pack up at the end of the night for one fee. If you had to hire Speakers (and no, those old Akai speakers wont cut it), run extension leads, setup cables, lighting and other such things as well as fill your iPod with enough songs to satisfy everyone's taste you would be out of pocket at least $1,000 to $3,000 dollars, and you still have to have someone man the iPod all night.

Mobile DJ's spend thousands on their equipment and music so you wont have to!! They will cater to all requests and generally have 99% of songs that people request at a party. Remember, they are a person that will communicate with you and the audience whilst carefully selecting music to suit the moment.

Most DJ's will start at $300 - $500 and will cater for your event according to the hours you require. They can setup song lists well before you event and assist in keeping the atmosphere going with out disrupting the flow of the evening.

Call and Ask Questions?

For the cost of a local call its cheaper to call a few DJ's in your area and ask them a few questions about what they can offer. They are more than likely to assist you in your concerns, and will be more than happy to cater to your event and this will eliminate the stress from your already hectic schedule.

Remember a DJ is a professional with the ability to gauge peoples reactions to music, where as a iPod is simply a automated music player and wont suit interactive requests on demand.

If you'd like to see a good video about why not to use an ipod please see our videos page.

Source: www.dejaiz.com