This is NOT me!

One of the most common requests from any mobile MC & DJ’s prospective clients is the question asking for a quote for a price for a 4 or 5 hour wedding entertainment package. In my early years as a mobile DJ, this wasn’t a problem, because I really didn’t do much more than turn up on the day and play music for that time frame. I may have found out a few basic details, such as the timing of the finish of dinner and the first dance song, but that was about it. Read the rest of this entry »

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I was reading comments from a British DJ on a UK DJ forum today. At the last wedding he entertained, he was getting ready to play the first dance for the Bride & Groom. He got the song queued up, prepared the following song also, checked that the couple were ready to go, then announced the first dance. Read the rest of this entry »

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I’ve had a spate of enquiries lately from couples wanting a quote before talking or meeting with me. I find this very difficult because my service isn’t a ‘five hours’ type of service by any measure. I’m often on site from a couple of hours before the ceremony until half an hour after the finish of the reception. 14 hour days aren’t uncommon. Price isn’t an easy thing to discuss without an understanding of value. Read the rest of this entry »

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It’s this time of year when I’m putting the final touches on the last couple of weddings for the season. I like to take stock of the memories of the celebrations past, the wonderful people I’ve met and the enjoyment I’ve helped create. I think about what I’ve learned, what I could have done better and what went very well. Read the rest of this entry »

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Every now and then I’m genuinely pleased that I’ve paid attention to the little things that sometimes go wrong at weddings.

Take today for example. Read the rest of this entry »

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What a fascinating season year it’s been already been. I’ve been fortunate enough to entertain clients and their guests in some of the country’s most beautiful locations and there’s more still to come before winter hits.
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A few months ago I was fortunate enough to purchase an extremely compact data/video projector for an extremely reasonable price. I had the intention of using it to play video footage that I occasionally get asked to present at my client’s events. Read the rest of this entry »

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I read this recently and thought it sounded like a HUGE, yet amusing challenge for the Groom-to-be and his entourage:

Stag will be wearing a full wedding dress with a veil all day Read the rest of this entry »

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Many of you will have seen this already, but it’s such a fun clip that I thought I’d link it for your enjoyment once more. I do love it when couples put some preparation into creating something fun and memorable for their reception. Enjoy!
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Here’s a tip for you to help with planning your wedding ceremony, whether it’s in a church, marquee or garden. Signing the wedding register in New Zealand (unless it’s been partly completed in advance) usually takes 5 minutes or more. That’s Read the rest of this entry »

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Can you meet with the DJ personally?

Does the DJ you’re considering tell you anything about themselves in their website or advertising, or are you hiring an unknown? Most people would like to know a little about the person who will be entertaining at their event, particularly if it’s a wedding, and a face to face meeting is the best way Read the rest of this entry »

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What type of music do they provide and will they play requests?

It’s your party. Will your prospective music entertainer cheerfully accept your musical suggestions? Can they provide a play list with a wide variety of songs that you can choose from? Will they play Read the rest of this entry »

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This is an incredibly novel concept. The amount of work and planning that must have gone into this is frightening, but I have to admit that it’s totally memorable. Read the rest of this entry »

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Take a look!

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Is the DJ you’re considering hiring an experienced professional, or a hobby DJ?
For some parties, all that’s required is someone with DJ equipment to turn up (some of the cheaper ones might not even do that if they get a better offer!) and play music. In this scenario, any reasonably proficient DJ will do for you.

For a corporate event where you’re wanting to reward employees, help them bond or unwind during a conference, or impress clients and say thank you, you’re going to want someone who is a true professional. Weddings and other one-off celebrations are another example where you won’t want to take the risk on a hobby DJ. Read the rest of this entry »

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How will the DJ you are looking at hiring make YOUR celebration unique? What will they do to ensure that your celebration isn’t just a music playlist variation from every other similar type of event they’ve performed?

If your event is a wedding, this question is all the more important. The couples I’ve spoken with over the last 23 years really don’t want their wedding feeling like a McWedding, or to feel Read the rest of this entry »

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For most people, hiring a DJ is a new experience. What do you need to ask? What are the differences between a great DJ and an average DJ? How can you be confident that you’ll get the entertainment experience you’re hoping for? How can you be sure that the DJ you choose will even show up?!

This series of comments on my blog will hopefully offer you some guidance to narrow down your choice. Once you’ve got a short list, Read the rest of this entry »

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For the most part, I talk with my clients about their celebration and how I can offer ways to help bring it to life while making it unique and fun. I don’t talk much about my DJ gear as it’s really only a tool I use to provide my service and deliver my entertainment, but it’s worth mentioning a few things about it.

Over the years I’ve worked very hard at making sure my DJ equipment fits several important criteria. Read the rest of this entry »

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Once again I’m honoured to have been asked to act as compere/MC for the bridal fashion parades at the wedding shows, which are now in Dunedin and Auckland. Otago’s wedding show was on 5th April 2009 and Auckland’s one is coming up on the 19th April.

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Garden Weddings

For an informal and very private wedding a beautiful garden is the ideal place to exchange your vows. From Spring to Autumn this is a backdrop to remember.

How about at your own house? Romance is in the air, you love your garden, Read the rest of this entry »

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It’s been the season for gorgeous, sunny Hawkes Bay weddings. In the last few months, I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with couples and their guests at The Mission Estate Winery, Church Road Winery, Te Awa Winery, Elephant Hill Winery and the Old Church Restaurant. Please click on the links to view pictures.

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Well it’s true to say that the wedding season is underway once more and what a spectacular start! Chris & Che’s stunning wedding at Stoneridge in Queenstown was lavish, spectacular and great fun, with music from both myself and iconic New Zealand band The Feelers. Jon & Denise’s wedding was just as memorable, out at the impressive Castaways in Waiuku on a very energising, blustery day. Following on from that was a fantastic article in the Dominion Post about planning company and corporate events.

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On Friday 5th September I’m excited and very honoured to be the DJ and MC for Classic Hits FM’s complete classic wedding giveaway. Read all about the competition, the contestants and the winners (Tamar & Glenn) here.

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Time is racing by at the moment as I’ve taken on the challenge of creating and organising the Wedding Dreams Bridal Expo at Wellington’s TSB Bank Arena. It’s aiming to be the annual Wellington wedding show that sets the standard for other wedding shows in Wellington to strive for. Expect an unprecedented radio campaign in the week leading up to the expo. Visit the website www.weddingdreams.co.nz for more information.

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