A Day in the Life of a Wedding DJ – Featuring Star DJs

Articles, Entertainment

Ever wondered what it takes to be a wedding DJ? Well today we are chatting with Garvan Rigby, co-founder of Star DJs and Christmas FM. He tells us about a typical day in the life of a wedding DJ! Garvan also shares what you can expect from a high quality wedding DJ and gives expert advice on selecting the right wedding entertainment for you!

 

 

Walk us through a typical wedding day with Star DJs. What time do you get up, what does your pre-wedding routine look like, and what do you get up to once you’re at the venue setting up for the wedding?

It depends on what booking I would have for the day – it could be an all-day event or just for the evening part. I do a lot of the weddings myself, along with a team of 4 other core wedding DJs. I usually put 8-10 hours prep into a wedding. If it’s one of my full day weddings the day is long. I would prepare a lot of the music the day before for ceremony or drinks reception to build a set (depending on whether that is part of the package a client has booked).

I would also plan things out with the couple and the venue in advance to ensure the set up is good and items like dance floor size, seating and the setting is right. 80% of the weddings I do are from the dinner onwards, so I would look after entrance announcements, an entrance song, programme the dinner music by course, so the music runs as a soundtrack for the dinner. Most weddings I do would be 8-9 hours but of course some are shorter or longer.

As the dancing starts, I will choose the music as I “read the floor” as to what will work at that exact moment in time to make that moment special. I would also take on board some song suggestions that my couples may have asked for also of course.

 

 

What is your favourite thing about getting to be part of so many weddings?

There is nothing more satisfying than being able to bring a couple and their guests on a musical journey of happiness, smiles, laughing, singing, dancing and best of all is tears of joy. That really gives great job satisfaction when I get to be the soundtrack for their day to give them memories for their life and they tell me how their day was made special. That, in turn, leads to better and happier photos and videos with great fun memories.

 

Do you have any funny stories of things that have happened at weddings?

There have been many funny stories (some which need to be kept secret to protect the innocent of course!). There was one time though during the big snow of 2010 where we were doing a wedding up the mountains. We were determined to show up no matter the weather and ensure the wedding went ahead. The army were able to get our DJ to the venue safely to ensure the show must go on!

 

 

Any advice for couples who are looking for exceptional wedding day entertainment?

Plan what entertainment is most suitable for you and your guests. What adds to the day? Time and time again research shows that entertainment is one of the most memorable things people have of their day, so budget for a really good DJ and/or other entertainers and plan things out with them. Sit down and meet with your DJ in advance. Talk to experienced wedding entertainers about the ingredients that make a great party. It’s not just the entertainment booked that can create the best party, but the venue itself, the guests, the room layout, size of dance floor, where the smoking area or bar is and not having other distractions that take away from the dancing and fun. Many factors lead to the right setting.

 

 

Star DJs have been in business for 24 years. They are known for providing entertainment solutions through professional DJ talent and entertainers nationwide for a range of services including Weddings and more. Over 120 top Venues, Hotels and Companies use their services regularly, as they know and rely on their delivery of quality managed events.

The Star DJs Difference

The strength of their business is based on a number of key points, which they maintain at all their events. These include:

  • Their high-end grade A-level DJs only do weddings.
  • All their wedding DJs have a minimum of 10 years’ experience.
  • The most knowledgeable music programmers in the business.
  • Professional quality, professional sound & lighting systems ensuring great impact.
  • Peace of mind through back up DJs.
  • Full public liability insurance which most venues now require for contractors.
  • Deposit guarantee scheme.
  • A personal approach right from the initial enquiry to after the event to deliver on the event.
  • They dedicate an event manager to help plan and create your event.

Over 100,000 events booked – 24 years in business – they have the experience!