djles.co.uk
Turned up to do a wedding tonight to be told at reception "What are you doing here? You are not required as the wedding party have their own DJ!!! What!!!" Nobody told me on Friday night, it's in our diary emailed to us in the usual way months in advance. Duty managers all denied any prior knowledge, so who is in charge? Somebody must know something. I have done over 100 gigs in this ballroom since last August, 29 of them weddings, currently have 45 weddings lined up and 18 Christmas parties this year.
They acted very sheepish which made me wonder. I asked if they had their own mobile disco gear, duty manager didn't know even though he is working in there and is bound to know what has been setup in the ballroom. My suspicion is the "DJ" is using my companies equipment that is stored there as the staff know how to connect everything up, they did it 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately I didn't get to see inside the ballroom. I'm fuming!!!
Phoned my boss straightaway and he knew nothing about it. We are supposed to be the Hotels only exclusive disco and they are not supposed to allow others to work there. He will be making enquiries tomorrow and they will be charged a fee for this. Not sure whether I will get paid or not for the wasted journey, but, I went to our other Hotel a few miles away where one of our young DJs with little experience was struggling doing a wedding. I ended up having to take over for half of the night as he lacked confidence and knowledge of anything before the year 2000.
Will be interesting to see how this develops, I'm still raging about it, grrrrrrr.
They acted very sheepish which made me wonder. I asked if they had their own mobile disco gear, duty manager didn't know even though he is working in there and is bound to know what has been setup in the ballroom. My suspicion is the "DJ" is using my companies equipment that is stored there as the staff know how to connect everything up, they did it 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately I didn't get to see inside the ballroom. I'm fuming!!!
Phoned my boss straightaway and he knew nothing about it. We are supposed to be the Hotels only exclusive disco and they are not supposed to allow others to work there. He will be making enquiries tomorrow and they will be charged a fee for this. Not sure whether I will get paid or not for the wasted journey, but, I went to our other Hotel a few miles away where one of our young DJs with little experience was struggling doing a wedding. I ended up having to take over for half of the night as he lacked confidence and knowledge of anything before the year 2000.
Will be interesting to see how this develops, I'm still raging about it, grrrrrrr.
geposted Sat 06 Jun 15 @ 9:31 pm
blckjck
Time to put tamper seals on the equipment?😁
I hope there is just a misunderstanding and not something shady.
I hope there is just a misunderstanding and not something shady.
geposted Sun 07 Jun 15 @ 12:29 am
the SOUND INSURGENT
Sounds shady to me..........
geposted Sun 07 Jun 15 @ 11:04 am
locoDog
Sounds like you were booked and the last minute the wedding party found their own dj.
Hotel manager has to keep them sweet but probably took a back hander for equipment hire. Looks like you'll have to check your contract for cancellation payment. I'd ask to see CCTV of tear down time as that'll prove if they brought their own gear. I'd padlock the speakers together in future.
Hotel manager has to keep them sweet but probably took a back hander for equipment hire. Looks like you'll have to check your contract for cancellation payment. I'd ask to see CCTV of tear down time as that'll prove if they brought their own gear. I'd padlock the speakers together in future.
geposted Sun 07 Jun 15 @ 11:35 am
yourlive
If this is a one time incident I wouldn't make a big problem of it with such a loyal customer... wish I had customers like that.
geposted Sun 07 Jun 15 @ 2:57 pm
Nelumb
My thinking is if they used your dj gear, they must pay for this...
I always use my own dj gear, no matter if the place have his own, I don't want any responsability of possible problems, rentals, etc...
I always use my own dj gear, no matter if the place have his own, I don't want any responsability of possible problems, rentals, etc...
geposted Mon 08 Jun 15 @ 4:33 am
VDJ Ron
That's a lot of jobs from just one venue.
Their an important client.
See how it goes, and keep an eye on your future.
Do not rock the boat until you have a good plan, and can negotiate from a position of strength.
As you know DJ's always move on, so be ready.
I have been in a similar position, and paranoia does sneak in, however I now sort of trust the manager of the venue where my second rig lives.
He has negotiated a fee for the use of my equipment, and enabled its supervision.
Always give them the benefit of the doubt.
Their an important client.
See how it goes, and keep an eye on your future.
Do not rock the boat until you have a good plan, and can negotiate from a position of strength.
As you know DJ's always move on, so be ready.
I have been in a similar position, and paranoia does sneak in, however I now sort of trust the manager of the venue where my second rig lives.
He has negotiated a fee for the use of my equipment, and enabled its supervision.
Always give them the benefit of the doubt.
geposted Mon 08 Jun 15 @ 4:50 am
djles.co.uk
They rang me today as they have just received an extra booking for next Tuesday. I asked how Saturday had gone, he said the DJ was crap, but then, he would say that anyway. He said he had his own mobile setup. Also, the general manager and one the duty managers are looking into what happened.
Rang my boss and let him know about the extra gig and he said they will get charged for wasting my time on Saturday. So, I'm expecting I will get something for this fiasco.
@bigron Yes, it's a little goldmine and has been like this for years. My mate has been trying to get me to work in here for the last 5 years. We have a very busy wedding season and Christmas parties. I've got 16 weddings in the busiest month of August alone!!! In December I've got 18 Christmas parties lined up. Wish they had a spare room to save me driving back and forth lol.
Rang my boss and let him know about the extra gig and he said they will get charged for wasting my time on Saturday. So, I'm expecting I will get something for this fiasco.
@bigron Yes, it's a little goldmine and has been like this for years. My mate has been trying to get me to work in here for the last 5 years. We have a very busy wedding season and Christmas parties. I've got 16 weddings in the busiest month of August alone!!! In December I've got 18 Christmas parties lined up. Wish they had a spare room to save me driving back and forth lol.
geposted Mon 08 Jun 15 @ 12:06 pm
gkon116
Soulman-
I'm curious as to how that arrangement works? In the states, I dont think I've heard of a hotel having their own DJ that a couple should/must use. In doing mobile weddings for almost 17 years, I haven't come across a couple that mentioned it either.
The most unusual thing I've come across is a banquet hall charging the B&G $500 to do the intros and announcements; I've heard its non-negotiable and everytime I've played there they've done the intros and announcements except for 1 time.
Also, do you talk to the B&G before the wedding to set the agenda? If not you, who would do it?
Cheers,
Nick
I'm curious as to how that arrangement works? In the states, I dont think I've heard of a hotel having their own DJ that a couple should/must use. In doing mobile weddings for almost 17 years, I haven't come across a couple that mentioned it either.
The most unusual thing I've come across is a banquet hall charging the B&G $500 to do the intros and announcements; I've heard its non-negotiable and everytime I've played there they've done the intros and announcements except for 1 time.
Also, do you talk to the B&G before the wedding to set the agenda? If not you, who would do it?
Cheers,
Nick
geposted Wed 10 Jun 15 @ 2:07 pm
djles.co.uk
Yes Nick, in the UK it is often quite normal for wedding Hotel's to have their own exclusive DJ and equipment that the B&G must use if they hold their wedding at that venue. I would assume this is about quality standards and reputation. Some Hotels add a premium for themselves too. I know of a local Hotel that charges the B&G double what the DJ company get. I know this through a close friend who inquired about getting married there, I was shocked how much they asked for the wedding disco.
Incidentally, we are not involved with the daytime events, ceremony, etc., only the nightime disco. We don't normally talk to the B&G before the event. We have a sheet of questions provided at the outset of the booking for 1st dance and what type of music they require and anything they don't want played, etc. We also ask that they provide a copy of the 1st dance tune on media we can use CD, USB stick, etc. The majority of weddings that I do I don't even know what the 1st dance is til I arrive onsite. Luckily the Hotel has wi-fi if I don't have the tune required. or they haven't provided useable media containing the tune. My first job every night is to find out what the first tune is and the Christian names of the B&G are. I usually ask the Duty Manager if they have the details, but, I sometimes have to introduce myself to the B&G and ask them direct
The format of the night is normally set by the Hotel with consultation with the B&G. Normally I have background music running from 7pm while people are arriving and being greeted by the B&G. Somewhere between 8 and 8.30pm we have the cake cutting followed by the 1st dance. I always enquire if the B&G want me to announce would their family and friends like to join them during the 1st dance. Most do, some don't. Then dance music til 9pm when the buffet is available. Back to background music for around 40 minutes, then dance music til midnight.
There's obviously cultural differences between the UK and the USA.
Incidentally, we are not involved with the daytime events, ceremony, etc., only the nightime disco. We don't normally talk to the B&G before the event. We have a sheet of questions provided at the outset of the booking for 1st dance and what type of music they require and anything they don't want played, etc. We also ask that they provide a copy of the 1st dance tune on media we can use CD, USB stick, etc. The majority of weddings that I do I don't even know what the 1st dance is til I arrive onsite. Luckily the Hotel has wi-fi if I don't have the tune required. or they haven't provided useable media containing the tune. My first job every night is to find out what the first tune is and the Christian names of the B&G are. I usually ask the Duty Manager if they have the details, but, I sometimes have to introduce myself to the B&G and ask them direct
The format of the night is normally set by the Hotel with consultation with the B&G. Normally I have background music running from 7pm while people are arriving and being greeted by the B&G. Somewhere between 8 and 8.30pm we have the cake cutting followed by the 1st dance. I always enquire if the B&G want me to announce would their family and friends like to join them during the 1st dance. Most do, some don't. Then dance music til 9pm when the buffet is available. Back to background music for around 40 minutes, then dance music til midnight.
There's obviously cultural differences between the UK and the USA.
geposted Wed 10 Jun 15 @ 8:26 pm
gkon116
Indeed, what a difference, now I understand how you're dj-ing all those gigs! I never realized how weddings in England worked, thanks for the cultural lesson, it's appreciated. I'm very curious how such a model would work in the states.
In the Chicago area, we'll typically meet with the prospective bride and groom sometimes up to a year in advance to secure a contract, depending on the time of year it's happening. During that time, we'll bring them into our studio to show them the different packages; base system, lighted facade, uplights, upgraded dance floor lights, etc. At that point, they'll give us a deposit to secure the date and at some future point, they decide on the package and any additional upgrades.
Between the time they book with us and the actual day, we'll touch base periodically to answer any questions they may have. We also give them access to the online planner so they can start entering all the crucial info; grandparents, parents, flower girl, ring bearer, ushers, bridal party, and B&G names. I also have them enter all their music, their first dance, father/daughter, mother/son, cake cutting, anniversary dance (if desired), bouquet/garter, last dance & absolute last dance.
About 2 weeks before the big date, I'll setup a conference call or a visit to the studio so we can discuss the final agenda. We'll put everything on paper by making sure the order is what we discussed and making sure I have the proper versions of their important songs, discussing the type of music they want for their dancing and make sure there aren't any surprises for their wedding.
On the day of the event, I'm basically their wedding coordinator. When I show up to the hall, I'll have a meeting with the coordinator and let them know how the event is unfolding and when the important things are happening. I then meet with the photographer and videographer to let them know when things are happening, how many speeches, etc so they don't end up missing the important items.
Cheers,
Nick
In the Chicago area, we'll typically meet with the prospective bride and groom sometimes up to a year in advance to secure a contract, depending on the time of year it's happening. During that time, we'll bring them into our studio to show them the different packages; base system, lighted facade, uplights, upgraded dance floor lights, etc. At that point, they'll give us a deposit to secure the date and at some future point, they decide on the package and any additional upgrades.
Between the time they book with us and the actual day, we'll touch base periodically to answer any questions they may have. We also give them access to the online planner so they can start entering all the crucial info; grandparents, parents, flower girl, ring bearer, ushers, bridal party, and B&G names. I also have them enter all their music, their first dance, father/daughter, mother/son, cake cutting, anniversary dance (if desired), bouquet/garter, last dance & absolute last dance.
About 2 weeks before the big date, I'll setup a conference call or a visit to the studio so we can discuss the final agenda. We'll put everything on paper by making sure the order is what we discussed and making sure I have the proper versions of their important songs, discussing the type of music they want for their dancing and make sure there aren't any surprises for their wedding.
On the day of the event, I'm basically their wedding coordinator. When I show up to the hall, I'll have a meeting with the coordinator and let them know how the event is unfolding and when the important things are happening. I then meet with the photographer and videographer to let them know when things are happening, how many speeches, etc so they don't end up missing the important items.
Cheers,
Nick
geposted Wed 10 Jun 15 @ 10:08 pm
djles.co.uk
Yes Nick, I've always been aware that there are huge cultural differences mainly through this website.
We don't normally have any speeches on the night time event, we only have the cake cutting and first dance as a formal part to the night activities. Father/daughter, mother/son, anniversary dance, bouquet/garter, last dance & absolute last dance are things we do not do in the UK. Occasionally I get a playlist of tunes they would like played at some point on the night, but, I've done about 30 weddings since last August and had playlists for around 3 or 4 of them. Normally the music is left to the DJ. We have a couple of playlists that are the backbone of all weddings built with my bosses experience over 20 years. We don't follow it religiously it's a roadmap if you like, we pick tunes along the way depending how the dance floor is going.
Occasionally we have a band or wedding singer on too, I generally work around whatever they are doing and avoid playing the same tunes.
Cheers
Les
We don't normally have any speeches on the night time event, we only have the cake cutting and first dance as a formal part to the night activities. Father/daughter, mother/son, anniversary dance, bouquet/garter, last dance & absolute last dance are things we do not do in the UK. Occasionally I get a playlist of tunes they would like played at some point on the night, but, I've done about 30 weddings since last August and had playlists for around 3 or 4 of them. Normally the music is left to the DJ. We have a couple of playlists that are the backbone of all weddings built with my bosses experience over 20 years. We don't follow it religiously it's a roadmap if you like, we pick tunes along the way depending how the dance floor is going.
Occasionally we have a band or wedding singer on too, I generally work around whatever they are doing and avoid playing the same tunes.
Cheers
Les
geposted Thu 11 Jun 15 @ 12:47 am
A Man and His Music
I'm moving to the UK. The @#%& we have to go through for a wedding that could be over a year away. I have a wedding booked for June of 2016, and that is the last wedding that I am doing that is a year or more away.
geposted Thu 11 Jun 15 @ 3:12 am
yourlive
LOL :-) In The Netherlands, the B&G usually start shopping for a wedding dj anywhere from a year to a few months before the wedding. We get most bookings through our websites, without ever meeting the B&G. We organize most things by e-mail; the offer, the contract, the invoice, their musical wishes etcetera. A few days before the wedding, our dj's call the B&G to discuss the details.
Some B&G want to meet in person before they decide, they are welcome at our office of course. Some other company's do always meet with the B&G.
Most of the time, dj's in The Netherlands only play at the evening party from 20.00 till 01.00 or 21.00 till 02.00. I live real close to Belgium, but I don't play there because dj's in Belgium have to play during dinner as well. A typical dinner in Belgium lasts from about 19.00 till 0.00, and then the party starts at 0.00 till about 05.00. So they make 10 hour nights, and charge less than Dutch dj's for a 5 hour wedding party...
Some B&G want to meet in person before they decide, they are welcome at our office of course. Some other company's do always meet with the B&G.
Most of the time, dj's in The Netherlands only play at the evening party from 20.00 till 01.00 or 21.00 till 02.00. I live real close to Belgium, but I don't play there because dj's in Belgium have to play during dinner as well. A typical dinner in Belgium lasts from about 19.00 till 0.00, and then the party starts at 0.00 till about 05.00. So they make 10 hour nights, and charge less than Dutch dj's for a 5 hour wedding party...
geposted Thu 11 Jun 15 @ 3:55 am
Mobile Zombie
Parties in Netherlands cannot be so long, since all the people are not awake more, due to the legal stuff you have other there :)
geposted Thu 11 Jun 15 @ 2:03 pm
Charlie Wilson
Another thing thats common is that if the B&G want to use their own DJ they can but then have to pay a fee to the hotel for not using the resident.
geposted Thu 11 Jun 15 @ 2:45 pm
Brian Edwards
They just wanted a good DJ lol
geposted Sun 14 Jun 15 @ 5:12 am
djles.co.uk
OK, fuming now. Hotel rang an hour ago, the bride for tomorrows wedding has been in the Hotel for final preparations this afternoon and said she doesn't need the Hotel disco, she has her own DJ. That's 27 hours notice!!! She must of had a mobile disco booked for much longer than that. Rang my boss and he is also fuming and said that they will be charged a fee for cancelling within 7 days. He is going to ring them himself and tell them as they are not supposed to have other discos in there.
So, that's 2 this month and, as I do this for a living, that's food taken from my plate. I'm so annoyed.
So, that's 2 this month and, as I do this for a living, that's food taken from my plate. I'm so annoyed.
geposted Thu 18 Jun 15 @ 11:36 am
yourlive
Maybe there's a new employee on sales? Seems like a communication problem, I don't think the B&G booked another DJ a few days before... Anyways, in my opinion this should be your bosses problem, not yours. You should just get paid, and he has to take it up with the hotel.
Remember, the hotel is your bosses client, not your client. I always tell my dj's not to argue with MY clients if there's a problem, leave it up to me!
And look on the bright side, this time you didn't even have to drive there ;-)
Remember, the hotel is your bosses client, not your client. I always tell my dj's not to argue with MY clients if there's a problem, leave it up to me!
And look on the bright side, this time you didn't even have to drive there ;-)
geposted Thu 18 Jun 15 @ 1:58 pm
djmike001
I would never want to be the exclusive DJ company for a venue. Sometimes Myself or our Guys are not the right fit for a couple.
But I have had some of my couples tell me they have paid anywhere from 500 - 1k to buy out the venues DJ to have me there. (crazy right) But that is rare.
You guys do things different over there. Serious wedding culture shock for me!
I have also been (site visit) to a venue where they had a leased sound system, with an audio tech. They said they had a DJ there once before and his speakers were so bad they felt their (the Venue's) reputation was on the line?
Needless to say. I asked some of the other local Wed Djs. They told me while the sound system was nice, the person running the audio was clueless and it sounded bad. Yikes.
Sounds like you might want to find a new Hotel to be exclusive at.
But I have had some of my couples tell me they have paid anywhere from 500 - 1k to buy out the venues DJ to have me there. (crazy right) But that is rare.
You guys do things different over there. Serious wedding culture shock for me!
I have also been (site visit) to a venue where they had a leased sound system, with an audio tech. They said they had a DJ there once before and his speakers were so bad they felt their (the Venue's) reputation was on the line?
Needless to say. I asked some of the other local Wed Djs. They told me while the sound system was nice, the person running the audio was clueless and it sounded bad. Yikes.
Sounds like you might want to find a new Hotel to be exclusive at.
geposted Thu 18 Jun 15 @ 11:50 pm
