How to plan a successful corporate video shoot

Whether you’re telling stories about your people, services or products; or you’re providing coverage of an event or conference, there’s a strong possibility that you will be using video in your B2B marketing plans in 2018.

The increased use of video means that more marketing teams are now looking to produce videos in-house. But getting the slick and professional finish can be tricky.

We have a number of former broadcast journalists in our team, so we know a thing or two about producing video under a variety of different and challenging conditions.

Plan, plan, plan.

A successful video shoot takes a lot of detailed planning.

Even a short and simple social video shot on an iPhone can involve a complex production process. There can be a lot of people and kit involved to get the high-quality finish needed.

There’s a lot to think about. Do you have the right equipment to gather quality footage? What will the edit entail and how will you record high-quality audio? It’s easy to get it wrong if you’re not aware of the pitfalls, so here are our tips to help you make your video production a success.

Set your aims and objectives

Before you even think about picking up a camera be clear about what you want to achieve. Think about how your video will be used. This will have a big influence on how you shoot and edit the video.

Do you need to leave space in the shot to add text for a social video? If you’re planning to screen your video at an event, how big will the screen be? If it’s huge then your smartphone camera may not be up to the job.

What are the key messages that you need to get across? This will inform the questions you ask in interviews and the additional shots you need to film to visualise your story.

How long will the video be? You’ll want to make sure you shoot enough footage, but not so much that you have to spend days editing it.

Define your story

In the best videos the pictures do most of the heavy lifting in terms of telling the story – and if you don’t know the story you won’t know what to shoot.

Write a rough script in advance – but be prepared to revise it as the story can change during the video shoot.

Create a shot list or a storyboard by working through the video in your head. What are the key images you need for your video?

Do a recce

If you’re filming at a specific location, make sure you check it out before the shoot. Producers call this a recce. It’s not always possible – but if you can – you should. The location can make or break your shoot.

Things to look out for:

• What noises can you hear? The hum of air conditions, overhead aircraft, trains, church bells? These can all ruin the sound quality of your video. 
• Will the position of the sun make or break your shot? Have you checked at the time you’re due to shoot? Do you know when to expect the sun to rise and set?
• Is it going to rain/snow/blow a gale? If so, you may need an alternative location.
• Do you have access to a power supply to keep kit running – or charge batteries?
• Do you have permission for access AND to film?
• Will the lovely empty event space be totally rammed on the day of the shoot?
• Is your location safe for everyone involved?

Make a kit list

There can be a lot of kit involved in a video production, and if you forget something it will compromise your shoot. Memory cards are small and easily overlooked, a lens cleaning kit has saved the day so many times for me.

Make up a detailed list and tick off every item as you pack it. Make sure each item is in a ready-to-use state. Are your batteries charged, are your memory cards empty and correctly formatted for the camera you are using? 

It’s often worth having a small supply of makeup – a basic powder for all skin tones to help dab away the shine from nervous people in the interview chair.

Prepare a detailed call sheet

A call sheet is vital to a successful video production. It tells everybody involved where they have to be and when. Make sure you include contact details for everybody involved and contact details for the production office.

A call sheet lays out everybody’s roles and responsibilities. Include a list of who is bringing what kit, what is to be filmed and at which location, with dates and times. You should include details of local public transport links and car parks.

It is important to include details of local emergency services and hospital accident and emergency departments. The production insurance policy should be attached to the call sheet. Hopefully you won’t need these, but you’d rather be prepared for it if you do.

Tips For Shooting A Professional Looking Video

Create a great video storyboard

Great videos don’t just happen, the production team and videographer make them happen. From the overall look and feel to the tiny details in each shot, a professional looking video is meticulously planned.

Creating a video storyboard is a vital first step in the video production process and they are an extremely useful tool for creating professional looking videos you can’t wait to share. A video storyboard is a graphic representation of how your video will unfold, shot by shot. Beneath each picture are notes about the shot style, what is going on in the scene, what is being said etc. If your video has sound you are also going to need to write a script to support your video storyboard.

Shoot a steady video

Wobbly or unsteady camerawork is nauseating and frustrating to watch, it’s definitely not synonymous with a professional looking video. A tripod, or smartphone video mount, is an obvious and credible choice for creating a steady video shot, and they are easy to manoeuvre in and out of multiple positions.

If you are working in a tight or awkward space, and the angle you want can’t be captured via a tripod or mount, you can hold your camera whilst leaning your body on something solid like a wall or the ground. Always keep your breathing slow and steady when you are filming.

Use plenty of light

Natural light is great for video – Bright videos look glossy and professional. Dark, grainy videos do not. The best source of light when shooting a video is natural sunlight, whether that is through a large window or outdoors. However, try to schedule your filming during the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and more flattering, midday sunshine tends to be very bright and harsh as the light shines down from overhead. If you do shoot in the middle of the day try to find a partly shaded area for that softer light effect.

Creating good light for video indoors – Creating a good light source for videos indoors takes a little more skill. It is possible to create enough light using a large bright, fluorescent lamp or two if you are shooting a simple scene E.g. talking heads to camera or a selfie video. Practise manoeuvring your light source so that you cast zero or minimal shadows on your subject, this will make your video feel bright, open and professional.

Pro Tip! Always position your light source higher than the subject’s eyeline, if you are filming a person, and never directly above their head or the object. Start casting the light(s) straight above the camera and then manoeuvre into the perfect position from there, having two light sources at either side of the camera will create less shadows and a more professional looking video.

Capture crisp, clear audio

Indistinct, muffled audio is not going to encourage many views past the first couple of seconds of your video. Crisp, clear audio is a must whether it a music overlay or ‘in video’ audio. To capture clear sound from your subject(s) a good microphone is an essential piece of professional looking video kit. Invest in the best that you can afford so that it works great and lasts a long time. During filming your microphone needs to be as close to the subject as possible and consider using a pop filter to eliminate blips and crackles.

If you’re filming indoors a silent shoot is easier to control but outdoors be aware of traffic, birdsong etc.

Shoot from creative angles

If you’re hosting a business event or dinner where everyone is seated, you may have to get creative with composition to get a variety of images. Utilize interesting angles and perspectives so the shot isn’t so utilitarian.

“To keep the photos interesting, keep angles interesting. If there are floral arrangements, you can shoot between them. If it’s at a restaurant, go outside and take a picture looking in through the window. Look at the event not just as a participant, but from an outsider’s perspective, to get a broader sense of the day.

Rely on natural lighting as much as possible

Try to take advantage of the natural lighting in your venue, and avoid using flash (especially on-camera flash). Where possible, capture natural lighting, and avoid artificial lighting and flashes. “Unnatural light makes your image inherently feel like a photograph, and takes viewers out of the moment.” If you really need to use flash, consider investing in event photography equipment like an off-camera flash.

If you do need flash and are taking shots of attendees, have them turn slightly to the side so they’re not facing the camera head-on. This will reduce red-eye in your pictures, because that’s caused when light enters the subject’s eyes at a right angle.

Wedding Photography Tips

Here are some of the best wedding photography tips to help you succeed in taking the best wedding ceremony and family photos at your next event.

1. Assist a Professional

Try reaching out to a professional wedding photographer before you start your own wedding photography business. They may allow you to shadow them at weddings they’ve booked, or pick their brain for advice.

You can gain hands-on experience while working alongside a seasoned professional that you can apply to other, later shoots. Some of the tips you learn may not be new to you, depending on your photography skills. But, it’s always helpful to see how other professionals in your field work to achieve the best results.

2. Test Your Camera in Advance

You’ll likely want to bring a tripod with you to use at the wedding ceremony, in addition to several camera lenses and external flashes. If the wedding you’re photographing takes place indoors, you may also need other lighting equipment. For outdoor ceremonies, you can likely get by with a bounce rather than cumbersome lights.

It’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and bring more equipment than you think you’ll need. Pack several spare batteries and memory cards so you don’t miss anything from drinks at cocktail hour to fun-filled dancing on the dance floor.

3. Pack Sufficient Accessories

As a professional photographer, making excuses for your failures doesn’t look good. So bring all of your accessories you’ll need to take great wedding photos. If you can, bring a laptop to manage the backup of your photos in real-time. This will help you avoid potential significant technological mishaps down the road, including losing photo data.

4. Photograph with a Partner

You can’t carry all your photography accessories alone. You’ll likely need a helping hand to take the best wedding photography images you can. You may also need another professional photographer to assist in managing lights, taking test shots and capturing scenes you’d otherwise miss. You can’t be everywhere at once!

Ask a wedding photographer to become your assistant in exchange for being their second in command at their next event. This trade is a smart way to stay on budget and get help from an experienced wedding photographer.

5. Pre-Plan the Shoot

Planning your shoot is just as important as the shoot itself. Make some extra time for this part of your wedding photography preparations.

You’ll want to schedule time to take multiple photos of the bride and groom in different locations. The couple will follow your instructions and defer to your professional judgment, but they may also have their own ideas for photo ops.

How you decide to pose the couple in the photos is up to you. We recommend showing your clients a manual of poses as you plan the shoot together. Let them choose the poses they want for their wedding photos, and then add them into the contract you both sign.

Depending on how comfortable your clients are in front of the camera, you may have to provide extra instruction to capture the best shot. That’s why it’s so important to be patient with the newlyweds. The more you can help them feel comfortable, the more they’ll enjoy the experience.

And remember, word of mouth advertising is essential for growing a photography business. A patient photographer is one your clients will recommend!

Tips For Filming Your Next Event

These Tips Will Help You Stay Organized And Make The Most Of Your Shoot.

1. Have a schedule

Shooting a huge music festival or large city event can be daunting because there is so much to cover. If you can, go over key acts, places and vendors with both the event organizer and the production team ahead of time and make sure everyone is on the same page about “must-catch” moments and highlights of the event. Figure out where you want to focus your attention throughout the day, and then make sure you have enough time to get from point a to point b.

2.—but don’t stick to it

While it’s great to have a concrete plan, don’t overload your schedule with too many time-sensitive moments—you’ll want to leave time to catch all the great beats in between. The best moments are often the ones you’ll miss if you blink. While it’s important to have a plan when you go out to shoot, you have to go where the event takes you and always be on the lookout for the right moments and the right people. Don’t be afraid to spend time veering off course if you’re catching great beats. Candid b-roll of visitor interactions, great looking food and spontaneous dance moves are what take an event video from just coverage to a cinematic time capsule of the day.

3. Keep interviews short and sweet

Getting testimonials is key to capturing the visitor experience at an event. While having a few anecdotes is great, you’ll probably end up using snappier to-the-point sound bites in your edit. Come up with a few wish-list answers and then ask simple questions that might lead to that kind of response. Avoid open-ended questions like “how are you liking your time at the festival?”. Instead, try asking something like, “what’s the coolest thing you’ve seen so far?” This makes people be specific, and by asking the same question to multiple people, you have a common theme to edit to.

4. Don’t be afraid to direct

Not all candid moments are created equal. Sometimes, you need to give people a little push to get the shot you’re looking for. It might seem unnatural at first, but asking a couple to give a quick kiss to the camera or getting a kid to bust a killer dance move can give you just the shot you’re looking for. You’re just not always going to get those moments “au naturel”. The same goes for interviews. If you want to get those short, snappy sound bites, there’s nothing wrong with guiding what people say, as long as it’s believable.

5. Gear up

When shooting an outdoor event, it’s important to strike a fine balance between having the right gear and being lightweight enough to navigate through crowds and be minimally invasive. A basic 18-55mm lens is always a good place to start because it provides versatility. On top of that, only bring what fits the event you’re shooting. Food festival? Bring that macro lens for some juicy close ups. Huge crowds? Bring a super wide angle 10-24mm to capture the huge scale of the event

BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST

Weddings for over 4  years I have found that sometimes, brides tend to forget the same things over and over again. So why has it taken me four years to do this post? I have no clue!! I totally understand why these little things fall through the cracks! The bride has a million things running through her head and the last thing she’s going to remember is to grab ALL of the wedding bands so that the photographer can get a shot of them during the prep time.  I was a bride once and I remember how CRAZY that morning was!! This post is for brides AND photographer to use and share in preparation for the wedding day.

Now, I’m not making a checklist for the WHOLE day… this is just a checklist for the BRIDAL PREP TIME. I normally photograph the bride and the bridesmaids getting ready for about an hour and a half before the FIRST LOOK! This gives me time to shoot ALL of the bridal details WELL and still capture the girls getting ready together. After the details are done and we’re about 30 minutes away from the first look, I photograph the bride getting into her dress and the day begins!!  This bridal prep time is a GREAT time for me to get warmed up AND for the bridesmaids to get used to me being around. I know it’s VERY tempting for brides to cut this part short when they are only working with a certain number of hours but this time is VITAL. It’s important for ME to get warmed up, it’s important for the sake of your images and the story I’m telling through them and it’s NEVER a good idea to START rushed.  So an hour and a 1/2 minimum is what I suggest for bridal prep time!

DRESS (I also shoot any specialty hangers. HUGE TIP: Even if you don’t have a custom hanger, make sure you have a decent hanger for your beautiful gown. Your wedding dress deserves more than a plastic/metal hanger and believe me, having a classy wooden hanger makes a HUGE difference in your images. If you forget this, most hotels and venues have extra “nice” hangers in coat closets… I “borrow” them all the time!)

RINGS (All 3 of them! Many times, the best man has the bride’s band at the start of the wedding day. I love getting the ring shots with all of the other detail shots and so I try to have my brides keep all of the bling with her until the bridal party is together after the first look! THEN the ring shots are done and the bands can go back where they belong!)

SHOES (Some brides wear heals but only for a few portraits and then they switch into something more comfortable. I’ve even had some brides have me take pictures of beautiful, uncomfortable heels that they NEVER even wore on their wedding day but man, they looked good in the album! How funny is that! Whatever works! 🙂

Things You Should Know Before Booking A Wedding Photographer

The biggest day of your life is going to be very special. You can see the perfect day unfolding in your mind when suddenly the reality of organising the event lands. We can not all afford the luxury of a wedding planner so we are left to arrange the day ourselves, sometimes with the assistance of a difficult mother-in-law.

Decide how important your wedding photography is to you.

This may seem obvious but it is something many people do not consider. Some people are not interested in having good photographs of their day and will be happy with a few snaps from their guests iPhones. Take notice of other wedding photos, especially of friends and family, and you quickly start to get an idea of what you want for your own special day. In the end most people want great photos.

You get what you pay for with wedding photographers.

Sorry. You may not want to hear this but it is true. Hiring a student or friend with a ‘good camera’ will rarely result in a happy couple on the day the images are delivered. When people present me with their crappy wedding photos and ask me what I think, it is very difficult to find any words when you can already see the desperation and disappointment on their faces.

What should I expect to pay then?

With a wedding photographer you get what you pay for. A professional wedding photographer will not be charging under $1000, a good one will be charging closer to $2000. Photographers will often have different packages to suit your needs. All photographers should provide a set of digital images as standard. Prints, frames and albums can often be an additional, but worthwhile, cost. Good photography is not completed until it is printed. Expect the cost of a package to vary with which portion of the day you want them to shoot.

Find the style that you love.

Photography is an art. This means photographers have different styles. Do you want a modern documentary style of wedding photography or more traditional staged photographs? Some photographers will demand a significant portion of time from your day whilst other will let the day flow and capture the magical moments. Do your research and find the one that is right for you.

things your wedding photographer needs to know

You spend months pouring your heart and soul into your wedding planning so you want your wedding photographer to capture all the special details you’ve agonised over and all the people that came to celebrate with you.

I get together with my wedding couples for a cuppy and a cake and have a chat about all of these things before the big day. If your wedding photographer isn’t on the ball or perhaps these are things you wouldn’t have even considered, make sure your photographer knows where you stand.

Who are your wedding VIPs?

So your best friend that you’ve known since you were 3 is your bridesmaid and the best man bonded with the groom over a few beers down your local but what are their names? I’m not going to try to remember the names of everyone at your wedding (come on, even I’m not that good!) but having the names of your wedding party can really help your wedding photographer on the day.

Do you have any surprises planned at your wedding?

Are you planning to have an Auntie flying in all the way from surprise your wedding guests or a balloon full of confetti above the dance floor that’s going to explode at 8pm on the dot? You should be able to trust your wedding photographer so let them in on your secrets so they can be prepared and standing in the best possible place to capture all the action

Do any of your wedding guests have photosensitive epilepsy?

The last thing you want your wedding photographer to do is cause one of your loved ones to have a seizure. If you know that one of your guests has photosensitive epilepsy or another condition that can be triggered by flash photography you must tell your photographer.

Essential Wedding Photography Tips for Beginners

Photographing weddings is a hard task, and you only get one chance at it, so there is no room for mistakes. This is a special day for the couple, and your photos will be stored as memories for generations. So, more than perhaps any other genre of photography, it is crucial to prepare and practice ahead of time – the last thing you want to do is mess it up. Especially if you are just beginning to shoot weddings, it is important to research everything ahead of time and leave nothing to chance. In this article, I will give you a few crucial tips and pointers to get you started.

Meet the Couple

The first step before you start planning anything is to meet up with the couple and talk about their requirements for your wedding photography, including any special requests. This might sound simple, but it is one of the best ways to determine the type of images your client will like the most. No two couples will have the same requirements!

Write a List

With help from the couple, it is useful to write a list of the key wedding guests to photograph, including who needs to be in the group shots. Your clients will not be impressed to receive their photos and realize their parents aren’t in any of the pictures, or you left their grandparents out of the group shots.

Check out the Locations

I would highly recommend checking out the locations beforehand so you can choose the best spots to photograph. This also should help ease any tension before the day arrives. It is a good idea to take the couple to the locations to get their input. You should consider taking some test shots with different poses in various spots so you know what to do for the wedding itself.

Practice Before the Event

Practicing before the event is key for a successful shoot. If you go without any experience photographing people or weddings, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Wedding Photographer

A wedding photographer memorializes, what for many, is the happiest day of their lives. Capturing irreplaceable moments and translating them into pictures is both a learned skill and an art form. The responsibility inherent in producing photographs commemorating the once-in-a-lifetime experience is enormous. But then so are the rewards. To be sure, generations will treasure your art form.

What Is Wedding Photography?

A wedding is typically one of the most memorable days in a lifetime, one that people remember for years to come. For most couples, regular pictures just won’t do. Wedding photography is a big business and a very specialized type of photography.

Basically, wedding photography involves taking photographs of wedding ceremonies and participants. However, most professionals realize that there is much more to wedding photography than simply snapping a few pictures. Only the highest quality and most original photographs will do.

What Does a Wedding Photographer Do?

The first thing – and most important – thing that a wedding photographer does is meet with his clients. This is usually the bride and groom, or a representative of the family. During the initial meeting, the wedding photographer and clients will discuss the details of the wedding and what types of photographs the clients would prefer. Essentially, the photographer must get a feel for his client’s style.

Once these plans have been discussed, the wedding photographer will usually scout out the venue before the wedding. If possible, many photographers will usually visit the venue several days or weeks before the actual wedding date.

WEDDING DJ – TIPS ON CHOOSING + TOP DJ’S

Choosing the right DJ for your wedding can make or break your special day as the music creates the whole vibe of your event. The soundtrack for your wedding reception will be created by the DJ that you choose. This is why it is important to find the right one

There are certain pointers for finding that extra special disc jockey. Who will transform your reception venue into an enjoyable location for all your guests? These are some of the factors we will be highlighting in this article on how to choose a wedding DJ. Things like wedding DJ songs or how much DJ’s for weddings might cost are all addressed below.

The Average Price For Wedding DJ

Music is the soul of a wedding, and only the best service can make your wedding unforgettable. Knowing the average wedding price for DJ helps you work better around your wedding budget.

The average wedding cost of a DJ is between $610 to $960. The minimum DJ’s price is $400 while the maximum is $2,200. This is for DJ costs only, as other side toppings attract extra pay. The average wedding DJ price for a 4 or 5hr long wedding is between $600 to $1500. A professional DJ’s costs for a wedding is between $1000 to $2500. This applies to DJ’s who are skilled and with years of experience on the job. They do it full time and charge quite a bit high.

Wedding DJ cost per hour

The hourly average cost of the DJ for a wedding is between $150 to $300. Most DJ’s charge an hourly rate. But others insist on a minimum number of hours one must book with them. You should also check how much they charge for overtime, and other add-on offers.

Deciding Between a Band and a DJ

Perhaps one of the hardest decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding reception is choosing between a band and DJ. Many aspects go into your decision, atmosphere, cost, and range of services. So, let’s dive in

Atmosphere.

The entertainment you select for your reception will set the mood for the entire evening (or afternoon if you’re doing a brunch wedding!). One thing to think about is the fact that not all bands are the same, just as not all DJs are the same. Folks who lean towards bands typically think DJs are either boring or obnoxious, which isn’t always true. And folks who lean towards DJs think bands are limited in genre, which also isn’t always true. A party band can play a wide range of music and provide an exciting atmosphere. A fun DJ can also keep the party going without being obnoxious by talking too much but instead being interactive with leading the crowd. In both cases, you should expect a fun evening for your guests with either.

Cost.

The difference between good and great is almost always cost. A great wedding band typically charges between $7,500 and $10,000. Keep in mind, they have to divide that among the band members, the booking agent, etc. A great wedding DJ will charge between $1,500 and $3,000. Factored into the DJ’s costs are equipment, insurance, advertising, and value of services. There are cheaper bands and DJs, but if you’re looking for the best and most exciting environment, these are good ballpark figures to consider.

Range of services.

This is where you need to ask questions to your band or DJ. Do they offer multiple setups outside of reception for cocktail hour and ceremony? Do they provide MC services on your wedding day and help direct the timeline of events? Do they take breaks? If yes, for how long? Do they take requests from guests or have a pre-crafted playlist? The answers to these questions should factor into your decision as well.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING DJ

There are two vital things that make or break your wedding – food and music. While the former is easier to control, choosing the right wedding DJ is a trickier task. Your DJ is the one who sets the mood for the event and ultimately ensures that everyone has a great time. If you get a bad one, well… let’s just hope no one snores too loudly! Here’s a checklist of things to note when hiring a DJ for your celebrations.

You get what you pay for

DJs are a cheaper alternative to “live” bands and prices do vary from as little as $250 to $3,000. Try to stick to your budget as there are many options out there. That being said, considering how much you’re spending on the rest of the day (flowers, venue etc.), don’t cut back on this and have your reception ruined by dull, snoozy entertainment

Word of mouth recommendations

When seeking out DJs, ask people you trust for recommendations, like friends and family or your venue operator. Don’t just take the word of a friend of a friend who’s knows of somebody who dabbles… Your DJ should be fun, reliable and flexible to changes. Do check out their equipment too. You wouldn’t want someone who uses tacky effects as part of the package, or has poor quality speakers (yikes!)

Ask the right questions

What if you’re sick or unable to make it to the event? What happens if your computer breaks down in the middle of the reception? Do you play songs with explicit lyrics? How will you encourage guests to dance? These are some questions you should be clearing out of the way before hiring your DJ. You wouldn’t want someone who doesn’t know how to work the crowd or doesn’t have a Plan B

Handling the playlist

A good, professional DJ always caters to the clients and guests. While your DJ will add their own style and flair to put the night together musically, he or she must honour your must-play and do-not-play lists. But the bigger question is – do you want to approve every song or give him the freedom of creative expression? Songs for specific aspects, like your first dance, should definitely be picked out beforehand. But for the rest of the day, give your DJ the freedom to mix it up.

How to Choose a Wedding DJ

Choosing a Wedding DJ

As a wedding DJ myself, I’ve followed this industry for the last ten years and have met many other DJs along the way.  With so many other to-dos when you’re planning a wedding, hiring a DJ can sometimes get pushed to the bottom of the list.  If you are struggling with how to make such a large decision, I’ve put together a quick guide to helping you pick the right wedding DJ.  I’ll refrain from talking about my company in this blog post, but if you have questions about Bow Ty Audio

Price

How much it costs to book a DJ usually indicates quality.  If quality is a concern of yours, you should expect to pay more than $1,000.  The best wedding DJs do this as their full-time gig and the professional ones truly care about their clientele and production quality.  These DJ’s want to give their clients the best experience possible – not only because they care but because if they don’t they will be out of business!

Experience

Experience is the most important aspect when choosing a wedding DJ.  If you think back, I imagine you can remember a wedding you attended where the DJ made or broke the evening…  With that being said, you can’t go wrong with an experienced wedding DJ with the right equipment.  As we discussed before, price is a good indicator of quality but you may have to look deeper to prove it

Before reaching out to any DJ make sure to read the reviews on the ones you are considering.  Reviews from The Knot, Wedding Wire or Google can be very helpful.  You can gain a lot of information about the type of work the DJ does, how he or she interacts with clients, and the type of experience he offers through previous client’s feedback.  Once you’ve narrowed down your list, make sure to ask your DJ how long they’ve been DJing or how many weddings they’ve done.  They have to be doing something right if they’re still going after many years!

Style

My last point is on the DJ’s style.  You want to find a DJ that is professional & resonates with your tastes.  Let your DJ know what genres or songs you’d like played and what type of music they should skip.  You should definitely ask if they’ve DJed weddings in the past that align with your preferences.  Some DJs are skilled at mixing music, some know all the best two-step songs, etc.

How To Choose The Perfect Wedding DJ

Everyone knows that getting married is so much more than just the ceremony itself and it is immensely important to get the evening entertainment spot on. The route most people to go down is the wedding DJ, and when done correctly this can be a big hit.

What Should A Wedding DJ Provide?

First and foremost a wedding DJ is there to make sure you and all your guests have a good time, therefore, choosing the right one is absolutely crucial. As well as bringing their own equipment including mixers, lights and speakers a sense of fun and enthusiasm are even more important.

When to Book A Wedding DJ and How?

It is never too soon to put plans in place for your special day, so as soon as you know your date then get in touch with Champions Music & Entertainment and we can get the wheels in motion to make sure everything is done with minimal hassle.

How Much Does A Wedding DJ Cost?

Again, this really depends on what you want. Evidently, a celebrity DJ will bring a higher charge due to their celebrity status but this does not necessarily mean that the quality suffers by opting for the non-celeb alternative.

For example, DJ Ross Maslin might not be a household name but he has won awards for his DJ skills in the UK. Having appeared at over 100 venues across the country he is extremely versatile and as there is likely to be a wide range of ages at your wedding, is able to leave all of them thoroughly entertained. Champions Music & Entertainment are able to listen to your exact needs and then match you to a wedding DJ who suits you best.

All the Questions You Need to Ask Your Wedding Band or DJ

Let’s be honest here: The music can make or break a party, which means the band or DJ is one of the most important factors of your reception. And you definitely don’t want to hire someone without thoroughly vetting them first. Ask the below questions when you meet with any potential musicians to find the right fit for you.

How would you describe your style?

You need to figure out if their style will work with the vibe you’re going for. If you want an elegant cocktail party with lots of casual conversation, a band that describes itself as “rock and roll with a whole lotta edge” is a music mismatch. (And if you’re having trouble determining what kind of band or DJ you want

Can we come listen to you perform?

Seeing them perform live will give you the best idea about what your wedding entertainment would actually sound and feel like. While most musicians and the couples that hire them mutually agree in advance that the wedding is closed to prospective clients, some will have mini “concerts” for the public to attend and see whether they’re a good fit or not.

Do you know our reception space and its acoustic, power and amplification requirements? If not, will you check it out beforehand?

Your musicians may need an extension cord, backup generator or other supplies, and it’s important to know this beforehand. If they don’t want to check out your venue, cross them off your list.

Can you play the songs that are important to us (such as a traditional Jewish hora tune or a favorite pop hit)?

The band or DJ should be able to play, learn or download any tune you’d like. If a band says “yes,” but they’ll need to learn and/or arrange it, ask them if they’ll charge for that.

How did you pick your DJ?

We ended up going with the more expensive one, because his personality was outgoing. He was so much fun to talk and our meeting ended up running longer than anticipated. We were looking for someone outgoing and confident in what they did. We sa down and talked to 3 different DJS. Make sure you talk to them on the phone or in person. The DJ sets the tone for everything at your wedding you want to make sure they are good at it.

This is going to sound corny, but it will just feel right. I spoke with a few DJ’s, I even booked one, then canceled because he and I just did not connect as far as what my vision was, etc. The DJ I ended up finding was extremely personable and knowledgeable. He took the time to go over every detail and explain his cost compared to the industry, etc. He also gave me great tips on finding a photographer and made suggestions on how to cut back cost. I trust that he will make my wedding day run as smooth as possible.

I picked 5 DJs based on their reviews and pricing and made a spreadsheet. I listed what they were offering, how long they would be there, extra fees (set up, traveling) and the cost of each one. It really helped me to see all the options laid out and I was able to narrow it down to two. I contacted both and figured out which one would work best for what we needed/wanted.

They’re not corny, cheesy, they don’t dance, they don’t have plasma TV’s, uplighting or photobooths, they are always there early, they don’t dress like slobs, they don’t put giant ugly banners on the DJ booth (which always looks neat). They don’t do games, they don’t miss ceremony cues, they don’t mispronounce names and they actually have the processional order and the entrance details down before they are going to happen. We live in an area with very busy airwaves; they bring backup equipment in case the frequencies are a problem (Hudson river area, flight path, marinas….). They play well with others. They have interesting music suggestions beyond 1000 years and I think I wanna marry you. If I have couples that need international music, I have two DJ’s that shine in that area.

Most importantly, they realize it’s not THEIR wedding; they’re not the show, the couple is. Their prime reason to be is to be the catalyst for the evening, to create a soundtrack and concierge the night, not to have everyone looking at them.

Most Important Tips For Finding The Best Wedding DJ

Find a DJ that does more than just play music at the reception.

You have a playlist. You also have a do not playlist. You hire someone who knows how to mix music well. How hard can it be? The truth is, it’s not. Music should be the easy part for the best wedding DJs. Most brides and grooms today are looking for a lot of dancing at their wedding, and while you’ll want a legit DJ spinning your music, the secret isn’t all about the mix

Talk about timelines.

More often then not, you’re going to want your wedding DJ to make announcements and play music. But what you didn’t know, is that you should look for a DJ that takes it even further. The best wedding DJs know how to create and run a wedding timeline that is engaging and ensures that all of the details are covered. Things like checking in with the bride and groom, making sure photographers capture the important moments, and working directly with the banquet manager are just a few of the most basic details that the best wedding DJs are trained to cover. If you enjoy perfection, you’ll want a DJ that will ensure you can relax and be a guest when it matters most.

Hire a two person wedding DJ team.

The best wedding DJs consist of a two person team, an emcee and a DJ. It’s practically impossible for one person to play music and run your wedding reception at the same time. Formalities can be announced from behind the turntables, but don’t be surprised if the solo DJ talent that you hired to focus on the music for the reception is a little overwhelmed by the additional demands that come from performing for a wedding (as opposed to a nightlife event). A two person team will make formalities smoother, allow the emcee to check in where needed, and much more. In addition, some venues that host multiple weddings on the same day only allow for a small window of time for your vendors to setup. If this is the case, hiring a two person team is going to ensure that they are setup in time. You should have a great DJ focused on the music at all times, and a great emcee to focus on the rest of the party.

Beware of the all-in-one.

Generally, any company that provides a lot of multiple services such photography, videography, entertainment, decorations, etc. in one package is  not great at any of those things, or only great at one of those things. Your DJ should be able to provide you with music for your ceremony & cocktail hour, and also lighting and sound for your reception. But beyond that, you’re not going to find the best of anything all from one single vendor.

Know what you should wait for, and know what you shouldn’t.

Uplighting gets cheaper every year. There’s a new style photo booth coming out each month. The point is, no one is going to run out of a commodity like lighting or photo favors for your wedding date. However, great wedding DJs get booked up far in advance because they have a high demand. With only 52 weekends a year to perform from the 100s of requests they get each year, make sure you don’t wait too long to secure a DJ. Unless you don’t want the best, which in case you should wait as long as you’d like.

Tips for Choosing Your Wedding DJ

KNOW THAT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

When you start talking about wedding DJ budget, you also have to talk about value. People will invest only where they see a direct value. Be wary of national websites that create wedding budgets. Since those websites that do things on “average,” they are good for couples looking for an average experience. You deserve more! Because entertainment is a service-based business, it is not a product-based business. This means that wedding entertainment professionals are singular – there’s only one Jason Jani. In addition, there’s only one Denny Testa. Your wedding DJ cost will correspond to the experience and professionalism of that DJ.

BOOK OPEN FORMAT STYLE

What is an open format wedding DJ? Open format entertainment mashes different genres of music together, so that wedding guests of all ages can enjoy themselves at your wedding reception. An open format DJ may play Jackson 5, then NSYNC, then Usher, then The Chainsmokers. It’s a DJ’s job to create a unique experience so everyone at your NJ wedding or NY wedding enjoys themselves. Bad song requests can kill your dance floor – an open format DJ ensures that doesn’t happen as they read the crowd. Good songs can inspire and create emotion – music has the power to bring people together and escape from life’s stresses. This is why song selection and timing matters. Therefore, the right open format DJ will spin live and keep the party bumpin all night long!

FEEL THE VIBES

Chemistry is a big part of choosing a wedding vendor. Your wedding is probably the biggest and also most expensive event you’re ever going to throw, so you should meet with your wedding entertainer prior to your big day. This will relieve stress and ensure you’re making the right choice for you. Start with Googling the person/company and reading their reviews. Watch any videos they may have from other weddings. If you can tell that you like their style, schedule a meeting with that wedding DJ to make sure you vibe with each other in person. Then seal the deal!

PEEP THE GEAR

DJ Jason Jani incorporates DJ gear into your wedding reception that subtly enhances the atmosphere. Special lighting, screens, as well as equipment that looks like strategically placed furniture rather than a bulky DJ booth make your wedding reception look expertly designed and clean. The right entertainment gear adds ambiance to your wedding reception instead of taking away from it. Ask your wedding DJ what gear he/she brings along and how it looks in a ballroom, backyard, or wherever your wedding reception is taking place!

SHARE WHAT YOU LIKE

Your wedding is your wedding – not a replica of what other people have experienced. As a result, detail with your wedding DJ what is important to you. Some couples may have specific songs lists of what they want to be played. Other brides and grooms may give their wedding entertainer complete freedom to play what they feel is right to keep guests on the dance floor. Love Beyonce? More of an 80s fan? No matter what your style is, make sure you communicate your wants and needs, so your wedding DJ is on the same page.

Questions to Ask Wedding DJs and Bands

Every wedding day has a soundtrack of its own—from the walk down the aisle to the first dance, the bouquet toss to your final farewell, music helps set the tone for the entire day… which is why your DJ or band has such an important role. To help you better vet the candidates, we’ve compiled this master list of questions to ask wedding DJs and band before booking. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right decision and find the one for your wedding.

The Basics

First things first, you’ve got to figure out the basics… like, is the DJ or band even available on your desired date? The answers to the following questions will help you get a sense of how experienced the candidates are.

How long have you been doing this professionally? Why you need to know this: Obviously, there’s a difference between volunteer gigs and legit, paid performances. Make sure your candidates are seasoned so there are no hiccups on the most important day of your life.

How many weddings do you do on an average weekend? Why you need to know this: If the band or DJ is playing ’round the clock all weekend, their performance might suffer. If they’re running on empty, you might want to rethink booking them.

Will you be the DJ/bandleader personally playing at our wedding? Which band members should we expect? Why you need to know this: Bands usually have a roster of performers and might alternate who’s playing based on their availability