Here is a selection of Q&As from Your North West Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yournorthwest.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
It's party time
Q. I'm overwhelmed by the number of DJs available. What questions should we ask a supplier to help narrow down our search?
A. Mick Yeadon says: Before booking, ask yourself are they reliable? Have they ever failed to turn up or cancelled on anyone?
Will they personalise your show to suit your requirements? It's your wedding, and your supplier should be there to support you. They will advise you, and nothing should be too much trouble for them.
What equipment do they provide for a full set up and are they insured? Their equipment should regularly be added to and updated. Ours includes a full sound system, laser lights, LEDs, uplighting and a smoke machine. It needs to be PAT tested yearly by qualified electricians who can provide a copy of the certificate if needed.
What music do they provide? We have 1000s of digital tracks from as far back as the 1950s until the present day. Your DJ should cover a wide range of genres and provide a playlist that can be downloaded in advance. Will they be dressed appropriately? They should dress smartly after all your guests make an effort, so why shouldn't they?
Mick Yeadon, Micks Disco Fever
www.micksdiscofever.co.uk
Dancing the night away
Q. What are the benefits of hiring a DJ and what should we ask before booking?
A. Robin Kershaw says: The main benefit of booking a DJ is the fact that you have someone there to play the songs you like. They also have a huge catalogue of music and can provide a sound system and lighting to help create a party vibe.
Before booking, ask yourself will you dance all night? If so, choose specific songs and a DJ you really want. If not, opt for a DJ that will please the biggest percentage of your guests. At the end of the day, if your friends and family are having fun, it will keep you smiling and happy. If your loved ones aren't enjoying the tunes, then there will be an empty dancefloor and no atmosphere.
Take your time choosing a DJ. They will be with you for five to seven hours which may not sound like a lot, but if it's seven hours of music you don't like, then it could ruin your day. You may want to give your DJ a setlist or at the very least give them your first dance song plus a few favourites, and don't forget to tell them the songs you don't like.
Make sure you know what you're getting. Do your social media research, check their reviews, and, if possible, seek testimonials from your venue and friends that may have used them.
Most wedding DJs will be getting booked up six to 24 months in advance. If you want the perfect supplier, get organised fast. Wedding entertainment is now in the top 10 things that couples book first.
Will the setup match your décor? If you're spent thousands on making sure your venue looks just how you imagined, don't scrimp on a cheap DJ with poor-looking equipment, which will ruin the aesthetics of your wedding.
Robin Kershaw, DFC Lancashire
www.thedfcexperience.co.uk
