Becoming a Wedding DJ: 2. In the Beginning

MEDDLING MOTHERS IN THE MAKING OF A WEDDING DJ

One random afternoon back in 1995 a wedding couple knocked on my mum’s front door to ask if they could book my sister (who was a professional DJ at the time) to DJ at their forthcoming wedding. My dear mother explained that my sister was now living and working in a different area therefore could not but that I could do it for them! I was 15!!

I had always had a keen interest in music and I had accompanied my sister to her gigs on several occasions. As a result of this I kind of knew what to do. Still I was terrified! I sat down with the couple to discuss their wedding theme and music preferences. I needed all the help I could get. They were happy with our discussion and booked me there and then. Perhaps my sister’s good reputation helped their decision a little I thought.

Thanks to my sisters Wedding DJ business I was given her old equipment - Turntables, CD players and lights. I had my own music collection of Vinyl and CD’s, so all that was left was to play at their wedding. I remember the date very well, it will always stick in my mind – 1st June 1995!

The day of my first gig I felt physically sick and for two whole hours before going I cried my heart out. I was so nervous I felt that I might chicken out but I knew that it would ruin their special day so I sorted myself out and my dad took me and the equipment to their Wedding Venue.

HOW DID IT GO?

Naturally it could have gone a lot better, but after all, this was my first time. The Bride and Groom were very happy and off the back of their wedding I received my second wedding booking. So that’s where it began for me. You could say it’s thanks to my pushy mother. Even so now I love my job and although I have years of experience behind me I am constantly learning and always will be… well until I retire of course!

ADVICE FOR BUDDING WEDDING DJS

If you know a Wedding DJ or Party DJ go along with them to gigs. Offer to carry their equipment or something, no one will ever say no to that! It’s best to get some hands on experience before your go it alone. It will be like going to school or university for the first time – totally nerve racking, but if your serious about working as a Wedding DJ and doing a good job then bite the bullet! Trust me it gets a whole lot better after the first one!

Keep checking back with the Vocal Show Wedding Blog for further posts on Becoming a Wedding DJ.