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Party DJ!

Party DJ Hampshire

I just wanted to say … I’ve still got it!

When I first purchased the Party DJ domain I had no idea I’d still be DJ’ing in 2015 and loving it more than ever.

I’ve categorised this post as “soap box” and I guess it’s a bit of a rant. The problem is anybody can call themselves a DJ – there are no qualifications that you need to have. The only criteria anybody calling themselves a DJ should meet is holding public liability insurance, and many don’t even have that! The market locally, nationally and globally is flooded with people who call themselves DJ’s although they have no little to no experience, they’ve cobbled together some cheap equipment and downloaded illegal music. People expect to pay a couple of hundred pounds for a DJ because they’ve never seen one worth more than that – when they actually see a proper DJ they are blown away.

So far this year I’ve done three weddings, I spent time in advance with each couple finding out what they loved and hated to make sure their party was as good as it possibly could be. Each of them have been great fun and I’ve received some amazing feedback both from my clients, their guests and even the staff at the venues. Each of these three couples took my advice and set up a FaceBook page in advance and invited their friends and family to make suggestions for the reception playlist, it worked really well.

First up was Kat and Gareth’s wedding at Audleys Wood. The golden rule for a busy dance floor at a wedding is wherever the Bride and Bridegroom go their guests will follow ~ Kat and Gareth spent the whole night on the dance floor!

Audleys Wood DJ

This one’s from Tara and Rob’s wedding at the Bartley Lodge ~ not one of my photos, this one turned up on FaceBook ~ thanks Nik and the ladies for wanting a selfie with me!

Party DJ Bartley Lodge

Finally for now, on Friday I was at New Place for Emma and Simon’s wedding, their friends and family had suggested nearly eleven hours of party music and I think some of them would have danced to the whole lot. You’ll find plenty of pictures from their party HERE on my The Party DJ FaceBook page .

New Place DJ

There are plenty of DJ’s out there, wherever you are, but not all of them really know what they are doing. NEVER book a DJ without having a good chat with him/her first, ask them about their experience, check they have insurance, don’t waste your money on a muppet wannabe … well I did say it was going to be a bit of a rant didn’t I.

I’ve been a DJ for a very long time and I won’t be giving up any time soon.

paul-the-party-dj

Wedding Tips ~ The Story So Far

The Party DJ YouTube

This year I’ve been trying to produce a flow of YouTube video-blogs/vlogs including plenty with wedding tips and advice for couples who want to create a fun day for their family and friends. All the pictures I use in these short videos are of weddings I’ve been DJ/MC at – real couples just like you.

It would be great if I could get some feedback, likes, shares … whatever! Just click on the highlighted pink title of each episode to see the video.

Episode 4 is about Wedding planning ~ where to start

In episode 5 I talk about setting The Budget for your wedding

Episode 6 looks at When? is good to hold your wedding

Episode 7 deals with choosing your wedding Venue

Episode 8 is Choosing Your Team (part 1) looks at making the best use of your wedding party – Bridesmaids and Groomsmen etc.

In Episode 9 I look at Your Team ~ Your Suppliers

Show 10 was the Valentines day episode and it was called Practice

Episode 11 is called First Impressions

Episode 12 30 Minutes

Episode 13 Wedding Ceremony Music

Episode 14 How’s It Going To Sound

As well as the videos I also have a series of booklets and events – if you’d like to know more please get in touch. The next event is on “Creating Your WOW Wedding” and it’s being held on Tuesday 28th April – admission to this one will be FREE but you will need to book tickets/spaces – drop me an email for more information and a FREE PDF of the “Your WOW Wedding” guide. paul@thepartydj.co.uk

PLEASE LIKE< BOOKMARK< SHARE< COMMENT ~ Thanks WOW Wedding Expert Hampshire

Sophie & Tom in Wedding Ideas magazine

1 coverThe April edition of Wedding Ideas magazine arrived in the newsagents this week and one of my couples from last year are among the featured weddings. Hey it’s Sophie & Tom in Wedding Ideas magazine.

Their wedding was held at Bartley Lodge, almost a year ago, at the beginning of May. In fact it was on May the fourth which explains some of the pictures you’ll see in the article.

I was introduced to Sophie and Tom by Mia, their photographer, and I was able to help with plenty of ideas that were included in their amazing day. Tom told me after their wedding that when we first met he couldn’t understand where I was going with my questions about their vision for the day but by the time I left he was really excited about my involvement with their planning.

At just £2.99 Wedding Ideas is great value for money with lots of great ideas to help couples plan their wedding day. There are also competitions with over £10,000 worth of fabulous prizes to be won including a chance to win a Photo Booth from our friends at Gigglebooth!

Sophie & Tom 1

Sophie & Tom 2

Valentines Day V-log Tip

TPDJ 2015 Banner 2

Here’s a special Valentines v-log tip.  It’s number ten in the series and I really hope you like it.

You may be wondering what the track is in the background …

Here you go, from 1983 it’s Will Powers “Kissing With Confidence”.

Choosing Your Team (part 1)

Bournemouth Wedding DJ

It’s episode eight in my series of v-logs on wedding planning, and this time I take a look at choosing your team.

Sunday 18th January ~ Rhinefield Wedding Fair

This Sunday it’s back to the beautiful Rhinefield House ~ I’m hoping the weather will improve by then!

Next month I’ll be at the DeVere New Place in Shirrell Heath (SO32 2JY) on the first, Plaitford Village Hall (SO51 6EE) on Saturday 21st, and Salisbury Racecourse (SP2 8PN) on the 22nd.

Rhinefield Wedding DJ

Wedding Planning Tips

So, how am I doing?  I said I was going to post 100 vlogs in 2015 and so far so good with that.

The question is, is anyone (beside DJ’s who want to know what I know 😉 ) actually watching my vlogs?  I’d love to hear what YOU think – just a quick email to paul@thepartydj.co.uk would be brilliant.

You can use the same email address to get a copy of my “Your WOW Wedding” guide and also if you want to find out more about the special event I’m holding on Tuesday 3rd February.

Save The Date

Episode 7  ~  Some basic thoughts on choosing your venue

Episode 6 ~ When?  ~ When’s the right time to hold your wedding

Episode 5 ~ Wedding Budget ~ an introduction to wedding budget planning

Episode 4 ~ Wedding planning ~ where to start

Before that episodes 2 and 3 were a look back at 2014, and the first episode was the introduction.

I’ll be back with more soon but please let me know if I can answer any questions.

Paul’s Vlog 5 ~ Wedding Budget!

Winslowe House Wedding DJ

Hello, I’m in London for a few days doing some more training – and LOVING IT!

So, here’s just a quick look at my thinking regarding Wedding budgeting that I prepared a few days ago.

Dates for your diary

New Forest DJ

One of the suggestions to help with the early stages of wedding planning from my blog yesterday (previous post below) was to visit wedding fairs. It will help you get ideas of what’s on offer in your area.

Take time to talk to the suppliers at their displays, especially the well-established businesses – these people are often experts and have great insights into what else is available.

Be careful not to get too excited and start booking things – just look, talk to people and gather information.

I’ll be at several fairs over the coming months. My first will be next weekend at the St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday 11th January.

St Mary's

As well as exhibiting I’ll be providing the soundtrack for the fashion show with gowns supplied by the excellent Sofi Bridal from Basingstoke. It’s worth noting there is no Southampton Guildhall wedding fair this Spring, it will be back in the Autumn.

Rhinefield Wedding DJThe following Sunday, 18th January, I’ll be at Rhinefield House in the heart of The New Forest.

In February I’ll be at fairs at New Place on Sunday the first, Plaitford Village Hall on Saturday 21st, and Salisbury Racecourse on Sunday twenty-second. My brochure will also be in the goodie bags at the fair at The Botleigh Grange.

There are more wedding fairs to be announced, so keep an eye out here.

If you are planning your wedding I also have one more date I’d like you to consider for your diary …
Save The Date

OK, here we go ~ Let’s talk about planning a WOW Wedding!

Dorset Wedding Expert

This is the first of my 2015 vlogs aimed at sharing advice on planning your wedding day.
As an experienced wedding DJ and host I’ve seen hundreds of wedding, many from start to finish, so I have a unique view of how to create a WOW Wedding.

For more information, or a FREE copy of my twenty page “Your WOW Wedding” guide, please email paul@thepartydj.co.uk

Your WOW Wedding cover

Please remember, life sounds better to music ~ please support the artists and buy their music. The featured track here is Floatation” by The Grid.