Free Wedding Tips, Ideas and Advice
Ideas and observations from a lifetime of over 500 weddings and events. There’s more to what I do than “just music”.
Get in touch!. Talk to me about your wedding music, entertainment, and master of ceremonies requirements.
Phone: 0274 438687 Email: nick@DJ.co.nz
Wedding Band or DJ? 5 reasons to have BOTH.
Thninking band or dj for your wedding? Why not have both? Here’s the top 5 reasons why a band and DJ together work well for your wedding reception.
How to plan for a successful Spotify wedding playlist
Risks with Spotify Wedding Music You don't need yet another DJ trying to convince you Spotify will ruin your wedding. But hold on, because chances are you've made up your mind, you have your reasons for going with Spotify for wedding music. This article is meant to...
Everything GOOD about Spotify Wedding Music
Spotify wedding playlists: pros and cons Spotify has been an option for Kiwi wedding couples for over a decade, yet most DJs will do anything to convince you a "Spotify Wedding playlist" is a guaranteed disaster. But not this DJ! There are plenty of great reasons...
Two of the most useless words in weddings
It’s completely understandable as to why couples use either of these words – because nobody told them the truth about the Wedding Police.
Ask Me Why Not To Spotify
In a recent article, I discussed some of the reasons why Spotify seems like a good idea for some brides. But of course, it doesn't matter what I think, the fact remains brides will continue to suggest "Spotify is free so you don't need a DJ" on wedding discussion...
How To Choose a DJ That Isn’t Just A Booking Agent
Are you talking to a DJ Company or just a DJ Booking Agency? How can you tell the difference? Does it matter? It’s the Apples vs Oranges of hiring a wedding DJ in New Zealand, and here’s a couple of points to help you choose so you don’t end up with a lemon or banana.
Is Spotify wedding music a BAD idea?
Ever wondered why anyone would suggest Spotify is just as good as a wedding DJ? Ever wondered what professional DJs REALLY think about that advice?
Reasonably Priced? Affordable? Do these actually help you?
“Reasonably Priced” is subjective, relative, and baseless. “Affordable” means nothing to anyone other than the person paying for it. Neither term will help you find what you really want.
Those “three little words” that mean so much
Some of the most important questions I ask have nothing to do with music or songs or how many lights you’re expecting.
Ceremony Music and Wedding First Dance Song Ideas
A constantly evolving list of song ideas for wedding ceremonies, first dance, and father-daughter dance ideas.
Does Your DJ Pay to Play?
A DJ referral or recommendation is usually based on trust. In an earlier article, I suggested one of the most reliable sources of trustworthy vendor information is a DJ referral from wedding venues. This means that the venue has to trust the people they're...
Why no DJ lists this in their wedding package
It doesn't matter what a DJ calls the wedding packages - Gold, Platinum, Slightly Brown. And it doesn't matter what the package costs. There's one thing that just isn't listed. Passion. You can't replicate passion. You can't package passion. You can't teach...
Great Wedding Entertainment Doesn’t Just Start With The First Song
Here’s WHY it’s more than “just press play” when you hire a professional DJ.
Why is it expected or accepted that a DJ can do THIS?
Just a couple of drinks is OK while YOU’RE working, right?
Before your wedding MC turns on the microphone for the speeches, watch this!
I've covered some of these points before but I think it's important enough to take another look. Here are a couple of things your MC should consider BEFORE introducing the wedding speeches (or toasts), not after he's turned on the microphone. ...
Find out why wedding video is so important.
Truth be known, I wasn't a fan of using a videographer or cinematographer at my own wedding. In fact it took some convincing, and in the end it was a last minute decision to go ahead and Harold was the last thing we confirmed. That was October 2000. However, it was at...
7 Things Guaranteed To Happen At Nearly Every Wedding
There’s no way to know exactly which way the weather will go, but I guarantee one of these things WILL happen at virtually every wedding.
Wedding speech clash you can easily avoid
It’s an easy clash to see at weddings and one that is so simple to avoid with this one tip. Avoid those “stole my thunder” moments in your wedding speeches.
What people REALLY think a DJ might do (part 1)
Some of the genuine fears people having about hiring a wedding DJ. For some it’s just a hobby that pays. Others truly care and do anything they can to make a positive difference.
Unqualified wedding advice built on assumptions creates “vicious circle”
I was at a venue open day chatting with a bride and her family, and the inevitable questions about price came up. We had a brief chat, and long story short, she told me the expected price was $400 to $600 for a DJ. I think I laughed. I didn't mean to, but I think they...
Before you ask “How much does a Wedding DJ cost?”
There’s more to your wedding than “just music”, right? Never hired a DJ before? Here’s some perspective to help you start.
What songs do you need for your wedding day?
What songs do you need for your wedding day? I'm often asked by couples about which or how many songs they need for their wedding day. I always say that there’s no need to worry about choosing a lot of music for the reception - that's my job after all, right? I find...
Don’t do this at weddings. Ever!
When it comes to weddings, I am a staunch supporter of you doing whatever feels right for you. There are a few things I say don’t ever do, and this is one of them.
Who called the Wedding Police? 3 tips to keep control of your wedding
Don’t be afraid to break the rules, bend tradition or create new ones! Apart from a few legal requirements during the ceremony, you can do whatever you like as there’s no right or wrong.
Checklist: Before Your MC Announces Wedding Speeches
This covers one of the most common mistakes a wedding MC can make, plus a couple of other simple ideas that help the wedding speeches go smoothly.
Which song tops the “DO NOT PLAY” list most?
I recently asked a group of like-minded small business operators what their perception was of DJs at events and weddings. These are business peers that know nothing about running a DJ company. What were their assumptions, and if they were hiring a DJ, what was their...
DJ hire vs iPod/iTunes/jukebox/Spotify
Get all your songs on an automated Spotify playlist, or get a DJ and do it right. But what’s the difference?
Wedding DJ vs Band and 3 things that separate them
DJs and bands both want the same thing, but there’s a few important points that sets them apart. Which one is right for your wedding?
One simple tip for an easier wedding speech
Almost everyone hates public speaking right? Well, here’s some good news! Use this simple tip to help settle your wedding speech nerves.
Wedding Speech Quick Tips
Been tasked with giving a speech at a wedding? Here’s a couple of quick and easy things to remember when writing or planning a wedding speech.
Where’s The Fire? Most Wedding Guests Missed This! (Wedding cake photo tip)
Sometimes it’s the little details at your wedding that guests will remember forever. Are they seeing the things you want them to remember?
They told you to do WHAT to the wedding cake?
Many wedding venues and photographers still suggest this rather out of date wedding cake practice. Why?
How to choose when hiring a wedding professional
The best place to get advice on who to choose for your wedding day.
How to get the music right for the wedding ceremony
Of all the things going through your mind as you walk down the aisle, here’s how to make sure the music isn’t one of them.
How to set up wedding LED fairy light curtains
The LED curtains or fairly lights look amazing and transform nearly any wedding reception venue. However, there's a trap that can actually work against you on the night. Watch this One Minute Wedding Secret to learn how to avoid the problems and have an even better...
13 wedding realities maybe nobody else will tell you
You can get advice from friends that got married already, or magazines. But there are some things that nobody told you yet because – they’re just little details. Here’s 13 of the best!
9 things you never thought to ask a Wedding DJ
Do you expect more from a wedding DJ than “just music”? Does your DJ know how to treat your wedding any different to the school disco or pub gig he did the night before? Your DJ should be asking more questions than you, they should be looking for ways to help, and here’s how you can spot good vs great.
Timesaving Wedding Cake Cutting Trick
Maximise your wedding photography budget and save time in your reception time line with this simple little tweak of the wedding cake cutting wedding tradition.
3 Myths About Choosing a Wedding MC Everyone Thinks Are True
These three myths, while helpful, are still myths. Learn how to get the right MC for your wedding.
Why Use a Professional Wedding MC?
Why hire a professional MC for your wedding instead of a family friend that knows you both really well? Read more to find out!
Wedding Speech Advice
Wedding speech nerves? Here’s a couple of tips.
Use these 5 simple steps for a wedding ceremony that is totally you
5 simple ideas that help make your wedding ceremony your own, completely unique.
The Business of Weddings (part two)
In Part One of this article, I established that weddings are a personal, intimate occasion. Having networked or trained internationally with some of the best wedding entertainers in the world, I know it's not uncommon for wedding industry service providers to...
The business of weddings (part one)
Weddings are a very personal, intimate event. Dealing with small business operators offering personal service dedicated to weddings is in most cases the perfect way to really connect with your supplier. I've networked with wedding DJ specialists all over the world. ...