PARTY MUSIC

DJ

A DJ is probably the single most popular choice for providing music for your guests to dance to, with a wide range of music to suit all tastes being available - all at the flick of a switch.

Many popular reception venues will offer the services of their very own resident DJ (normally for a fee), or at the very least, put you in touch with one that they use regularly and can even book on your behalf. Whoever you decide to go for, check ou the type of music they'll perform and make sure that it's exactly what you're after. If you are set on having a retro night full of Elvis, The Beatles and classic Motown tracks, then you'll need to find someone with an extensive music collection from this era. It may sound extreme, but you may also want to see if you can pop along and see them perform - the last thing you'll want is a DJ who likes the sound of their own voice more than the sound of the music!

Typically when you book a DJ, they will provide their own sound and lighting equipment capable of projecting music and light into all corners of the venue, but beware that this can vary greatly. For some, a single turntable, a set of half-decent speakers and a disco ball is sufficient, whilst for others a full set of multiple mixing decks, a top notch amp system, full strobe lighting and even extras (such as a bubble or foam machine) are all part and parcel of the package. With this in mind, you really need to ask more than the 'are you free on the night of our wedding?' question to make sure you get someone more akin to Judge Jules than Norwich FM's very own Alan Partridge!

One final thing you may want to check out is whether they are willing to play music you provide them with on CD. Virtually all will, but if you are after a few specialist songs to round the night off with, then the last thing you need is your DJ telling you that they're not willing to play them (there are complex laws around the playing of music in a public place, so if they were to refuse, it would typically be for legal reasons).

A DJ and mobile disco can cost anything from a few hundred pounds upwards, and is a great option if you're looking for toe-tapping music - it's perhaps even better when combined with a band and can help to create a stunning party atmosphere.