Having A Dj At Your Wedding During Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the wedding industry, with many couples forced to postpone or cancel their weddings. Wedding DJs have not been spared from the effects of the pandemic, with some losing a significant portion of their annual income due to cancelled bookings. However, as restrictions eased in some areas, wedding DJs had to adapt to the new normal and find ways to provide entertainment while ensuring the safety of guests. This included live streaming weddings, being flexible with bookings, and following COVID guidelines such as avoiding shared microphones and encouraging social distancing and mask-wearing during events. While some DJs chose to wait until the pandemic eased, others found creative ways to keep their clients entertained, such as taking song requests through social media or performing virtual mixes. Ultimately, the decision to have a DJ or any form of entertainment at a wedding during the pandemic depended on local restrictions and the couple's comfort level with gathering and dancing.

Live-streaming your wedding

If you are considering live-streaming your wedding, there are several options available to you. You can opt for a single-camera live stream, which will provide a consecutive video feed of your ceremony to a custom landing page that can be easily shared with family and friends. Alternatively, you can choose a multi-camera setup, which will allow for different camera angles and a more dynamic viewing experience.

Another option is to hire a professional live-streaming service, which can offer various packages that include additional hours of coverage, multiple cameras, audio production, and interactive features. These services can also provide photography and video highlights of your wedding, allowing you to relive the memories long after the big day.

When planning your live stream, keep in mind any music copyright laws that may apply, especially when streaming on social media platforms. Additionally, ensure that you have the necessary equipment and a stable internet connection to ensure a smooth and high-quality live stream.

By live-streaming your wedding, you can include your loved ones in your special day while adhering to COVID-19 safety guidelines. This way, you can celebrate your love while keeping everyone safe and healthy.

Booking vendors early

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging, and you may be hesitant to secure vendors out of fear that circumstances won't improve by the time your big day arrives. However, it's important to remember that vendors are in high demand due to postponed weddings, so booking early is crucial. Here are some tips for booking vendors for your wedding during COVID-19:

• Hire a wedding planner: An experienced full-service wedding planner can be your best ally during this uncertain time. They are well-versed in navigating the postponement process and can help you secure reliable vendors while protecting your interests. A wedding planner will also help you make informed decisions and save you time and stress.
• Select a date and secure big-ticket vendors: Work with your planner to choose a venue and set a date, considering Fridays and Sundays if your desired date is unavailable. Once you have a venue and date, start booking "big-ticket" vendors like photographers, videographers, entertainment (DJs), hair and makeup artists, and officiants. These vendors are in high demand and book up quickly, so don't delay.
• Check vendor availability and backup plans: Confirm the availability of your desired vendors and ask about any adjustments they've made to their services due to COVID-19. Inquire about their cancellation and backup plans and review their contracts carefully to understand their policies regarding postponements and refunds.
• Guest list and travel considerations: Keep your guest list in mind when booking vendors, especially if guests are travelling from different places. Stay in close communication with your guests and keep them informed about any issues that may affect their plans.
• COVID-19 safety measures: Discuss COVID-19 safety measures with your vendors, including mask requirements, social distancing protocols, sanitization practices, and food and drink service adjustments. Ensure that your vendors are taking the necessary precautions to create a safe environment for you and your guests.
• Flexibility and adaptability: When booking vendors, understand that the situation is fluid, and plans may need to change. Be flexible and adaptable, and work closely with your vendors to make any necessary adjustments.
• Postponement considerations: While it's important to plan optimistically, be prepared for possible postponement. Discuss this scenario with your vendors and understand their policies and procedures in such cases.

Choosing the right DJ

• Specialization in Wedding Entertainment: Opt for a DJ who specializes in weddings. An experienced wedding DJ will be adept at reading the crowd, keeping the dance floor lively, and curating a playlist that aligns with your personalities and musical preferences.
• DJ's Role at the Wedding: Decide whether you want your DJ to be the life of the party or prefer them to take a step back and let the music speak for itself. A skilled DJ should be able to strike the right balance between being engaging and ensuring the spotlight remains on you.
• Additional Services: Consider if you require your DJ to provide additional services such as lighting, emcee services, photo booths, or other extras to enhance the guest experience.
• Music Preferences: Ensure that your DJ can cater to your music preferences and is adaptable to the crowd they are performing for.
• Planning and Communication: Discuss the DJ's planning process to ensure a seamless experience on your wedding day. Details such as the order of introductions, correct pronunciation of names, and the flow of events should be addressed well in advance.
• Experience and Collaboration: Assess the DJ's experience in the industry and their ability to collaborate effectively with other vendors.
• Initial Meeting: It is essential to meet with your DJ to ensure you are on the same page regarding your vision for the wedding. This will help determine if they can cater to your specific needs and create the desired atmosphere.
• Full-time vs. Part-time: It is preferable to choose a full-time DJ as they are more likely to be dedicated to making your day special.
• Company vs. Individual: If you are considering a DJ company, find out which DJ from their team will be assigned to your wedding. Ensure that you connect with the specific DJ who will be present at your event.
• Pricing: While price should not be the sole deciding factor, it is important to get an estimate of the DJ's charges to help you make an informed decision.
• Style and Attire: Understand the DJ's preferred style of music and ensure it aligns with your tastes. Additionally, inquire about their typical attire to ensure it suits the theme and formality of your wedding.
• Playlist Creation: Ask the DJ about their process for creating playlists. A good DJ should be able to read the room and select songs that resonate with you and your guests.
• Song Requests: Find out how the DJ handles song requests. A DJ who never takes requests may not be the best fit for your event.
• Backup Equipment and Plan: Discuss the DJ's backup plan in case of emergencies or equipment failures. A professional DJ should have backup equipment and a contingency plan to ensure a smooth flow at your wedding.
• Familiarity with the Venue: If the DJ has prior experience at your chosen venue, it can be an added advantage as they will be familiar with the layout and staff, making for a more seamless experience.
• References and Reviews: Reach out to recently married couples for recommendations and feedback. Additionally, check reviews on wedding websites to gain insights from past clients' experiences.

Providing masks and hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser can be matched to your theme and worked into displays—positioned among floral arrangements and next to pots of sweets and mints in bathrooms, for example. You could also give hand sanitiser out as a party favour.

It's a legal requirement to complete a risk assessment if your wedding will include more than 30 people. This should include anything that might increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as face-to-face contact and touching shared surfaces. It should also include steps you will take to minimise risk, such as providing hand sanitiser and making sure doors and windows are open for ventilation.

Renting equipment

DIY Wedding Ceremony Sound System Package

If you're looking for a compact and easy-to-use system, consider renting a DIY Wedding Ceremony Sound System Package. This option typically includes wireless handheld microphones for the officiant and couple and can be used for both indoor and outdoor weddings. You can also add on a second wired microphone and a stand for a singer or reader.

Guitar Center Rentals

Guitar Center offers a wide range of DJ equipment for rent, including mixers, CD decks, controllers, audio interfaces, and stands. Their rental associates can help you determine what you need to make your wedding a success.

Professional DJ Equipment Rental

For a more comprehensive option, consider renting professional DJ equipment. This typically includes state-of-the-art gear such as mixers, turntables, CD players, and controllers. These rentals often come with technical support to ensure your event goes smoothly.

Additional Considerations

When renting equipment, be sure to ask about any add-ons or extras that may be available, such as lighting or other effects. Also, keep in mind that you may need to provide your own transportation for the equipment, so be sure to factor that into your plans.

Frequently asked questions