How long before you should do weddings when first starting out?

[JX2 Productions]

As most of you know we are new to the Dj'ing business. To get ya'll caught up, we just did our first big gig ( a high school semi) and we did so well we are now hired for a Jack & Jill and the rest of the school events for this year and whatever else they want us to do for the upcoming years. But enough of that.
My real question here is how long do you think we should wait etc. until we decide to do weddings? Also, Jack and Jills, what type of planning etc. should we do for that? one more thing, What exactly is a Jack and Jill, from what I understand it is basically a party before the wedding reception? Do i have that right?

If you could help us out that would be awesome. To tell you the truth, this is the only event I am nervous about doing.

----Erik

[DJBusyB]

This is a tough question. You need to take into consideration that a Wedding is (hopefully) a "once-in-a-lifetime" event. You have only one chance to get it right. A school may book you once, then give you a second chance, but you don't have that option at weddings.

How well do you know all formats of music? At weddings you play for people 8 - 80. If someone wants a foxtrot or a waltz, do you know what will work? Do you know what works best for Motown, disco, big band, or funk?

How confident and clear are you on the mic? Do you have a wedding planner? You might want to invest yourself into a public speaking course. Additionally, you may want to ask assistance from someone in your local DJ association who is already excelling in the wedding market. They won't tell you all their tricks, but could help with your planning portion.

Weddings have a format and most clients will turn to the DJ for the sequence of events. If you don't know the format/sequence, you could be leading a couple into a bad reception.

You may even want to ask another DJ in the local association if you can 'tag-along' and learn. Remember to wear your tux, observe, and take notes.

How long until you are ready? Only you will know that. You may find someone with a VERY flexible agenda and expectations on their wedding day. You don't want to screw up a $20,000 wedding day (nor do you want to do the same for a $5,000 wedding day, but a flexible client may understand some of your slip-ups).

Brian

Jack and Jills as far as I can tell are a very regional thing... Generally the wedding party (best man, maid of honor etc) plan to have a party for the bride & groom. Tickets are sold to the event to help pay for prizes that will be raffled off (lots of liquor!) and to pay the vendors. So you may have to coordinate a couple of raffle drawings. Other than that you'll have to find out what the customer wants specifically as with any event, no two are the same.

In regards to doing weddings, I think there are many helpful resources to aid in learing the traditions of wedding ceremonies/receptions. Also, as Brian stated nothing beats first hand experience. If you can tag along, by all means do so. But be prepared! Weddings are a lot of work - To prepare and to execute correctly.

- Sherry