Importance of Wedding DJ Rehearsal Attendance

[gibby2772]

I've never attended a rehearsal, but I think with what tempo the y they should walk should be up to the event planners. I've done weddings that I didn't know the name of the bride or grooms and it went off without any incidents. I'm young but have done many of different cultures and ethnic weddings but I will still not attend a rehearsal unless they are paying for my time to be there, but it's a good idea may work for some but not for others. Keep up the good work fellow DJ in Florida.

[gibby2772]

I've never attended a rehearsal, but I think with what tempo the y they should walk should be up to the event planners. I've done weddings that I didn't know the name of the bride or grooms and it went off without any incidents. I'm young but have done many of different cultures and ethnic weddings but I will still not attend a rehearsal unless they are paying for my time to be there, but it's a good idea may work for some but not for others. Keep up the good work fellow DJ in Florida.

[ddproduction79]

I did my first wedding in the middle of this year...I'm very new to doing this and didn't even think to be at rehersal. I wish I had caught this video before I ever did that wedding, I just now found this video. There was a slip up at the wedding that if I had been at rehersal probably wouldn't have happened, boy do I feel foolish now. I love your videos, they have been a very good help to me. I have a very good looking setup and am learning how to run my show much better thanks to you.

[johnnysas]

I agree with Rick, you have to be there from start to finish. 2 hrs or 6hrs makes no diff to me rehearsals are very important NO MATTER how long you've been doing this. Its improtant to meet parets, Brothers, Sisters, Kids...ect. to get a feel of how everyone is going to act. Some are shy others are ok with everyone wathing them walk up the aisle. There is some much to gain from attending rehearsals. My clients pay me well so its my duty to do my very best and thats what they're going to get.

[cmbmusic]

good points and a good video. however the only time we attend rehearsal is when the ceremony becomes more of a production with live singing or instruments. Things often change from rehearsal to start time. I prefer to get the handful of details I need, just before we do them (hr and half prior). When you know what to ask, and how to execute it you can hit it out of the park every time. For beginner wedding DJs, YES go to rehearsals, but once you get it down, it's generally not necessary.

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@cmbmusic I spent the 1st half of my career not going to rehearsals, and the 2nd half going. To me, attending the rehearsal does two things; first, it absolutely helps you understand everything that is happening. Not to say one couldn't hit it out of the park without going, it just gives you an edge. The 2nd thing it does is it allows you to make connections with people, making the wedding more personal. The weddings I attend rehearsals on are consistently better than those I don't.

[sahizzle124]

Hi, I was wondering if you bring ALL of your equipment to the rehearsal, or just part of it.

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@sahizzle124 Generally no equipment goes to the rehearsal. Just me, some music and a stopwatch.

[DJ5HY]

Up until this point, I had never attended a rehearsal. You have educated me on why I need to start doing so IMMEDIATELY. Thank you so much for posting things like this to help me improve my skills. I will be devouring every minute of your videos from now on. Thanks again.

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@DJ5HY Thanks for the comment, glad you find the videos helpful. We all can do things to improve.

[kangag3]

@DJ5HY Attending the rehearsal is so important. I manage a professional string quartet and we are the only quartet that I know of that attends every wedding rehearsal to see what's planned, to meet everyone involved, and also address any problems the location may present. I've played in other groups that don't and witnessed incredible errors (like missing the entire wedding!) that would have been fixed by attending the rehearsal.

Definitely keep watching Rick; you'll learn a lot!

[soundsurvivor]

why the wheelback on the cdj during the recessional ? Sounded like you had the crossfader in the center and were toying around.

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@soundsurvivor It was a prerecorded edit, blending the intro straight to the chorus, with the record spin in the middle. That's what the clients asked for.

[soundsurvivor]

@BassIsLoadedDJ

missed a previous comment about it.

[TheAbsolutedj]

You are a real inspiration to me, and my DJ Business. I take all your videos to heart and really think about what I am doing now, and what I need to change to make things better. You are the prime example of what kind of DJ I want to be like. I have been DJing now for 5 years, and I feel like I am still learning new things. I perfectly agree with what you said in this video. Quick question; do you normally use a seprate set up for ceremonies or use the same as the reception?

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@TheAbsolutedj Thanks a lot for your nice words. Glad the videos are helpful. We can all stand to learn new things, whether we've been in the biz 5 years or 30. I sometimes will use separate sound systems for the ceremony & reception. It all boils down to a number of factors including distance between locations, line of sight, number guests and traffic, etc. Be sure to watch my wireless remote antenna video to see how I can do both locations from one spot. Sometimes I'll do that. Thanks!

[radiodjs]

So...what do you do if the rehearsal is scheduled on say a Friday night and you have a function elsewhere at that same time? Conflicts like this must be frequent during wedding season. Also, what do you do if the venue is 2 or more hours drive time away (4+ hours roundtrip)?

And finally, who performed the Bridal March you used in the video? It's very elegant.

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@radiodjs I usually tell clients that rehearsal attendance is based on availability-I bring that up right away in the planning process, just in case that ends up happening. The point is at least to attend as many as possible, and be proactive with clients that their rehearsal is important to you, long before that day even arrives. If I'm a part of a long distance wedding, it's not uncommon for me to book a hotel and stay the night of rehearsal. Strengthens the relationship with client/family.

[FullEffectDJ]

Great Video,

Great Advice for rookies... Here's a couple of good jokes...

Should I attend the wedding proposal also?

What about the Bachelor Party?

The Picking out of the wedding dress?

The Cake Tasting?

Just Kidding Bass is Loaded.... you really have great customer service for your clients... Rock On!

RobertGuitarDJ

P.S. They should probably attend me reahearsing DJ'ing their music at my house... and they should come to the music store to help me pick out my speakers when I need them.

[heydjbobby]

Hey Rick, I'm glad I found this video and watched it. It really made me realize what I have been slacking on, and need to perfect again. thank you very much, I really enjoy DJ's who are willing to take the time to help out others in this industry. Keep up the good work!

Bobby

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@heydjbobby Bobby, thanks so much for your message. Some guys watch this video and get offended by it. Most guys like yourself see things that get them thinking about their own processes. The way I look at it, no DJ ever ruined a wedding by going to rehearsal, by caring, by going through every detail. Guys like yourself are why I do what I do. I ALWAYS have new things to learn and that's the most important thing we can do in this business. Keep growing & keep learning. All the best!

[DJ2lio]

Thanks for your advice. Very helpful. Thanks DJ2LIO

[betdat33]

This needs to be said and if you erase this comment then so be it. Your videos are helpful and negative at the same time. While you do bring up good points, you turn around taking shots at any dj who can't afford what you have. Just because someone has old carpeted speakers, why do they have to be dusty also? Negativity should never come from those trying to teach. Good way to market yourself but people can see thru you trying to market yourself more than help others.

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@betdat33 I won't delete this comment-it's OK to disagree. Expensive gear does not make a DJ great. Last time I checked, attending a wedding rehearsal was free. Passion for the business and a constant desire to improve are what really matter. In every market there are guys on craigslist doing weddings for $50/hr. And that's fine if you're just starting out. The issue I have is when 5-10 yr veteran DJ's are doing this stuff. It brings the whole industry down. Feel free to email me directly.

[arrowheaddj]

What was with the Record spin forward during the recessional?

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@arrowheaddj That was just a fun way that the couple wanted to go from the intro of the song to the chorus.

[BoogiemanUSA]

Nice Video!!

[kyle2284]

Hi Rick, I just bought the k12's and LOVE THEM, Im thinking about getting the K Subs to go with them. Ive been looking all over youtube for a demo video of the K sub working. NO ONE has a video of the K subs in action, is it possible for you to make a video of the K Subs in Action???

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@kyle2284 I do have a KSub video, just go to my main channel and search for KSub to find it. Technically it's not an "in action" video, since it is so hard to really replicate what a speaker is doing over a video. But it does show how I often use them and the types of venue/events I choose to use them in. Thanks!

[kyle2284]

@BassIsLoadedDJ COOL! Thanks for the quick reply! I will check that out! Take Care

[potentmedia]

I really want to do this although weekends are non-stop. If I have that time off I will start going. Do you bring a speaker so they can hear the music?

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

@potentmedia I bring a small portable speaker to play music only if I feel that the wedding party needs it in order to feel comfortable. I'm a suspense kinda guy and prefer to not play the wedding march for anyone to hear. As for rehearsal attendance, it is based on distance and my availability. In some cases if a bride really is sold on having me at attendance I will raise my package price to feel comfortable not booking another wedding on the date of her rehearsal.

[pnewmatik]

I want to thank you for posting all your vids after taking, 15 years off to have kids it has been a long hard road back in the bussness plus so much has changed and your vids has helped so much. Keep doing what your doing.

[djmarioproaudio]

same I agree, I like to prep, and get ready too!! as always the first ones there and the last to leave and handing out lots of cards too!!

[harlekinFFM]

Dear Rick,

I watched your videos and I think they a great! In this case I wonder how do you know that in 90% of all weddings, the DJ just shows up at the day of the wedding and presses the play-button? How you done indepth research? How many DJs have you seen doing this? How many DJs have you questioned about their way of doing a wedding? If you haven't done it, then don't say it. I know this is provocative, but it seems unprofessional to make others look bad just to make you look better. Cheers

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

That 90% figure is accurate based on the mobiles in my state, especially when you look at the number that attend networking meetings with other professionals to discuss the Wedding industry. It extrapolates nationally as well. I ask people at Weddings about DJ's they have seen at rehearsal (i.e. previous Weddings). About 10% say YES. I want those of you who attend the rehearsal to be proud of that and feel like you're doing something unique. Those that don't attend? Great opportunity guys. Thx

[harlekinFFM]

@BassIsLoadedDJ: Ok, I got the point. I've been to a couple of these Mobile-DJ-meetings here in Germany, but it seems that those who do attend these meetings are pros or semi-pros and go that extra-mile like you do in your video. I myself would feel really uncomfortable coming to a wedding and not knowing what the couple and the party will be like. So I try to meet the couple in advance. Maybe I should find out about how other DJs in my area do weddings.

[vinnievegas2000]

I agree with my man, Stefan from Uptown Express, your channel is informative and educational and helps me to believe that I am worth the money I'm charging.

Like you, I am not cheap, but I'm worth it!

It's good to see other DJs go the extra mile to ensure that everything goes well from start to finish.

Keep up the good work and bring on those videos.

Thanks Rick.

DJ VinnieVegas

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

Thank you Vinnie as always. And you make a good point, these services do help us prove that we are worth more. It's fair to argue that those that don't attend rehearsal don't have to charge as much and they are a better value for people that can't afford it. That's the beauty of any market. There are Kia's. And there are BMW's.The burden of proof to do right lies not in guys like us, but from the other $495 Wedding Specialists with 500,000 songs.

I could go on forever baby!!

Rick

[harlekinFFM]

@BassIsLoadedDJ: I guess you hit the nail on the head - the key word is SERVICE! That's where we show what extra we do for the couple and that we are definitely worth some extra money, which in the end pays off in a perfect celebration and party. I guess it sometimes depends on how we sell our services. Next time I do a party or wedding, I'll ask the people who booked me about why they chose me and what other DJs they had considered. You got to know what that extra was that made you get the job.

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

Doesn't matter if you're in smalltown USA, Canada, Mexio City, or Germany--couples deserve that perfect celebration (love the way you said that).

Absolutely brilliant response. Reading this made the hair stand up on my arms.

Rick

[uptownxpress]

Great advice, and yes your channel is definitely helping shape up our YT community!

[eddie4624]

I agree...But there is many of times its not capable of being done.....I do tons of weddings in Ft. Worth TX. and i have to be that DJ that has to do my best judgment.and just show up and press that button...and for the most part of it the wedding party always shows up early and we do a mini rehearsal....but like i said if it can be done before hand , then by all means do it.....good video

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

You're right, there will be times when a rehearsal just can't be done either because there isn't one, or you may be booked with another event. I think as long as we're thinking about it well before the big day, and working with the officiant as to how the ceremony ends, teasing the music in, editing the music for length and transition...that will always separate you from the "just push play guy". I appreciate you watching, have a great 2010 in TX.

Rick

[PrymeTymeEnter]

It is good that you are making these videos. Sometime we all lose sight of what we're doing and go to "autopilot" mode. I think we can all learn a great deal from this...

[rushentertainment]

Vary good vdeo man!!!

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

Thanks a lot, I appreciate you checking it out ...

Rick

[DJKutler24]

I really like your videos, I been DJing for about 8 years but I have learned alot of things that I have never done that come to think of it "should have been done" from the start by me and my staff.

[sainifabulous]

you took a lot of shots at some djs lol

but i agree you get what you pay for

then they later regret it. it sucks to see it happen but it does.

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

Yeah, I know I'll ruffle some DJ feathers out there on this one, but I don't mind. I'm sure the DJ's that don't agree are the ones ruining Weddings or making them average at best. I ran into a local competitor of mine in a coffee shop this week-a Craigslist advertiser. He's also the same guy in my market that advertises he has 500,000 songs. Originally planned as an educational tool for clients, my YouTube channel is becoming my way of trying to help our industry shape up. Thanks as always!

[sainifabulous]

@BassIsLoadedDJ yeah thats a good way to shape it up. Hey sorry to be off topic

but are you guys open tommarow? i had a quick question about running projectors from your laptop. what software is best to organize everything that gets shown on screens?

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

Send me message directly on here and let me know what types of things you want to do with the screens (i.e. just showing music videos, or simple photos, slideshows, etc).

Thanks Ranj & Happy New Year!

[itsj1train]

500,000 song!!! LOL HAHAHAHAHA

So that guy must not know that a 1tb hd will hold 250,000 songs. So he has 2 tb of music? Right!!! LOL,, and at his lower DJ rates,unbiding DJs left and right he can afford that much music. Some people I swear! Well Im glad to see that there are still djs like you and me out there. When you dj bussiness is your baby, you have to take pride in it and actully care what your doing. This is how I feed my family!! Good videos, keep it up!

[BassIsLoadedDJ]

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. Darn right I get fired up about this stuff. I even market the fact that my music collection is LEGAL. I address that proactively on my website to just put a tiny bit of doubt into a potential client's mind, when they are visiting other DJ sites. At the end of the day, songs are songs. We can all do better. It does seem to go hand in hand that with each 100,000 songs a DJ's collection goes up, their price and service goes down. I appreciate your comment...

Rick