Tag Archive for: entertainment agency melbourne

How To Find The Best DJ Melbourne Has On Offer

When you need a top DJ, Melbourne has some of the best around

When your function or event needs to get people up and excited, it’s time to find a top DJ in Melbourne.

There’s nothing quite like having the music pumping and the party rocking out. That’s exactly what a quality DJ is all about.

There’s more to being a top notch DJ than you might realise.

To really make a mark and make the most of the occasion, it takes a broad skill set. A good reputation is one thing, but it’s how to adapt to each and every function that can make or break it.

Here’s what to look for when you are trying to find the right DJ for you.

Things to look for in your choice of DJ

First off the rank, you want to know that your DJ is reliable.

That means they have a bit of a buzz around them and some really good word of mouth about what they can do.

They also need to be true professionals who are punctual and adaptable. Not every event or occasion goes according to plan, so having someone in your entertainment corner making sure that things are ticking along is a key to success.

You want your DJ to be able to;

  • Create the right atmosphere
  • Get people excited and up on the dancefloor (even the shy ones)
  • Read the crowd and the room (including being able to crank things up or cool things down)
  • Keep things rolling (especially if there are breaks or a set schedule with speeches)
  • Have a sense of fun that helps guests feel at ease
  • Help you work out the best approach to the event or party and any Plan B required

Having a professional DJ working for you and the occasion will pay off big time, especially if you have one you can trust and who is easy to work with.

They should be able to take your mind off organising everything rather than add stress with high demands or dictating what they want rather than what you need.

Why a top professional DJ is a great asset

You can forget the days of a family member or a friend being the DJ at a party. Even the best amateur DJ can bring things unstuck if and when something goes wrong.

That could be due to a technical issue or lack of pre-planning. The other thing to remember is that the party or occasion is not about what the DJ thinks it should be, it is what you want it to be.

Having the wrong choice of music can be close to a disaster.

This is when experience and know-how is crucial to having an event really go off.

You don’t want inappropriate music and lyrics being blasted at a formal event or business occasion. Having too much soft and slow music when people are begging to dance can bring the party down.

The DJ is the master of ceremonies in many ways and they can create anticipation, excitement and then build the atmosphere to a crescendo where everyone is up and having a good time.

We’ve probably all been to an event that was very forgettable because the music vibe and party atmosphere was sadly lacking.

You can avoid this issues by finding the best DJ in Melbourne to suit your function.

This is when it pays to do a little homework.

Where a track record means more than anything

To have the best possible DJ at your event, it makes sense to ask them a few key questions before you hire them.

What is their specialty?
What samples can they play or send you?

Do they have a schedule of what they plan to do?

What times can you expect them to be there and for how long?

Some DJs are famous for one or two things but they might not be right for you and your event.

The main thing to look for is someone who is easy to deal with, backs up what they say with action and wants to do all they can to please you and make your event a winner.

Where do you find someone like that?

The Top DJs are at Top Dog Entertainment

There is a rock solid stable of fabulous DJ’s (and DJ bands and Hybrids) at the headquarters of great entertainment – that’s Top Dog.

Whether it’s an A-list DJ, fantastic singers, duos and bands, dancers, jazz combos and special roving entertainment, you have it all ready and waiting for you.

The great thing is that you can discuss your needs and find the best act possible. Having the perfect fit to bring you the perfect function is what Top Dog Entertainment is all about.

It’s time to get your party started and make it one that everyone will remember for all the right reasons.

Top Dog gives you the tops in entertainment.

Get in touch with the entertainment experts today.

 

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The Best Corporate Event Entertainment Can Be Yours

How your choice of corporate event entertainment makes a huge difference

Whatever the corporate event, you need the best possible corporate event entertainment.

It’s a key factor that too many people overlook. Some even find themselves in a mad panic a day or two out from the date in a mad scramble to find someone who can add some spark to the occasion.

That’s the last thing you need when you are booking a venue, hiring waiting staff, technical equipment, choosing food and drinks whilst wondering which of the invitees will turn up.

Throwing in a random (and even unseen) talent act is going to take the stress up to the max. Then there’s the danger that they could be bad, inappropriate or just dull. 

Suddenly, all that planning and preparation for the event has been thrown out the window and you are left wondering how it all went wrong.

Getting the best possible corporate entertainment is not as hard as you might think. It’s all about knowing what to look for.

Finding the right act for your event

When you have gone to all the trouble of organising a corporate event that will impress and put your brand in the best possible light, you want it to have an extra edge.

That can be anything from special lighting effects to decorations. One thing that will stick in most people’s minds when they attend such an event is the entertainment.

This is the one element that really breaks the ice and gets people interacting and relaxing.

With the right entertainment, you have the chance to really make a name for yourself.

You can go with a tried and true combination of music and maybe a comedian or key note speaker, but any act or performer has to be of the highest quality.

If the act is not a good fit for the audience and the way you want to portray your brand, then you could be missing a golden opportunity.

Knowing the right act for what you want from your corporate event takes skill and experience. Don’t leave it to chance.

Why it pays to get top professional event entertainment

Going with word of mouth or personal recommendation for event entertainment can work.

Getting expert advice on what will work best for you and your company is invaluable.

It doesn’t matter if your corporate event is, you deserve the best possible option.

There is one team that can cover your entertainment needs, whether it’s a;

  • Corporate Dinners
  • Product Launch
  • Business Milestone Birthday or Anniversary
  • EOFY party
  • Xmas Function
  • Seminar or Event Finale

Having the right music, performers or entertainment concept makes the whole function a real event to remember.

That’s where knowledge and experience can make all the difference. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to the best corporate event entertainment. 

Having a trusted team who can pull it all together for you takes the stress out of the equation and leaves you to concentrate on having a good time.

The true event entertainment professionals

There is one name that is synonymous with the very best in corporate entertainment. They can take you through everything from exciting concepts, to a wide selection of contemporary musical acts, and provide truly unique entertainment that gives your event that special edge.

They are with you every step of the way from the initial enquiry through production and the actual performance. 

From DJ’s to singers, duos and bands, dancers, jazz combos and the best in roving entertainment, there’s almost nothing that can’t be done. The best part is that they will find the best act for your corporate event to make sure it’s the perfect fit for a perfect function.

Who is this expert team that can look after you and make sure your event will get rave reviews? 

The name is Top Dog. Always there with the tops in entertainment.

Get in touch with the entertainment experts today.

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Get The Top Corporate Entertainment Melbourne Offers Today

 

The best corporate entertainment in Melbourne is right here

When you have a corporate function to organise, you want it to be a true event. That’s where the top corporate entertainment Melbourne has on offer makes all the difference.

With the right team behind you and the best possible performers, that corporate affair will be one that everyone enjoys.

It’s not always easy to make sure the right atmosphere is created, especially when the function has the trappings of people’s jobs and their roles within the organisation hanging over it. There is the danger that things are all very dry and everyone feels a bit stifled.

This is why the entertainment that’s chosen is crucial to getting people to relax, unwind and enjoy themselves. It’s also a powerful way to get guests to mingle and even get their dancing shoes on.

To create a great vibe, you need a top entertainment team with the best possible performers. It’s an integral part of making sure your corporate function is one to remember.

Put the fun in your function

There is a long list of items you need to take care of if you want your function to be a success.

Near the top of that list is the entertainment.

Most of us have been to a corporate event that looks great when you first walk in. The whole place is nicely decked out and there’s plenty of food and drink to go around. Then it dawns on you that something isn’t quite right. The atmosphere is all very polite and well-mannered but there’s nothing really going on. It can be hard to put your finger on the source of the problem.

The whole thing boils down to having the wrong entertainment.

It could be the music itself that seems tired and uninspiring. It could be the act that are clearly just going through the motions. Either way, there’s not much to keep this function going and it’s no surprise when guests start looking at their watches and for the door to leave.

Having a top act that really puts everything into getting everyone pumped up and ready to let their hair down can be a lifesaver. 

The point is that you don’t need to have your event in such danger when there is a team who can make sure that all the fun runs like clockwork.

It’s all about the vibe

Whether it’s a birthday, special celebration or a corporate event, having the best entertainment is the winning ticket. 

While it can be great to have a top performer, DJ or musical act dazzling everyone with their talents, there can be more. This is where a special entertainment concept comes into the picture.

Having something that is truly exciting and unique for the occasion can take things to a whole different level.

Making sure that there’s an overarching theme that runs through the event and with specially timed moments throughout the event, everyone is going to be asking ‘What’s next?’.

Building expectation and excitement takes skill and experience. That’s why you want to enlist the services of the best entertainment team around.

It’s your guarantee of having that special edge to your special occasion.

Your entertainment expectations

Everyone who accepts an invitation wants to have a good time.

While that responsibility mostly falls on the individual and their mood, there are a number of things that can really pique the interest and break down any barriers to enjoying themselves.

This is even more important when it comes to a corporate function.

Too many corporate events are stuffy, lifeless and it all seems like just a crowd of different guests who are stuck in their usual groups.

You don’t have to have your event be such a let-down.

Get the vibe up and buzzing right from the get-go. With the best planning and the right elements in place, your event can keep building in excitement and have everyone come out of their shells.

The choices include everything from;

  • A jazz combo
  • Acoustic acts
  • Pop/rock wonders
  • The hottest DJs
  • String ensembles
  • Dancers
  • Roving performers such as jugglers, magicians, fire-breathers and acrobats

It’s never been easier to get the ultimate in quality talent performing at your event.

The entertainment group that deliver the goods

You don’t need to worry about your corporate or special event from being a roaring success because there’s trusted team of talent ready to help.

For the top corporate entertainment Melbourne has on offer, there’s only one name to remember.

Top Dog Entertainment have an array of the highest calibre performers and an experienced and friendly team who can take you through how they can make your function a fabulous event.

Having the ability to match the talent for the occasion is a special skill. That’s where the top team is Top Dog.

Get in touch with the entertainment experts today.

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What to look for in the best Melbourne Entertainment Company

A Melbourne entertainment company with a difference

When it comes to the world of entertainment in Melbourne, there’s a wide range of talent available.

It’s a nerve wracking thing to have to put everything together for a party or event and wonder whether you have the right combination and the right people involved.

That’s where the entertainment can often be the make or break of the occasion.

Nothing brings the place alive like a great vibe buzzing from the performers. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the DJ, the band, a jazz combo, roving performers like acrobats, jugglers and fire-breathers, they have the ability to get the party started.

From a classic ice-breaking moment at the beginning to keeping the fun rolling through to the end, it can all come down to who you have enlisted to entertain the guests.

That’s where you need a Melbourne entertainment company who you can trust with the care and attention to ensure your special occasion is a true event.

Getting the party started

We’ve probably all been to a party or event and the place feels cold and lifeless. Everyone is being careful what they say and do because there is hardly any atmosphere. Unfortunately, the bigger the occasion, the harder it is to feel comfortable.

The human connection isn’t happening and everyone is wondering what is going on. The hosts are frantically asking what is going wrong. No-one is having a good time and it seems like things can only get worse. At the back of most people’s minds is the question ‘How early can I leave?’.

Then the entertainment kicks off. Soon there’s a groove running through the place and a couple of people get up to dance, then a few more join in. Maybe it’s a favourite song that really kicks things into gear or the track is a great singalong winner. Whatever has happened, the party is going gangbusters and everyone is into it.

The secret ingredient? That top entertainment group has not just saved the day, they’ve made the night!

Keeping the vibe alive

When you have quality performers who know a crowd and how to work them in the best possible way, you have the ticket to a successful event.

It’s more than just playing the right music, belting out a good blend of classics or impressing everyone with virtuoso skills. Real entertainers know the ups and downs of a party, when to push things along and when to take the foot off the pedal and ease things back.

There are different factors at play at any birthday, wedding or special event. That special feel for the crowd and how to respond to them makes all the difference to everyone’s overall enjoyment.

Gone are the days of letting just anyone look after the event entertainment. There’s no need to put the whole occasion at risk when there is one team that take pride in making sure your special occasion will be as special as possible. That’s from the very start to the very end.

It’s a commitment to quality entertainment that very few companies can offer.

An entertaining story

When you are looking for a Melbourne entertainment group with the highest quality talent around, you don’t need to dig too deep to find one that you can rely on.

Look for a team with the experience and know-how to make things work as seamlessly as possible right from the get-go.

That experience should cover everything from;

  • Major events
  • Corporate functions
  • Weddings
  • Special occasions
  • Birthdays and Milestones

Look for anything from a top DJ or DJ Band, Live Musical Acts and roving entertainment. The wider selection of talented artists, the narrower you need to look.

Finding out the story behind the name is the key to having a successful event.

An entertainment group that stands out from the crowd

Take the stress and headache out of organising your special event or function by going with a trusted team of talent.

Whether it’s a big birthday bash, a special corporate event, an awards night, a wedding or engagement, you need to know what you’re paying for. If you go with just anyone, you could pay the price of having a real flop on your hands.

It’s important to know that whoever you choose can deliver. That’s why the best entertainment companies help you plan and can demonstrate their skills. A showcase of their talent should be available so you can select the most appropriate option.

There is one such team who can look after you and make sure your event really hits the mark. To make your occasion a winner, you need a winning team. That’s where the top name is Top Dog.

Get in touch with the entertainment experts today.

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Best Ceremony Songs

A ceremony is the starting off point of a wedding, it sets the vibe, and it’s the only part of the celebration that makes it a legally binding wedding. Without a ceremony, it’s a dinner party!

Walking down the aisle is usually how it all begins. Although traditionally accompanied by a father, you can walk down with your brother, sister, mum, friend or your partner. There are no rules when it comes to the arrival part of the ceremony, in fact you don’t have to walk down an aisle if you don’t want to! Music plays a huge part in setting the tone during a ceremony and especially at the beginning. Nerves are high and that first song should be a song you love which will calm you and get your guests excited/emotional for what is to come.

We have asked some of our most popular ceremony artists what their favourite processional (walking down the aisle) songs are and what they love about them!

Alyssa & Daniel

The most popular song we sing would have to be Perfect by Ed Sheeran; the overall feel of the song pulls at the heart strings and is also a great tempo to walk into.

There’s no right or wrong song – we find the best/most emotional songs are ones that are sentimental to the couple :-)

Georga B

I could go on about this all day! I love singing at weddings & I have collected so many songs favs over the years!

Songbird- Eva Cassidy: This is such a classic love song & with beautiful lyrics! It sets a beautiful atmosphere for the ceremony!

Time after Time – Eva Cassidy: I mean these lyrics are perfect for a wedding! Talking about the fact that no matter what, time after time that person will be there!

At Last – Etta James: A beautiful jazz classic, that is full of romance & moody tones! There’s so much hope in this song!

No Matter where you are – Us The Duo: I love this song so much these artists wrote this song for each other for their wedding day and then it went viral on YouTube. I’ve decided a lot of weddings lately it’s a more contemporary in the type song but the lyrics are just perfect for a wedding day. This song talks about the fact that no matter where the other person is that they will be there.

Becky R

I’d say BY FAR the most popular ceremony songs seems to be “Can’t help falling in love”.

I’d say in recommendations to couples when choosing, they should figure out whether they want something “romantic” or “fun”… and go from there. If they have a couple song – figure out whether they want that to be the aisle song or their first dance.

I also think choosing a fun upbeat song for the exit song is always a good idea!

MaryAnne M

One of my fav ceremony songs down the aisle is La Vie en Rose.

Best advice on choosing songs is lots of research. Think about what mood you want to create and feel coming down the aisle. If you have a favourite song but not sure if it will work as a ceremony song find a great musician to guide you.  Some of the best ceremony songs we have done are different takes on the loved originals, but have a unique take on it so its unique to that couple.

Sarah R

Simply The Best – Noah Reid Cover (Schitts Creek)

This is such a beautiful rendition of the classic Tina Turner hit, it’s super gentle, help create a romantic scene without being over the top , I love the opening line ‘I call you when I need you, My heart’s on fire’ – Every word in this song has purpose and really would be suited to any generation .

 

Now for my own opinion..

I say, have a think about your favourite songs as a couple. Remember the song doesn’t have to be slow and emotional and that a lot of great songs have had acoustic covers done of them which may make your beloved rock, metal and crazy pop tunes a bit more ceremony appropriate.

I walked down the aisle with my husband to an acoustic version of Bubbles by Biffy Clyro. It was one of our very favourite songs and one we had been lucky enough to hear played live twice. It was perfect!

Choose a song that means something to you both and you’ll walk down the aisle with an extra spring in your step.

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Melbourne Venue Spotlight – Eureka89

Here at Top Dog, we love working with a variety of venues. We love the old, the new, the fancy and the casual. What we love the most is forming a bond with a venue, which we have with many of Melbourne’s finest event spaces, and Eureka 89 is one of our favourites. We attend parties there regularly and we love it. We love the staff, the food and how can we not mention the view!

I spoke to the business development manager, Tobin, about the venue and had him answer some questions.

How long has Eureka 89 been around? 

Eureka 89 opened in 2008 and has been welcoming all sorts of parties ever since.

Just how high up is your venue? 

300 metres above sea level and takes about 1640 stairs to get to the 88th level during the annual stair climb. It is the third tallest building in Australia and the highest restaurant in the southern hemisphere.

Tell us a little bit about the events you do both private and publicly.

Eureka 89 is available for all sorts of events from weddings to product launches, to birthdays to corporate parties. With our two event spaces we can host parties big and small. We have the option to host parties across the whole floor or separate the space into two.

Our executive chef Renee creates amazing tasting menus highlighting Australian seasonal produce, so all you need to do is book a table to experience a meal up on the 89th floor!

We also host many special events throughout the year. This year we have planned some really exciting special events including caviar month, game dinner, truffle dinner and a special whisky pairing dinner in conjunction with Melbourne Whisky Week.

What is the best dish and cocktail on the menu? 

Not officially on the cocktail menu but those in the know will often order a bloody shiraz negroni.

As for the best food dish, my favourite would have to be the Southern ranges beef with confit shallots, pea cream and beef dashi.

  • Shelley jumping in here – have tried many a canape/cocktail/food station item at many of Eureka 89’s showcases, and everything is always excellent. 10 out of 10 from me!

Tell us about the most exciting or most unique event you have done to date. 

Well, our NYE events are always a bit wild – they are ticketed events and always have a fun theme, excellent entertainment thanks to Top Dog and a great vibe.

However, the one that really ticked the unique box would be a specific private event where they turned the whole floor of Eureka 89 into a jungle – the set up was phenomenal.

What is something we may not know about the venue? 

So many fun facts about the Eureka building. It took 4 years and 2 months to build, the top 10 floors have 24 carat gold plated glass windows and the current record to climb the 88 sets of stairs is said to be around 7 minutes!

However, if you are interested in venue specific trivia, the 89th floor was originally planned to be a penthouse apartment but at the last minute was changed to a restaurant & event space.

What entertainment do you think works best at Eureka 89? 

Everything! We’ve had everything from acoustic guitarists, large party bands, roving entertainment, dancers, DJ’s, string quartets and more. They have all been great and as we can host a wide range of events, we have seen a wide range of entertainment come in and out of the lift! We love seeing all of the different performers from Top Dog at our events!

To learn more about the events Eureka 89 can host, visit https://eureka89.com.au

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Grazeland Melbourne

Launched on March 26th, 2021, Grazeland is Melbourne’s newest must see ‘playground for foodies’ boasting:

  • over 50 of Melbourne’s best food vendors
  • a nonstop entertainment schedule of live music, DJs, DJ bands, roving performers and kids’ entertainment

Grazeland will be open even if it is raining. 75% of the park is under cover, and there is heating in parts of the park during the colder times of the year.

Entry is $2.50 per person and paid at the main gate.

Children under 12 are free.

Dogs are also welcome!


When Is It Open?

Grazeland is open every weekend of the year:

  • Friday: 5pm – 10pm
  • Saturday: 12pm – 10pm
  • Sunday: 12pm – 9pm

Where Is It?

Grazeland is located 5km from Melbourne CBD at 20 Booker Street, Spotswood (next to Scienceworks).

How Is Top Dog Involved?

Top Dog are the exclusive entertainment provider for Grazeland Melbourne.  We have been working closely with the owners for nearly 2 years carefully curating the best mix of entertainment to complement the amazing food on offer for customers.

There are 2 performance stages and a heap of roving entertainment scattered throughout the precinct.

Why Should You Go?

If you’re reading this, then you are probably looking to book entertainment for an event!

Each weekend at Grazeland, Top Dog has over 20 unique acts performing throughout the venue.

It is essentially a live showcase, where you can go and see Melbourne’s BEST artists perform before you decide to book them.

If you have a specific act you are interested in and you cannot see them on our roster, please contact us and we can advise when they will be featuring.  You can also speak with the artists on their breaks to tell them more about your event.

There are not too many family friendly venues that offer free live entertainment that appeals to everyone.

For more information about Grazeland visit https://www.grazeland.melbourne/

For weekly entertainment schedules please visit: https://topdogent.com.au/grazeland/

Or call us for a chat! 1300 658 718.

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Why Book Entertainment Through An Agency?

When it comes to wedding planning or organising a Christmas party for your work, chances are, you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to entertainment. You may have a budget, you may not. You might want a change from what you booked last time, or you may have been to an epic wedding and you want what they had!

Here are some of the top reasons to book through an agency when organising entertainment for an event.

Volume Of Artists

We have hundreds of artists across many genres, styles, price and instruments. We work with bands, solo artists, duos, DJs, DJ band musicians, roving performers and more. You get access to all of these artists with only one contact – super easy to keep track of.

This comes in handy if you aren’t sure what you want, if the artist you wanted is not available or if you want multiple elements of entertainment across your event. With not only the volume, but also the high level of skill our artists have, we will find the perfect options for you no matter your budget or brief!

You Have No Idea What You Want

Sometimes people have no idea what type of music they would prefer at their event and that’s ok. A band or a DJ, a DJ band or an acoustic act – we can help you work out what would be best suited.

Give us a brief and we will give you options. We are happy to work with a small, large, tricky, specific, or strange brief – we love a challenge. Give us as much information as you can, and we will give you a couple of line ups that are sure to impress.

Your Artist Is Sick

People get sick and things (although rare) can happen out of our control. Once in a blue moon a DJ or musician is not going to be able to turn up at your event and sometimes with very little notice. Should this happen, and your wedding was only hours from commencing, you wouldn’t have time to deal with this. Cue the agency staff – we would be on this instantly and sort out the best possible back up/replacement. Here at Top Dog our office phone line is diverted to a staff member overnight and over the weekend. We are always available. Should anything happen, we will be onto it and sorting it out before you even know what is going on! With the sheer volume of artists we have, we can find available alternatives in a flash.

You Have Too Much To Organise

Planning an event can take up a lot of your time and chances are (especially for couples getting married) you haven’t done this before. Planning events doesn’t always come naturally to everyone.

We will coordinate all your song choices and run sheets with our user-friendly online forms, coordinate with venues, liaise with performers and make sure everything is perfect and ready to go on the day. This is particularly useful when you book multiple artists. We ensure they all work well together; the right amount of equipment has been arranged and that everyone knows their parts, arrival times and we organise payment to all artists whilst you only have to deal with one invoice.

We Are Experts

All we do is listen to music, scout new artists, talk to musicians and DJs, follow new trends, visit venues, and organise entertainment for epic events. Got a question? Need some advice on what will fit/work for your event? Bit confused about on-site restrictions/rules? Chances are high we will know the answers to any of your questions. In our office alone we have a DJ, a musician, an event manager, and a celebrant. We have a wide range of event knowledge and we are always learning.

Professional Service Guaranteed

We do not just book anyone. We have seen every single person we book play in person. To us, it is not just about talent, its about being presentable, experienced, personable and talented. We make sure that anyone we send out to an event is representative of our brand – we have high expectations of our artists.

 

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DJ Henton – Diary of a Wedding DJ

Diary of a DJ by DJ Henton S

It’s always a pleasure being asked to provide the soundtrack to a couple’s special day. I don’t just rock up on the day. The planning starts well before the actual event by sitting down and going through the details provided to Top Dog on the event form to get a feel for how they dream of the day panning out. I like to find out what music is special to them, what might make their friends and family dance, look at playlists they may have created and make sure I am across the run sheet and key songs, such as ceremony music or the first dance.

In the week leading up to the big day I ring the couple. It’s a great opportunity not only to introduce myself but to run through all the music, get a feel for the vibe they are after and just get to know them a little. I think it’s important that they feel comfortable with me and that they trust that I can deliver the atmosphere they are after for their big day.

After chatting with them I will play around with my music and put together some folders containing music they like and music that will fit around that. It helps to be prepared and although I have an extensive collection of music, (great for requests!) it makes the night easier when I have all of their must plays on hand.

On the event day from behind the decks I’m very lucky to have a fantastic viewpoint of the entire venue and celebrations. Starting off with seeing the smiles of excitement from the guest arrivals, everyone looking beautiful and sharp, friends & family travelling from far & wide, reuniting and embracing with joy!

My first aim is to set the mood and play a perfect balance of welcoming and warming music to get everyone relaxed and excited for the evening ahead. It’s great to look around and see people happy in conversation catching up or eating the amazing food but as long as the toes are tapping then that’s a good sign!

Once the formalities are out of the way it’s time for the DJ’s most crucial job; to get the party started and everyone on the dance floor! Quite often this involves a First Dance of the couple’s choice and then straight after it’s my turn to up the BPM (beats per minute for those non musicians!) and get everyone in the party spirit! Working with other musicians, such as saxophone, trumpet and percussion also brings an extra wave of energy which the crowd always enjoy. It is really fun seeing them roving around the dance floor and interacting with the guests.

Once you get the guests up and dancing, one of the most difficult jobs as a DJ is to keep them there because one wrong song choice can kill the dance floor! This is where experience and a vast music collection comes in to play. With 20 years practice under my belt I like to read the crowd, mix it up with some new hits, some sing along classics, floor fillers and play for the girls, as they are usually the best dancers!

As the night draws to the end (depending on what is requested) I would usually aim to finish with a bang, some big sing along anthems and finally give the couple a farewell circle or archway send off if that’s their thing. This is a great way to bring everyone together for one last time to say their goodbyes and off into the night.

Once it’s all over I pack up and fill out an online job report form so that everyone at Top Dog knows how amazing the night was! Job done!

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Band or DJ – That Is The Question!

Congratulations! You are engaged and planning your wedding – fun times. By now you have probably sorted the venue, photographer, celebrant and maybe even your outfits? Those are usually the first to be investigated and entertainment tends to be further towards the end of the list.

I have been in the wedding and events industry now for almost fifteen years, working at some of Melbourne’s premium wedding venues and I have seen everything come through those doors. From DJs to bands, strings to magicians, I have seen the best and the absolute worst. Believe me, the world of weddings could make for an epic new Netflix reality doco! Music is so valuable to getting the atmosphere right. The music needs to reflect the mood you wish to create and the guests you have invited.

For most couples the entertainment decisions come down to just one question: Band or DJ?

At the end of the day it really should come down to what you would prefer personally, however, I hope the below points help you make up your mind!

DJ:

DJs are fun because they play all your songs in their original format. Not too many singers can belt out Whitney Houston and do her justice however a DJ can play that banger at any time of the night and it will be exactly how you remembered it. They can play any song at any time due to having huge digital libraries. You like multiple genres? No worries, just give your DJ an idea of what you want, and they will have it all ready to go!

When you hire a DJ, there is no set list to choose from – if the song exists then with a bit of notice they should be able to source any of your favourite tunes. Having everything digital means they can keep an incredible amount of music with them at any time. Should you or your guests have any requests on the night, there is a great chance they will have it (or can quickly download it!) and your favourite song you forgot to put on your list will be coming up next.

Bands:

Party bands have come a long way from the typical wedding band you would have seen 10, 20 years ago. There are so many talented bands and it’s a tough path to go down when choosing one. Bands bring the party in different ways to a DJ. It helps encourage the first few people to get on the dance floor when there is already 5 band members there creating a party atmosphere! Although they can’t perform each song you love, they can alter some of your favourites and give them their own spin. Whether you want a rock song slowed down for your first dance or you want acoustic style versions of some epic pop tunes for background music during your canape hour bands can cater for different parts of the night and play most songs in a suitable style. My husband and I walked down the aisle to a chilled out version of a rock track!

Now, if you really can’t decide there’s always the ever-popular DJ Band which is a handy creative mix of the two. With a DJ band you get to hear your favourite songs played in their original format with some embellishments. First you have a DJ then you book a sax, singer, percussionist or any other musician. This way you get to hear your favourite songs come to life with the added flair of live musicians. A fun element of the DJ band is when some of the instruments you can add are wireless (hello saxophonist or vocalist) and what’s more fun than having a dance with the sax player as they belt out an epic solo! A DJ band is an affordable way of achieving the feel of a full band without paying for 5 people to be there for the whole night. As you add members to the DJ band you only need to pay for the hours that the musicians play for making this option a budget friendly alternative when you love live music!

So, how do you make the decision if you are still on the fence? My best suggestion that I always give to clients is to think about what they prefer to hear when they go out. Do you gravitate towards venues with DJs or are you the band type and love heading out to gigs? Consider what would suit your friends and family’s demographic and whether one would be more suitable or expected than the other. Also, have a think about weddings you have been to and loved and what entertainment they had.

So, the answer really lies with you. All are great options and as long as you choose a professional, talented and experienced DJ, band or DJ band you will have an epic time. You and your guests make the party, we just nudge you all along!

Like to talk to someone about choosing entertainment for your engagement party, wedding ceremony or reception? Get in touch and we’ll help you find the perfect match!

 

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