Thursday 13 January 2011

The Angel Hotel Wedding Fayre - 30-1-2011

The Angel Hotel Wedding Fayre
30th January 2011
11am-4pm  entry free


Tracey and Martin Phillips of RazzelCam Productions are holding their third wedding fayre at the Angel Hotel Abergavenny. Tracey says that the last two have been such a success that this year is going to be even bigger with an extra room and more exhibitors than ever. It seems that the word is out this is one of the best wedding fayres to attend. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a large range of services from exhibitors all over Wales offering all a Bride could wish for all under one roof.

So why not take the stress out of arranging your wedding. Join us at the magnificent Angel Hotel Ballroom, Wedgewood Room, plus other rooms with a range of wedding dress suppliers, cakes, photographers, suit hire, wedding videographer, magician, florist, stationery, fascinators and vintage cars - the list is endless.

The Angel Hotel offers civil services in its stunning ballroom, along with the use of the castle grounds for a photographic backdrop that's hard to beat. The bridal suit will be available for viewing on the day, staff will also be on hand offering venue tours and to discuss your needs further.

There is such a buzz on the day, amongst the exhibitors, everyone knows each other and are so friendly, and I am sure that any bride will be made to feel special at any stand of our wedding fayre.

This year enter draw to win a £100 voucher to use with exhibitor at the wedding fayre.


So don't miss out visit



ABERGAVENNY’s PRESTEGE WEDDING EVENT - Make your day a day to remember.

Thursday 6 January 2011

Choosing a DJ

Choosing a DJ

Most people don't book DJs that often so here's some tips on what to ask.

1. Are they available for your date?
Begin your phone call by indicating the date, time, and location of your event. If they're unavailable there’s not much point prolonging the call but you could ask them to recommend other DJs.
If they are available are they familiar with the venue? Some venues have low ceilings, narrow spaces for a DJ setup and lots of stairs. Make sure they know or are prepared to visit the venue beforehand. They may bring the best kit in the world, but if they can’t set it up, that’s no good to you.


2. How long have they been a DJ & how many events have they performed?
A professional, experienced Disc Jockey will be able to plan & smoothly guide your celebration from start to finish allowing you to relax and enjoy the party.


3. What type of music do they provide and will they play requests?It's your party! You want someone who takes an interest in what YOU want. You want a DJ who is flexible so that any request from your guests can be fulfilled, providing it meets your acceptable music criteria. A professional will concentrate on quality of the sound, not quantity and will spend time on the night ensuring that your seated guests can talk comfortably while others are dancing.



4. What is their appearance like?Will they wear a formal dinner suit (tuxedo), tidy-casual, or a T-shirt, jeans and trainers? Find out ahead of time and make your preferences known! Different events command different attire.


5. What kind of equipment do they use & what is their technical expertise?
You are paying money for a professional and they should have brand-new-looking, quality equipment and know how it operates. Make sure it's all professional equipment, not home stereo or consumer grade. There is a difference!

Some larger venues or especially marquees will require a larger sound system to maintain a crisp full bodied sound. Make sure your DJ can accommodate this rather than pushing a small system to the limit and ending in poor quality sound for your event.




6. Do they have Public Liability Insurance?
Many venues now insist that all entertainers have their own insurance. Accidents are extremely rare but for peace of mind it’s worth checking that the entertainment you book does have the necessary cover - or you could be liable if damage or injury is caused by the DJ you have hired. Many hotels now have a policy of refusing entertainment if they cannot produce evidence of suitable insurance (check the small print of your venue hire documents).


7. Do they have back-up equipment on hand in case of an emergency?Even professional equipment can fail on occasion. Usually, only the top-notch pros invest the extra money to ensure that everything works and backup systems are in place. Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your event.



8. Will they personally be the DJ for your reception?
Some DJ's will book your event and then pass it on to another DJ to play your night. Some (almost always the cheap ones) don't even bother to turn up if a more lucrative booking comes along*! Make sure you get what you are paying for.
Make sure you get along with the DJ you have booked. There are many different styles of DJ, varying ages and backgrounds. So choose one that that will suit your personalities.


9. How much do they charge?Not surprisingly, most professional, reputable DJ's charge more for their services than a hobby DJ who is just looking to make a few extra pounds on the side. Question a company that is low in cost... there's a good chance you will be putting the success of your event at risk in order to save a few pounds*.

A professional will have better quality equipment, more experience and will have higher running costs due to insurances, tax and advertising. This will reflect in the quoted price.

As a guide a local DJ to the Wye Valley area will charge between £175 to £500,the norm being about £250.



10. Do they require a deposit and a written agreement?If not, why not? If a DJ is serious about his business, he will want an agreement and a deposit. The agreement should offer a guarantee that he will show up on the day and will perform for the times you have decided on. If there's no deposit and no agreement, there's nothing to bind him to your event. A professional DJ will insist on a deposit to confirm your date and a booking agreement is your protection.