Posts

Wedding DJ 1st Dance

Juliette and Luke’s French/English Vegan Wedding at Portal Memorial Hall

/in /by

Juliette and Luke’s wedding at Portal Memorial Hall in Burghclere, near Newbury, brought together French and English guests for a relaxed, personal and completely vegan celebration.

I joined them from the beginning of the wedding breakfast, taking care of the music, introductions, speeches and evening party.

Creating a smooth transition into the wedding breakfast

A pianist and vocalist performed during the drinks reception, creating a lovely atmosphere as guests arrived at the hall.

Once she had finished, I took over with background music while everyone found their seats and prepared for the wedding breakfast. Working closely with other wedding suppliers is a big part of my role, particularly at venues where there is no dedicated wedding coordinator.

When everyone was ready, it was time for Juliette and Luke’s grand entrance to Best Day of My Life by American Authors.

The speeches followed later in the meal, with microphones and introductions managed carefully so that everyone could relax and enjoy the moment.

A reassuring presence throughout the day

Village Hall weddings can offer couples far more freedom to create the day they want, but they can also require more organisation behind the scenes.

There was no venue host or wedding coordinator managing the day, so it was important that the music, sound and key moments were handled independently.

Juliette later shared:

“Being a very anxious bride, I had a lot of specific requests and made changes and requests on the day. Ian handled these beautifully and was just such a reassuring and calm presence.”

Plans can change during a wedding. My job is to deal with those changes calmly, without creating additional pressure for the couple.

A rehearsed first dance with a surprise

The evening began with a brilliantly rehearsed first dance inspired by Beauty and the Beast.

It was a fun and memorable way to open the dance floor, but there were more surprises to come.

Later in the evening, guests performed a flash dance to Where Is My Husband! by RAYE, followed by It’s Raining Men. It was one of those moments that brought everyone together and gave the celebration its own personality.

French and English music on the dance floor

With a mixture of French and English guests, the music needed to represent both sides of the wedding.

The French selections included:

  • Nuit de folie
  • Les Sunlights des Tropiques
  • Les Démons de Minuit
  • L’Aventurier
  • Le Jerk
  • Ces soirées-là
  • Magnolias for Ever
  • Partenaire Particulier
  • Tomber la Chemise

These were mixed with British, American and international party favourites including Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, Bon Jovi, Britney Spears, Shalamar, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the Spice Girls and S Club 7.

The night moved through disco, pop, rock, dance music and singalong favourites, finishing with The Time of My Life, followed by Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra.

A completely vegan wedding celebration

Juliette and Luke’s wedding was also completely vegan.

It was a great example of how couples can create a wedding that reflects their values without losing any of the atmosphere, energy or celebration they want from their day.

From the live music during the drinks reception to the international dance floor later that evening, the whole wedding felt personal to them.

Planning a wedding at Portal Memorial Hall?

A village-hall wedding gives you the freedom to build a celebration around your own ideas, but having experienced suppliers who can work independently makes a real difference.

Juliette said:

“Ian’s set up in our venue was so smooth and he worked really well with our other suppliers and musician. We honestly could not imagine our day without him now.”

Whether you need music for the wedding breakfast, support with speeches, introductions throughout the day or a packed evening dance floor, everything can be planned around the atmosphere you want to create.

Looking for a wedding DJ and host for Portal Memorial Hall, Newbury or the surrounding area?  I’d love to hear more about your plans, check my availability here and let’s start planning something that fits you perfectly

Essex Wedding DJ Happy Dancefloor

What Your Wedding DJ Is Really Doing Behind The Booth | Wedding DJ Essex

/in , /by

How A Wedding DJ Keeps Your Dancefloor Full All Night

Wedding DJ Essex Dancefloor

When couples start planning their wedding, they often picture the big moments first. Walking down the aisle, the speeches, the first dance and of course the evening party with everyone on the dancefloor.

What many people do not realise is how much work happens behind the DJ booth to keep that atmosphere flowing naturally throughout the night.

If you are planning your celebration and looking for a Wedding DJ in Essex, it can be helpful to understand how the evening party works and how your DJ helps create the energy that brings everyone together.

A Wedding DJ Performs For Five Hours Straight

Most wedding evening parties last around five hours.

That might not sound unusual at first, but when you compare it to other live performances it is actually quite a marathon.

Most concerts last around two hours.
Wedding bands often perform two 45 minute sets.
Festival headline acts usually play for around 90 minutes.

A wedding DJ, however, keeps the music flowing for the entire evening celebration.

During those five hours your DJ is constantly:

  • Reading the room and watching the dancefloor
  • Mixing the right songs at the right time
  • Managing guest requests
  • Hosting key moments like the first dance
  • Keeping the energy building as the night goes on

As soon as a song starts playing, the next decision is already being made. Within just a few minutes your DJ is choosing the next track, preparing the mix and watching how guests respond on the dancefloor.

It is a continuous process that keeps the evening party feeling natural, exciting and full of energy.

Creating A Natural Flow Through Your Wedding Day

If your ceremony takes place earlier in the day, it is completely normal for the evening celebration to finish around 11pm.

By that point many guests have already been celebrating for ten hours or more, which is quite a long and memorable day for everyone involved.

The key to a brilliant wedding is creating a natural flow from one part of the day to the next.

Many couples choose to add entertainment during the daytime to keep the atmosphere building before the evening dancefloor begins.

Some popular ideas include:

  • A live acoustic singer
  • Singing waiters
  • A close up magician
  • Garden games during the drinks reception
  • Lawn entertainment for guests
  • An Ibiza terrace style DJ set during the afternoon

Wedding DJ Party Essex

Ibiza Style Drinks Reception DJ Sets

One idea that has become increasingly popular is an Ibiza terrace style DJ set during the drinks reception or afternoon celebrations.

This works beautifully outdoors or in a bright reception space. Imagine relaxed house music, soulful classics and feel good summer tracks playing while guests enjoy a drink, chat together and soak up the atmosphere.

It creates a laid back festival style vibe that gently builds the energy throughout the day before the evening party begins.

For couples planning a wedding in Essex, this kind of daytime music can be a lovely way to create a unique atmosphere while guests arrive, mingle and celebrate together.

The Perfect Ending To Your Wedding Day

By the time the evening party begins, your guests have already shared so many special moments with you.

The ceremony.
The drinks reception.
The meal and speeches.
All the laughter and conversations throughout the day.

The final hours on the dancefloor are where everyone comes together to celebrate properly.

With the right music, the right atmosphere and a full dancefloor, those last few hours often become the highlight of the entire wedding day.

And when the room is full, the singing is loud and nobody wants the music to stop, that is when you know the party has truly come to life.

If you are planning your celebration and looking for an experienced Wedding DJ in Essex who can host the day and keep the dancefloor full all night, you can check availability and start planning your wedding music today.

If you are planning your wedding in Essex and want an experienced Wedding DJ and host who keeps the whole day flowing, you can check availability here. email, call or WhattsApp me here to see if I am available to be your wedding DJ.

Suffolk Wedding DJ First Dance

Real Wedding: Helene & Sam’s Suffolk Celebration at Bruisyard

/in /by

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of being the Suffolk wedding DJ for Helene & Sam’s big day at the stunning Bruisyard in Saxmundham. Their wedding was full of love, laughter and a packed dancefloor …. everything a celebration should be.

Bride and Groom enjoying their first dance with Suffolk wedding DJ Ian Stewart

First Dance with Suffolk Wedding DJ Ian Stewart

The evening began with soulful classics, from Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” to Aretha Franklin’s “I Say A Little Prayer”, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere as guests enjoyed the beautiful Suffolk setting. These timeless songs set the tone perfectly for the evening ahead.

As the party got underway, the dancefloor quickly filled. From disco legends like Earth Wind & Fire’s “September” and The Trammps’ “Disco Inferno” to modern anthems by Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus, the mix of music kept everyone, young and old, singing and dancing together. The highlight had to be when the whole room erupted to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and The Killers’ “Mr Brightside” unforgettable moments that summed up the joy of the night.

Helene & Sam’s wedding was a true reminder of why music matters so much on a wedding day. As their suffolk wedding DJ, it was an honour to create a soundtrack that reflected their personalities and gave their guests an evening they’ll always remember.

If you would like to dance to songs like these at your wedding then please either complete the short contact form, email, call or WhattsApp me here to see if I am available to be your wedding DJ

wedding DJ in Berkshire

Rachel & Will’s Real Berkshire Wedding

/in /by

An Unforgettable Celebration at Stanlake Park, Reading

Wedding DJ 1st DanceOn Saturday 13th July, I had the pleasure of being Wedding DJ for Rachel & Will’s incredible celebration at Stanlake Park in Reading, Berkshire, one of the most elegant and characterful wedding venues in the area.

The booking came in at the very last minute after the couple’s band was unable to perform, and I was delighted to step in through my friends at Mighty Fine Events. From the very first dance to the final song, the dancefloor never emptied, it was pure joy from start to finish.

 

The First Dance

Rachel & Will opened the evening with “Fall Into Me” by Forest Blakk, a stunningly emotional choice that set the tone for a night filled with love, laughter, and non-stop dancing.

Setting the Scene

As an experienced Wedding DJ in Berkshire, I always focus on building energy naturally throughout the evening. Rachel & Will’s music taste blended smooth soul and disco classics with modern pop and a touch of nostalgic indie, the perfect mix for a vibrant crowd at Stanlake Park.

✨ Early-Evening Soul & Classics

  • Erma Franklin – (I Get The) Sweetest Feeling

  • Grover Washington Jr Ft Bill Withers – Just The Two Of Us

  • Paul Weller – Thinking Of You

  • Bobby Caldwell – What You Won’t Do For Love

Disco, Funk & Feel-Good Favourites

  • Barry White – You’re The First, The Last, My Everything

  • Candi Staton – Young Hearts Run Free

  • Diana Ross – I’m Coming Out (NuDisco Mix)

  • Earth, Wind & Fire – September

Modern Pop & Dancefloor Hits

  • Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa – One Kiss

  • Avicii Ft Aloe Blacc – Wake Me Up

  • Rihanna Ft Calvin Harris – We Found Love

  • Taylor Swift – Shake It Off

  • Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)

UK Garage & Party Anthems

  • Artful Dodger – Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta)

  • Sweet Female Attitude – Flowers

  • DJ Luck & MC Neat – Little Bit of Luck

  • So Solid Crew – 21 Seconds

Indie & Late-Night Anthems

  • The Killers – Mr Brightside

  • Fratellis – Chelsea Dagger

  • Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

  • Blur – Song 2

  • Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag

The atmosphere was incredible all night, every song brought another wave of cheers, smiles, and people rushing back onto the floor.

A Night to Remember at Stanlake Park

Rachel & Will’s Berkshire wedding was everything a great celebration should be: relaxed, full of heart, and bursting with energy.

It was a real pleasure to step in and help make their day unforgettable, a perfect reminder that with the right music and the right crowd, magic can happen on any dancefloor.

If you’re planning your own wedding in Berkshire, I’d love to help you create a night just as special, one where the dancefloor stays full and the memories last forever.

If you would like a fun energetic wedding then please complete either complete the short contact form, email, or call or WhattsApp me here, to see if I am available to be your wedding DJ.