Who is DJ Mike Readings?
How long have you been a Professional Wedding DJ?
I’ve had a passion for music and entertaining all my life. In the year 2005, I finally turned that love into a career when I began DJing professionally. Then, in 2008, I turned my focus to helping happy couples create incredible wedding entertainment on their wedding, and I’ve been a professional wedding DJ ever since.
What sets you apart from your competition?
I’m not your typical wedding DJ. I don’t rock up to weddings with a standard playlist in my head and then go into robot mode. Instead, you and I will have several meetings leading up to your big day and work out a playlist of tunes that is perfect for you and your guests. My goal is for everyone to leave feeling wow’ed!
Can you describe your style?
My favourite style is as a Kisstory DJ, playing new and old skool Dance and R&B. However, my style is pretty irrelevant as it’s not about me, it’s about you (both of you) and what style you love.
Have you won any Awards for your Wedding Entertainment?
4 Counties Wedding Awards – Winner – Wedding Entertainment 2020
The Wedding Industry Awards -Winner- Wedding Industry Awards 2021
The Wedding International Awards – Winner – UK Winner 2020
What services do you offer?
I can provide just your Evening wedding entertainment or be your daytime Master of Ceremonies as well. With the latter option, you benefit from all my years of experience and get the perfect atmosphere and ambience at each key point on your wedding day. I also offer many more bespoke services like Dance Floor Lighting, Projected Monograms (your names in lights) and Venue Uplighting to create a colour wash.
How far in advance should I contact you?
I tend to get booked up fast. Always enquire well in advance to avoid disappointment. We recommend at least 12-18 months ahead of your big wedding day, possibly even two years.
How many weddings have you played?
Over 200 and counting…
How many weddings do you do on an average weekend?
To ensure my clients get my full attention, energy and enthusiasm, I try to keep it to one wedding per weekend.
Will you be the DJ playing at our wedding?
Yes! Only me. Always. I’d never send someone on my behalf, simply because there are very few DJs out there who I’d trust to keep up my high standards.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
- Modern
- Elegant
- Stylish
- Passionate
- Professional
Can you provide me with recent couples that I can contact for references?
Absolutely! You can either check out my latest reviews (which I’m very proud of) on my website, or I can send you the email addresses of couples I’ve recently worked with.
Do you have video from a prior wedding where you performed last the Wedding DJ?
There’s a bunch of videos on my YouTube channel that will give you a great insight into what it’s like having me as your wedding DJ –
What is included in the wedding package?
Everything needed for an elegant and stylish wedding setup, including:
- Beautiful white LED Booth with dance floor lighting to create a wonderful, bespoke vibe
- Our very unique and popular Projected Monogram (Name in lights), this will wow your guests with your married surname projected onto the dancefloor or a feature wall
- x8 Venue Uplighters creating a wonderful colour wash
- A 5-hour DJ set right through to 12am (Extra £100 for 1 am finish)
- 2 Meetings to create an incredible plan designed all around you both and your guests!
Let’s talk music…
What is your number one floor-filler?
Just one!? Wow, that’s impossible!
Here are my top 3:
Mr Brightside – The Killers
Show me love – Robin S
Never too much – Luther Vandross
Can you help me choose the music for my processional, recessional, signing of the register, etc.?
In a word, ‘yes’. I have example Spotify playlists for each of these stages of your wedding. Looking for something a little less conventional? The choice is completely yours, always.
How extensive is your music library or song list? What genres can you cover?
Literally thousands of songs covering pretty much every genre from 80 classics and soul to UK Garage and 90s Floorfillers. If there’s a song you want played on your wedding day, I guarantee I have it or can get it.
How do you keep your music collection up to date?
I belong to a number of paid membership services that enables me to access the hottest new releases every single week.
Do you have a go-to list of wedding songs you play or perform for weddings?
While I have my go-to tunes that are tried and tested for filling a dance floor, your big day is all about you, your guests and your taste in music. Looking for a little inspiration? Robin S – Show me Love, The Killers – Mr Brightside and Whitney – I wanna dance with somebody always get people’s feet and bodies moving.
If you are unable to perform for some reason, do you have a backup replacement ready to go?
Do I have Wedding DJ sitting at home waiting in an emergency situation? No, unfortunately not. But I do have a set in stone process which my wife would follow if I had an accident on the way to your wedding. She knows who to contact and how to access ‘your wedding plan’, so the emergency cover DJ has everything they need to make it as perfect as possible.
Do you take any breaks? How many and when?
None. You have my undivided attention throughout the entire evening (and day if you choose me to be your MC too).
Do you act as the MC and make all of the announcements during the evening reception?
Absolutely! And I’m happy to adapt to all of your plans. Once the party is in full swing, I will keep the announcements to a minimum. No unnecessary banter or “crowd pumping” – sorry, but that’s not my style.
How would you define your announcement style?
If you’re looking for a comedian, hire a clown. If you want a cheesy MC that people roll their eyes at, again, look elsewhere. I like to think my MC style is modern, direct and professional.
What do you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing?
If nobody is dancing, then the Wedding DJ isn’t playing the right music – simple as that. That’s why I let my tunes do all the work. If they are the type of crowd that needs some encouragement, I’ll happily provide some via the mic, inviting them to the dance floor or asking them to request their favourite songs that they like to dance to.
Do you take requests from our guests?
That’s completely up to you. I’m happy to do whatever you want. Requests can be great, but they also sometimes interrupt the flow, so we’ll agree on this aspect ahead of time.
Can we submit a playlist of our favourites?
Yes! But try keep it to under 20 songs. On average I play 50 songs in 4 hours!
Can we submit a “Do Not Play” list?
Absolutely and I encourage it. Nothing worse than a DJ playing songs that you really dislike or that have a sad connection. We’ll plan everything beforehand to ensure no hiccups on the night.
When is our deadline for submitting our music requests and event details?
Ideally, 7 days before your wedding. Playlists take a fair bit of planning and I’d hate to have to rush. I’ll politely pester you until I get what I need 🙂
Let’s talk about the cost…
What is your starting price?
I have a range of packages to suit all budgets, with my most affordable option starting at £895. Check out my wedding DJ packages page for more information.
Does that rate include travel, set up and breakdown time?
Yes. Although travel time is limited to 50 miles within the package. For weddings a little further afield I charge just enough extra to cover my time and costs. Don’t worry, there are never any surprises. You know what you’re paying well ahead of your big day.
If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?
Yes. I can work beyond the agreed finish time and charge £100 for each additional hour.
Are there any additional fees that could accrue that I am not taking into account?
Only if I need to travel more than 50 miles, but we’ll agree on all costs ahead of time, so you’re not left in the dark and know exactly what you’re paying.
When will I receive a written contract?
Within 24 hours of confirming that you would like to go ahead and book me for your wedding. It’ll contain everything we’ve agreed, as well as payment information. You’ll also get details about my insurance for extra peace of mind.
How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due? Do you offer a payment plan?
Deposits start from just £100 (depending on which package you choose). I don’t normally offer payment plans, but happy to discuss individual situations to accommodate couples as best as I possibly can.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel between 91 days and 180 days before your wedding, 50% of the balance will be owed. Cancellation between 0 days and 90 days of your wedding, 100% of the balance will be owed.
How much time do you need to prepare and set up?
Around an hour to set up and soundcheck to ensure everything is perfect. Then about 45 minutes at the end of the night to break everything down and pack it away. Again, you won’t even know I’m there at the beginning or the end. But you’ll definitely know I’m there the rest of the time.
What information do you need from me before the wedding day?
Quite a lot to be honest. But I will gather everything I need when we meet and you’ll probably not even notice that I am asking questions (I’ve been doing this a long time and want you to be as relaxed as possible). After all, this should be exciting! Not nerve-racking.
Are you insured?
Absolutely! Up to 10 million pounds to be exact with Mobile DJ Network via Hencilla Canworth Ltd. You can find out more details about my policy here.
Is your equipment regularly tested?
Yes. Every 12 months all my equipment gets a mini-overhaul (thorough cleaning) and is Electrically tested (PAT) by Plowright Hinton Ltd. You can find out more about this here.
Let’s talk about the logistics…
Describe your typical process with a couple.
An initial meeting to say hello and get acquainted.
Once you’re happy to proceed, we get the contract signing out the way and pay a deposit (which we’ll agree).
I’ll then send you loads of useful content throughout the build up to your big day and be on hand to answer any questions you might have. We then meet 4-6 weeks before your wedding to put together the final plan. I’ll also communicate with your venue, photographer and videographer 2 weeks before to ensure we all know what we are doing and that your wedding day is going to be a complete success.
Will we meet again before the wedding?
We’ll meet on a couple of occasions ahead of your wedding to get everything meticulously planned. The final meeting before your big day will take place around 4-6 weeks ahead of your wedding date.
Can you provide wireless mics for the wedding ceremony?
Yes, when you choose my All Day wedding DJ/MC package. We strongly recommend upgrading to Lapel Mics, as people are less conscious they are wearing them (keeping them more relaxed) and the quality is usually a lot clearer.
Do you bring backup equipment?
For your peace of mind and to ensure the party keeps going, I bring a backup laptop, mixer, Microphone and more.
What kind of space do you require for the DJ setup?
Approximately 10ft wide and 8ft from the wall. You won’t even know I’m there while I’m setting up. I’ll get on with everything quietly in the background.
What will you wear to our wedding?
A suit and tie. Always. Everyone else will be dressed to impress, so I will be too.
Do you require a meal?
No if I’m just there for your evening reception. But yes please if I am master of ceremonies. A full stomach makes me more entertaining and effective at my job.
What is your policy on alcohol or smoking during the wedding?
I don’t smoke and never drink whilst I work. If I’m offered an alcoholic beverage, I’ll politely decline. I’m there to do a job and drinking at work isn’t allowed in the vast majority of professions. Mine is no different.
What is your No.1 wedding planning tip for couples?
There are 3 special ingredients you need for the perfect party:
1. YOUR favourite music
2. YOUR GUESTS’ favourite music
3. The music NOT to play
Get these right and agreed in advance, and we’ll make lots of special memories, guaranteed.
What is your most memorable wedding?
With so many amazing days to choose from, I couldn’t pick just one. My top three last year would have to be :
Mr & Mrs Howard
@ Knebworth Barns
I provided every guest with whistles between 12am and 1am, let’s just save the last hour was insane!
Instagram
Mr & Mrs Travi
@ Milling Barn
Simply the best crowd ever!
Youtube
Mr & Mrs Dee
@ Milling Barn
Greek Wedding with so many incredible, memorable moments
Youtube