What happens if my DJ is sick?
This is actually a really good question for any aspect of your wedding. After entrusting a professional to rock your dance floor, or take those amazing photos, or shoot that epic film, you’d like to know that if something goes wrong that there is – at least – a Plan B.
As I’m sure that you can easily imagine, I’ve been asked what happens if I’m ill lots of times and I always had the same response: I once performed at a wedding with my head in a bucket (no, I wasn’t trying to be Marshmello – I was just very ill!) and when my parents sadly passed away, I had an event on that very night on both occasions. If those didn’t stop me, there isn’t going to be as lot out there that will and for nearly 19 years, I had never missed an event.
That was until a few months ago. I know of the reputations that some DJs have and how any change in plans can shake one’s faith, but I hope that this story demonstrates that even in the worst situations, a well-prepared Professional will always ensure that you don’t go without.
A few weeks ago, I arrived at Shustoke Farm Barns and started loading in to rock the dance floor for Laura & Gavin. In the process of unloading the van, I ended up falling victim to the most freakish of all accidents that ended up with me dislocating and fracturing two joints in my left ankle. While I didn’t know at the time how bad the injury was (in fact, the first time that I got a look at my ankle was just before I took that photo in the ambulance), I did know that as soon as I landed, I was out of the game. I needed to put Plan B into action. I got in touch with my network of quality DJs and some of those who couldn't help also got in touch with their network of quality DJs. After not too long, I found a DJ who could step in and ensure that Laura, Gavin and all of their guests were entertained.
I’m so incredibly grateful to the guys at Shustoke for looking after me while we were waiting for the ambulance (although I did get a ticking off for only phoning DJs and they ended up calling for an ambulance on my behalf – whoops!). I’m also grateful to all of the DJs for really hauling ass in trying to find cover. As working DJs, we obviously do compete for work but when something goes wrong, it’s an amazing thing to see so many people doing as much as they can to help out a fellow Professional. Of course, there also has to be massive thanks to the paramedics, the A&E Docs and Nurses as well as the Nursing staff on the ward where I stayed. The NHS is clearly underfunded, understaffed and overworked but those I have mentioned really did their best to make me feel as comfortable as possible (I promise that is about as political as this Blog post will get!).
I’m also incredibly thankful to all of my clients. I’ve had two operations on my left ankle and as you can imagine, I hadn’t been able to do any work for a few weeks. Between fellow DJ Dave Clarke and myself, cover had been found for every event until I was fit to return and while all of my clients have been understanding of my situation and appreciative that I found a replacement, the conversation of “I’ve broken my ankle, but I have found you another DJ” never got easier. Everyone that I spoke to had been lovely about it and that just reaffirms my belief that I have the best clients in the world.
So now, when I get asked the question “What happens if you’re ill?”, I’m going to have to change my response. For nearly 19 years, I was bulletproof, and I would be there regardless of any circumstances. Despite that, I always had a Plan B, C & D, because I always work to a ‘Belts & Braces’ mentality and being prepared paid off big time. My new answer will be that one instance in nearly 19 years shows that it is highly unlikely that I will succumb to circumstance but if it ever happened again, I would never let you down.
And yes, my cast did have glitter on it. Don't judge me.
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Posted in: Advice | Mobile Disco | Wedding Disco
