Turn up the Music

Imagine waking up every weekend knowing that part of your job will involve serenading the bride, the groom, and their guests on what may be the most important day of their lives.

Kyle Rhodius knows what that’s like. Going by the DJ name Kaii Dreams, this up-and-coming artist plays on average 45 wedding events a year, and hopes to change that number to 72.

“It’s been six years since I started off as an MC and moved on from there to becoming a DJ,” Rhodius says. Watching people having a good time makes me happy. This is my true calling.”

For Rhodius, saying no to music for a wedding is like not having that three-tiered cake or a photographer to capture the couple’s special moments.

“Whether it's a DJ, a live band, singers or just your iPod, music sets the mood, expresses feelings and creates the vibe,” Rhodius says.

Shivanie Doobday is a future bride of 2016 and says that the songs played at South Asian weddings are important.

“it gives the bride and groom a chance to showcase the culture to those who are not familiar with it,” Shivanie says. “Bollywood music in particular is always fun and upbeat and makes me want to bring my moves onto the dance floor!”

Compared to five years ago, song requests have changed drastically, as more second and third generations prefer a mix of traditional music with modern.

“Before it was pretty one-genre specific, whereas now there are multiple genres playing throughout the event,” Rhodius said. “However, I notice that certain audience groups prefer the same types of songs, so when I get hired for these events without being given a playlist, I can wing it based on the audience.”

Below is a list of Bollywood dance tracks that ‘Kaii Dreams’ gets the most requests for:

1. Sadi Gali

2. Radha

3. Subha Hone Na De

4. Baby Doll

5. Dilliwali Girlfriend

6. Munni Baadnam Hui

The number one song that couples request for their first slow dance is Ed Shereen’s ‘Thinking Out Loud.’

“For some reason, South Asian couples can’t get enough of this song,” says Rhodius. “Sometimes it’s even choreographed. It really is beautiful to watch.”

Doobay has already created a wedding playlist on her itunes account.

“I definitely want a majority of Bollywood old-school-classic-hits, Chutney, Soca, Reggae, Dance Hall and Top 40,” Doobay says.

Prior to selecting a DJ, Rhodius suggests doing some research and making sure the person you hire has excellent ratings and reviews.

“He or she should be professional and not talk on the mic every song,” Rhodius says. Requests should be from the guests and not be of his personal preference. Plus, proper equipment and mixing talent are all essential components.”

The question couples most often ask is, how much does a DJ cost?

“The price range for an upscale and well-known DJ is anywhere between $700 and $1500,” Rhodius says.

Doobay has already considered spending close to the $1000 mark for her DJ

Jason Inget, is an accountant for Saint Elizabeth Healthcare, and has spoken to many of his South Asian friends who splurged in the $75,000 to$100,000 price range for their weddings, and struggled to pay it off later on.

“Don’t do it –even though it’s easy to use that plastic card,” Inget says. “Things add up. You don’t know how many times couples have complained to me about high interest rates and how many years it took to pay their debt off.”

Inget encourages couples to create a budget and follow through with it for each purchase. He also recommends saving up your own money instead of getting a loan or charging it to credit.

“My advice would be to divide your “need to have” with “want to have.” Once you have completed the needs you can move to the wants, if you have that extra money to spend.”

DJ expenses is the least of Doobay’s worries as she plans her over-the-top wedding.

“A party just isn’t a party without good music!” Doobay says.

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