As a couple you always dream of that wedding that is filled with family, friends, and fun. However, why do so many weddings fall short of that memorable, fun party? In this article I will talk about some of the pitfalls to avoid and some of the things to keep in mind to create the wedding you always dreamed of. In my 20 plus years in the DJ Industry I have witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly. My goal is to help you create the wedding celebration that you and your guests will never forget.
IT ALL STARTS WITH YOUR ENTERTAINMENT!!!.
In today’s wedding industry many couples search the internet to find the best entertainment. They compare prices, services, and ultimately make the decision they feel is right for their wedding. However, what about the DJ’s personality, music taste, and their mixing skills? All DJ’s are not the same, in fact there is a variety. When you’re researching DJs there are many questions you should be asking. Some of the things you can ask a DJ are how do you mix? How do you get the crowd up dancing? What kind of energy will you bring to my wedding? These questions are all important to a performance.
SPECIAL EVENTS / FORMALITIES / GAMES
There are lots of special events and formalities at weddings that can create memorable moments for you and your partner. This does not mean that you have to do every special dance and or game. The celebration is about you and your partner. If you want to party, then what are we waiting for? Some things you can do to make your wedding unique are creating introductions that would be fun, a first dance mix and or a special fun mix for a parents dance. Show your guests that you want to have a great time right from the start. For example, if there are events like the dollar/apron dance that you don’t happen to know or don’t want to do we can just get rid of them. If all you are wanting to do is party, then these events will only take time away from that. The decision is ultimately yours if you want to do those special events, but if you have no desire to do them, then let’s not waste time. Let’s start dancing the night away and celebrate the start of your new life together.
REQUESTS?
Should you allow your guests to make requests? I have had couples do everything from asking guests for a request on their rsvp cards to not allowing any requests. Requests are not a bad thing however, you should be very clear on your expectations with your DJ. Do you want them to focus on playing requests? Do you want them to focus on keeping people dancing? Sometimes those 2 things can’t be done together. As a DJ sometimes you have to choose between playing a request or keeping the people dancing. Your expectations as the couple will tell the DJ which decision is correct.
BE ON THE DANCE FLOOR
You are inviting all of your guests to your wedding because they mean something to you. It’s all about spending the day with the ones you love and celebrating you as a couple. If you get out on that dance floor and dance they will mostly likely come join in on the fun and dance. If you are taking pictures, they are going to want to be in those pictures as well as take their own. If you play yard games they will want to join and play yard games. Your guests are there wanting to spend the day with you as newlyweds, celebrating the new chapter of your life.
SHOULD YOU GIVE THE DJ A PLAYLIST?
This can go either way… If you have specific songs you really want to dance to, then make sure your DJ is aware of them. However, if you give your DJ a list of 300 songs that you want them to play you have taken their ability to use their knowledge and expertise away from them. Give them your musical tastes and let them know what you like. In the end though if you hire a true professional DJ that is good at what they do my suggestion is to give them the flexibility to create a musical experience that will keep you and your guests dancing all night.
In conclusion, there is no perfect equation to a memorable party. Every group and every wedding can be different. The key to a great party is hiring a professionally, talented entertainer who creates a unique and fun entertainment experience. Entertainment is one of the most remembered things at a wedding so take the time and find the best entertainment for your dream day. Don’t look for the BEST DEAL look for the BEST ENTERTAINMENT!