Wedding DJ Tips

Wedding DJ Tips

We suggest that Brides & Grooms-to-be carefully listen to the suggestions from their wedding professionals (caterer, photographer, videographer, and DJ). These experts can offer solid advice based on many years of experience in the business. They can also recommend other vendors, based on their professional experience at previous wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Bridal Party Introductions

How do you want to kickoff your reception? Traditionally, newlyweds have followed their wedding ceremony with a time consuming “receiving line.” Today, the majority of  Brides and Grooms are choosing to allow their DJ/MC from 405 Productions to introduce the entire Bridal Party (including parents of the newlyweds) as they first enter the ballroom. This practice often frees up more time for fun later during dancing.

First Dance

All of the attention is now focused on the dance floor. The first few notes of your special song begin to play as you begin to share your first dance as husband and wife. The Bride and Groom always select a song for their first dance. It should be a song that has special meaning to both of you. Although it may be more romantic to dance the entire dance alone, most newlyweds usually instruct their MC to invite the rest of their Bridal Party or all Guests to join them on the dance floor halfway through this song. This takes some of the pressure off the Bride and Groom, and allows their Bridal Party to share some of the spotlight. Plus your photographer will have an opportunity to get some great pictures. If you do decide to keep the dance just between you two remember this. If at any point you want to wrap up the song just gesture to your MC with a wink and he will fadeout the music and move to the next dance/event.

Father/Daughter Dance

One of the most traditional events at the reception is the moment the father of the bride dances with his daughter. Traditionally, the Father/Daughter dance follows the Bride and Grooms first dance, However, Hispanic Brides will almost always dance with their Father first and then with the Groom. This special song can also include the groom with his mother. Your MC can also invite all fathers/daughters or mothers/sons to join in halfway through this dance.

Other Spotlight Dance

For some brides, a special dance with a Stepfather, Uncle, Brother, Son, Daughter or close family friend is done in lieu of, or in addition to, a parents dance.

It’s Time For The Toast!

What would a Wedding reception be without a nervous Best man trying to decide at the last minute what he is going to say during his toast? At many receptions the toast follows the first dances. Your Vision MC will coordinate all aspects of this event. After the champagne has been poured, we will have a wireless microphone available for your best man, maid of honor, fathers, or any others to say a few words. We strongly discourage open toasting. This can be a slow and awkward process that drastically impacts the smooth flow of your reception.

Dinner

After the toast, dinner usually is served. After the newlyweds finish their meal, they usually visit their guests while passing out optional favors. Brides may ask one of their Brides Maids to carry the actual basket of favors to allow the bride to hug their guests. This post-meal time is also sometimes used by their Photographer to capture a few additional formal pictures prior to the start of the dancing.

Party Time!

Whether it’s a timeless love song or a motivating party favorite, it is now time to get you and your guest up and dancing. While your guests were eating we were carefully observing them to determine how we will start the party. Depending on the music and party dances you choose to have played at your wedding reception we will usually start off with one of them. You may also break the ice with a couple of group dance songs. Popular group dance songs are:

• Cha Cha Slide
• Electric Slide
• Cupid Shuffle
• Teach Me How To Dougie
• Cat Daddy
• Copperhead Road
• Chicken Dance
• Macarena

Cake, Garter & Bouquet

About an hour before your wedding reception is over it’s time to cut your cake. This time is usually for the Photographer and the Videographer to take all their shots, when they are done we move directly to the Garter and Bouquet Toss. There are many ways this can be done, your 405 Productions event planner will give you the options at your final consultation.

Money Dance  or Dollar Dance

If you decide to do a money dance, your MC will announce it as an opportunity for your friends and family to share a special dance with the bride or groom. The MC will ask the best man and maid of honor to assist him. They will help ensure the timely flow of the guest and collect the money. It’s important that the bride and groom remain on the dance floor at the conclusion of the money dance.

Last Dance

For your finale you can choose from a variety of songs to end your reception with. Some of the most popular songs are New York, New York, Last Dance and From This Moment. You can also choose to do a friendship circle as you personally thank your guests for attending your wedding reception.

Dedications, Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc.

Be sure to list any special announcements you would like your MC to make. This is a great way to personalize your event and recognize someone special.

Sensitive Subjects

405 Productions will conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times throughout your reception. If you feel we need to be aware of any sensitive information regarding your event, family, or guests, please let us know.

Anything Else We Should Know?

If you are having a video presentation, a singer, musicians, fraternity/sorority serenade, centerpiece giveaway, or any other personalized additions that will make your party unique please list them. Vision DJs will offer suggestions regarding the sequence and timing of these special touches.

Things we wanted you to know.

Planning your wedding can be a lot of work, but it should also be a lot of fun. Our goal is to provide you with helpful ideas and suggestions that will reduce your work and increase your overall enjoyment. If you have any questions regarding your contract, reception planner, payments, etc., please call and speak with us. We are available during regular business hours to answer any questions regarding special music ideas, traditional formalities, order of events, etc. We can also offer referrals for photographers, videographers, ceremony musicians, or any other wedding services.

Planning Your Wedding Reception

We believe that the pre-reception planning session with 405 Productions is the foundation of a successful event. It is important to note that this planning session will be done in person approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to your reception, and both bride and groom should attend. In addition, a short consultation by phone usually takes place the week of your event to cover all the last minute details.

Our Sound System & Set-Up

Another important factors in the success of your reception is where our DJ sound system is to be set. It is critical that the DJ system is placed in an area directly next to the dance floor, and that the DJ have a good line of sight to the entrance of the room, head table and cake table. As your Master of Ceremonies, we need to be able to see each of these areas in order to control the timing of each. It is not a good idea to surround your dance floor on all four sides with tables. Remember, our speakers need to carry sound to the dance area. If there are tables directly between the speakers and the dance floor, the guests seated at those tables will have an uncomfortable level of sound. If you have guests seated in an adjacent area or room, we can provide additional speakers so that all your guests can hear the announcements and music at a comfortable level. A nominal charge will apply for this customized speaker package.

The Sequence Of Events

As entertainment professionals, we are experts at helping you plan the best sequence for all the events and formalities. While you may get ideas from others, your Master of Ceremonies is uniquely qualified to create the perfect sequence for you ? One that flows smoothly from one event to the next, while maximizing guests enjoyment and participation. If you are planning a tentative agenda with any other wedding professionals (caterer, photographer, coordinator, etc) please call us. We will be happy to share with you our professional expertise that will help you customize the very best party.

Gratuities

Unlike many other service professionals, we do not contractually add service charges or gratuities. After considering the advanced pre-planning with your MC, the level of service and quality of presentation, along with your overall enjoyment, we believe you should decide for yourself what level of gratuity, if any, you would like to give. As a reference, a tip of 10% – 15% is most common. It is also your choice if our MC/DJ has a tip jar on the DJ table.

Thank you for choosing 405 Productions as your wedding DJ!

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