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NEW FEATURE:
"Destination Weddings"

DISC JOCKEYS, LIVE MUSICIANS, SOLOISTS
click here to find a wedding disc jockey in your area

Most brides will agree that the MC, music and entertainment is paramount to a successful wedding reception. And, in many cases, the personality, style and music played at the reception will reflect the couples wedding theme, as well as reflect the couples personality. And since this topic is the same regardless of where you stand budgetwize, we have posted information from one of our top vendors here, Mark Welch Entertainment below. But before we get to that, we must cover the following basics.

DISC JOCKEY OR BAND?

In most cases, bands are a great way to get your crowd energized. A great band will convey the energy of the stage, onto the dance floor. So the answer is simple, right? Unfortunately, the answer is not that simple for the following reasons. Bands are inherently more expensive, and require more room and (if done right) a stage with which to perform. Moreover, in many cases, you will still need a DJ to be the MC, and to fill in the gaps of when the band is not playing. We've been to many weddings where, when the band is on break, the wedding just stops. And also, most bands do not have professional sounding MC's. So when it comes to announcing the bridal party, toasts and what not, these areas are sorely lacking. Some brides have tried to fill in the gaps with a family member doing announcements, etc. But this still does not meet the level of a professional MC. Ideally, if your budget allows, get both. If you can't, then try and find a band that comes with an MC and that has an sound man that will play music at the appropriate times.

FUN MC OR LAID BACK MC?

Many DJ's simply play music and make announcements. This is fine in most cases. However, if you desire a more interactive MC, then find one that wears a headset and walks around the room getting people, 'motivated'. Sometimes, it can be a little much. For instance, talking thru the cake cutting, or doing a 'schtick' during the bouquet and garter toss. But if you are into that sort of thing, then go for it! But do keep in mind your guests and what they expect. For a more upscale wedding, you don't want an overbearing MC that will be talking to much. If your wedding reception is going to be over the top fun and you want alot of audience participation, then by all means get a Talkative DJ. Which brings us to our content provided by the always fun and ever lively Master of Ceremonies, Mark Welch.

Planning your Wedding Reception

We believe that the planning session for your wedding is the foundation of a successful reception. It is important to schedule this meeting with your DJ 3 - 4 weeks prior to your wedding. We realize that you will have many personal obligations prior to your wedding. However, it is important that we have both the bride and the groom in attendance for our final planning session. To help you budget your time, be prepared that this meeting will last 45 minutes to 1 hour.

The Sound System & Set-Up

One of the most 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 has a good line of sight to the entrance of the room, head table and cake table.

As your Master of Ceremonies, our DJ's 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 side 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. Please be sure to provide us with a minimum of a 6' x 10' area to set the sound system and speakers.

If you have any guests seated in an adjacent area or room, we can provide additional speakers so that all of your guests can hear the announcements and music at a comfortable level. A nominal charge will apply for this customized speaker option.

The Sequence of Events

In addition to the set-up, the order and time-line of events is a very important part of the overall success of your wedding reception. As an entertainment professional, we are experts at helping you plan the very best sequence for all the events and formalities.

While you may get ideas from others, only your Master of Ceremonies can create the perfect sequence for you - one that effortlessly flows from one event to the next, while maximizing guest enjoyment and participation. If you are planning a tentative agenda with any other wedding professionals (caterer, photographer, etc.) please call us first. We will be happy to share our expertise and experience that will help you customize the very best party.

Now that you are an informed bride, please click here to find a wedding disc jockey in your area