A1 Entertainment DJ Service
774-353-7176
Wedding Reception Tips
Plan your reception: Most wedding receptions follow the ceremony. Your guests will go immediately to "cocktail hour" after the ceremony. Most likely this is when you will take your wedding photos. Once you make the grand entrance, how do you want the flow of your party to go? Plan it beforehand with your spouse-to-be and your DJ. Either way, book ahead! This includes your DJ, catering service, florist, reception hall. The earlier the better. Better early and cancel than late and not get what you need.
DJ or Band? That is up to you, but I am biased :) A DJ is more versatile, and will have thousands of more songs available than a band, and those hard-to-find songs as well. Bands also take breaks, and DJ's do not. If you do choose a DJ, make sure you speak with them and meet them. You want someone personable, approachable, and easy to work with. Also ask if they have insurance; all the professional ones do. It covers you, your guests, and your DJ in case of unplanned accidents.
Fun or Formal? Plan ahead of time the type of affair you will have. What sort of atmosphere do you want your DJ to provide? For ultra-formal affairs I suggest no props and no games. Bright lights during cocktail hour through meal service, and then dimmed lights and effects during the dancing and party time.
Don't Agonize over music selections: One thing to keep in mind when thinking of all those songs you love is this: do you really think you're going to be listening to them? It is your wedding day. You will be in another world. You will be happy, nervous, excited, busy, talking with dozens and dozens of people, eating, taking photos, and dancing. All of the music played will be background noise until it is dance and party time. All those songs that mean so much to you and your spouse probably don't mean anything to your guests, so do not agonize over selections, and do not create some insane play list. Let your band/DJ play what they do, and mix in some songs that are special to you. It will make your wedding planning much easier.
The Grand Entrance: Set up names and introductions with your DJ. As I do, make sure both you and your DJ have the same list and get that list to someone in the wedding party so that all is in coordination. Make sure your DJ can pronounce all names correctly.
The First Dance: Do not wait until the end of the night to have your first dance. I suggest doing it just after the grand entrance--it's the time when you'll have everyone's attention. If this is too early, try and do your first dance before meal service starts, but do it before any father/daughter and mother/son dances.
Other Dances: Father/daughter and mother/son dances should be done apart from the first dance. I suggest after meal service, the same with the cake cutting. A good time for the toast is when everyone is seated and eating the meal; everyone will be in one place, and it will be easy to get their attention, and it will not interrupt the flow of the party/reception.
DJ/Band Placement: Place your DJ as close to the dance floor as possible. This keeps him/her away from the guest tables where people can trip on wires and cables, plus keeps the noise centered where the dancing is.
Best Party Days: I have found that wedding receptions that are planned to be relaxed and casual take place in the afternoon, mostly Sundays. People will still dance, mingle, and party, but Sunday seems to be the casual, relaxed day. If you want a real dance party, have an evening affair, and a Friday or a Saturday evening is best. Most people have work Monday morning, or will head home if they have come from out-of-state, so Sunday evening parties can mean that people will inhibit themselves, and/or leave early. You want people to stay and have a good, fun time, right?
Rates Meet Your DJ & FAQ Your Wedding: Fun or Formal?