Unless you come from a very large family or area pro consultant, most
people have limited experience in planning an event such as yours. After years of being
part of these types of events, watching what works and what doesn't, here are a few
suggestions to consider.
Set-up And Decor
Remember, once the party starts the DJ is your key element and if possible it's best on a
stage if one is available. If the DJ stand is on dance level it must be near a power
outlet and try to set it as far off of the actual dance floor as possible to keep dancers
from bumping the DJ stand as CD players won't skip like a record, but if bumped will stop.
Allow the DJ 2-3 hours set-up and an hour tear down. This time is not charged to you, but
in choosing the DJ's location keep in mind access to storage areas and exits for removing
tables, chairs etc. and general cleanup.
Balloons are a very popular method of decorating and can give a great effect, but if
strings on balloons are long enough for kids, even older ones, to jump up and grab, I
guarantee you'll have a total mess before anyone has a chance to see how nice it once
looked. Not to mention the problems of getting wrapped around mirror balls, lights and
equipment.
Order of Events For Reception
You can save some time by having a receiving line outside the church or some folks like to
greet their guests throughout the evening. If you will be arriving after your guests, wait
at the door and send someone to tell the DJ you are at the door. Being introduced to the
crowd is a real nice touch and lets everyone know you've arrived. If photos or something
will hold you for awhile you may consider telling your guests to start eating. If not, we
recommend having the DJ ask everyone to follow you through the buffet.
After buffet we like to move right into cake and the toasts. The first toast
responsibilities go to the Best Man, unless you tell us differently. So let him know in
advance, not on the way to the church, that he'll be called to the microphone. We prefer
to move to bouquet and garter toss, then first dance, but this is your day and of course,
we will run it in what order you wish. Here are a few reasons we recommend this order.
Most people are hungry by the time they arrive. Many people will not drink on an empty
stomach, so first get them fed. Dessert should be next (cake) and the toast completes all
of the eating and drinking activities. Caterers can start clearing, and this lets the Best
Man finish his task before mass consumption takes place. Best men are noted partiers and
most of your guests will appreciate a sober toast.
Most of the time single guests that are not with a dance partner will not stay long. To
involve as many single guests as possible in the bouquet and garter toss, we recommend
proceeding directly to these events. My strongest recommendation is to keep the first
dance as the last thing done with the exception of the $ dance if you are having one. The
first dance should be a sign to the guests that the party is about to begin. As many times
as I have recommended this starting and stopping the music, turning the lights up and down
is still the #1 mood killer.
Sometimes even the wildest party crowd will go through obvious mood swings. It can be hard
enough for a DJ to read these changes without having to deal with just getting the crowd
going and having to stop and return to an activity then try to get them back into the
dance mood. Plus , if you get all your duties finished, you have nothing more to worry
about. You can relax and have fun.
Again, these are suggestions. Ultimately the choice is yours.
