By Bobby Riley, “DJ Mastermind”
First of all, I want to point out that calling a wedding “the bride’s special day” is inherently flawed. Yes, it absolutely is a day to celebrate the bride and the groom BUT it’s not just a celebration for them.
A wedding reception is a party that is also for the parents, the siblings, the grandparents, the Aunts, the Uncles and the friends. That’s why there’s a tradition of inviting guests – because those are people with whom the celebrants want to share their special occasion.
As professional entertainers, our job is to make a reception special for EVERYONE! To accomplish this lofty task we must meet with both the bride and groom, and help them design the event from “soup to nuts,” so that everything makes an impact and flows seamlessly.
Details…Details…Details
Are we as DJs Wedding planners? I say yes, and just like any wedding planner we need to learn who the bride and groom are.
- How did they meet?
- Where was their first date?
- Who made the proposal?
- Where was their first kiss?
- What are their interests?
- What are the details of their wedding party members?
The more you know about your bride, groom and wedding party, the better able you’ll be able to make recommendations that will make their reception unique.
The “Wow” Factor
The Grand Entrance sets the tone for the rest of the party. Use the knowledge you’ve gained through asking questions to design it for maximum “Wow” factor.
For example, if most of your wedding party are wearing cowboy hats and boots, use that fact to say something humorous!
If you know that one of the VIPs used to play football for a local college team, get the guests riled up. Maybe even throw him a football as he is being introduced!
If the groom is a pilot in the Air force, choose your grand entrance music around this fact with military or airplane themed music!
I promise that if you and your couple design their reception with information about the bride, groom and wedding party - and include guest interaction, you will have a more interested and enthusiastic crowd and a VERY-VERY Happy couple!
Author
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That’s how Robert describes himself as a entertainer. Never afraid to have fun, his wedding receptions are a perfect mix of Broadway style blocking and transitions and good old southern charm. Having grown up on his families eclectic combination of Outlaw country, (Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson), 70's -80's Hard Rock, (Kiss, Iron Maiden), and synth-infused pop 80s (Prince, Alan Parsons Project)… all which became infused with his own love for both early hip-hop and southern rock music, Robert ended up with quite a mixed spectrum of musical influence. Today, this translates into sets that will take you back into yesteryear and send you flying into today's hottest hits without ever missing a groove,
A very active member of his local community, Robert is no stranger to the ups-and-downs of a small-town music scene. Though he loves playing in nightclubs, patios and special events, his love for music goes beyond the spectrum of mixing tunes. As a wedding entertainer he found a love for making the perfect show seamless, from those very first introductions till the final dance is played, every moment is like a beautifully choreographed Broadway show, where the stars are the Wedding Party.
“For me, it’s all about making that day seamless, to let the wedding party and their guests relax and enjoy the day, knowing that everything is handled"
