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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.
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