What To Expect From A Wedding Disc Jockey
By Eric Caldwell - PolarSounds Entertainment - Juneau, AK

Most people only get married once.  A professional wedding disc jockey, on the other hand, has been present for dozens, if not hundreds, of wedding receptions.  A veteran entertainer can be key to the peace of mind for any couple making wedding plans, as well as a resource to let the couple know what they can expect during their reception.

There are entertainers with very different personalities, styles, and experience.  The right entertainer for one couple’s reception may be very different from the right one for yours.  In making this selection, it is essential to understand what an entertainer does for you, both in the weeks leading up to the wedding reception and during the reception itself.

Before the wedding reception

Every professional’s goal should be to provide the highest quality service to each and every bride and groom.  This requires  planning and communication between the couple and the entertainer long before the exchange of vows.

Planning Materials: Before your consultation, you should receive a wedding flow sheet and a recent song list booklet.  The flow sheet serves as a basic outline for most wedding receptions.  As this is your special day, your entertainer should be willing to change or eliminate any facet of this outline to meet your needs.

By providing the song list booklet beforehand, the entertainer allows you to select songs which you wish to hear during the reception.  If you discover that there are songs that you know you must have, but are not in the booklet, notify your entertainer well before the reception.  By doing so, you allow ample time to locate these special requests.

Consultation: If a consultation is not offered, demand one!  The consultation is the time when your entertainer learns from you about your wedding, your guests, and, most importantly, your expectations.  Likewise, this is your opportunity to raise any questions with your entertainer and learn even more about this person who will play a critical role in your wedding day.

After the consultation, you should feel comfortable contacting your entertainer with any changes or questions as they arise.  You’ll find that most of these issues can be resolved by phone or even e-mail, but if a secondary consultation is necessary your entertainer should not balk at meeting with you a second time.

During the wedding reception

This is where all the planning and communication blends with the  ability and experience of the entertainer.  At the reception, the entertainer’s role is divided between providing music, serving as the Master of Ceremonies, and ensuring that all events are executed as arranged.

Dinner Music: There are different approaches to dinner music.  Many entertainers have pre-mixed compilations of new age, ballads, jazz, classical, or muzak that they will play as background music during dinner.  Other entertainers view the dinner hour as  another opportunity to create a mood, much as the dance music will later in the reception, and will improvise a mix on-site.

Dinner music is important to some couples and an afterthought to others.  If it is important to you, set aside time during your consultation to discuss dinner music with your entertainer.

Event Coordination:  Throughout the reception, your entertainer will maintain contact with other vendors and, as needed, members of the wedding party.  For example, before the toast, a good entertainer will coordinate with the couple, best man, and photographer, then make certain all guests have the opportunity to procure a toasting beverage before announcing the toast itself.  By maintaining conversation throughout the reception, your entertainer will assure that all events go smoothly and as planned.

Master of Ceremonies: Announcements are supplied as indicated by the wedding flow sheet.  In addition, your entertainer will use the microphone to make announcements on your behalf and provide appropriate interaction with your guests.  There are many different styles of interactivity amongst professional entertainers.  Make certain you select one whose personality will compliment the atmosphere you are creating for your reception.

Reception Music: A professional entertainer will use your requests and those of your guests to create a custom blend of music designed to keep everyone happy.  Expect your entertainer to know and own music for every generation in attendance.  The song list booklet should inform you whether or not your entertainer meets this requirement.

Remember that you and your guests have a significant impact on your entertainer’s performance as well.  Taking an hour for family and guest portraits after the first dance will affect the mood and flow on the dance floor.  An older crowd may dance early, then be content to socialize.  The success of an event usually relies on a full dance floor, but always relies on the satisfaction of the couple and the guests.

About the author: Eric Caldwell is owner of PolarSounds Entertainment of Juneau, AK.  Eric has been a mobile entertainer since 1986 and holds a BA with honors from Coker College.  Eric may be reached via e-mail at polarsounds@prodjmail.com.