SECRETS
OK, Here is the first BIG SECRET thing you need to do.. Delegate, delegate, DELEGATE!
If you become a control freak you will be micro-managing your wedding and reception and miss the most important day of your life. People want to help YOU have your day. Let them! Give people single simple tasks that they can do and still enjoy the ceremony and celebration! Once that's done and your wedding day is here, let it go. Oh yes, don't forget, your "professionals" your DJ entertainter / event director, your photographer, and your caterer will handle most of the event.
Use my RECEPTON PLANNER on my Downloads Page to begin the "script" for you reception. Fill it out, write your ideas all over it, add "YES" and 'NO" to each of the parts and add your unique ideas. Skip the timeline page and do it last. Your DJ Entertainer / event Director can help your organize the pieces and give you time estimates for each part of the script.
There is usually 3 to 4 hours (180 to 240 minutes) of dancing during a reception. Songs are between 3 and 4 minutes long. That means only 50 to 70 songs will be played during dancing. Doesn't sound like many so put your "DJ Hat" on and think about what types of music you AND your guests will appreciate. Start with a song song list from your DJ like the one on my Downloads Page and mark it up! Use highlighters, Pink for PLAY, Green for "GO" (don't play) then put stars next to the MUST PLAY songs. Add any songs you don't see and then ask your DJ if they are available. Try to pick songs that will appeal to each age range of guests. Find out if there are special songs for your parents, grandparents, friends and other relatives like their wedding song or dances that are especially important to them.
Please Please PLEASE make sure the DJ or band can set up next to the dance floor. Some venues want to set tables between the DJ and the dance floor. This is a recipe for disaster. A DJ or band need to connect with the dancers. Their sound needs to be directed towards the dancers not at guest tables.
If you are having a wedding cake DON'T HIDE IT! Place it in a location where the majority of guests can easily see it and watch you cut the cake. After you cut the cake ask for a microphone and BOTH of you thank your guests. They will love it.
Get a room plan from the venue or caterer and remember, you can change it. You are paying for it.
Don't seat older guests next to the dance floor, DJ or Band. Any sound is probably too loud for them.
If you are considering eliminating any or all of the traditional reception events like cake cutting, bouquet toss, toasts, or bridal dance remember that many of your guests are there to enjoy these traditions. They don't take much time to do but mean so much to your guests. A good DJ Entertainer will make these flow and get you in and out of these events quickly.
Use the planning tools from your DJ or download them from my Downloads Page. Check out the Links on my Wedding Reception Info Page. Remember, relax, it's going to be fun!
If you become a control freak you will be micro-managing your wedding and reception and miss the most important day of your life. People want to help YOU have your day. Let them! Give people single simple tasks that they can do and still enjoy the ceremony and celebration! Once that's done and your wedding day is here, let it go. Oh yes, don't forget, your "professionals" your DJ entertainter / event director, your photographer, and your caterer will handle most of the event.
Use my RECEPTON PLANNER on my Downloads Page to begin the "script" for you reception. Fill it out, write your ideas all over it, add "YES" and 'NO" to each of the parts and add your unique ideas. Skip the timeline page and do it last. Your DJ Entertainer / event Director can help your organize the pieces and give you time estimates for each part of the script.
There is usually 3 to 4 hours (180 to 240 minutes) of dancing during a reception. Songs are between 3 and 4 minutes long. That means only 50 to 70 songs will be played during dancing. Doesn't sound like many so put your "DJ Hat" on and think about what types of music you AND your guests will appreciate. Start with a song song list from your DJ like the one on my Downloads Page and mark it up! Use highlighters, Pink for PLAY, Green for "GO" (don't play) then put stars next to the MUST PLAY songs. Add any songs you don't see and then ask your DJ if they are available. Try to pick songs that will appeal to each age range of guests. Find out if there are special songs for your parents, grandparents, friends and other relatives like their wedding song or dances that are especially important to them.
Please Please PLEASE make sure the DJ or band can set up next to the dance floor. Some venues want to set tables between the DJ and the dance floor. This is a recipe for disaster. A DJ or band need to connect with the dancers. Their sound needs to be directed towards the dancers not at guest tables.
If you are having a wedding cake DON'T HIDE IT! Place it in a location where the majority of guests can easily see it and watch you cut the cake. After you cut the cake ask for a microphone and BOTH of you thank your guests. They will love it.
Get a room plan from the venue or caterer and remember, you can change it. You are paying for it.
Don't seat older guests next to the dance floor, DJ or Band. Any sound is probably too loud for them.
If you are considering eliminating any or all of the traditional reception events like cake cutting, bouquet toss, toasts, or bridal dance remember that many of your guests are there to enjoy these traditions. They don't take much time to do but mean so much to your guests. A good DJ Entertainer will make these flow and get you in and out of these events quickly.
Use the planning tools from your DJ or download them from my Downloads Page. Check out the Links on my Wedding Reception Info Page. Remember, relax, it's going to be fun!
