Part 2 ... The
Dinner...
In my last email
we examined the importance of Formalities, and why we need to sit together to
Plan everything that happens during your reception.
Dinner is also an
important aspect of your reception ... it's not just for eating! This is
schmoozing time, social time, and a great opportunity for the DJ to involve the
older guests.
Now, one of the biggest complaints I hear about DJs (not me!) is that the Music is TOO LOUD during dinner! I hear it from 90% of the people who have attended weddings recently. A Great DJ knows that 3 things must happen during dinner...
1) Conversation -
This is a time for relatives to find each other again, talk about old times,
tell old stories, even make new table friends. I ALWAYS walk around to the
tables and ask if they can hear each other, and offer to turn the music DOWN if
they can't.
2) It's YOUR time
to get up (Eat First!) and mingle with the crowd, visiting tables and gathering
envelopes!
3) Slow Dancing -
I announce during my introductions that the Dance Floor will be open during
dinner, and that the guests should join in to a few of the great love songs I'll
be playing throughout this period. I also tell them that I take requests, so if
there's a special song in their lives (maybe Their Wedding Song?) I'd be
overjoyed to play it. This is a great time for the older relatives to
participate in your wedding, and it should not be neglected. Another frequent
complaint I hear about DJs is they cranked Top 40 during dinner, and never
played ANY love songs. I try to accommodate the older crowd with love songs from
Elvis, Beatles, Van Morrison, Nat King Cole, Doo Wop - anything that will help
them share in your big day!
