If you want to know how to DJ a wedding then this is the only guide you will ever need. I have DJ’d for literally hundreds of weddings and in this guide will give you a full run down on exactly how to DJ a wedding. So let’s get right into it.
The Ceremony
A majority of weddings will not need a DJ for the ceremony. The ceremony will normally be held during the day a few hours before the wedding reception and getting a DJ in just for this part can be costly for the customer and not necessary as not much volume is required. I will recommend wedding couples to arrange a portable speaker system to play some soft music as people find their seats, and perhaps as they walk down the isle, and afterwards during the signing of the register. If they do require a speaker system or DJ for the ceremony, then it is ideal to bring one active speaker and control the music with an iphone or directly from your laptop.
The Wedding Reception
Weddings will usually have two main formats, that is they are either a cocktail wedding or a sit down wedding with a three course meal. If it is a cocktail wedding then it will be much more casual and similar to that of an engagement or birthday celebration. Let’s quickly look a the run sheet of a standard sit down wedding reception as a cocktail wedding will be very similar except without the meals.
Typical Time Schedule
For a typical wedding starting at 7:00PM here is the most common format:
3:00PM | Wedding Ceremony (This will be at another location from the Wedding Reception)
3:30PM | Wedding Ceremony Finishes (After the ceremony will be the signing of the register)
3:45PM | Bride & Groom move to new location for photos with the photographe
6:00PM | DJ Arrives
7:00PM | Pre Dinner Drinks ( This is sometimes in the foyer of the building or can also be in the same room as the DJ)
7:30PM | Guests Seated (MC will announce the guests to take their seats)
7:40PM | Introduction of the Bridal Party (MC will introduce the bridal party into the room – DJ to play “Introduction Song”)
7:45PM | Entree is Served
8:30PM | Main Meal is Served
9:00PM | Speeches
9:30PM | Cutting of the Cake (MC to announce the Cake – Welcomes guests to take photos – DJ to play “Cake Song”)
9:40PM | First Dance / Bridal Waltz (DJ to play “First Dance Song / Bridal Waltz”)
9:45PM | Dance Bracket Begins (If a family orientated crowd, recommended for DJ to start with older music)
10:00PM | Dessert is Served (MC may or may not announce desert, it is recommended for people to have the choice to keep dancing)
11:00PM | Throwing of the Boquet / The Garter Toss (MC announces Boquet and Garter Toss)
11:40PM | Farewell Circle (MC announces the Farewell Circle – Guests asked to make a circle on the dance floor and say goodbye to Bride & Groom)
12:00AM | Music Finishes (DJ may play one more song as the Bride & Groom leave the room)
Possible Variations
Now this is a standard wedding format, of course they can vary a little but this is how 90% of them are. For example, sometimes people may have booked their photographer and/ or videographer only until 1 hour into the reception. Therefore right after the introductions they may go straight into the A traditional event at a wedding where the bride and groom cut the cake together and photos are taken by the photographer and guests.. Sometimes for the same reason, people may also then go straight into the Also known as the First Dance, this is a traditional event at a wedding where the Bride & Groom have their first dance together as husband and wife. before even sitting down. Sometimes also the speech can be squeezed in between the Entree and the Main Meal.
Now let’s take a look at each formality one by one.
Wedding Reception Formalities
Pre Dinner Drinks
Pre Dinner drinks go for about 30 minutes at the very begging of the wedding reception. Guests are standing as they are served alcoholic beverages and finger foods while they catch up and chat together.
Pre Dinner drinks can sometimes be in another area away from the DJ, in the foyer of the wedding reception. If it is in the same room, it is best to play something a little upbeat, but still background music. It can be something suave like St Germaine or Cafe Del Mar, or it could be a selection of mid tempo classic hits or something for something different you could play Classical Music or Classic Jazz.
The Introductions / Introduction of the Bridal Party
The Introductions will be held shortly after the guests have been seated and the Bride & Groom have arrived back from getting their photos. Before the big day, you will ask the for a preferred song to be played as them and their bridal party is introduced into the room. Some couples may choose to have a different song for the bridal party and for them, or some may even ask to have a different song for each couple. I guess it’s up to you how much choice you give them and if you are co-ordinated enough to pull that off. For most couples however, one song will do.
If the customer has not chosen a song, then I will play ‘The Way You Look Tonight – Michael Bubble’ or ‘Fever – Michael Bubble’ for the bridal party entrance and then ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Michael Bubble’ for the Bride and Groom, this works well.
Speeches
During the speeches you will not have to do anything except sit back and wait for them to finish. Of course be ready and on stand by as soon as they finish because they will be going straight into the Cutting of the Cake.
Cutting of the Cake
The Cutting of the Cake will involve the bride and groom making their way over to the cake to get their photos taken by the photographer. The MC will also ask everyone present to come a little closer to take photos. I don’t usually play any music until they actually cut the cake and the MC asks for a round of applause. Then play the song chosen by the customer, or if they have not chosen a song I recommend ‘I Do – 98 Degrees’.
First Dance / Bridal Waltz
Some people call this the first dance and others call it the Bridal Waltz, that’s not really important but just know they are the same thing. Now for the Bridal Waltz there will be two main songs that you need to play. Once for the bride & groom, and a 2nd slow song for the bridal party, parents and guests.
Some couples will have a choreographed dance, so if this is the case you need to know exactly when their routine finishes so if you are the MC, you can call for an applause. Right after this then the bridal party will be announced to join them, followed by the guests. Some weddings however the parents may be asked to join the dance floor before the bridal party. Once again, before the wedding day it’s a good idea to ask who will be introduced and in what order? And how many minutes and seconds before the first group will be welcomed onto the dance floor.
Note: 2 songs to be played, first one is the bridal waltz, 2nd song is for the bridal party/parents and guests, then the dancing begins.
If the customer does not choose a second song, Here are some suggestions: The Way You Look Tonight – Michael BubbleEverything I Do – BrandyStand By Me – Ben E KingCan’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Vallie
Dancing
The dance segment will go for about two hours. I will recommend that if you have a mostly older audience, then start the first hour with classic hits and end the second hour with new music. If it is a mostly younger crowd, however not common, then start with the newer music and end with the classic hits.Right after the 2 bridal songs it is good to play another song for couples to dance to as people will already be dancing in couples. Here are some song suggestions: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie VallieCrazy Little Thing Called Love – QueenSway – Michael BubbleMoondance – Michael BubbleSwing the Mood – Jive Bunny Megamix
Throwing of the Bouquet
The throwing of the bouquet is usually left til near the end of the wedding reception. Wait til the bride has made her way onto the dance floor and the MC has announced all the single ladies onto the dance floor. I will play a song like ‘Single Ladies – Beyonce’ or ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cindi Lauper’. To create some added suspense, I will stop the music while the bouquet is in mid air, and start the song again as soon as someone catches it!
Getting / Throwing the Garter
The Getting and Throwing of the Garter happens in two parts. First the bride will sit on a chair while the groom gets on his knees and tries to locate the garter, which is on the brides thigh, and collect it with his teeth. A fantastic song I like to play here is ‘Cream – Prince’ as it’s a little raunchy and get’s everyone hyped and in a cheery vibe.Once the garter has been collected by the groom, he will then throw it to all the single guys in the room. Another great song to play at this time is ‘Thunderstruck – AC/DC’ or anything else to get all the guys in the room pumped up!
Farewell Circle
The Farewell Circle is where all the guests come onto the dance floor and make a circle so the bride and groom and can say goodbye to each person one by one. The bride and groom will start at the same point, but move separately around the room anti-clockwise. This will take about twenty minutes and I think at this time it’s best to play songs that people can sing to. Here are some suggestions: Unchained Melody – Righteous BrothersStand By Me – Ben E KingMore Than Words – ExtremeHow Deep Is Your Love – Bee GeesJust the Two Of Us – Bill Withers
Finish Song
Weddings are always good to end with a blast. If the bride and groom will be leaving the room before the guests, play something really upbeat and fun. Here are some suggestions: Hot Hot Hot – ArrowThe Cup of Life – Ricky MartinHey Baby – DJ Otzi
Conclusion
So there you have it, the ultimate guide on How to DJ a Wedding that will hopefully save your life if you have never DJ’d a wedding before. I hope you find this useful and if you do please share this article with your fellow DJs and come back again to use it as a reference for your next wedding. I will leave you with a video I made a few years back of me DJing and MCing a wedding.
DJ Paul Anthony
Paul Anthony is the Managing Director of Event Master Pro and Discosource DJ’s based in Phuket, Thailand. With over 20 years experience as a Professional DJ he built a nation wide DJ service across every major city in Australia teaching over 50 DJs his craft and now developing the EMP online application for DJs.
FAQs
What should an MC say at a wedding? ›
- Announce the arrival of the married couple.
- Introduce the speakers.
- Announce the cutting of the cake.
- Announce the bridal waltz.
- Inform the guests when it is time to say farewell to the bridal couple.
Introduce yourself, with 20 seconds of who you are. My suggestions are name, where you're from, any family you have, and some kind of a connection to the crowd. If you met someone in the crowd before the event, tell the audience something you had in common.
How do you give the best MC for a wedding? ›- Have a Plan. This isn't 'Open Mic Night'. ...
- Go Easy on the Alcohol. Yes, it's a party. ...
- Meet the Vendors. ...
- Test the Mic. ...
- Open Strong and Get Out of the Way. ...
- Approach Humor with Caution. ...
- Think of Your Audience.
- Set a Wedding Budget. It's critical that setting your budget be the first step in planning your wedding. ...
- Download a Wedding-Planning App. ...
- Get Inspired. ...
- Start Your Guest List. ...
- Pick Your Wedding Party. ...
- Narrow Down the Dates. ...
- Choose a Venue. ...
- Start Your Wedding Registry.
“Good evening everyone, welcome to the (name of venue), my name is _____, I will be your Emcee for the (Surnames of couple) reception. I've been informed that the wedding party is on their way… in the meantime, if you could kindly take your seats that would be wonderful. I will be getting back to you in a few minutes.”
How can I be a good MC? ›- Know Your Audience. Knowing who you are presenting to is key. ...
- Prepare and Plan. ...
- Come Out Strong. ...
- Introduce Yourself. ...
- Explain Why the Event is Special. ...
- Add Some Interaction. ...
- Craft a Big Closing.
“Welcome to the most important day in the lives of [NAME] and [NAME].” “Today, promises have become permanent and friends have become family.” “Today is a celebration and we are here to celebrate with [NAME] and [NAME].” “Thank you for joining us today on such a wonderful occasion.”
Can the DJ be the MC at a wedding? ›It's not uncommon for the DJ to also me the MC. Whether or not that's a good fit for your wedding is up to you. You should certainly ask your DJ if they also MC and also what it is they do as the MC.
How do you introduce yourself in a script? ›- Greeting: Hello, my name is (name). ...
- Goal: I am looking for (internship/full-time position) at (employer name).
- Interest/passion: I am interested in (interests related to the company/industry).
- Strengths: I have many skills to contribute including (strengths) and (skills).
- Make Sure Your Wedding Invitations Include All Information. ...
- Keep the Ceremony to the Point. ...
- Cocktail Hour Should Be an Hour (Or Less) ...
- Give Toasts a Time Limit. ...
- Hire a Good MC.
How much do you tip a wedding DJ and MC? ›
Generally, the range for wedding DJ tips is 10-20% of the billed amount. If your DJ was professional, worked well with you and your planner, and did a truly fantastic job as an MC and DJ at your wedding, consider tipping closer to the 20% end of the range.
What are the duties of an MC? ›As the master of ceremony, your job is to guide the guests and inform the wedding party of what's happening and what they can expect to occur in the near future. Most times, the master of ceremony will use the sound equipment of the bands' or the DJ at the reception to make their announcements.
How do you plan a wedding start and end? ›- Set a Budget (and Stick to It!) GETTY / PROSTOCK-STUDIO. ...
- Discuss Your Priorities. ...
- Get Organised. ...
- Research Wedding Styles. ...
- Choose Your Wedding Style. ...
- Make a Wedding Planning Checklist. ...
- Set a Date. ...
- Make a Wedding Guest List.
"There is typically a welcome or introduction by the minister, followed by the exchange of vows. The couple then exchanges rings, and after the couple shares a kiss, the minister announces them for the first time as a married couple," says Miller.
What order do you walk in a wedding? ›- Officiant. Your officiant is generally the first person to walk toward the altar, signifying the ceremony is about to commence.
- Grandparents. ...
- Parents. ...
- Mother of the Bride. ...
- Groom. ...
- Wedding Party. ...
- Ring Bearer. ...
- Flower Girl.
Ask for a run sheet of jobs they would like you to do. Ask for some stories you can share about them with their guests in a witty forward. Having a good sense of humor is always welcome in the role of an MC, so adding in a funny joke or two will go down well. Also, ask if there are any topics that are off-limits.
How do you layout a wedding speech? ›- Start planning early. ...
- Introduce yourself and how you know the bride and groom. ...
- Thank hosts, guests, and wedding party; congratulate the couple. ...
- Make it personal. ...
- Think of 3 traits with 3 stories. ...
- Talk about the couple. ...
- Have a beginning, middle, and end. ...
- Consider your audience.
Welcome the audience and thank them for coming.
These welcomes don't need to be long-winded, but they do need to be authentic. Tell everyone you're glad they came, and remind them of the purpose of the event.
noun. plural mistresses of ceremonies. Britannica Dictionary definition of MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES. [count] : a woman who introduces guests, speakers, or performers at a formal event : a woman who is a master of ceremonies.
What are the best opening lines for hosting an event? ›Start with something like this: “Good morning/afternoon/evening. Thank you to each and every one of you for being here with us today. We are pleased to be able to welcome those of you that have been with us for years now as well as those of you who are new to the (group/community/association/etc.).”
What are the best lines to end anchoring in an event? ›
An award ceremony anchor script should also end with words of thanks. For example: “I would like to thank our sponsor, who supported this event. Countless people helped with the event marketing, organization, online ticketing, and more.
Who toasts first at a wedding? ›The first toast is customarily made by the best man. It's fine for this to be the only one offered, though other people will probably want to express their happiness for the newlyweds. After the best man, the maid of honor may offer a toast, too.
Who gives welcome speech at wedding? ›The Welcome Toast
Whoever is hosting the event should speak first and should take the microphone as soon as guests have found their seats. This first toast is most often made by the parents (or father) of the bride and should combine both a toast to the happy couple and a welcome message to the guests.
- The bride and her family pay for all professional services, including food and decorations.
- The groom's family pays for the DJ or band and liquor.
Obviously the amount of time for the DJing will be dependent on how coverage you've paid for. The normal, optimal length for a wedding reception is 4 hours (this includes the dinner portion). When you add in cocktail hour and the ceremony, there would be another 2 hours of music.
Who pays for the DJ at a wedding? ›The bride and her family pay for all professional services, including food and decorations. The groom's family pays for the DJ or band and liquor.
What is the best sentence to introduce yourself? ›- I think we've already met.
- My name is ...
- I'm ...
- Nice to meet you; I'm ...
- Pleased to meet you; I'm ...
- Let me introduce myself; I'm ...
- I'd like to introduce myself; I'm ...
- My name is Melanie, but you can call me Mel.
Hello, everyone! My name is _____________ and I'm from ____________. I'm currently studying ____________ at _____________, and I hope to become ___________ one day. I'm really passionate about ___________, and I'm always looking for new ways to learn and improve my skills.
What's the best way to introduce yourself? ›If you are not sure what to share, your name and job title is a great place to start. If there's an opportunity to elaborate, you can also share other details such as a current project, your expertise, or your geographical location.
What should you absolutely not do at a wedding? ›- #1 Don't RSVP and not attend. ...
- #2 Don't take too many photos. ...
- #3 Don't show up without an RSVP. ...
- #4 Don't bring extra people. ...
- #5 Don't arrive late. ...
- #6 Don't show up empty-handed. ...
- #7 Don't outshine the couple.
What is most important in a wedding? ›
Getting a marriage license may be tedious, but it is one of the most important parts of any wedding. After all, a couple isn't legally married without it.
Who gives speech at rehearsal dinner? ›Who Gives a Rehearsal Dinner Toast? The host of the rehearsal dinner (traditionally the father of the groom in a heterosexual couple) gives the first speech. This person is followed by members of the wedding party that won't be speaking at the reception (typically anyone other than the maid of honor and the best man).
Do you tip DJ if he owns company? ›Owners are not tipped. Self-employed vendors or business owners are typically not given gratuity. Bands or DJs not booked through an entertainment agency are also not tipped.
What is a good amount to tip a DJ? ›Tips are optional for ceremony or cocktail hour musicians, as well as bands and DJs, but they are suggested, says Norwood. "Anywhere from 15% to 20% on the final contract is a good amount for a single DJ," she says.
How much do you tip a DJ for 3 hours? ›The average DJ tip is $50 – $200. A common honest mistake is tipping your DJ but not the rest of the crew. Rarely will the staff consist of just 1 person. Depending on your package, your crew can be up to 6 hard working members.
What does the MC announce at a wedding? ›Duties of an MC
Inform guests of exits, facilities, other housekeeping matters, and flow of the evening. Create an atmosphere of anticipation and announce the entrance of the wedding couple with enthusiasm and applause. Introduce the person who will say the blessing or grace prior to serving the main meal.
In the MC subculture the Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for ensuring that the Bylaws and standing rules of a club are not violated, and that orders of the chapter officers are executed in an expeditious manner. He is responsible for policing and keeping order at all meetings and club events.
What is the hierarchy of an MC? ›While organizations may vary, the typical internal organization of a motorcycle club consists of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, road captain, and sergeant-at-arms (sometimes known as enforcer).
What are the 5 things a bride needs? ›The tradition is based on an Old English rhyme that dates back to 19th-century Lancashire. It describes the items a bride should have on her wedding day: "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe."
How long should a wedding be start to finish? ›Your typical wedding reception runs about 4-5 hours—plenty of time for cocktails, dinner, toasts and, of course, dancing! Follow this foolproof wedding reception timeline to ensure a smooth, fun-filled evening of celebration for you and your guests.
Do you say I do before or after rings? ›
Here's how it usually works: The wedding vows are exchanged first. The vows are the promises of love and devotion you and your partner make to each other, surrounded by friends, family and loved ones. The exchange of wedding rings comes after you've each said your vows.
Who goes down the aisle first in a wedding? ›The Grandparents of the Bride: The bride's grandparents walk down the aisle first. Once they reach the front, they are then seated in the first row, on the right side.
What order goes down the aisle? ›From walking down the aisle first to last, the traditional order is: Mother of Bride, Mother of Groom, Grandparents of Bride, Grandparents of Groom, Groom, Officiant, the Wedding Party, Maid of Honor and Best Man, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl and lastly the Bride and her Father.
How do you plan a wedding ceremony step by step? ›- Prelude (music plays as guests take their seats)
- Entrance (music plays as the wedding party enters) ...
- Opening remarks.
- Readings.
- Officiant addresses the couple.
- Vows.
- Ring exchange.
- Pronouncement of marriage.
Traditionally, a groomsman should walk the mother of the bride down the aisle. However, as with most details of a modern ceremony, the couple getting married is free to make any adjustments or choices they would like when wedding planning.
How does MC introduce bride and groom? ›However, at the wedding reception, most bride-and-groom couples employ a formal announcement as they make their grand entrance into the reception space. Traditionally, the emcee would say, “For the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. John Doe!” or the more progressive, “Mr.
What is MC speech? ›A master of ceremonies, abbreviated MC or emcee, is the official host of a ceremony, staged event, conference, convention, or similar performance.
How do you start a master of ceremony speech? ›Your opening should welcome the audience and thank them for being there. Express thanks and appreciations. You should also recognize anyone who deserves thanks for putting together or hosting the event. Explain the goals of the event and/or of the hosting organization(s).
What are the responsibilities of an MC? ›The master of ceremonies (or MC for short, often written as “emcee”) has the poise and stage presence to start, conduct, and conclude a formal ceremony for a group or community. Typically emcees will be full members of the community, recognized for their credibility, integrity, service, and sense of humor.
How can I be a good host for an event? ›- Host With a Purpose. Our first tip is to host with a purpose. ...
- Plan an Event Far Ahead of Time. ...
- Choose the Perfect Venue. ...
- Make Space for Networking. ...
- Consider a Theme. ...
- Spread the Word Through Memorable Reminders.
What are the duties of master of ceremony? ›
As the master of ceremony, your job is to guide the guests and inform the wedding party of what's happening and what they can expect to occur in the near future. Most times, the master of ceremony will use the sound equipment of the bands' or the DJ at the reception to make their announcements.
How does MC introduce first dance? ›MC INTRODUCTION: Announce to the husband and wife, the following: “Just before you go back to your seats, it's now time for you (Bride and Groom) to perform your second duty as Husband and Wife, the dance to your Bridal Waltz.”
Do you invite the MC to the rehearsal dinner? ›Do You Have to Invite Your Officiant to the Rehearsal Dinner? Since your officiant will most likely attend the ceremony rehearsal, they should also be invited to the rehearsal dinner. However, many officiants will politely decline the invitation or only stay for the first hour or so.
Who gives the welcome speech at a wedding? ›The Welcome Toast
Whoever is hosting the event should speak first and should take the microphone as soon as guests have found their seats. This first toast is most often made by the parents (or father) of the bride and should combine both a toast to the happy couple and a welcome message to the guests.
Choose a simple and straightforward greeting such as, "Good morning everyone!" Express your gratitude towards the guests for attending by using a phrase such as, "It's so wonderful to see you all here on this sunny day." For an event with close friends and family, more informal language might be appropriate.