| I recently attended a wedding celebration and was | | | | associated with a modern wedding celebration such |
| rather shocked when the DJ announced himself by | | | | as cake cutting, bouquet toss, formal dances and the |
| climbing on his table and loudly pronouncing with arms | | | | like. The insistence that folks will be bored if they're not |
| outstretched, "The Bride and Groom thought they | | | | frequently accosted is a silly notion. Many people like to |
| were just getting a DJ, but little did they know they're | | | | relax and enjoy, and visit with friends and relatives |
| actually getting someone really special, they're getting | | | | who they may not have seen in a while. They may |
| MEEEEE!!!" It reminded me of another wedding event | | | | not want to dance every second, and they may not |
| not long before when the person most folks would | | | | want to be involved in a hairy legs contest at all. |
| consider the DJ took umbrage with the term and | | | | A quality wedding DJ/MC also knows that making an |
| demanded he be referred to as a wedding entertainer, | | | | announcement on it's own simply isn't enough. Proper |
| and it got me thinking about the differences between | | | | execution of a previously prepared schedule means |
| the two. | | | | cuing up a song, setting the microphone down and |
| The wedding entertainer seems to think that they are | | | | walking out from behind the DJ table to prepare the |
| better than a wedding DJ and deserve more money | | | | people involved. Perhaps the photographer isn't ready, |
| for their services because of the extras they provide. | | | | or the Father of the Bride is unaware that his dance |
| "A DJ just plays music and makes announcements," | | | | with his daughter is coming up next. He needs to be |
| he told me, "I do so much more." He then proceeded | | | | informed and ready to go when the announcement is |
| to pass out plastic party hats and glow sticks, yell into | | | | made. This applies to the entire evening, plus the |
| the microphone (unintelligibly), and stop the dancing | | | | obvious coordination required with event staff and |
| every 10 minutes or so for an "activity" of some | | | | vendors. This type of DJ will go even further in his |
| ridiculous nature. The exasperated wedding guests just | | | | service to the couple by helping to prepare the agenda |
| wanted to dance and have a good time, and I thought | | | | with them, providing equipment such as wireless |
| the poor groom looked like he wanted to crawl in a | | | | microphones, dance lighting, and ceremony sound |
| hole and hide. He later told me he was really | | | | system free of additional charge. He is willing to help a |
| embarrassed and wanted a wedding reception, not a | | | | ceremony musician or reader with their needs, and |
| teen party. The wedding entertainer was completely | | | | generally be a source of support for the married |
| out of touch with the group as he proceeded with his | | | | couple on their big day, not an extra headache. |
| agenda including contests and "dance instruction," | | | | This is not to say that a wedding entertainer does not |
| meaning that although everyone there knew how to | | | | have his place. If you are looking for a crazy and |
| dance the electric slide, he still felt compelled to stop | | | | chaotic reception starring Elvis in a jumpsuit, that may |
| the music and show the guests how it goes. This is | | | | be your cup of tea. Be prepared to overspend and |
| when the now irritated couple asked him to knock it | | | | accommodate their ego and desire for attention at |
| off and just play the song. They're lucky they didn't hire | | | | your event. |
| the other guy, who went even further in demanding | | | | If however you prefer to spend a reasonable amount |
| attention with costume changes and skits starring him. | | | | of money for a wedding professional who will listen to |
| The couple should have hired a professional wedding | | | | you and your needs, and believes that a wedding is all |
| DJ who was capable of directing an event without | | | | about the Bride and Groom, perhaps you should hire a |
| putting the spotlight on himself, and has the skill, | | | | wedding DJ/MC who is comfortable with the term and |
| knowledge and judgement to conduct an event with a | | | | his place, and is honored to be a part of your wedding, |
| level of class and sophistication, while still retaining a fun | | | | knowing that it is your special day and not his. |
| and pleasant atmosphere. There are plenty of items | | | | |
