Musical Inspiration for Your Wedding

by June Hoffman of Megasound

You can find a lot of inspirations for your wedding reception music. These selections should be a springboard for different ideas on a wide variety of music. I hope that these help make your special day an awesome celebration!

Cocktail/Dinner Music Selection – “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

Classic Slow Song – “You are so Beautiful” by Joe Cocker

Funky – Retro Tune – “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” by Carl Carlton

Wedding Cheese – “The Chicken Dance” by the Emeralds

Sizzling Dance Floor – “Krazy” by Pitbull featuring Lil Jon

“Couples Only” – “Lucky” by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillat

Let me know if you need other song ideas for your wedding reception. We can brainstorm ideas to find those artists and songs that will work best for you.

Flip-side Song Suggestions for Your Wedding Reception

by June Hoffman of Megasound

Here are some more song suggestions to ignite your musical genius. These song ideas are just the beginning for you to create some great moments for your guests to enjoy at your wedding reception.

Most experienced wedding DJ/MC's will be able to help you with the song selection process.

Cocktail/Dinner Music Selection – “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin
Classic Slow Song – “A Kiss to Build a Dream On” by Louis Armstrong
Funky – Retro Tune – “Boogie Shoes” by KC and the Sunshine Band
Wedding Cheese – “Shout” by the Dynatones
Sizzling Dance Floor – “Fire Burning” by Sean Kingston
“Couples Only” – “Halo” by Beyonce

Always enjoy the music that you select for your wedding reception. Let me know if you need help creating an exciting music list for your reception.

Song Suggestions for Your Reception

From June Hoffman of Megasound

Creating a fun and meaningful reception playlist may seem a daunting task. Weddings are comprised of traditions and celebration and a wide array of guest ages. The following song suggestions will hopefully spark your musical genius and assist you in adding entertaining options for all guests to enjoy at your wedding reception.

Another helpful hint: utilize your DJ/MC's skills to help in the song selection process.

Cocktail/Dinner Music Selection – “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra

Classic Slow Song – “At Last” by Etta James

Funky – Retro Tune – “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry

Wedding Cheese – “YMCA” by the Village People

Sizzling Dance Floor – “Boom, Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas

“Couples Only” – “Kiss me Thru the Phone” by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em featuring/Sammie

If you need help creating your wedding reception play list, drop me a line.

DJ's from a Photographers Standpoint

by June Hoffman of Megasound

To be a better “anything” takes stepping back and asking others for help. My goal to be a better DJ/MC is a work in progress. It goes back to the idea of "learning is a journey." To learn more about how to improve yourself; one needs to ask unbiased third parties their opinions. I asked local Fort Wayne photographers their opinions on several aspects of weddings where they work with DJ/MC’s to get their insights.

What is your (from the photographers standpoint) most important expectation of a DJ at a wedding?

Judy Gaulden of Photo Artistry by Judy feels that disc jockeys should “keep things moving in a timely manner” at weddings.

Dave Evans of Picture Perfect Photo said that “I expect the DJ to execute the plan that the Bride and Groom have worked out with the DJ, keeping us (photographers) informed as to what is happening. The DJ should be able to "read" the crowd and play the music that will keep the crowd on their feet while staying within the Bride's and Groom's expectations (music-wise)”.

Sara DeWitt of Regal Photography feels “that he [the DJ] shows direction at the reception and helps things run smoothly without any chaos or confusion.”

Communication and organization are key characteristics for DJ/MC’s to help the other professionals create memorable weddings. I have a few other key areas of feedback from these photographers that I will share in the next several entries. It is wonderful to learn from other people while (hopefully) assisting in making their job easier.

What Kind of Attire do YOU Think is Appropriate for Your Wedding?

by Erik Michaels of Megasound

Today I am going to discuss a bit about DJ/MC attire at weddings. I realize that some DJs don't want to wear formalwear because they are afraid of being mistaken for a wedding party member. This is a lousy excuse not to wear a tuxedo or formal dress. Any performer "worth his/her salt", so to speak, should look the part. If the wedding party can wear tuxedoes and formal dresses, then why wouldn't a professional DJ/MC want to look his or her best also? Of course, obviously there are some DJs who either AREN'T professional or don't want to be confused with being professional. This is unfortunate for those of us who actually care about what we do and want to do our best at every wedding.

Since a wedding DJ/MC will be representing the bride and groom, he or she should want to put their best foot forward as to his or her appearance. Perhaps I am a bit old-fashioned...but I have seen other DJs perform weddings in shorts or jeans and a T-shirt. Setting up equipment in that type of clothing is fine, but actually WORKING in that apparel just didn't seem right. I suppose I liken it to seeing my doctor at the beach in a swimming suit. That apparel is fine for the beach, but I don't think I would want to see him WORKING in it.
Here at Megasound, we allow our clients to have the final say in our performance attire. However, unless otherwise specified, our DJ/MCs perform in formal apparel and our assistants are required to wear standard business outfits. Our clients hire us to perform their wedding, not play volleyball in the backyard.

Megasound Joined WedSpace.com

http://www.wedspace.com/?ID=Megasound-Professional-MCs-and-Officiants&REFERREDBY=Megasound-Professional-MCs-and-Officiants

Megasound now has a profile on WedSpace.

Why would I want an MC/DJ who is also an Officiant?

by Erik Michaels of Megasound

When you are planning your wedding for outside of a church, it is good to have a back up plan for as many aspects as possible. Whether you simply want a backup plan for your wedding ceremony or need someone who is versed in all aspects of a wedding, having a DJ/MC who is an Officiant is peace of mind for you (the bride).

• For full service, it is easier to hire one company to take care of the ceremony music, marriage nuptials, and the music for the reception.
• You will save more money and have fewer contracts to deal with when planning your wedding when you work with one company.
• An Ordained minister is only one of a few people who can perform legal marriage ceremonies and not just a fancy show for your guests.
• It is easier to have one company in charge of your detailed wedding plans instead of several (a minister, instrumentalists, coordinator, and reception entertainment).
  

At Megasound, being Officiants (also) gives us an edge when it comes to weddings. Not only do we have years of experience performing receptions, we also have years of experience performing CEREMONIES. This means that we are experienced in ALL parts of your wedding and will provide you top-notch performance for the entire event! We can perform your ceremony ANYWHERE, with or without music. We will even practice with you during your rehearsal if you like! We organize each ceremony and reception according to your details and do all the work for you so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your wedding without having to worry about details!