Day #10: Must-Have Announcements at Your Wedding Reception

From June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

Much of your reception is planned out ahead of time and only a few select people will know what is going on at any given time. Announcements are important so that your guests know “what” is going on and if they have to participate in an activity. Your MC or DJ should review the announcements that you want to include at your wedding reception. Make sure that your DJ has the correct pronunciation of all names (ahead of time) for the introductions.

The Introduction – This should at least be the bride and groom (as the reception is in their honor). Many couples like to include wedding party members, ushers, any flower girls, and ring bearers. Occasionally, the parents of the bride and groom are introduced (prior to the wedding party and generally they simply stand up where they are seated). One couple even asked that we introduce as a special honor, four sets of grandparents in attendance (as all were still living and still married to their respective spouse).

Prayer/Blessing/Welcome (before dinner) – The prayer or blessing can be done by your pastor or minister (if they are attending the reception) or even a parent or grandparent. A “welcome” is generally given by the parent(s) hosting the reception (in most cases, the bride's parents are the hosts). A "welcome" can also be done immediately prior to the toasts.


Dinner – Your MC (or DJ) should discuss ahead of time (with the banquet manager or caterer) the order of “how” dinner will run at your reception. A dinner announcement is generally made so that all guests know how they will receive their meal (whether the meal is served plated or buffet style). Many full-service caterers have a well-defined dinner plan that works best for their facilities and will make your dinner run smooth and orderly.

Toasts – Whether you are having a full champagne toast or some variation (with signature drinks or no alcohol), drinks should be poured before the toast. Generally, the Best Man leads the toasts to the new bride and groom and then is followed by the Maid/Matron of Honor. Your MC should introduce those individuals you want to perform a toast. Toasts should be short (no more than five minutes each) and tasteful. If allowed to run unchecked, toasts can get out of control and cut into your reception time. If you have a lot of people who have prepared toasts, consider having the toasts after the salad and rolls are served, but before the start of dinner.

Cake Cutting – The cake cutting is the transition from meal time to celebration time. Many of your guests will want to take photos so your MC should include this announcement.

Traditions – Things like your first dance, wedding party dance, bouquet and garter throws should all be announced as well. This allows your guests to be aware of the fact that, "We are now doing "X," come on up and join us!" You will want your guests to be an integral part of your festivities so that they don't get bored and want to leave. One of the MC's jobs is to keep your guests having fun so that they will stay to celebrate with you. This is also why having an "I-pod" wedding doesn't work very well. Having announcements and someone to "run the show" is just as important as having music at your reception!

Closing – Signaling the end of your reception, the closing lets your guests know that it's time for the last dance and for them to congratulate the bride and groom before leaving.

For more ideas on must-have announcements, please feel free to contact us!


Happy Planning!!

Have You Noticed that Everyone Wants to be a DJ?

by June Hoffman of Megasound

First, I shook my head when people said that the I-pod would make a great DJ replacement.

Then I saw the advertisements for the new “DJ Hero” game. I thought this might be good training for the next generation of disc jockey hopefuls. You know - really give them an education for what it would be like in the real world of spinning tunes, creating awesome segues and mixes, and packing the floor with throngs of dancers.

Now, I am unsure if I should be honored or fall on the floor in laughter at the news that Jay-Z wants to be an expensive “wedding DJ” with a really cool DJ name. Jay-Z is talking about offering video and dancers and on-queue champagne and music. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has a whole plan and once he perfects this plan, he intends on finding out what the top-priced DJ charges and then wants to double that price. Maybe some people would be excited at the idea of having Jay-Z as the reception entertainment and shelling out $10,000+.

Jay-Z wants to perform at Bar-mitzvahs and weddings and tour. He said: “I’m definitely going to go by a different name. I want people to hear it and be like, DJ Wow!’. It’s got to look good in lights.” Hello?!? Has anyone mentioned to Jay-Z “who” the focus is at weddings?

Jay-Z might be a real boost for the wedding DJ market though. He said that when he gets better at the craft, he would charge more. Nationwide, most disc jockey rates have been artificially low and have not even kept up with the cost of living or the real costs of doing business.

I see both sides of the appeal of Jay-Z being a wedding DJ. I have my doubts as to whether many brides and grooms would actually want to pay for Jay-Z to DJ their wedding. Now, if Jay-Z wants to learn the ropes of being a quality wedding disc jockey, he can always intern in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I am pretty sure there a quite a few excellent wedding entertainment directors in California, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and beyond, that would spend some worthwhile time assisting Jay-Z in perfecting his DJ skills as well.

I even came up with a catchy business card for Jay-Z on his new venture.

Fort Wayne Wedding DJs Will Miss Michael Jackson

by June Hoffman of Megasound

The music world mourns the loss of Michael Jackson. We, as disc jockeys, reflect on Michael’s great influence on Fort Wayne weddings. Looking back, six MJ songs have had the most play time at our local weddings over the last twenty-plus years. Of course, Michael’s music paved the way for many contemporary artists and their hit songs also.

From 1979, “Rock With You” brings back memories of roller skating and youthful endeavors.

“Billy Jean” (1983) still draws all sorts of “moon walking” dancers to the floor.

“P.Y.T.” (1983-Pretty Young Thing) offers many dancers a fun beat.

1984’s “Thriller” is probably one of most requested reception songs thanks to Youtube.

Many wedding couples use “The Way You Make Me Feel” (1987) as a breakout first dance song.

Whether it is the original or another group's remake, “Smooth Criminal’s” (1988) heavy beats burn up the dance floor.

All in all, Michael Jackson’s music touches people of all ages. His style and tunes will be fondly remembered and danced to for years to come.

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.

To Toss or Not to Toss… the Bridal Bouquet?

by June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

Reception planning is in full swing for most Fort Wayne brides. One question on traditions that comes up with most wedding itineraries is: “Are you holding a bouquet toss for all single ladies?” Some brides would rather not put their girlfriends through the anxiety of reminding them that they are still single.

As the MC (Master of Ceremonies), here are a couple of recommendations as options to the bouquet toss.

"Candy Toss" - this is where instead of throwing the bouquet, multiple kinds of candy are used instead so that more than one person can enjoy their "catch".

“Award” the bouquet to the longest married couple during an Anniversary Dance, to your grandmother, or to your Maid or Matron of Honor. This is a wonderful way to celebrate marriage and/or friendship.

“Ribbon Pull” for your bridesmaids is an interesting alternative to a bouquet toss. Specialty charms and long colored ribbons can be purchased prior to the wedding and given to your cake baker. They tie each charm to a ribbon and then charms are placed between the frosted cake layers. Before the cake is cut, each bridesmaids select a ribbon and pulls out an individual charm. Charm meanings include luck, next to be married, baby, money, and more.

“Break Apart Bouquets” are an easy way to “share” the bouquet with all of the female guests (single or married). Ask your florist to create several smaller bouquets and have these bouquets tied together. Invite all the ladies to the dance floor and untie the ribbon holding together the smaller bouquets. It is a surprise to the ladies when several bouquets fly through the air. This is an option so more guests can enjoy the flowers.

For those brides who want to include the bouquet toss, here are a few songs other Fort Wayne brides have used at their wedding. These songs are appropriate for the bouquet toss wedding tradition.

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
“Chapel of Love” by the Dixiecups
“Single Ladies” by Beyonce

Whether you decide to toss your bouquet or not, enjoy the moment and take your time so that the photographer can get the best shots. Oh, and IF you decide to do the bouquet toss, communicate with your MC to make sure that they are going to count to three for you to throw the bouquet. Your MC is working with your photographer so that they know the photographer is ready to get the shot (at least here at Megasound, this is important to us).

Why Should I Worry About Sound Equipment?

AKA…What good are signal processors, signal enhancers, and 30-band equalizers and why would I want to hire a DJ/MC who uses them for my wedding?

by Erik Michaels of Megasound

Do you want crystal clear sound at your wedding? Yes
Or would you prefer the sound like at your local drive-thru restaurant? No
You do want your guests to be able to easily understand all the announcements.

A professional DJ/MC is going to invest in components which will make their equipment sound the best that it possibly can.

Signal processors improve sound quality by preventing that “distortion sound". It is similar to that choppy, nasty sound that happens when you turn up the volume too high on your car stereo. A signal processor limits voltage and helps "even" sound out when the disc jockey turns the volume up too high or screams into the microphone. A signal processor makes the sound produced crystal clear at ALL volume levels.

Signal enhancers correct phase and equalization to produce a more intelligible sound. The manner in which they operate isn't as important as the end result: BETTER SOUND. Any performer who really cares about their sound should be interested in utilizing a signal enhancer to improve the overall sound quality.

A 30-band equalizer is similar to the bass and treble controls on your stereo system. The bonus for you is that 30 different frequencies are affected instead of only two. Filtering out unwanted signal "junk" improves sound quality. Keep in mind that most Fort Wayne DJs and MCs perform at many different locations throughout the year. Being able to "fine-tune" their system allows them to correct frequency differences caused by varying environments. A qualified DJ/MC should adjust the sound based on a reception hall’s size, shape, and interior wall texture (carpeting or concrete). Utilizing a 30-band equalizer allows maximum flexibility by providing far more "points" of adjustment than simple bass, mid range, and treble controls.

A DJ/MC who utilizes these types of components in addition to the standard amplifiers and speakers, obviously cares about their sound QUALITY. This is very important for your wedding, as high quality sound will make your reception much more enjoyable for all who attend. No drive-thru loud speaker sound for your wedding!!

Why Should Your Wedding Entertainer Have Many Years of Experience?

by Erik Michaels of Megasound

This may seem like a silly question; but simply put, more experience generally equals better performance. One cannot expect top-notch performance from an individual who doesn't "know the ropes", so to speak. Weddings are a one-shot deal for couples.

Many MC/DJs (master of ceremonies/disc jockeys) call themselves "professional" but conduct themselves in a manner far from professional due to a lack of experience. Many so-called professionals perform only a minimal number of weddings per year and are simply hobbyists. A true professional will generally perform at weddings regularly every weekend and an amateur may only perform at weddings 8 or 10 times per year.

An entertainer who has over 20 years' experience has been through hundreds of weddings. They have experienced different styles and types of weddings, different music, different traditions, and more than likely has had their fair share of problems of all types. Basically put, the more wedding experience an entertainer has, the more likely they will be able to handle any problem as well as offer you better service than someone with less experience.

A more experienced entertainer will generally be more interested in accomplishing YOUR goals rather than his or her own goals. For instance, almost any DJ/MC is interested in your guests having a good time dancing. However, if you and your guests really aren't the dancing type, an experienced professional will find other means to keep you and your guests busy having fun at your wedding. This is very important, since your guests will remember whether or not they had fun at your wedding.

Experience is a key factor in whether your wedding is successful, fun, and problem-free for you. One often gets what they pay for, so please keep in mind that more experienced entertainers are probably going to charge more for their knowledge than those individuals with less wedding experience. Considering how much of an effect an entertainer will have on the overall atmosphere at your wedding, it definitely pays to spend a little bit more than you originally thought you would and be happy with the results than to try to save a couple hundred bucks and be greatly disappointed after your reception.