Planning
your wedding can be a lot of work, but it should also be
a lot of fun. My goal is to provide you with helpful ideas
and suggestions that will reduce your work and increase
your overall enjoyment. If you have any questions regarding
your contracts, wedding planning sheet, payments, etc. please
feel free to call or email me directly. I am available to
answer questions special music ideas, traditional formalities,
and order of events, etc.
Sound
System Setup An important factor in the success of the reception
is where the sound system is to be set. It is essential
that the system be placed in an area directly next
to the dance floor, and that the DJ has a good line
of sight to the head table and room entrance, if possible.
It is not a good idea to surround your dance floor
completely on all four sides with tables. Remember,
my speakers need to carry sound to the dance area.
If they are tables directly between the speakers and
the dance floor, the guest seated at those tables
will have an uncomfortable level of sound.
If your guests are seated in an adjacent area or room,
I can provide additional speakers so that all of your
guests can hear the announcements and music at a comfortable
level. (A nominal charge may apply for this customized
speaker option)
Sequence
of Events In addition to the setup, the order and timeline
of events is a very important part of the overall
success of your wedding reception. As an experienced
entertainment professional, I am an expert at helping
you plan the very best sequence for all events and
formalities.
Bride
and Groom to Welcome and Thank Guests Receiving lines are very rarely used anymore as
a method of greeting your guests. They tend to be
time consuming and problematic, especially with larger
wedding parties.
Here is a fun and memorable alternative to the typical
receiving line:
Prior to dinner, the bride and groom are given a wireless
microphone at the head table. This is a wonderful
opportunity to welcome everyone and to do any special
acknowledgments, such as a guest who has traveled
a long distance or family and friends who have contributed
in the preparation of the ceremony or reception. It
is especially meaningful to hear publicly from the
bride and groom how important their family and friends
are to them.
Food It is important for meal service to begin in a
timely manner. Remember, although you have just arrived,
your guests have been waiting for some time. During
your pre-planning phases you will coordinate an approximate
mealtime with your caterer. It is easier for your
caterer to move food service back if you are running
late than it is to move it forward if you are ahead
of schedule. Once you have had the opportunity to
enjoy your meal, it is a good time for the bride and
groom to visit with their guests. Typically, most
guests will still be eating, giving you about twenty
minutes or more to mingle from table to table.
Toast The toast is usually done at the beginning or
at the conclusion of the meal. At these times, you
have all the guests' attention, and it is easier for
the caterer or banquet staff to pour for a champagne
toast when guests are still at their tables. I will
have a wireless microphone available for the toast,
which can be done by the best man, maid of honor,
parents, or any others you designate in advance. I
strongly discourage open toasting at most events.
This can be a slow and awkward process that drastically
impacts the smooth flow of your reception.
Cake
Cutting This can be done after dinner or later in the
reception. The fun in this formality is in the anticipation,
and I suggest a playful, yet sensible attitude while
feeding each other.
Bouquet
Toss When the time comes for the bouquet toss, I will
gather the single ladies on the dance floor. You will
want to be sure that you throw your bouquet is handy.
Following the catch, your photographer will often
take a photo of the bride alongside the woman who
caught the bouquet. The choice is yours...I would
be happy to suggest other options that will allow
you to present your bouquet and still create a memorable
and unique moment for you and your guests.
Garter
Removal and Toss Following the bouquet toss, I will invite the
single men to the dance floor. For the garter removal,
the bride can sit on a chair. The groom will then
get down on one knee in front of the bride. Once the
garter has been removed, the bride will step to the
edge of the dance floor and the groom will toss the
garter.
Garter
Replacement At times, a bride and groom will ask the man who
caught the garter to place it on the leg of the woman
who caught the bouquet. If you choose in advance to
add this formality to your reception, I will double-check
with you after the garter toss. You may want to forgo
the event depending on who catches each item.
Bride
and Groom First Dance All the attention is focused on the dance floor...the
first few notes of your special song begin to play
as your share your first dance as husband and wife.
Many couples choose to have the wedding party join
them halfway through the dance. By doing this, you
give the photographer an opportunity to photograph
your wedding party, plus it shortens the amount of
time the two of you are dancing alone. If you have
practiced or choreographed your dance, you may still
want to dedicate a special song to the wedding party
(and their significant others) later in the dancing.
Father/Daughter
Dance One of the most traditional event at the reception
is the moment the father of the bride dances with
his daughter. This song can also include the groom
with his mother.
Mother/Son Dance If the groom would like to have his own dance
with his mother, it is traditionally done immediately
after the Father/Daughter dance.
Other
Spotlight Dance For some brides, a special dance with a Stepfather,
Uncle, Brother or close family friend is done in lieu of
a Father/Daughter Dance.
General
Dancing I will invite all your friends and family to join you
on the dance floor. The best parties always have a blend
of fun songs that please all age groups. I will welcome
requests and play a mix that will keep all generations dancing
and entertained.
Money
Dance If you decide to do a money dance, I will announce it
as an opportunity for your friends and family to share a
special slow dance with the bride or groom. I will ask the
best man and maid of honor to assist me in collecting the
money. This will ensure the timely flow of the guests. It's
a good idea for the bride and groom to remain on the dance
floor at the conclusion of the money dance. As the tempo
picks up, your presence will encourage all your guests to
join you as the fast dancing resumes.
Dedications,
Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. Be sure to list any special announcements you would
like me to make. This is a great way to personalize your
event and recognize special loved ones.
Sensitive
Subjects I will conduct myself in a professional and courteous
manner at all times throughout your reception. If you feel
I need to be aware of any sensitive information regarding
your event. Family or guests please let me know.
Anything
Else I Should Know? If you are having a video presentation, singer, musicians,
centerpiece giveaway, or any other personalized additions
that will make your party unique please list them.
Final
Payment of Balance Due The final payment is due seven days prior to your event,
unless otherwise arranged in advance. I realize that sometimes
wedding coordinators or other family members handle this
final balance.
Payment may be made in cash, check or money order, payable
to: Robert Bopp
DJ
Food My standard policy does not require that you provide
me with meal service and beverages. Many clients choose
to include me as a courtesy.
Gratuity
Unlike many other service professionals, I do not contractually
add service charges or gratuities. My goal is to provide
you with a premium level of service without expectation
of additional compensation. However, it at the conclusion
of the reception you would like to give the gift of gratuity
you may.
Final
Thought Thank you for choosing my services as a part of your
special day. I consider it a unique honor. If I can do anything
to be of further service to you, please do not hesitate
to call.
