Cape Fear Wedding: Disc jockeys

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Disc jockeys
Versatile DJ can double as master of ceremonies

Return to articles index | Music for ceremony and reception | Your first dance | Songs for the dance |Dance instruction

   A disc jockey is the most popular form of musical entertainment for wedding receptions. A professional DJ can bring elegance, excitement and fun to your reception.
    The hallmark of a good DJ is versatility. You should be able to choose from Oldies, Country-Western, Rock, Big Band and R&B programming. Your guests should be able to polka, waltz, or do the twist. Many DJ's offer ethnic music like Spanish, Italian, Irish, Polish or Greek.
    A top quality DJ will offer "a little something for everyone" so that guests of all ages can enjoy the music or dance.
    Your DJ can emcee the reception, announcing the arrival of the newlyweds, receiving line, buffet, or dinner. He coordinates the champagne toast, cake cutting, newlyweds' first dance, bouquet toss and garter toss. They direct all highlights of the reception, and establish the sequence and timing of events.
    Consider the following points when interviwing a DJ for your reception:

Professional DJ's should be properly attired.
They should be tasteful in announcements and responsive to unique circumstances.
They should be attentive to delicate matters such as divorced, widowed, or remarried parents.
The sound system should be commercial quality and attractive when set up.
The music selection should be extensive with lots of variety.
DJ's should be able to offer lighting systems, mirror balls, and special effects upon request.
Be sure to request references and, if possible, preview their style of work.

Your selection of music will set the mood for your reception. Take the necessary time to communicate your musical likes and dislikes with your chosen DJ. If chosen carefully, your DJ will add festivity to the reception and create a memorable party for your guests.

   The choice of entertainment for your reception is usually a personal preference, but sometimes it becomes a financial decision, as live bands can be expensive.
    While DJs are highly popular for receptions, brides often prefer live entertainment to provide the appropriate dinner music for their guests. Also, if there is a cocktail hour before the reception begins, a pianist or other solo instrumentalist can create the appropriate ambiance while guests mingle with friends and relatives. Whether you are looking for the appropriate dinner music or light background for a cocktail hour, a DJ cannot match the musical atmosphere and entertainment of a live performance.
    For this reason, many brides are now combining DJ services with live entertainment, either by hiring a soloist to entertain their guests during dinner or a cocktail hour, or by searching for a DJ who offers live entertainment such as a pianist as a package deal.
    If you are fortunate, you may find a DJ who is a musician and can provide this live entertainment all for the same price.

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