Union Lake DJs and Disc Jockeys in Union Lake, MI for your wedding

Helpful Tips from Professional Union Lake DJs

Lead the Way to a Great Reception Wedding General Party Tips

You've probably read and heard a thousand tidbits of advise about countless different aspects of your wedding and reception. The one thing you probably haven't read anything about is how you should act at your own reception. As the Bride and Groom, your guests will follow your lead. They are there to celebrate your wedding and most will be watching to see where you are and what you are doing through the course of the evening. My advise? Be active! Be front and center where your guests can see you. Plan on leading the dance floor. Be the life of your own party and encourage everyone to celebrate with you rather than be observers.

Be on Time! A typical wedding reception lasts six hours. This time will go by very quickly, so dont waste it by being late. Lets look at it from a financial perspective. Let's say youre paying $75 per plate for 150 guests. If you are just 15 minutes late, youve just wasted $650! (Besides the food (and your guests) will be overcooked!) and thats time youll never get back.

Don't Leave the Room! A common mistake. When the Bride and/or the groom go out on the deck, into the lobby or hang out at the bar, the party suffers. Instead, try to get those guests to join the real party thats going on inside on the dance floor! Never stand near the room exit door. That is an unspoken invitation for your guests to leave!

Get Photos out of the Way Early! Try to discourage your photographer or videographer from having you leave the room for photos. Wherever possible, get them out of the way early, before dancing begins. So you can be part of YOUR party.

Submitted by Jack Brown DJ / Entertainment of Highland, MI

How to Build a Playlist for your Wedding Wedding How To / Instructional

How important is it that your guests are out on the dance floor having a good time? Will the songs that you choose make them want to dance? This can be a challenge for many brides and grooms. Remember – it’s your wedding day, but the DJ is there to entertain everybody!

If you made a smart move in hiring a professional DJ that has entertained at hundreds of receptions over the years, he or she can quickly determine the types of songs will bring guests out to the dance floor and create a memorable, high-energy event.

Some couples like to pick three or four dozen songs they want played at their reception. At a typical six-hour reception, however, there will be only three to four hours of open dancing, which may only allow for 50 songs. While your DJ may allow you to pick as many songs as you want, it’s best to only pick 10 to 12 songs that interest you the most. There will likely be requests made by your guests, which should be played, assuming they’re danceable.

The remainder will be chosen by your DJ based on what’s working (and what’s not). Often times, professional DJs don’t have the next song selected until shortly before the current song is ending, as reading the crowd can be an art form that takes time to evaluate. It’s even more challenging to pick music days or even months in advance if you truly want your guests to have a good time.

If you do pick a lot of tunes, mark a dozen as “must plays” and consider letting your DJ know that he or she does not have to play all the rest if the songs are not drawing people out to the floor. Keep in mind that you will likely spend less time out on the dance floor than you anticipate, as your guests will want to spend time congratulating you!

Submitted by All Night DJs of Troy, MI

How to Choose and Work With a Professional DJ All Events How To / Instructional

The food and the entertainment are the two most talked about details of almost any special event.
Here are some tips for finding the right DJ:

1. Start by asking friends and relatives if they know of any great DJs. A good recommendation from someone you trust is important. If you can’t find one this way, start looking online or through the yellow pages under “disc jockeys.”

2. Ask each DJ if they’re available on your date and location. Ask them to send you background information, a contract, playlists, information sheets, testimonials, references, etc.

3.Ask them how much they cost, what’s included and what’s not included (setup, teardown, dinner music, consulting, etc.) Question a company that is very low in cost – there's a good chance you will be putting the success of your event at risk in order to save a few bucks. If the company you are looking at is in the high end, ask them to justify their cost. You might find you are compensating for their large sound or lighting system that you have no desire to use, or you might find that there are added services that are well worth the extra cost.

4. If you’ve never met the DJ or haven’t heard any great testimonials from friends or family, then schedule a meeting or go see them in action. Be wary of DJ videos and brochures promising the greatest DJ. Instead, get first-hand testimony from someone you trust or go meet the DJ. Make sure they can provide the type of entertainment you desire. If you’re having a specific style of event (wedding reception, swing dance, beach party, etc.) make sure they are well qualified. Ask them how many other events they’ve done similar to yours.

5. Is the DJ you’re meeting the DJ that will actually entertain at your special event? Most DJ companies with more than a few employees can’t say for sure who your DJ will be until a month or a few weeks ahead of time. Keep this in mind when shopping. Be sure that the DJ you hire knows what you’re looking for and is responsible and professional.

6. Once you feel you found an established disc jockey in your price range, with the music selection you like, make your final selection based on personality. Some disc jockeys like to steal the show. These DJs are always on the microphone and like to be very visible. The other end of the spectrum is the DJ with a lack of any personality who does nothing except play the music. Other companies are well balanced. Usually you can get a feel for style simply by talking to the disc jockey over the phone.

And here’s how to hire and work with your DJ:

7. Make certain the DJ has a written contract and that everything you expect of them is in writing. If they refuse or give you nothing but a bunch of verbal claims, find another DJ immediately. Review the contract line by line. Ask questions if you’re unsure about something. Sign and return the contract with the deposit. Be sure you understand the cancellation policy.

8. Decide on the start and end time for music. What time will the first guests arrive? Make sure the DJ is completely setup by this time, even if you don’t want music played until later.

9. Four to six weeks before the special event, complete and return the playlist and information sheet along with a map to the location and any other necessary information. Make sure the DJ understands exactly what is to happen and when, including specialty dances or important announcements. If you’ve requested any special music that the DJ doesn’t have, be sure you provide it the day of your event. Make sure the DJ’s attire will be appropriate. Go over the pronunciation of all names to be announced, even if they seem common. Tell the DJ if they’ll have to use stairs, elevators, long hallways to unload.

10. One week before the event, confirm the setup time, music start and end time and balance owed with your DJ.

11. During your event, consult your DJ immediately if something is not going as you discussed or if you change your mind about anything. If the volume is not right or they’re playing the wrong songs, let them know.

12.Enjoy your event!

Submitted by All Night DJs of Troy, MI