Wedding Entertainment - Ric Mitchell

Over the years, I've dealt with some very nervous brides... and rightly so. It's certainly one of the biggest days of their lives. So, I'm glad to be able to calmly and professionally answer their questions and calm their fears. It’s years of experience that makes all that possible. To many harried brides, the obstacles to a successful event seem insurmountable. My job is to tackle those obstacles and make for smooth sailing through that day.
It's what you pay for-and expecting any less is just not acceptable!

I get many calls asking "which song should be used to dance with my dad" or "with the groom's mom"?? Now, for that bride/father dance, the moment is absolute emotion most of the time (with 2 daughters of my own, sometimes I get a little misty-eyed) but, for most guys, dancing with their moms is pure torture. However, after years of hard work and the tasks of motherhood, moms deserve this moment. So, I'll suggest ways to please mom and yet, shorten the song. Not an abrupt clip of the song... but just a casual moment so that guests don't even realize it's happening. It makes the moment work for both concerned and I always make sure both special moments are followed by a generous round of applause by guests.

What if we don't want certain songs played at the reception?

This request comes in from time to time... Normally, I bring music from the 40s through today because I realize there are 3 generations there and I try to play a little bit for each group, looking for the most mass appeal songs from each generation to try and keep the dance floor busy. But, there are times when a bride and groom just don't want to hear a certain song or 2 at the reception. That's fine... I don't play from a rigid set list and each party is different. What one couple doesn't want, another

couple insists be played. That's the beauty of a DJ... the selection is great and special requests can be worked in through the night. If the songs that are "banned" do get requested enough, I will usually seek out the couple and inform them of such and let them make the call. Believe me, there's enough in my library to make the night just as successful! Do I suggest one type of music through the night? No, I try and play to the entire crowd. Many wedding preparation books advise the bride and groom that the party is for them and that is true to a certain extent but there has to be a balance that's fair to all the guests. I know sometimes those in their 20s don't like the musical preferences of those in their 40s and 50s and vice versa but, the party is also for the guests -- a thank you for their wonderful gift and the honor of having them share this special moment in your lives. Plus, many times, those in their 40s and 50s and 60s give the largest gifts and it's a shame to have them feel left out at the affair.

How about grandparents at the reception?

While some can walk in during the traditional introductions, many cannot so what I normally suggest is introducing them at their tables. I normally do it before the introductions, spotlight them and encourage warm applause from guests.

It's their special day too and they do deserve the recognition.

Oh, and one more thing. Please be careful with seating when it comes to grandparents and older attendees. For many of them, it's a tough night if they're seated right in front of the DJs speakers.

Are you dressed formally at the wedding? Do you drink at the wedding?

Two legitimate questions. I've always been a firm believer that the DJ/Host should look as good as the wedding party. But, I like to go a step further!

I always try and arrive at least 75 minutes before the cocktail hour begins... so that I can set up without your guests seeing me in a less-than-perfect outfit. To me, nothing looks worse than guests arriving and seeing the DJ setting up equipment in a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. When your guests arrive, I try to be perfectly dressed and even greet them with some light jazz as they enter a quiet room. After all, the cocktail hour is to chat with people you haven't seen in a while. Plus, it's to see and be seen. I want them to walk into that banquet room feeling like everyone (including the DJ) is dressed to the nines!

These are the types of things that I analyze to make sure your dance floor stays busy. Things you shouldn't have to worry about -- but I most certainly do because I want your night to be the most successful I can make it! The greatest compliment I get over and over is "Boy, people are telling us this is one of the best receptions they've ever been to!"

Oh, I never consume alcoholic beverages at any event I host--not even New Year's Eve! I'm working and my credo has always been - "I never drink when I work-period!" Not on radio, at clubs and certainly not at your wedding!

Group dances are another thing that pops up from time to time... and I can't tell you how frustrated I get watching some DJs play the Electric Slide or some other group participation song and then just leave the crowd to themselves.

What's frustrating is that you then have 5 splinter groups going every which way, bumping into each other and, well, what a mess. That's the whole reason we play group dances -- the fun is doing them as a group.

I usually let them know it's coming up, ask if everyone knows how to do it and if there's not a lot who do, get out there with them and show them. With wireless mic technology it's not that difficult and it does make me a part of the party and not some guy in the corner playing the music. It's very easy to stay behind the equipment and just sorta watch...

I choose to get involved with the crowd at opportune moments but, most importantly, try not to interfere with the flow of the music. There really is no reason to stop the flow--that really only causes the dance floor to empty and then the DJ has to work extra hard to get them back up again.

I RECENTLY WORKED WITH A PROFESSIONAL...

who was telling me how his brother had read in a book on how he should give his DJ a full list of every song to play -- in order -- for the whole reception! Well, this photographer told his brother that a qualified professional DJ can't function like that. He or she needs to feel out the crowd, see what they're responding to and select songs to keep the party busy! Of course, a DJ will take suggestions from the couple of honor and guests but the placement of songs is critical to the success of a party! Luckily, he convinced his brother that this was NOT a good idea. His advice was "let the DJ do his or her job -- you have a good time"!