What A New DJ Should Know To Do A Basic Wedding Reception with Cubbie Powell and John Young #djntv
1. Pre-Event Preparation & Planning
* Detailed Timeline & Cue Sheet:
* Get a minute-by-minute schedule from the couple or wedding planner beforehand (Grand Entrance, First Dance, Toasts, Dinner, Cake Cutting, Parent Dances, Open Dancing, Last Dance).
* Name Pronunciations:
* Get phonetic spellings for every single member of the wedding party and family members being introduced. Practice them out loud before the event!
* Music Selection & Playlists:
* Must-Play / Do-Not-Play Lists: Get explicit song requests and strict “Do Not Play” lists from the couple.
* Clean Edits: Ensure every track selected for a wedding—especially general background and early dancing music—is explicit-free / radio clean.
* Core Library: Prep playlist buckets for Cocktail Hour (upbeat jazz, acoustic, soft pop), Dinner (mellow, soul, standards), and Dance Floor (cross-generational hits, classic dance tunes, current Top 40).
* Backup Everything:
* Have offline backups of all music (downloaded files on a hard drive/flash drive) in case venue Wi-Fi fails.
* Keep back-up audio cables, adapters, a second microphone, and power extension cords on hand.
2. Setup & Technical Essentials
* Early Arrival:
* Arrive at least 90–120 minutes prior to guest arrival to set up, cable dress neatly, and do a complete sound check.
* Audio Setup & Line of Sight:
* Position speakers slightly in front of your table/booth to prevent microphone feedback.
* Keep your setup clean, organized, and free of loose, dangling wires.
* Microphone Technique:
* Check wireless microphone batteries (always use fresh batteries before the event starts).
* Instruct anybody speaking or giving a toast to hold the microphone close to their mouth (about 1–2 inches away) and speak directly into it.
3. Master of Ceremonies (MC) Duties
* Keep Announcements Clear & Concise:
* Speak slowly, clearly, and with confidence. Avoid over-talking on the mic during open dancing—let the music do the work.
* Gather & Align People First:
* Never make an announcement for a major event (Toasts, First Dance, Cake Cutting) without confirming that the key players (Couple, Parents, Photographer, Videographer) are in the room and ready.
* Collaborate with Vendors:
* Give the photographer and videographer a heads-up 2 minutes before any key timeline moment so they are in position.
4. Programming & Dance Floor Management
* Read the Room:
* Start the dance floor with broad-appeal hits that bring multiple generations together (Motown, classic 70s/80s pop, universally known dance tracks).
* Smooth Transitions:
* Keep songs playing back-to-back without long gaps or dead air. You don't need complex beatmatching for every song, but smooth fades and seamless transitions keep energy high.
* Managing Requests:
* Be polite and professional with guests who request songs. Filter requests against the couple’s preferences and current dance floor energy.
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