What Do Our Chicago Wedding DJs Do?

So you're probably wondering what exactly goes into our Signature Chicago Wedding DJ package? Well that's actually a great question! While most Chicago DJ companies are selling you on speakers, lights and projectors we tend to focus on providing peace of mind, coordination and hospitality. Our clients always enjoy the music we play, but it's the peace of mind and confidence that they appreciate the most! To get an idea of what our Chicago Wedding DJs will fulfill at your wedding reception please read below. We've highlighted each aspect of a wedding reception and what we would typically coordinate for you.

 

 

 

 

Setup:

• Tape down all exposed wiring so system looks tidy and clean.
• Setup and test each piece of equipment to ensure they are fully functional.
• Take pictures of equipment from all angles to ensure it looks centered and clean.

• Check and replace all microphone batteries so mics are charged and ready for toasts and speeches.
• View equipment from various angles to ensure everyone in the room is viewing a clean system.
• If possible, get a rose from the florist to give to the groom to present upon the first dance.
• Be dressed and ready to perform 30 minutes before the guests are scheduled to arrive.

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to Guest Arrival:

• Make sure the house music is turned off.
• Pull all "must play" and "play if possible" songs.
• Go over the agenda with banquet hall and banquet captains.
• Find all necessary lighting controls and be ready to adjust later in the evening.
• Find out the seating arrangements for the bridal party and let them know where they will be sitting.
• Test all of the special music songs (including: Introduction, First Dances and formality dances).
• Listen to each important song and have a backup version available on iPod in the event of failure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cocktail Hour:

• Walk the room and listen to the music as the guests would. Make sure volume is appropriate.
• Watch for other wedding vendors and go over the agenda and procedures with them.
• Check microphone frequencies with videographers and DJs next door to eliminate interferences.
• Talk with photographer and videographer on a perfect location for the toasts.
• Locate the person giving the blessing and instruct them on how to use a microphone.
• Verify with hall manager the appropriate times that dinner will be ready.
• Check cake table to make sure there is a knife, plate and napkin.
• Greet wedding party in the lobby upon arrival. Have appetizers and/or drinks ready for them.
• Verify all the wedding party names and line them up for the grand introductions.
• Instruct wedding party on how the introductions will be handled and the level of energy desired.
• Instruct those giving toasts as to how and when they will be introduced.
• Make sure that all of the guests are showing complete attention before the introductions begin.

 

 

 

Dinner:

• Locate the toss bouquet.
• Coordinate the release of tables if there is a buffet.
• Take music requests from head table and parents table.
• Do any necessary editing for special dances that will occur later in the evening.
• Remind the bride and groom to visit with guests when they're finished eating.
• Remind the wedding party as to when the wedding party dance will take place.
• Check with parents and inform them of when father/daughter and mother/son dances will take place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toasts:

• Make sure that everyone who is giving a toast is aware of the order and placement.
• Verify that all the glasses, especially bride and groom's are poured and in place.
• Verify that all the parents and Vip's are in room, even if they are not toasting.
• Verify that the photographer and videographer are in place and ready before beginning.
• Double check microphone batteries one more time.
• Introduce the toasters one by one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cake Cutting:

• Verify that the photographer and videographer are in place and ready to record.
• Inform the bride and groom that it's time to cut the cake.
• Direct everyone's attention to cake table and that it's time to cut the cake.
• Inform everyone to give photographer the right away.
• Use verbal cues to DJ for messy/neat.
• Have cake cutting song cued and ready to play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bouquet:

• Retrieve the bride's throwing bouquet.
• Find out photographer's preference for taking pictures and if they'd like to do a fake count.
• Bring out single women/ladies. (Never say "girls")
• Be sure to check for obstacles or interferences for the toss.
• Have groom stand by DJ/MC to give name of catcher.
• Inform the bride of the countdown sequence.
• Begin the countdown to toss.
• Get catcher's name from the groom and then congratulate them and hold for photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Dance:

• Give rose to groom if available then inform him to give it to the bride upon introduction.
• Visually confirm that all VIP’s (bridal party, parents, etc) are in room.
• Confirm that the photographer & the videographer are set and ready.
  
• Be ready to adjust lighting.
• Announce the first dance with flair and excitement.
  
• Dim lights immediately after the music starts.
  
• Invite others to join if requested by bride & groom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parents Dances:

• Visually confirm that all VIP’s are present.
• With flair and excitement, announce the dance and length of marriages if appropriate.
• Announce the name of the song they chose and if it has any significant meaning.
• Invite others to join if requested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Dance/Farewell Dance

• 15 minutes prior to the dance, inform the bride and groom that you'll be staring the final sequence.
• Make sure all the VIP’s are present and in the room.
• Use bridesmaids to help generate a farewell circle. Explain their duties carefully and slowly. Do not use drunk bridesmaids!
• Inform the bride and groom that dance is about to begin.
  
• On the microphone, and privately, invite guests to join the farewell dance.
• End with big finale, and of course a special congratulations to bride and groom.
  
• Exit Music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of the Night:

• Personally congratulate and thank ALL VIPs!
• MC should stay in proper dress for as long as possible.
• Leave the DJ area completely clean. Leave no trace of our setup.
• Thank the staff at the banquet facility.