Top five entertainment tips from DJ Ian Wilson

1 Get involved

The playlist at your wedding should reflect you and your man’s personalities, so let your DJ know what sort of music you want. Discussing song lists and ideas is a good place to start. Ensure you talk about the timing of events, special genres or songs to be played, any special edits that are needed, and of course don’t forget the ‘do not play’ list for any tracks you hate! A good DJ will ask about what you want – if they say they understand the music you have in mind without discussing it with you first, then you know they will be rolling out a standard playlist, not something tailored to your special day. The mix of music generally depends on the age of the audience, but there are so many variables. To avoid disappointment, take the time to talk it over with your chosen DJ and get your music preferences in writing to make sure you’re both on the same page.

2. Do something fun

No matter how much you love dancing, hours and hours of it without a break can get a bit tiring. You might want to look at ways to break up that time with something entertaining for your guests. For example, if you’re doing a bouquet throw and a garter toss, how about asking the DJ to get the winners up for a special dance together – this was a memorable highlight at a recent wedding I played at. Get creative and think outside the box to keep guests on their toes.

3. Romance on the dance floor

The first dance is a very special moment, and if you're game then you can learn some simple dance moves that look very impressive. If your dance routine only lasts a short time then you could ask the DJ to edit the song for a shorter version, or introduce the bridal party at the point when the dance routine comes to an end.  But it doesn’t have to end at the first dance. At one wedding I was a DJ for, about halfway through the night we had the bride sit on a chair in the middle of the dance floor, and the groom and groomsmen surprised her by serenading her with ‘You’ve lost that loving feeling’ by the Righteous Brothers.  A small amount of effort usually pays off – if it is a surprise, just make sure you let the DJ in on the secret to avoid awkward interruptions. Communication is key.

4. Get creative

Many brides and grooms want to follow certain etiquette and wedding formats: it’s what people expect, and it can be nice to have traditions. But at the same time, you probably want your celebration to be different from your friend’s or sister’s wedding. From the music that plays as you walk down the aisle to the song of your last dance, you can add your personal touch. Talk to your DJ about having a special dance when you enter the reception, or have two songs for the first dance (such as a slow romantic tune with a fun song mixed in). If you put your creative thinking caps on, you could be the first to start off a new trend and wow your guests with something unique. Just make sure it’s tasteful, and a good fit to your personalities.

5 Connect with your guests

From your vows to the speeches, you want to make sure people can hear what is being said and feel a part of what is happening. You will usually need microphones, preferably wireless, and an amplification system. Quality sound equipment makes a huge difference. It's also important to keep your guests informed, and an MC can help immensely.  A good MC will keep things flowing smoothly and avoid awkward pauses and silences. Not every announcement needs to be made over the PA system – informing smaller groups of guests to take a seat sometimes works better. Many emotions, laughs and sometimes tears are shared during these spoken moments, so they should be audible. Consider asking your DJ or videographer to record them for you, so you can treasure the memories in years to come.

You can find Ian at www.aucklandweddingdj.co.nz