The introduction of the bridal party to the reception is one of the best parts of a wedding day. It’s a moment that not only celebrates the bride and groom, but their closest family and friends. It’s also a way to communicate to everyone that “we’re going to have a good time tonight!”.
Usually, the guests are just taking in the reception space, as they check out seating arrangements, sneak a peek at the wedding cake, and continue to socialize while enjoying a beverage and appetizers. How a reception transitions from this loose congregation to a seated group focused on the bridal party is the key. This is where your professional and experienced DJ/emcee earns his stripes.
Communication with the Other Vendors
First and foremost, the DJ should always check in with the wedding planner/day-of-coordinator, photographer, and/or videographer. Making sure everybody is ready and on the same page is extremely important, because you only have one chance to get it right! Together, they should come up with a plan on who will round up the wedding party, the location the wedding party will enter, where they will go afterwards, and what events will immediately follow.
Communication with the Guests
This is a step many amateur DJ’s overlook. Before the bridal party is lined up, it’s almost always a good idea for your emcee to let the guests know what’s going on and what’s expected of them. For starters, a simple host introduction is a great icebreaker… “Hello friends and family! On behalf of the bride and groom, welcome! My name is Jesse, and I’ll be your DJ and MC for the evening”. Next, your DJ should make sure everybody is seated to ensure that nobody gets in the way of the bridal party. In addition, directing your attendees to focus on the party’s entry location will help prevent confusion. Lastly, your host should let the guests know to be ready to make some noise while he goes to line up the bridal party for introductions.
Lining Up the Bridal Party
A good emcee will never start calling out names before personally lining the bridal party up. Verifying the list of names and the order in which the bridal party members come out is vital. I can’t tell you how many times, as a DJ, this has saved an introduction from mass turmoil. Because there are many people involved, wedding ceremony participants can change, and often that day! Maybe a close friend is sick and replaced, or Dad’s flight was delayed. In addition, a quick run-through of names will address any potential pronunciation issues. Let’s get those names right! Plus, providing instructions on where to walk to, and what to do afterwards, will prevent wedding party chaos after intros.
Let the Introductions Begin!
Great introductions start with great music! SE Events has used our collective experience to put together a variety of songs that can help set the tone of your evening. Take a moment to listen at https://spectrum-ent.com/receptionhighlights/. Often, we will play one song for parents, one song for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and one song for the bride and groom. Whether you want high-energy hype (“Bring ‘Em Out”, “Uptown Funk”), jubilant classics (“Celebration”, “Hooked On A Feeling”), edgy arena rock (“Thunderstruck”, “Crazy Train”), or feel-good melodies (“You Are The Best Thing”, “Beautiful Day”), we have you covered. The couple could even pick a more obscure jam that has special meaning just to them… there are no rules!
Once you hear that song blasting, and the DJ calls out your names, get ready to bask in the love of your adoring fans. You can do something spontaneous, have a stylish, choreographed move, or just play it cool!
