introduce first dance

[alphawave]

hi,just wondering what you say over the mic to introduce the first dance? for example,speechs etc out the way background music on then its time to get everyone together to do the first dance,how do you approach that? thanks

[djsteve10]

If it is the 1st thing of the evening i have said then it goes

Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great pleausre i welcome you to Bride & grooms wedding reception here at Venue this evening,

It has now come to that time of the evening that we have all been waiting for, The first dance of the evening with the new Mr & Mrs Surname so ladies and gentlment please put your hands together and welcome them onto the dancefloor.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I just shout "OI! - first dance...NOW"

[djsteve10]

Now Daz that is the most formal and appropriate way i have heard... you should be master of ceremonies :P:P

[soundmaster mobile disco]

I normally talk to the bride and groom when i arrive, introduce myself,find out what there names are.Ask them when they think that everyone is here before i start the first dance.

I normally welcome everyone along and tell them that i hope to have the first dance in around 10 mins time,but in the meantime if they want to check there cameras for the first dance,get up to the bar and buy a round of drinks and hopefully the first dance will take place shortly.

When the bride and groom think that everyone is here and they want to start,i once again welcome everyone along to harry and sallys wedding tell them that its now time for the first dance.Ladies and gentlemen would you please put your hands together and welcome to the dancefloor the new mr & mrs collins.

Then tell eveyone that the bride and groom have specially chosen amazed by lonestar for there first dance.

It is very important that you have a good microphone and that everyone can hear what you are saying.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I normally talk to the bride and groom when i arrive, introduce myself,find out what there names are

Why on earth wouldn't you know that information beforehand? :confused:

[djsteve10]

Why on earth wouldn't you know that information beforehand? :confused:

Thats what i was just thinking

Surely you send out wedding questionaires?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Thats what i was just thinking

Surely you send out wedding questionaires?

Not necessarily a questionnaire, but that is fairly basic info IMO. Perhaps it was through an agent who aren't know for their generosity with details...

[djsteve10]

well i have a wedding quetionaire with all the info of bride and grooms info on it,
music requests of them and their guests,
venue managers name and contact number incase i get stuck in traffic or something like that happens and i can inform them.

just general information that can prove useful

[Excalibur]

Why on earth wouldn't you know that information beforehand? :confused:

Because some of us , as I have said before, are booked as resident in some venues, and the only information we have might be- Wedding, 7.30pm start.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Because some of us , as I have said before, are booked as resident in some venues, and the only information we have might be- Wedding, 7.30pm start.

But why wouldn't the people at the venue be able to get those details? If they have booked the venue for the client, then they must have some details.

If I couldn't deal with the venue direct, then I'd ask the venue to get some basic details for me.

How on earth do you know what the first dance is, what the dress code is, what the timings are for food, what music to play etc etc if the venue can't even give you the very basic detail of B&G's name?

[Candybeatdiscos]

basically i introduce like this:

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to (VENUE), for this very special occasion the (Party Type) of (Person Celebrating). My name's Garry and I am your DJ for tonight, and I will be playing a range of classic tracks from the 50's & 60's to present day, if there are any specific tracks you would like me to play then please feel free to pop up and ask.

Ok its time to get the show started (if its a wedding at this point ask the B&G to come up for the wedding waltz)

[rob1963]

I normally just say something like "I do believe we're now ready for the first dance, so can we please have a big round of applause for the bride and groom"

After the first dance, I usually back-announce the song, ask for another round of applause for the bride & groom and announce that there will be more slow ones later on in the evening. Then I speed it up & get the lights going.

:)

[Tom]

basically i introduce like this:

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to (VENUE), for this very special occasion the (Party Type) of (Person Celebrating). My name's Garry and I am your DJ for tonight, and I will be playing a range of classic tracks from the 50's & 60's to present day, if there are any specific tracks you would like me to play then please feel free to pop up and ask.

Ok its time to get the show started (if its a wedding at this point ask the B&G to come up for the wedding waltz)

I like that. Informative but not to much.

Just dont let peaches geldof get to close to my music collection and rig. :lol:

[rob1963]

basically i introduce like this:

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to (VENUE), for this very special occasion the (Party Type) of (Person Celebrating). My name's Garry and I am your DJ for tonight, and I will be playing a range of classic tracks from the 50's & 60's to present day, if there are any specific tracks you would like me to play then please feel free to pop up and ask.

Ok its time to get the show started (if its a wedding at this point ask the B&G to come up for the wedding waltz)

I personally wouldn't say that much in one go, but there is no right or wrong...it's just my opinion.

:)

[soundmaster mobile disco]

Why on earth wouldn't you know that information beforehand? :confused:

Sometimes i have never met the bride and groom in person.I have only spoken to them on the phone,So yes i have to introduce myself the first time i see them face to face.

[Corabar Steve]

Not necessarily a questionnaire, but that is fairly basic info IMO. Perhaps it was through an agent who aren't know for their generosity with details...When we were starting out we used to do gigs for an agent in the Aylesbury area (although thinking about it, I think it might be more like a DJ farming out work & taking a cut, the amount of people who asked where Phil was when I turned up), who on 2 separate occasions gave us completely the wrong names of the B&G. One time not even remotely close & I only found out when sat out side & I overheard the speeches. So it is probably a good idea to confirm names if it's not directly booked.

[Ryu]

I think its quite a nice idea to let the bride and groom have the first 2 minutes of a track, and then invite others to join them (Father of the Bride with Mother of the Groom for example), as especially with longer slow songs, it can get a bit draggy for the crowd and a bit self concious for the B and G.

[PropellerHeadCase]

I think its quite a nice idea to let the bride and groom have the first 2 minutes of a track, and then invite others to join them (Father of the Bride with Mother of the Groom for example), as especially with longer slow songs, it can get a bit draggy for the crowd and a bit self concious for the B and G.

That entirely depends on the bride and groom - if they have a fully choreographed first dance then inviting people to join them will absolutely ruin it for them, others want "rescuing" about 4 bars in. Another example of absolutely asking them what they want and providing suggestions or advice where asked for/needed, and not assuming that there is only one way to do it.

[rob1963]

I think its quite a nice idea to let the bride and groom have the first 2 minutes of a track, and then invite others to join them (Father of the Bride with Mother of the Groom for example), as especially with longer slow songs, it can get a bit draggy for the crowd and a bit self concious for the B and G.


That entirely depends on the bride and groom - if they have a fully choreographed first dance then inviting people to join them will absolutely ruin it for them, others want "rescuing" about 4 bars in. Another example of absolutely asking them what they want and providing suggestions or advice where asked for/needed, and not assuming that there is only one way to do it.

Very true, Al.

In most cases, I find they want to dance on their own to the first song, although I've had plenty of couples who specifically ask me to announce that other people can join in part of the way through the first song (usually some time between 30 seconds and 2 minutes in).

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sometimes i have never met the bride and groom in person.I have only spoken to them on the phone,So yes i have to introduce myself the first time i see them face to face.

That's not what you said though. You said...


I normally talk to the bride and groom when i arrive, introduce myself,find out what there names are.

I don't meet the majority of my clients beforehand, but I do know what their names are!


That entirely depends on the bride and groom - if they have a fully choreographed first dance then inviting people to join them will absolutely ruin it for them, others want "rescuing" about 4 bars in. Another example of absolutely asking them what they want and providing suggestions or advice where asked for/needed, and not assuming that there is only one way to do it.


Totally agree.

[Ryu]

the key words in my post were "Its a nice IDEA" :p
It was merely a suggestion...
If the B and G want to re-enact Riverdance from start to finish or whatever, thats all good with me.

Like you guys have said already, the key thing with weddings is asking. Its the only way to be 100% sure you won't make the day any less special!

[Excalibur]

But why wouldn't the people at the venue be able to get those details? If they have booked the venue for the client, then they must have some details.

If I couldn't deal with the venue direct, then I'd ask the venue to get some basic details for me.

How on earth do you know what the first dance is, what the dress code is, what the timings are for food, what music to play etc etc if the venue can't even give you the very basic detail of B&G's name?

They have those details. It's just that they have implicit faith in Discos like mine to turn up at the best possible time for all concerned, set up, find the first dance song, and make the evening run like clockwork! While I accept that your point is totally and utterly sensible and laudable, not every wedding is planned to the same level. It's as if most B&G say " And you will provide a Disco? Great, that's that one sorted then! " Honestly, I would be more than happy to speak to them beforehand, maybe even have a playlist, or guidance, but it just doesn't happen that often! And ( touch wood ) since everyone seems happy with the arrangement so far, it will probably continue in similar vein! I'm not saying it's right, or good practice, but more than one venue I work at has this policy.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Then enlighten them and educate them. Does no-one talk to the venues?

I hear what you are saying, but the whole point of trying to push boundries and the public's perception of us as an industry is to get past this.

Do you suppose a cake or photographer is booked in the same way? People need to know that there is a difference in what we can do and provide.

Although, you have said that everyone is happy with this arrangement, imagine how much better it would be if properly organised and I'm sorry to say this, but you cannot possibly have venues having faith in you when it comes to something important like a first song.

What would happen if you didn't have it?

I wouldn't and couldn't run my business this way and this post is not a dig at you Peter, but I find it hard to believe that some of the details are not given to you by the venue.

[davidcormack]

i normally ask for the bride and groom to make there way to the dance floor as i play the 20th centuary fox jingles then when they are on the dance floor mix in their 1st song

[andyw]

when our venue takes a booking for a wedding they ask if it is alright for them to give there phone number to us so we can talk about there requirements,not had 1 couple say no yet,the offering of relatives joining in the first dance, i always discuss with the couple at a meeting if possible or on the phone,i give them the option of the dance by themselves followed by a secound dance for everyone to join in or get the bridal party to join them after a couple of minutes(will pre warn the bridal party so they can be ready to join in on our say).depending on what part of the evening the dance takes place i always try to announce that it will be coming up in a few minutes so people can get there cameras ready

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

i normally ask for the bride and groom to make there way to the dance floor as i play the 20th centuary fox jingles then when they are on the dance floor mix in their 1st song

Great if they want to be centre of attention...not so great if they don't. I should imagine that some people would cringe at that idea!

[andyw]

Great if they want to be centre of attention...not so great if they don't. I should imagine that some people would cringe at that idea!

that all should be discussed with the bride and groom beforehand,a lot of them don't even want to do the first dance that is why we say to them just start it off let people take some photo's then we will get your parents on to join you .remember everyone is different so give them what they want not what you think they want

[axeman]

havn't we done this subject before, or am i having de ja vous again ?

anyhoo her goes with my 2 penneth,

communication is critical, make sure you know the couples names and surname including correct pronounciation.

check with them to make sure you have the correct song

check if the bride wants family & friends to join in during the 1st dance, and if so, make sure the bridemaids tip people off that this is going to happen beforehand, so that people are ready to join in.


and check on the timing with the b and g of the 1st dance,.... then....... just before you invite the couple up, tip them off that you are about to do so, to make sure that they are ready...


then relax - breath and use your own wording along the lines of was said before.

it sounds a lot but it's second nature once you do a few.....lol

[PropellerHeadCase]

...but you cannot possibly have venues having faith in you when it comes to something important like a first song.

What would happen if you didn't have it?

Given the obscurity of some of the first dances I've been asked to play I'd've said that this scenario was an eventual certainty.

[robbiedj]

check with them to make sure you have the correct song

Having had 2 weddings last year where the 1st dance was changed at least twice in the run-up to the day, this is essential.

check if the bride wants family & friends to join in during the 1st dance, and if so, make sure the bridemaids tip people off that this is going to happen beforehand, so that people are ready to join in.

Some just don't like to be alone on the dance floor for a whole track, so I always ask.




For the actual dance, an early warning to alert the audience in case they want to take photos, followed by "Please welcome John & Anne, the new Mr & Mrs Smith to the floor"

[theoloyla]

I've had to do loads of weddings where I have had no information about the bride and groom and have had the discussion on the night of what they want as their first dance. It is why people book discos. We are very versatile and a decent disco will have a large record library. By choice, however, I send out a wedding questionnaire to find out all the details and speak to them on the phone before hand.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

that all should be discussed with the bride and groom beforehand,a lot of them don't even want to do the first dance that is why we say to them just start it off let people take some photo's then we will get your parents on to join you .remember everyone is different so give them what they want not what you think they want

What are you quoting me for -it wasn't my idea and personally, I can't think of anything more cringeworthy!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've had to do loads of weddings where I have had no information about the bride and groom and have had the discussion on the night of what they want as their first dance. It is why people book discos.

And also why we are so far down the food chain and lowly in the public's eyes when discos and DJs don't get information beforehand and supply the wrong sort of service, music etc etc.

There is no excuse not to have basic details.

[pulsemobiledisco]

Given the obscurity of some of the first dances I've been asked to play I'd've said that this scenario was an eventual certainty.

Agree 100%


It is why people book discos. We are very versatile and a decent disco will have a large record library.

You could have the biggest collection in the world and still not have the first dance, I refer to PropellerHeadCase comment above.


And also why we are so far down the food chain and lowly in the public's eyes when discos and DJs don't get information beforehand and supply the wrong sort of service, music etc etc.

There is no excuse not to have basic details.

Agree 100%

My personal opinion is that it is highly unprofessinal of a DJ not to make contact with the B&G to discuss requirements. Even if you have not been booked directly by the B&G you can still get the contact details from whoever has booked you. I get married in May and if my DJ did not contact me before the big day I would be very peed of. Our first dance is quite obscur and if he did not have it on the night my WTB would be very upset as it means so much to her.

I know some may not like what I have said but it is just personal opinion.

[leighinstoke]

For the actual dance, an early warning to alert the audience in case they want to take photos, followed by "Please welcome John & Anne, the new Mr & Mrs Smith to the floor"

Works for me too - tell everyone then a similar announcement, often to a round of applause.

Leigh....