The set up was pretty easy. You can park next to the club house to set up. I was able to load all my gear next to the shade while I separated where the ceremony gear went and the reception gear went.

I was given one power outlet to set up two set ups. We had to use an extension cord to give it power. It was 105 degrees and we asked for an umbrella 3 times and on the third time I offered to carry the umbrella myself.

They had us on the corner of the reception area with the speakers facing the dance floor which was outside. The dinner area was behind us so we had to had the speakers face the dinner area so we were playing music with speakers facing us. There was a building structure in front of us so the dance floor was not 100 percent visible.

The bar area was in a different room so we had to physically round everyone up to get them ready for the ceremony and get them seated for the reception.

Beauty of the place it did get a good score.

The outside dance floor was nice.

But for a dj it was not very practical.

To fix it I would have an outlet close to the ceremony area.

I would have the dj set up in front of the dance floor outside with two other speakers with one in the bar area and one in the dinner area.

I would speak with the bride and let her know what would work for you.

Brides article 

1 Food 2 Music 3 Décor 4 Bar 5 Dances 6 Entertainment 7 Couples Entrance

 8 Reception Location

There was an article put on on brides.com which got their info from Wedding Wire about what the millennial guest love about wedding receptions. I will touch on ones that the dj has their mittens on during the celebration. 

Food is number one on the list. Of course, the dj has nothing to do with selecting the food but I always recommend to the couples to always eat at the wedding. Most time couples get caught up in the excitement of seeing family and friends and taking pictures that sometimes they forget to eat. Make sure you chow down!

Music was marked number 2. I also believe it’s one of the most important factors of a reception. It sets up the vibe for the celebration. During cocktail hour, you want a good atmosphere while your guests are socializing with some upbeat music. Dinner time is not the time to put everyone to sleep, the dj can actually mix feel good music to keep the party going. At times right before dancing the dj can tease with some sing along to get folks in the dancing mood. 

Next on the list are things djs have nothing to do with: Décor, bar and drinks. I can give my two cents on these since I have been to a lot of weddings. Decorations do make a huge difference and is important. Bar and Drinks I have mixed feelings. I have been to some weddings where there was no alcohol and we had a good time. There were other times where they had open bar and it was a crazy good time. If you have beliefs in not having alcohol at your event then do not do it. But if you are ok with a bar then it is a good investment.

Dances are on the list on what guests’ value. The first dance is a monumental as the first dance as husband and wife. I have seen fancy dances mixed in with some modern choreography with a special dj edit. I have seen just a slow dance with the couple slow dancing and enjoying every minute of it. A good dj would not have his dance floor lights on since it does not do the photographer justice to take a good picture of the first dance. Dances also include parents dancing with the bride and groom. 

Entertainment was on that list. Will there be a photobooth? Some djs have their own booth or can refer a trusted vendor to provide that fun wedding service. 

The Grand entrance one of the most important moments of the night. The guests are seated then stand up when the guests of honor come in. On the speakers is a fun song while they stroll in. A good dj will coordinate to make sure everyone walking out is in order then will announce their names. Then when the bride and groom the djs switches up the song. That is when everyone stands up to celebrate the bride and groom. 

A dj does not have any say about the location of the reception area. Most times the couple picks the venue and has a date picked for the wedding. But a good dj would have venues they like and could suggest to the couple in case they are having a hard time securing their event. Just a heads up, these times Saturdays in 2022 are filling up fast and probably already filled. Be open to having a Friday or Sunday wedding if you have not secured Saturday 2022 wedding by now. 

Some djs are prepared and send out an organized planner for bride and groom to fill out. I send that out and have couple complete it on Google docs so it can be edited at any time. I also include a long list of most popular songs to help out brides and grooms pick their music. 

If you are having a dj provide the ceremony music, I always recommend to have about 30 to 45 minutes of pre-ceremony music. I typically start music 30 minutes before the ceremony but sometimes the bride and groom need extra time or maybe some guests have not arrived yet. 

The Pre-ceremony music I mostly play instrumentals but it can be anything the bride and groom can cook up.

The Processional music can be 2 to 3 songs for wedding party, groom, and bride. 

The Recessional song would be the song everyone exits to.

In your song selections make sure you add the must play songs that you want at your wedding. Make sure to include songs that your guests and family would like also. Maybe you can include the old classics your parents would enjoy for the dinner portion of the reception. Keep in mind during the cocktail hour your family and wedding party will be taking photos so make sure your must play songs will be played after the cocktail time. 

On the same note, please let the dj know of what songs not to play. Maybe you do not want the Chicken Dance played so make sure the Dj does not play it. I never play it unless the hosts ask me to. There maybe a few songs on that list or maybe include a genre of what not to play. 

Virtual Weddings in Santa Clara County

News from our Supervisor: Seems like everything to going virtual. A bride and groom can be married via zoom. Things are changing. I do believe the receptions maybe going virtual too. It’s a changing world and we have to change with the times.

Virtual Weddings in Santa Clara County
 

We are entering the time of year when traditionally many couples hold their wedding ceremonies. Unfortunately, there will be no live wedding ceremonies in our community any time soon because of COVID-19 and the shelter-in-place order.

However, last week Governor Gavin Newsom made it possible for virtual weddings to take place in California. He issued an executive order temporarily suspending the state law requiring marriage ceremonies be performed “in the physical presence of the person solemnizing the marriage and necessary witnesses.”

The Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder is now able to perform virtual wedding ceremonies via Zoom or Skype, as long as at least one half of the couple is a resident of Santa Clara County.


While a virtual wedding is not the same as a live ceremony, we want to make sure that couples who do not want to delay getting married have the opportunity to do so.