They have to organize the bachelor party and they have to deliver the best man speech at the wedding. Some folks may not like  public speaking but if one is prepared then they can really have a great speech.

If you fail to plan then you plan to fail. I know that you have heard that before but it is so true when it comes to the best man speech. With all that is going on, the best man should get the speech ready 2 to 3 months in advance. There will be so many distractions happening so its best done right away.

Only make jokes about your groom and leave the new wife alone with your jokes. She will get her turn with her maid of honor. Do not revel too much about the groom but some stories need to be shared while others should be left alone. 

Practice.. Some folks are awesome speakers while others not so much. But with dedicated practice then the speaker can at least look the part. Practice the speech in front of the mirror. Also, maybe have someone record you on your phone. You don’t want to talk to fast and you want to make sure you sound good. Speak slowly. One trick of the trade I used is really move your lips when you speak each word. They come out clearer than ever. Maybe practice in front of some trusted friends who can give you feedback. 

Don’t try to wing it and not have your speech not written down. It does not need to be written down word by word but at least be in bullet points. I would also have the notes on your phone in case your notecard gets lost in the shuffle of the wedding. 

The couple can pick the important songs such as the first dance song and cake cutting song and can trust the dj to play what he thinks would be good. Some couples can just give an outline and let the dj run free. Since some couples are super busy and would want to dj to do all the leg work. Other couples may incorporate a do not play list. Also, the couple can give a list of must play songs for the wedding. Dj would be able to incorporate those must play songs throughout the night. 

The best weddings I have been a part of was when couples gave a list to the dj. Often times the couple does not know when to start. With my couples I give them a list of popular songs played at weddings. Music ranges from 80s to pop to jazz to rock. From the list, the couple would send their selections. The couple is also free to include songs that are not on that list. From the selections, the dj can continue the vibe of the event with the songs that they were given. 

Also communicate is key with your dj so the dj can see what kind of music to be played at the wedding. The dj can use the playlist the couple gives them as the foundation and play songs that would fit in that category. Also, as a couple, it’s good to be specific with the music requests. An example would be if the couple wants old love songs but in reality, they wanted Motown. 

In a nutshell, the couple should help the dj build a list and the dj uses that as the foundation.

Proposals can be fancy. People try to out due other proposals. It has spread to proms. Youngsters are trying to do something special. It is a growing trend. 

A common mistake is when the man proposes without a ring. A ring is a symbolic of the love the couple shares. It shows that the man (woman) prepared and thought about his proposal before it happened. Plus, with the ring, its proof that the engagement happened. It was not a figment of the imagination. Sometimes the couple will pick out the ring beforehand so it makes it a less of a surprise. If the man (woman) is not totally sure what kind of ring to get then they can get another ring then later exchange it for one that the couple likes and fits.

Sometimes in movies you see someone proposing to someone at a baseball field and they are surrounded by thousands of strangers who will forget about the moment the next inning. A proposal is monumental for the couple. Make it special for the both of you. 

Also, technology can be a positive thing. It can get you to your destination and you can find out the latest news. Before the proposal, the one who will propose might let something slip on social media so it ends up on everyone’s feed. Next thing you know then the future spouse knows about it and it is no longer a surprise.

Sometimes couples are old fashioned and the future spouse wants the proposal on one knee. The other partner (the proposer) might not want to do it but it would mean a lot to the future spouse. Just get it done. It is a story they would want to share with their family and friends. 

The First Dance of the wedding is monumental. There is debate that folks say the couple should dance the whole song so they couple can relish the moment and the videographer and cameraman can get different angles of the couple during the dance.

I do not believe in should. All weddings are a product of the couple so they can choose how long their song and dance can be. If the couple wants to dance for a few minutes and the dj can fade the song away can be an option. If a couple cannot decide on one song, the dj can premix two songs into one and couples can be creative with their dance. The first song can be a slow song then it can turn into a salsa song to add some spice to the dance. Speaking of being creative, the couple can hire a dance instructor for their first dance. Also communicate with your dj so he can play the song when the couple are on the dance floor since it may be choreographed. It would be good to get the right song version. Best advice, that I can give is to practice the first dance with the music before the wedding. Practice the moves and also smiling. Some people get nervous and forget to smile. 

When does the first dance happen? When I help set up weddings, I do suggest having it right after the grand entrance. All the attention is on the couple so why not grab their attention for a few minutes more. There is no food in front of the guests so there have less distraction during the first dance. 

Diana Ross and the Supremes Baby Love

Stevie Wonder  Part Time Lover

En Vogue  Don’t Let Go

Janet Jackson  That’s the Way Love Goes

Stevie Wonder  I Just Called to Say I Love You

UB40  Can’t Help Falling in Love

Beyonce and Jay-z Crazy in Love

Stevie B  Because I Love You (The Postman Song)

Mario  Let Me Love You

Diana Ross and Lionel Richie Endless Love

Al Green  Let’s Stay Together

Whitney Houston  I Will Always Love You

K-Ci and Jo Jo  All My Life

Alicia Keyes  Fallin

John Legend  All of Me

James Arthur  Say you Won’t Let Go

Maroon 5  Sugar

Archies  Sugar, Sugar

DNCE  Cake By the Ocean

Def Leppard  Pour Some Sugar on Me

Bruno Mars  Marry You

Frank Sinatra  Love and Marriage

James Taylor How Sweet it Is

Aerosmith  Sweet Emotion

U2  Sweetest Thing

Pat Benatar  Hit Me with Your Best Shot

Rihanna  Birthday Cake

Dean Martin  That’s Amore

Four Tops Sugar Pie Honey Bunch  

The Foundations  Build Me Up Buttercup

The Turtles  Happy Together

We talked about the microphones and it is time to pick the right microphones for the ceremony. I have heard other djs speak about they rely on the corded microphone for ceremonies. As a dj company, they can offer the different microphone choices. They can be able to work any of the 3 types of microphones. A professional always prepares for the unexpected. What happens with the battery dies? What happens if the signal drops?  What happens if someone trips on the cord? What happens if the microphone picks up another signal and heard through the speakers?

Providing the sound, the dj has to let the officiant and or groom know how to use the wireless microphone or the lapel. Typically, the dj puts the lapel on the officiant or groom with the microphone pointed up. Then the dj will tuck the cabling in the shirt or pocket so its not totally visible. 

I always bring a multi channel mixer when it comes to ceremonies. I hook up a wireless microphone, a lapel and a corded microphone to it and test them all before the ceremony to ensure they work. Batteries should be within reach in case one of the wireless microphones need them. Depending on microphone, it gives indications if the battery is running low on the receiver or on the microphone itself. 

Which one is the best? It all depends what the bride the groom wants. With technology, every microphone sounds better than ever. At the same time, a classic never goes out of style (a corded microphone).

A wireless microphone relies on a receiver and looks nice. They can be place on a microphone stand next to the officicant and one can be placed close to the couple so you can hear their vowels. A concern for wireless microphones is it may drop the signal. Wireless microphones can work well but there is always a slight chance of the signal dropping or the battery running out of juice. It can be tested before the ceremony and work well but with wireless technology it can drop at any moment. 

A lapel microphone is placed near the collar. One does not need to hold it with the hands so the hands can be holding a book or other objects. The speaker can talk normally and the sound is sent to the speaker. Since the lapel is wireless there is a slight chance that that the signal may drop. Also if the lapel is turned on early, guest may hear the groom say something before the wedding starts that can be embarrassing. With the wind, it can be heard on the speaker since the lapel is sensitive and there is a slight chance of feedback. 

A corded microphone may not look as fancy as a wireless microphone or a lapel but one does not have to worry about it dropping any signal. It can be put on a microphone stand so it does not need to be held. 

It does not matter what microphone you chose there is always a chance of feedback. It happens when the speaker moves in front of the speaker or standing in certain areas. It is the dj’s job is lower the volume of the microphone and gradually increase the volume.