The wedding is full of special songs for specific events. A romantic song is played for the first dance and Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” is played for the bouquet toss. After all the selected songs are played it is time for the Open Dance. At that time, I would throw on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” to get everyone to the dance floor. That song would get everyone in the party mood.

Recently HBO started streaming Leaving Neverland which talks about the allegations of Jackson’s misconduct. So, the question for djs is : Should MJ be played at weddings or events?

About two weeks ago, I did a school fundraiser with just adults. I asked one of the hosts if it would be ok to play Michael Jackson it was a quick no. I always play Michael Jackson. There was a point of the night where I felt I could have thrown in some PYT and one guest asked for Thriller but I did not play it for that event.

He has been an icon and a staple for years. I believe that since the show was recent there has been some folks who feel strongly about MJ not being played. I have asked some people if they have seen the documentary but not many have seen it. There has been debate in Dj circles and both sides have valid points. After hearing both sides and putting in more thought, I do agree with the djs who say that it is up to the clients who hire you and they can tell you if that are comfortable with playing MJ.

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. 

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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.

 Cardi B and Bruno Mars Please Me 

Lil Peep and ILovemakonnen  I’ve Been Waiting  

Ariana Grande  Break up with your Girlfriend, I’m Bored  

Post Malone Wow 

Sam Smith and Normani Dancing with a Stranger  

Ariana Grande 7 Rings 

Meek Mill ft Drake Going Bad 

Ava Max Sweet But Psycho 

Halsey Without Me 

Post Malone Sunflower 

J Cole Middle Child  

Blueface Thotiana  

21 Savage A Lot 

Lil Nas X Old Town Road 

Daddy Yankee Con Calma 

Mabel Don’t Call me Up 

Gerard Way and Ray Toro 

YK Osiris Worth It  

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. 

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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

POST MALONE AND SWAE LEE SUNFLOWER

ARIANA GRANDE  7 RINGS

MARSHMELLO AND BASTILLE HAPPIER

POST MALONE  WOW

SAM SMITH AND NORMANI DANCING WITH A STRANGER

BENNY BLANCO , HALSEY AND KHALID  EASTSIDE

KHALID  BETTER

A BOOGIE WIT A HOODIE LOOK BACK AT IT

BAD BUNNY FT DRAKE MIA

FLIPP DINERO  LEAVE ME ALONE

CARDI B  MONEY

J COLE  MIDDLE CHILD

HALSEY  WITHOUT ME

LIL BABY AND GUNNA DRIP TOO HARD

KODAK BLACK FT TRAVIS SCOTT AND OFFSET  ZEZE

MEEK MILL FT DRAKE GOING BAD