Choosing your entertainment is one of the most important decisions you will make for your special event.
I’ve often been asked this familiar question by couples who are interviewing me: “Can I see you perform at an event?” As a rule we consider all of our client’s events to be private. Asking if you can take a peek into someone’s event so you can see the entertainer in action can be a very difficult thing to pull off and it may not be the best opportunity for you to see your reception entertainer in action because every party, guest list, venue and couple are different.
Fortunately there is a great way around this problem. Typically our couples are planning their wedding day at least a year to a year and ½ in advance. Within that year our brides and grooms are attending at least one or two weddings. This is the perfect opportunity to take notes and decide what kind of entertainer you would like representing you on your big day. Here some key things to look for in your entertainer while attending an event.
An Entertainer Who is Engaged with Your Group but Not Cheesy
Wedding entertainment is what helps generate the overall ambiance and atmosphere. Imagine being at a reception waiting for the bride and groom to enter as a new married couple with no introduction. The discomfort of walking in without a beat or sense that the party has begun can be more than slightly awkward. It is so important for your wedding entertainer(s) or DJ to have the ability to interact with your guests whether on a really small or big scale. The goal of an entertainer is to create an optimistic and loving atmosphere for your guests, so everyone feels welcome. This is a sign of true professionalism.
* An Entertainer Who Can Create a Flow and is Ahead of the Game*
A wedding reception entertainer(s) or DJ should pay particular attention to the flow and always be two steps ahead. The correct flow is going to create the difference between an ok wedding reception and an incredible wedding reception. Flow is crucial especially when it comes to the traditional parts of the reception, such as the grand entrance, first dance and the cutting of the cake just to name a few. Carrying out the flow helps the entertainer build momentum and avoid the unwanted lulls at a wedding reception.
*An Entertainer Who Knows How to Read a Crowd and Keep the Event Upbeat *
An entertainer and/or DJ should instictively know how to interpret the crowd from the moment the party starts. A professional will do some homework ahead of time by asking questions like, ‘what are the two to three concentrated age ranges of your guest list” and “are there more family or friends being invited to your event”. This information will help to set the stage. In addition a DJ needs to continually watch and listen for signs. Nodding of heads, tapping of feet, dancing and relaxed smiles are normally clear signs that people are enjoying the event and the playlists. By Lisa Capitanelli Kasberg