Wedding Faux Pas?

[DanClass]

dudes this is like the 8th post in this thread that's like a few hours old

we're most likely to read this than the new post in the porn thread (that pic is hot) (gotcha)

what was my point?

you guys are gay









and i would be totally miffed if someone game me that duty at a wedding; fucking hire a DJ like normal white people...

damn it
i hate you guys

[Annie]

For the record, I am the one being asked. I have no previous experience but am known to be the one to help out a friend. After being reprimanded by a third-party for saying "no", I started to think maybe I was being an ass.

I sent an email to get more clarification about what they expect since the third party said it's a computer with a playlist where "all you have to do is hit play". Having only been to weddings with DJs, I have nothing to gauge this against, and it seems deceptively easy. I just picture a "we want to do the father/daughter dance now... where's Annie...why isn't she over here? She should know" situation due to lack of communication of expectations.

Originally Posted by Blitzgal

Wait, so you're not getting paid for this? Any outside person being hired to perform as DJ/MC is getting paid.

No I wouldn't. And I very much understand getting free help where you can - especially with a wedding. So even if I do it, I would never want to get paid. It just feels like they are considering it a task like the guestbook when it, right now, looks more like a job than a task.

[Annie]

Originally Posted by rellek

Alleviate some of the social unease by offering the MC/DJ first dibs on the bridesmaids.

Since I would be the MC/DJ, I would leave the bridesmaids to the fellas (I know, much to the chagrin of you pervs...)

Originally Posted by blue eyes

I used the remote to switch to special songs at certain times.

This is a good idea and something to look into if I do it.

[benjita]

It's a bit more than just hitting "Play", although they're trying to make it easier on you. You'll need to be up there for the "Special" songs, (Bride/Groom dance, Bride/Father dance, Wedding Party dance, bouquet/garter toss). Advantage: you get a front row seat. Disadvantage: You need to know what you are doing.

Typical Reception music (You can create seperate playlists for the seperate stages of the party):

Intro music: Light Rock/Classical. Very low volume. Barely dancable, but good background music for people introducing themselves and catching up with each other. This can be a playlist, so you can join in with the schmoozing. Good for dinner. Stop just before toast and cake.

"Special" songs. Moderate volume. You're just there to select the requested songs. They need to come and get you when it's time. You're not responsible for the party, but you'd need to be findable. They can do the dedications, you don't have to. Everybody's watching anyway, so you're not missing any of the party.

Dancing. High volume. Here is the party. If you are a guest, DON'T let them talk you into requests. Limit it to the playlist they pick. You can help them, but this is done days in advance. Leave the music running and have fun.

Picking music:
If you've been to a reception before, you know most of the favorites. No matter how gay the group may be, everybody loves doing the "YMCA". Unchained Melody for the slow dance. Make sure you have BOTH the bride and groom picking. I hate country, but her entire family loves it. I have to make a concession. If you know they like country, you put in more country. If one hates it and the other loves it, make a 2-3 song concession, and try to find country that's not so Twangy. If they're 30, white and Rock lovers, you won't be including 50 Cent. If they're 22, black and R&B lovers, you won't have Poison in the cue. Setting the list beforehand prevents you from having to take requests. If you were a professional DJ, you wouldn't get any shit from the couple regarding what was requested. However, being a friend, if you took the request of the only black relative of the family, and played "Superfreak" around a bunch of country Yahoos, you may find yourself in an argument.

The job is only as difficult as you allow it to be. If they are asking you well enough in advance, set the rules yourself. You may seem like an ass (or bitch in this case), but a real DJ will do the same fucking thing.. However, if the party goes off well, you look great, only do about 20 minutes of actual DJing, and have fun at a party you helped create.

If you do decide to do this, I'm sure we can produce a list of never-fail reception songs.

[lickmyballssuckmy]

Would "Cherry Pie" be inappropriate?

[Patrice]

Originally Posted by lickmyballssuckmy

Would "Cherry Pie" be inappropriate?

Not if she plays it after "You remind me of my jeep".

[benjita]

Originally Posted by lickmyballssuckmy

Would "Cherry Pie" be inappropriate?

Not at the theoretical KATG wedding. It would be the Bride/Father song.

Of course the Bride/Groom song being "Ode to Tipper Gore"

Of course, you could always get Jani Lane for that wedding.

[MichaelG]

Wrong, the DJ could never bring a date, and drinking might be frowned upon the for hte DJ.

He may know someone else whou could do it and may give hime a discount.

[arcatacat]

Originally Posted by Annie

For the record, I am the one being asked.

Don't do it. How are you going to dash into a back bedroom for a quickie if you're supposed to be running the music?

[MichaelG]

Originally Posted by Annie

For the record, I am the one being asked.

As a wedding gift get a DJ for the party.

A cheesy one who get them to do the chicken dance and teaches them how to do the electric slide.