Michael Coombs, WPIC of Prodigy Entertainment has over 17 years of Beat-mixing DJ’ing experience, from Toronto’s hottest nightclubs, to celebrity functions, to the cities most up-scale special events and weddings.
Michael was recently selected 2007 Canadian DJ of the Year.
Venues and floor plans: He started his presentation with focusing on floor plan, something that is often overlooked by the client and the venue. Presentation slides included actual floor plans, demonstrating why certain layouts work and others don’t.
Mike shared an anecdote about a bar being placed outside the banquet ballroom for a wedding. As one learns over time, the bride and groom are the pied pipers. Where they go, others follow… like an ongoing conga line. At this particular wedding, most of the wedding was spent in the foyer, rather than the ballroom, and the value of music was lost.
He spoke, specifically, about DJ console and speaker placement, optimum for sound and logistics. Additionally, he emphasized the importance using the DJ or Band microphone, rather than house sound systems for announcements.
Themes: Mike pointed out a variety of uplighting and other effects that transformed the feel of the reception room. He stressed continuity of theme, from colors to room setting to tables to lighting.
Loves: What does the couple love to do? An example showed was a couple that cherishes classic movies. The venue was a converted movie theater, the marquee saying An Affair to Remember - starring Cherell and Norm. The venue still had its original movie screen. During dinner, a highlight reels of ‘best movie kisses‘ was projected on the screen. Movie music was featured, as the backdrop, up to the dance music.
Personal Touches: A very wealthy couple that could have spent any amount, elected to do a small wedding at their family cottage. Only the most meaningful family members and friends were present for this intimate affair.
Another personal touch showed a fireman groom who incorporated his career by not only having a firetruck arrive, but used a fire ax to cut the cake.
Mike showed a centerpiece of bare branches decorated with chandelier glass. You see, the bride’s deceased grandfather was a chandelier maker. The bride and her granddad were very close. She honored by included dangling glass pieces on the branches from her granddad’s original handiwork.
Music: Mike addressed the myriad of choices for music and entertainment. For example, how choosing background music other than Kenny G, makes for a more unique and interesting mood. He spoke of how a father of the bride hired an 18-piece big band to show off his wealth, and how it completely failed for the reception.
Emcee: Advise the client of what an emcee should do, especially if they insist to have a family member or someone other than the DJ or bandleader. Also emphasized was that clear intros and outros should be made when people are going to take the mic.
Grand Entrance: A high-energy grand entrance sets the pace for the balance of the evening. Always have the DJ or Bandleader handle this task because they do this on a regular basis and can provide the energy lift. As well, music coordination with the emcee is key.
Itinerary Tips: Mike suggests doing the first dance, immediately after the wedding party introductions. The focus is on the bride and groom. Also, limit the number of speeches (he suggest five or fewer). Begin speeches by family or other members, right after dessert is served. Cake cutting works well, right after bride and groom speech.
Bill McElree added his touch to the presentation, stressing the every disc jockey is interactive, whether they realize it or not. DJs often take on the role of a producer at today’s weddings. Couples that are coached well, by their DJ, have a smoother day.
It was an outstanding session, clearly outlining pros and cons of staging and utilizing entertainment for the most effective wedding reception.
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