While the ceremony is the most important part of the day (though sometimes people tend to forget that’s the reason the day is even happening) – about 85% of your wedding budget will be focused on the reception. The food, the alcohol, the linens, the centerpieces, the lighting – they take up a lot of your time, attention, and budget through the wedding planning process but, honestly, how much time have you put into thinking about the entertainment? If you’re like most brides – you’re so consumed with the look of the reception, you don’t spend as much time hiring the person (or people) who will be responsible for the celebration itself! We asked some of our trusted vendors some burning questions in regards to planning your reception.

Here’s what they came up with:

Dollar Dance – Gotta have or gotta skip?
Currently, we do dollar dances for about 50% of our clients, so it’s right down the middle. Most clients don’t want it because it takes too long. I love to show them how they can still do it and make it shorter... or not involve money at all.

-Premier Productions

Couples ask us this question all the time. Really...It’s completely up to the bride and groom. It’s traditional to have some type of a dollar dance, but not 100% necessary. We have some unique ideas to make this work without dragging it out longer than necessary.

-DJ4U

#1 Piece of advice to couples looking for their reception entertainment:
When you’re booking the entertainment for your reception, it’s important to find a DJ or band who will fit your style, while still being able to appropriately interact with your guests and vendors. Your entertainer should be able to organize and execute every detail of your reception based on what you’ve planned in advance. After your dinner is over and your traditional dances are out of the way, the entertainment company can make or break your party. Make sure you ask your potential candidates what makes them different from others and why you should choose them to be a part of the biggest night of your life!

-DJ4U

How do you keep ALL of the guests entertained? (especially with the varying tastes in music)
Variety is key! It’s very important to work with each bride & groom to ensure their favorite songs are played throughout the night, while still mixing in music that will appeal to their guests. Plus, when you break it down, your grandparents and older guests will leave sooner, with the younger guests and members of your wedding party staying all night. It makes sense to start the dancing off with some older music and then move it younger as the night goes on. Your guests will leave knowing that we played music that they liked.

-DJ4U

Make sure they’re part of the celebration from the moment they walk in the door. With our company, the "entertainment" doesn’t start at 9:30 with a dance. Guests are encouraged to be part of the celebration throughout the evening... which means that even if someone doesn’t enjoy dancing, they’ll still have fun!

-Premier Productions

Any recommendations for the "Do Not Play" list:
The only thing I tell brides and grooms to put on their “do not play list” are songs from old boyfriends and girlfriends! Otherwise you should completely trust your DJ to read the crowd and create the reception of your dreams. (after speaking with them and telling them what TYPE of atmostphere you’re looking for)

-Premier Productions