Not all weddings are the same, and not all wedding DJs are the same.
The fact is, there are several ways to differentiate yourself from other wedding DJs. Some are high-level MCs that use proven tactics, while others have developed techniques to develop rapport with guests.
Still others provide wedding reception games that are fun and unique.
If you find ways to make the usual games seem unusual, you’ll increase your referral rate. You can do this by asking the bride and groom questions to create something unexpected.
For example, always ask your bride why she wants to throw the bouquet. If the bride doesn’t have a reason why, then perhaps the answer is not to toss. Not all wedding traditions have to be followed.
Recently a bride shared that her bouquet was made up of all the flowers from bouquets she had caught at previous weddings, and that she was now putting them to good use! With a bride there is always a WHY!
If the bride insists on a bouquet toss, here are some alternative suggestions.
1. Designated Bouquet Toss
a. Throw to a single person the bride selects
b. To the longest-married couple\wife
c. To the mom with the youngest\oldest child
d. Give it to the mother of the bride or groom and include a story WHY mom received. Pass the tissues.
e. Sister(s) of the bride — if sisters, the bouquet can split into two or more
f. Anniversary Dance: Start with the bride and groom. Then invite couples married 1-5 years, then 5-10 years and keep growing. Last couple to come to the dancefloor gets the bride’s bouquet.
g. If the couple has chosen to have a honeymoon money dance, the bouquet goes to the girl who dances with the groom for the most money (at one time) or to the girl who dances with the groom the most times (amount not important).
h. If there are lots of kids, instead of tossing a bouquet have a Teddy Bear toss.
i. Throw a bouquet of glow sticks and get the party going!
j. Try throwing a bouquet that splits into 6 parts (Note: This is something the florist creates. It looks like one bouquet, but it’s actually six tied together with a simple ribbon that the bride unties just before throwing it.)
The Garter Toss
1. Try saying this: “There is an old family tradition in the Smith family (use the last name of your client family in place of Smith) that says the person who catches the garter is in fact, the BEST matchmaker ever. . .”
The man who catches the garter will then match each of the single ladies with one of the single guys from the original group — keeping one lady for himself. Then all 6 couples dance (fast or slow).
Part way through the song the MC will announce that he got it wrong, and ask all 6 couples to find a new partner to finish the dance — they can choose anyone, not just those in the original group of guys for the garter.
2. The Dating Game:
Place the 6 ladies on the dancefloor, in chairs, facing the audience. In front of them, place the man who caught the garter, also facing the audience, with his back to the ladies.
He asks 3 questions of each single lady. Then he selects his date for the next dance. Get your list of dating\Newlywed Game questions prepared.
3. More Garter toss ideas:
The man who catches the garter tosses it to the 6 single ladies. The woman who catches it dances with him — briefly, then the MC invites others.
4. Music:
For most DJs it’s about the music, which I recognize is important. But it’s the entertainment that wedding guests will remember.
To that end, I offer an entertainment option for the bride or groom who are shy about the garter removal.
Plain music is typically the go-to option. Instead of the blatantly sexual “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO, a soft piece of classical music, jazz, or a romantic song can soften the moment.
Adding an entertaining choreographed comical relief can enhance the moment, and offer a smooth transition to an otherwise awkward moment for the shy couples.
Picture this: The bride in the chair, facing the audience, and the groom down on one knee facing her. Just like normal.
The soft music starts. The groom begins to lift the hem of her dress. But before he can proceed he is interrupted by the mother of the bride, his new mother in law.
She is tapping him on the shoulder, shaking her head NO, and wagging her finger at him. Then she hands him a garter and says, “Use this one.”
Know your client, build audience rapport, then your client and audience will roar!
Scott Faver is known as the Game Master, and is the owner of The Party Favers in San Tan Valley, Arizona.
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