We’ve been to a lot more weddings on the clock than off!

For those without wedding industry experience our insight is shared below.

Photographers & videographers may be scheduled up to 2 hours prior to the ceremony to capture couples & their wedding party getting ready, hair & make up, etc.

Bridal party portraits in robes and such are popular during this time as well/

Your photo album and video tells a story that starts before you walk down the aisle. An empty dress waiting to be worn, rings awaiting their exchange, etc.

Love letters may be shared between the couple to be read by one another at this time.

The gown is fit, veil bustled, cuff links adjusted, tie tied, etc.

Some couples prefer to save the impact of that first look for the ceremony.

We caught one groom on a hot mic confessing he wished they had done a first look since he was overwhelmed by his dolled up bride sauntering down the aisle!

Your DJ will likely be setting up at the ceremony or reception space at this point in the timeline though first looks offer an opportunity for personalized vows in an intimate setting. Ask your videographer about recording audio during this moment to preserve the memory.

If a couple chooses to do share vows at this moment, they can shorten their lines in their ceremony to the simple repeat-after-me’s;

…to have and to hold from this day forward…

First Look’s offer an epic opportunity for pre-ceremony portraits which can save time on post-ceremony portraits. Sometimes bridal party and family may join shortly after for first looks of their own and/or photos.

Details

Live Pre-Ceremony Music

Processional

Bride’s Entrance

Processional and Bride’s Entrance song’s hold unique sentiment to each couple. When booking Live Musicianship learned requests can be arranged.

For client’s booking acoustic ceremonies, feel free to review lists of songs from David & Ryan.

Past processional song requests below…

Officiation

There are plenty of charismatic, well-spoken officiants for non-religious ceremonies as well who take the time to get to know a couple a personalize their ceremony.

We may request a copy of the officiant’s script or general timeline so that we may follow along during the ceremony.

Recessional

Even when booking live music we recommend an upbeat recorded song for recessionals so that the energy of the music matches the moment - a first kiss shared, a pronouncement made, guests rising to their feet and applauding…

That said, one of our clients made their exit to La Vie en Rose. This melodic jazz ballad led into a laidback cocktail hour with similar music.

Rain Contingency Plan

“If you don’t like the weather in Colorado,
wait 30 minutes.”

Couples may hope for the heat of the moment to be in the heat of the sun though a rainy wedding day is good luck!

Planning accordingly, be prepared to either delay a ceremony for passing clouds or move indoors / under a tent if necessary.

“We’ll get married at the altar with just us and the officiant if we have to!”

Our DJs have accommodated ceremonies with puddles accumulating on their tarps though musicians will need shelter. A pop-up 10 x 10 tent can be provided by Aisle Finesse, the venue, or the couple to ensure a live soundtrack is performed as planned.

Ask your planner / coordinator about having umbrellas on deck for your guests if need be. They may also provide blankets, pending the season.

Multi-cam Ceremony Videos

If you’ve ever seen a Ted Talk or a Netflix comedy special, this is produced similarly. In fact, some of our videographers have contributed to actual comedy specials you may have seen on Netflix!

2-4 angles dedicated to the bride, groom, a wide shot, and a moving angle can follow your story wherever it goes.

Post-Ceremony Portraits

Not just cameramen, directors.

This is where a visual media experience and personality are essential.

Typically planned for after the ceremony, they will arrange close friends, family, and the couple into the frame. Armed with a checklist, they’ll arrange group photos with each of the couple’s closest confidants.

After ceremony and portraits, many couples plan for a moment alone while guests enjoy cocktail hour.

A grand entrance welcomes them back into the party and adding a performative moment leading into dinner. Moments like these keep a feeling of community even amongst larger crowds.

Bridal Party Entrances can be a blast, especially when the bridesmaids and groomsmen know the guests and each other. Bridal Party may enter:

• Paired / Grouped Up (most popular)

  • Can be awkward if a pair don’t know each other well

• 1 x 1 or all at once

Bride & Groom’s Grand Entrance may follow to the same song, new rendition / remix, or new song entirely.

Either entrance is optional as per each wedding’s style.

***Watch the video below to see a bridal party that had some fun with it***

Recessional and Grand Entrance songs tend to be similar energetically.

Welcome Toast and/or Blessing

An optional welcome toast may be accommodated with a wireless microphone included in our Classic DJ Package.

Welcome speech may include:

• Thank guests for traveling / attending

• Memorialize those there in-spirit

• Share something about your partner & your journey together

• Let’s Party / Bon appetito!

For couples of a religious affiliation this can also be an opportunity to share a blessing before dinner.

Officiants, family members, or the couples themselves may plan to speak during this time. If the latter, they will find microphone waiting for them at the sweetheart table directly after their entrance.

Sunset Portraits

Average weddings plan for 2-4 toasts. The DJ may be asked to accommodate impromptu toasts though not without clearance from our bride & groom.

We generally don’t recommend open mic format unless you’re prepared for a shift in the timeline.

Occasionally a friend or family member may have had a few drinks beforehand and never concludes their speech! Our DJs can be equipped with Oscars “Wrap it Up” music upon request.

A wireless handheld microphone can be passed between toasters while the DJ announces each. Prior to such, the DJ can make rounds to each speaker and remind them of their position in the lineup.

As per audio quality, the DJ will also remind toasters to keep the microphone close to their mouths (about a hand’s width) as well as ensure they do not wander too close to the speakers (feedback may be triggered).

Multi-cam Toast Videos

As per visual media, we generally recommend toasters stand close to the bride & groom so that we may capture everyone in a single shot.

Stage presence is encouraged though if a toaster covers a lot of ground this motion may be reflected in your video.

Pending a wedding’s size & budget, serving all of the guests from a single cake is optional.

Still, we recommend at least a small cake for the photo op while guests may be invited to a dessert table afterwards.

Some smaller bites we’ve seen include:

• Cupcakes

• Chocolate covered strawberries

• Doughnuts

• and more…

“Please give a warm welcome to our newlyweds as they make their way to the dancefloor
for their first dance as husband and wife.”

Have you two shared a concert together or roadtrip soundtrack? First Dance song selection is as fitting as the memories tied to it.

But what if we can’t choose? Special Dance Mixes can fuse multiple song choices together with ample time to practice your moves.

But what if we can’t choose just one?

Special Dance Mixes can fuse multiple song choices together with ample time to practice your moves.

Though Father-Daughter & Mother-Son dances are popular inclusions, we’ve covered an array of special dances as per each unique family.

• Step-parent dances

• Siblings dance to memorialize a parent there in-spirit

• Mother / Father + Child Dances shared between the bride or groom and their kid(s)

• …and more.

Some songs must’ve been written with these moments in mind, many of which are story-telling country tunes - a few are listed below.

Covered by the classic DJ package, embellished with DJ + musician, deluxe lighting, and/or photobooth.

A photobooth can be a great addition to the party. Introverted guests and those who need a break from the dancefloor can wander over to another source of entertainment.

People pose differently for selfies than photographers

Capture another perspective on the night and give your guests a keepsake print or digital photo that same night! Meanwhile, visual media professionals will take some time to edit and share day-of content.

Send off’s lend to an epic photo op. Guests form a tunnel for the bride & groom, lining up on each side for a symmetrical portrait.

Arm your guests with cinematic props:

• Fiber Optic Wands

• Sparklers (venue / fire code permitting)

• Balloons

• Fake snow for winter weddings

• Confetti

• Flower petals

• and more…

Pending the timeline of your photographer(s) / videographer(s), it may make sense to extend their hours or cut them before the night’s end. Still, faux send-offs are popular while wedding party heads back to the dancefloor afterwards.

More photos and info @ this blog post from September in Keystone.