DJ & MC

Professional Conduct & Appearance

First impressions matter. How you present yourself reflects directly on Prestige Weddings & Events and sets the tone for the entire event.

Dress Code

• Always arrive in a clean, pressed suit or professional attire appropriate for the event type.
• Complete your setup first, then change into your event suit — never work in your event attire.
• Your appearance should be polished and event-ready before interacting with clients or guests.
• Keep backup clothing (tie, dress shirt) in your vehicle when possible.

Attitude & Demeanor

• Approach every event with a positive, can-do attitude regardless of personal circumstances.
• Be warm, approachable, and professional when interacting with couples, guests, and venue staff.
• Remain calm under pressure — you are the anchor of the event's energy.
• Avoid consuming alcohol or any substances during events.
• Keep personal phone usage minimal and professional while working.

Punctuality & Reliability

• Always arrive early for setup — never arrive at the scheduled event start time.
• If you are running late or facing an emergency, contact management immediately.
• Confirm all event details and logistics the day before each event.

Vendor Relations

• Introduce yourself to the banquet manager or event director upon arrival.
• Exchange business cards with venue staff and other vendors when possible.
• Communicate professionally with photographers, videographers, caterers, and coordinators.
• Ask the venue about any setup tips or restrictions before you begin.

Client Communication Tips

Clear, consistent, and empathetic communication is the foundation of client trust. Clients are often overwhelmed during wedding planning — make their experience easy and exciting.

General Communication Principles

• Always respond to client messages within 24 hours, even if just to acknowledge receipt.
• Use the client's preferred communication method (email, phone, or text).
• Match the client's energy and tone — some couples are formal, others are casual.
• Be proactive — reach out before clients have to come to you with questions.
• Never make promises you cannot keep. Under-promise and over-deliver.

Outreach Timeline

35 days before event	You receive a reminder email to schedule the Final Information Meeting.
28–21 days before event	Conduct the Final Information Meeting (in person, phone, or Zoom).
30 days before event	Final balance payment is due.
3 days, no response	Follow up again via call, text, and email.
Every few days after	Continue follow-up through multiple channels.
10+ days without contact	Escalate to the management team for assistance.

Setting Up the Meeting

1. Log in to your event planning account and navigate to the scheduled event.
2. Click "Send Final Info Email" at the top of the event page — or write your own personalized email.
3. Once a date/time is confirmed, enter it as a new appointment in the Contact Manager section.
4. Review all planning forms prior to the meeting and note any gaps to address.

Communication Best Practices

• Log notes in the event planning system after every client interaction.
• When a client is undecided, guide them using your experience — but frame it as their decision.
• Avoid technical jargon — speak in plain, friendly language.
• Always confirm verbal agreements in writing (email or planning form notes).

The Final Information Meeting

One of the most important touchpoints in the entire process. Use this meeting to gather all event details, connect with the couple, and build genuine excitement for their big day.

Purpose of the Meeting

• Understand the couple's personality and vision for their wedding.
• Gather all timing, flow, and musical details for the reception.
• Confirm MC involvement, key event order, and important name pronunciations.
• Review final payment details and confirm the balance due date.

Before the Meeting

• Review all planning forms already completed by the client.
• Ensure the correct planning forms are assigned based on booked services.
• Make note of any missing or incomplete information to address.
• Confirm the meeting format (in person, phone, or Zoom) with the couple.

During the Meeting

1. Arrive early and prepared.
2. Begin by asking how the planning process has been going and what they still need help with.
3. Take time to get to know the couple before diving into logistics.
4. Go through each planning form in detail.
5. Remember: this is their event — your job is to help, not to decide.
6. Review the final balance and payment options (cash, check, or credit card — no fees). Balance is due 30 days before the event.
7. Make thorough notes in all planning forms.

Reception Information Form — Key Points

• Confirm the full order of events (grand entrance, cake cutting, first dance, etc.).
• Confirm all formalities (bouquet toss, garter, anniversary dance, etc.).
• Verify specific song versions and start/end points for all key event songs.
• Confirm reception start and end times.
• Review uplighting color choices if applicable — and upsell if they haven't booked it.
• Confirm arrival and exit times for the couple and wedding party.
• Cover cocktail hour timing and music preferences.
• Confirm all speeches: order, names, titles, and pronunciation.
• Confirm if the couple would like to speak and if there will be a dinner blessing.
• Confirm first dance, parent dances, and all formal dance songs.

Wedding Party Names Form

• Review every name carefully and ask for phonetic pronunciations.
• Write phonetic spellings in your notes for any difficult names.
• Confirm the correct grand entrance order.
• Confirm exactly how the couple wants to be announced (e.g., "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" or "Tom & Diane").
• Clarify whether parents will be announced and if flower girl/ring bearer will be introduced.

Music Discussion

• Walk through different genres and rate each based on the couple's preferences.
• Give genre examples to make sure you're both talking about the same music.
• Review must-play and do-not-play lists.
• Inform the couple you can play approximately 50–60 songs during a 3-hour dance set.
• Explain that must-play songs will be played even if the floor is slow — unless the couple decides otherwise.
• Discuss guest requests: do they want them? Clarify you cannot guarantee all requests will be played.

Other Forms

• Vendor Information Form — encourage the couple to provide photographer, venue, and caterer contacts.
• Prestige Lighting Form — review all lighting choices and look for upsell opportunities.

MC Training & Technique

Being a great MC is what separates a good DJ from an exceptional one. Your voice, energy, and stage presence set the emotional tone for the entire reception.

Microphone Fundamentals

• Talk over the top of the microphone — not directly into it.
• Turn the mic volume up and speak softly — do not shout into the mic.
• Speak slowly — the microphone amplifies and naturally speeds up your voice.
• EQ the mic by reducing low and mid frequencies for clean, crisp sound.
• Replace batteries before every event.

The MC Mindset

• Your job is to keep guests informed: what is happening, where to be, and what's coming next.
• Talk the way you normally talk — do not put on a "DJ voice."
• Pick out a couple of people in the crowd and speak directly to them — it creates natural eye contact.
• Be yourself. Plain speaking wins every time.
• Before you open the mic, know exactly what you need to say.

Making Effective Announcements

• Think through what you need to say before turning the mic on.
• Get the room's attention before speaking.
• Say what you need to say clearly and concisely.
• Repeat the key instruction once.
• Brevity is effective — don't ramble.

Vary Your Language

Avoid repeating the same phrases. Rotate these to keep energy fresh:

MC Script — Grand Entrance & Reception

Use this as a reference or read directly from it. The order of events may vary — adapt as needed. Navy boxes are lines to say; italic notes are stage directions.

Call to Dinner

Use this when directing guests from cocktail hour to the reception space, or to ask them to take their seats.

Welcome & Grand Entrance Opening

(pause — wait for full attention before continuing)

(wave to crowd — they will wave back!)

Make your announcements here. Common examples:

• Photo booth location
• Guest book location
• Favors or light sticks
• Song request policy

(Let guests cheer. If energy is low, hype them up one more time before starting the entrance.)

Introducing the Wedding Party

• Introduce each member in the correct order from the planning form.
• Start at medium energy — build to higher energy with each introduction.
• Don't pause too long between introductions — keep the flow comfortable and upbeat.
• Change the intro phrase each time so it doesn't sound repetitive.

Introducing the Newlyweds

(Couple will walk in — prompt them toward seats, the cake, or the dance floor as needed.)

Cake Cutting

(After they cut and take a bite...)

Toasts & Speeches

(After each speaker...)

(To close before dinner service begins...)

First Dance

(At the end of the dance...)

Parent Dances

Opening the Dance Floor

(Start with a slow song. After it ends, transition upbeat and say...)

Grand Entrance — Pre-Event Checklist

Run through this checklist before every grand entrance to ensure a seamless and professional introduction.

• Review the full timeline and confirm the order of events.
• Re-read all wedding party names and refresh your memory on pronunciations.
• Confirm any special announcements or unique introductions requested by the couple.
• Do a roll call with the wedding party — say each name to confirm pronunciation. Phonetically spell any difficult names.
• Tell the wedding party which song they're walking into, where to walk, and what happens next.
• All entrance songs are loaded and cued at the correct start points.
• Dance floor lighting is set and ready for the entrance.
• Photographer, videographer, and venue staff are notified and ready.
• Guests have been asked to take their seats and direct their attention to the entrance.
• Microphone is tested — volume and EQ confirmed, battery is fresh.

Sound System & Lighting Setup

Preparation is confidence. The more familiar you are with the venue and your gear, the more confident and polished your performance will be.

Arrival & Load-In

1. Arrive at the venue and scope out the entire event space with your bag.
2. Introduce yourself to the banquet manager or event director. Give them a business card.
3. Confirm the load-in area and ask about any venue-specific tips or restrictions.
4. Load your cart completely and make as few trips as possible.
5. Unload and set up items as you go to minimize heavy lifting.
6. Walk items for other areas to their spots and stage them before setting up.

Ceremony Sound System

1. Set up the ceremony sound system first if you are providing ceremony sound.
2. Place the speaker at the back of the seating area (left or right side) away from guest sightlines.
3. Set up speaker on stand with scrim, mixer, wireless mics, and aux cord.
4. Test seating music at low-to-medium volume — walk the room to verify coverage.
5. Test processional/recessional music at medium-high to high volume — walk the room again.
6. Test all mics, reduce low and mid EQ, and walk the room to confirm mic coverage.
7. Perform a second mic check once the officiant arrives.

Cocktail Hour / Additional Speakers

1. Place the speaker in a corner above head height for best room coverage.
2. Run an extension cord to a nearby outlet if needed.
3. Test music at low-to-medium background volume and walk the room to verify.

Main Sound System

1. Set up on or near the dance floor — speakers can sit on the floor while your station is nearby.
2. Ideal speaker spacing: approximately 4 feet from you on each side.
3. Test mic volume — walk the full room, EQ properly, and replace batteries.
4. Test dinner music at low-to-medium volume.
5. Test dance floor music at medium-high to high volume.
6. Test all dance floor lighting and confirm the controller is functioning.
7. Tape down all cords, tidy all setups, and store your cart and bags.
8. Change into your suit and review the timeline with venue staff.

EQ Quick Reference

Step	What to Do
Start Flat	Set all EQ controls to neutral before making any adjustments.
Bass First	Adjust low frequencies first for balanced, clear bass response.
Mid & Highs	Gradually tune mid and high frequencies for overall balance.
Address Feedback	Identify and reduce frequencies causing feedback or resonance.
Don't Over-EQ	Use subtle adjustments — less is more. Don't radically alter the sound.
Test Multiple Sources	Play music and speech to confirm balanced, consistent sound.
Document Settings	Save your EQ settings for future reference at the same venue.

Uplighting Setup

1. Place uplights evenly around the room — against walls and pillars (not windows).
2. Turn on each light and confirm all are showing the same color (matching DMX channel).
3. Pop out the antenna on each light.
4. Set up the last uplight (nearest the DJ station) — this one controls the room.
5. Switch to "Custom Color" and adjust until the couple's requested color is achieved.
6. Once confirmed, turn all lights off until the event begins.

Monogram Projector Setup

1. Choose a display surface: wall, above a door, dance floor, pillar, or tent roof.
2. Ensure the projector has a clear line of sight directly across from the surface.
3. Set up the projector stand and run a three-outlet extension cord to the base.
4. Attach the projector mount to the bottom of the projector, then place the projector on the stand using the mount.
5. Always use the knobs to turn and adjust the projector. Never force it.
6. Attach the laptop tray to the monogram stand.
7. Set up the laptop, plug in power, and run an HDMI cable from laptop to projector.
8. Select the monogram image size — there are multiple size options, try a couple to find one that best fits the space.
9. Adjust the size of the monogram image as needed.
10. Use the projector controller: Menu → Display → 2D Keystone. Adjust until the image is flat and even.
11. Press "Freeze" on the remote to lock the image.

Music Knowledge

Your music knowledge is a core skill. The better you understand genres, crowd psychology, and song selection, the more effectively you can serve each couple and keep the dance floor alive.

Genre Reference Guide

Always give examples when discussing genres with clients to make sure you are on the same page.

Genre	Description & Examples
Top 40 / Pop	Mainstream radio hits — broad appeal across all ages. (e.g., Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, The Weeknd)
Hip-Hop / R&B	Urban beats and soulful vocals — drives dance floor energy. (e.g., Drake, Beyonce, SZA)
Rock / Classic Rock	Guitar-driven energy — often popular with older guests. (e.g., Journey, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac)
Country	Stories and twang — popular at rural or outdoor weddings. (e.g., Luke Bryan, Morgan Wallen)
EDM / Dance	Electronic, beat-driven — high energy for younger crowds. (e.g., David Guetta, Calvin Harris)
Motown / Soul	Classic 60s–70s hits — great for mixed-age groups. (e.g., Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder)
Latin	Rhythmic, passionate sounds — great for diverse crowds. (e.g., Bad Bunny, Marc Anthony)
Old School Hip-Hop	90s and early 2000s rap — crowd favorites for millennials. (e.g., Biggie, Jay-Z, TLC)

Reading the Room

• Watch who is on the dance floor — note age groups, energy levels, and reactions to each song.
• If the floor empties after a song, adjust your next selection accordingly.
• A song that gets people moving is always the right call, even if it's not your personal favorite.
• Use transitional songs to shift between genres or energy levels without losing the crowd.
• Dinner music should create atmosphere — not overpower conversation.

Song Selection by Event Phase

Phase	Guidance
Cocktail Hour	Jazz, acoustic, light pop — low energy, conversational and welcoming.
Dinner	Mid-tempo, broad appeal — background music that doesn't demand attention.
First Dances	Exactly what the couple requested — confirm version and start point.
Opening the Floor	Start slow (one slow song), then transition upbeat to build momentum.
Peak Dance Time	High energy, crowd favorites — mix genres based on the couple's profile.
Closing	A memorable closer — crowd singalong or a well-known classic.

Must-Play & Do-Not-Play Lists

• Must-play songs WILL be played — even if the dance floor is slow during that moment.
• Clarify with the couple: should must-plays be skipped if the floor is empty? Document their answer.
• Do-not-play lists are absolute. Respect them regardless of guest requests.
• You can only play approximately 50–60 songs in a 3-hour dance set — plan accordingly.

Guest Requests

• Confirm with the couple during the final info meeting whether they want you to accept requests.
• You cannot guarantee all requests — song availability, do-not-play lists, and floor energy all factor in.
• A great guest request at the right moment can be a crowd highlight — use your judgment.
• Never play a request that contradicts the couple's do-not-play list or disrupts the vibe.

Mixing & Transitions

Smooth transitions are what separate a playlist from a performance. Master these fundamentals to create a seamless listening experience from start to finish.

Beatmatching Basics

• Match the BPM (beats per minute) of the outgoing and incoming song before blending.
• Use your DJ software's sync feature as a starting point, but develop your ear for manual matching.
• Practice transitioning between songs of similar BPM before working with larger tempo jumps.

Types of Transitions

Type	Description
Cut	Abrupt swap at a natural phrase end or drop. High impact — use intentionally.
Fade Out/In	Gradually lower one song while raising the other. Smooth and safe for any setting.
Echo/FX Out	Apply echo or reverb to fade a song dramatically. Great for high-energy moments.
Loop	Loop the last 4–8 bars of a song while the next comes in underneath.
Acapella Blend	Layer vocals of one song over the instrumental of another. Advanced technique.

Transition Timing

• Transition at the end of a musical phrase (usually every 8 or 16 bars).
• Listen for the drop, chorus, or breakdown as natural blend points.
• Avoid transitioning mid-lyric — it sounds jarring and breaks the crowd's focus.
• A clean, well-timed transition goes unnoticed by guests — which is exactly the goal.

Energy Management

• Build energy gradually — do not peak too early in the night.
• Use slower or mid-tempo tracks as "rest" moments between high-energy segments.
• When shifting genres, use a bridge song that blends elements of both styles.
• Watch the dance floor constantly — it tells you what's working and what isn't.

Key Event Song Transitions

• Fade out dinner music slowly as you prepare for the first dance announcement.
• Cue all event songs at the beginning or confirmed start point from the final info meeting.
• After each formal dance, transition smoothly back into background or dance music.
• Confirm and set cue points for all key event songs before the event begins.

Preparation & Using DJ Event Planner (DJEP)

Thorough preparation is the difference between a good event and a great one. DJEP is your central hub for everything event-related — use it consistently and thoroughly.

Pre-Event Preparation

• Review the full event timeline at least 24 hours before the event.
• Confirm all song selections — find correct versions, explicit vs. clean, and specific start points.
• Build your dinner and cocktail hour playlists in advance.
• Pre-load and cue all key event songs (grand entrance, first dance, parent dances, etc.).
• Review all wedding party names and practice pronunciations out loud.
• Pack your gear: laptop, backup device, all cables, adapters, batteries, and business cards.
• Confirm load-in time, venue address, and any parking or access instructions.

Building the Timeline in DJEP

1. Log in to your event planning account and open the scheduled event.
2. Navigate to the Timeline section within the event page.
3. Enter each event segment in chronological order with start time and duration.
4. Link songs to key events directly in the timeline where possible.
5. Add detailed notes for name pronunciations, special instructions, and unique requests.
6. Review the completed timeline and confirm it matches what was discussed in the final info meeting.

Adding Appointments in DJEP

1. Navigate to the Contact Manager section of the event page.
2. Select "New Appointment" and enter the confirmed meeting date, time, and format.
3. Reference the setup tutorial: Create New Appointment in DJ Event Planner.

Sending Client Emails via DJEP

1. From the event page, use the "Send Final Info Email" button to automatically email the client.
2. Alternatively, write and send your own personalized email.
3. Log all communications and outcomes in the event notes for the record.

Day-of Event Checklist

Run through every section of this checklist on each event day to ensure nothing is missed.

Gear & Packing

• Main speakers and stands
• DJ controller / mixer
• Laptop (primary) + backup device
• All cables: XLR, RCA, aux, power strips, extension cords
• Wireless microphone + extra batteries
• Gig bar lighting + controller
• Uplights (if booked) + charging cables
• Monogram projector kit (if booked)
• Business cards
• Suit in garment bag
• Printed timeline and event notes

Venue Arrival

• Arrive at load-in time — never at the event start time.
• Scope the entire event space and identify all setup areas.
• Introduce yourself to the banquet manager or event director.
• Confirm load-in area and any venue-specific rules or restrictions.
• Begin load-in — stage items for different areas as you unload.

Setup

• Set up ceremony sound system first (if applicable) — test all mics and music.
• Set up cocktail hour speakers (if applicable) — test volume and coverage.
• Set up main sound system on or near the dance floor.
• Set up uplighting (if booked) — confirm color matches the couple's request.
• Set up monogram projector (if booked) — freeze and confirm image.
• EQ all sound systems and test at appropriate event volumes.
• Walk all areas to confirm sound coverage.
• Tape down all cords and tidy all setups.
• Confirm dance floor lighting is working correctly.
• Store cart and bags — change into your suit.
• Review the final timeline with venue staff.

Pre-Reception

• All key event songs are loaded and cued at the correct start points.
• Correct song versions confirmed (explicit vs. clean, correct artist/version).
• All wedding party names reviewed — phonetic notes accessible.
• Wedding party briefed on entrance order, song, and where to walk.
• Photographer and videographer confirmed and ready for the entrance.
• Microphone tested — volume, EQ, and battery all confirmed.
• Cocktail hour music is running at background volume.
• Touch base with venue staff on dinner timing and service schedule.

During the Reception

• Call guests to dinner and ensure everyone is seated before beginning.
• Complete welcome and grand entrance with full energy.
• Introduce wedding party in correct order — build energy to the newlyweds.
• Facilitate cake cutting, speeches, and formal dances smoothly.
• Open the dance floor — start slow, then transition to upbeat music.
• Monitor the dance floor and adjust song selections in real time.
• Honor all must-play songs regardless of floor activity.
• Respect the do-not-play list — no exceptions.
• Maintain appropriate volume levels for each phase of the event.
• Coordinate with venue staff on last call, exit timing, and the final song.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Every DJ faces technical and situational challenges. Stay calm, think clearly, and always have a backup plan ready.

Audio Issues

Issue	Fix
No sound from speakers	Check power, all cable connections (XLR and power), controller routing, and master volume. Reboot the controller if needed.
One speaker silent	Swap the XLR cable first. If still silent, try a different output on the controller.
Microphone feedback	Reduce mic volume immediately. Move the mic away from speakers. Cut low and mid EQ frequencies.
Mic cuts in and out	Replace batteries. Check the wireless signal range. Re-pair the mic to the receiver if needed.
Distorted music	Lower gain on the controller. Check if output levels are clipping (in the red). Re-EQ.
Laptop audio issues	Switch the audio output device in OS settings. Reconnect the USB interface. Restart DJ software.

Lighting Issues

Issue	Fix
Uplights wrong color	Check DMX channel consistency. Reassign channels if needed. Reset color on the controller light.
Controller not responding	Check wireless range. Re-pair controller to the lights. Verify controller light is in "Custom Color" mode.
Gig bar not working	Check power cable. Cycle power. Confirm correct mode (DMX or sound-active) is selected.
Monogram off-center	Use 2D Keystone in the projector menu. Physically adjust with the projector knobs.
Monogram flickering	Check the HDMI cable connection. Press "Freeze" on the projector remote to lock the image.

Situational Challenges

Situation	Response
Empty dance floor	Shift to a crowd-favorite genre. Try a known singalong. Invite the couple to lead the floor.
Inappropriate guest request	Politely decline and redirect. Reference the couple's preferences as your guide.
Running behind schedule	Communicate with venue staff. Extend dinner or cocktail music. Notify the coordinator of the delay.
Name mispronunciation	Acknowledge it with good humor and move on. Keep energy up — don't dwell on it.
Power outage	Alert venue staff immediately. Use a battery-powered backup speaker if available. Stay calm and reassure guests.
Song file won't play	Find it in a backup library or streaming source. Always have an alternate ready for every key event song.
Vendor conflict	Stay professional and respectful. Do not argue in front of guests. Involve the venue coordinator if needed.