Wedding Traditions We Can Do Without
I attended a mobile DJ seminar a few weeks ago, one
presentation was on wedding twists. The presenter
asked the wedding DJ’s in audience if they have a
different twist on reception traditions i.e introductions,
cake cut, garter bouquet toss. Some of the ideas
weren’t bad, but to my horror I heard a few of the
same tacky worn out routines . I could not believe
that this kind of stuff still happens today. Are you
kidding me? This was a presentation on NEW wedding
twists.
There are a few wedding reception traditions that are so worn out,
beaten to death and tacky. I would like to share with you a few of
them we really can do without. I would hope that this may encourage
some DJ’s in the wedding business to dust off the brain and get creative.
Now I understand people don’t attend as many weddings as I do, and
the Marcarena may still be fun for some people, but having a drunk
uncle sliding a garter up a young girl’s leg is just wrong.
Things that need to go away, DJ’s take note.
1. Playing the Chicago Bulls Theme Song (Sirius) and calling out
personal stats (standing at 6′ tall weighing 200 lbs) for bridal party
introductions is not fresh. Especially if that stat is for a bridesmaid.
2. Encouraging the Bride & Groom to smash cake in their faces, or
setting up the Best Man & Maid of Honor for a target. Stop it!
Let the couple decide whether or not they want to ruin their formal
wear & makeup.
3. The so called “Garter On Ceremony” I can not tell you the last time
I did this, and when I did, it was the B&G’s request. This is a tacky
tradition that you can only get away with if the lady that caught the
bouquet is the girlfriend of the guy that caught the garter. I still don’t
do this unless I’m asked to. DJ’s; having a divorced 50 year old neighbor
sliding a garter up the leg of the Brides 18 year old sister will not enhance
your performance, and get you referrals.
3. The money dance will slow down a hopping dance party, and asking
your guests to give you money on top of the gift they bought you sounds
cheap. I will still do this if asked, but I don’t encourage it. It’s a great
suggestion to be able to share a quick dance with your family & friends
at your wedding, but it can take up a lot of time. I normally call it a
friendship dance if it’s done. Also for DJ’s, adding the Visa sound bite
during this occasion is not funny anymore.
P.S. FYI The key gag is not new ether.
Preach it!!! Oh my GOSH I need to work with you more often. It saddens me that many of the younger DJs do these things, and in editing I have to watch each event several times.
Another that roll my eyes is the ‘upper hand’ and other groom-belittling comments. The Murphy Brown era is dead and gone (thank God).
You are right on, Mark! Love your BLOG.