by James R. Ford

Created on: December 03, 2010

The best part of entertaining at a wedding reception is having fun. If you have fun, the guests will have fun too. This does not mean you can be a clown. If the planners wanted a clown, they would’ve hired one. But acting in a professional manner while performing (singing, spinning records, and emceeing), is essential for the guests to enjoy the best of times. Here are a few rules and standards for entertaining at a wedding reception and giving the crowd, their money’s worth. 

First, you are there to do a job. You are getting paid to do a job. Therefore do not drink any alcohol. Even if the guests buy or offer a drink, let them know, you must refuse. After the party is complete, it is your prerogative to enjoy a drink if you should so desire. Otherwise, act professionally, and drink (if you do) on your own spare time.  My brother and I have performed at hundreds of weddings and always enjoyed ourselves while performing at our best, without the use of any alcohol. There is nothing worse than a drunk singer (we’ve seen lots of them), thinking they are funny while slurring words or singing off key. 

Second, you are not there to eat. You are there to perform. Even during dinner, you can play lighter music or if a singer, sing some ballads. You can eat before the event or after the event. There are many hours in each day. 

Third, know your crowd. If the party is of a young age, play newer dance music. Clue. Never sing or play music with any profanity. Save your ‘expertise’ for the after hour bottle clubs. A wedding reception is full of respectable people including judges, doctors, yes, even lawyers. Sometimes clergy may be invited, and sometimes there are young children present. A mix of some older songs will get the older people out of their seats to dance and will delight the families attending the event. One the people are dancing, it is your job to keep them there. Mix up fast numbers with some slow ones. This will keep all happy, and the pace will be exciting and different.

One final tip. If you’re announcing, keep your raunchy humor in the car. No one wants to hear dirty jokes or an impression at a reception. Have fun and all the guests will have fun

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