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As a wedding DJ, Island Weddings represent a logistical challenge. In particular, the Peaks Island car ferry. Better show up early and be prepared for Plan B if you don't make it on the ferry. Most of the islands require a wedding DJ to transport their equipment by water taxi (very tough work, especially if the weather doesn't cooperate).

Formal intros fall into a few basic categories. The grand entrance style, where parents, flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man, maid of honor and the bride & groom are all introduced. Hybrid intros, like all the girls coming in together, all the guys coming in together and finally the bride and groom. Or a simple intro, just the bride and groom.v And one more option, some couples skip the formal or informal intros.

How to pick the music for your wedding. First, submit my online ceremony and reception forms, that'll get me all of your "key" songs. Next, email me the url of your Spotify playlists. Pre-ceremony, cocktail, dinner and dancing selections. On average, you can fit about 15 songs per hour. Choose your music wisely.

One common issue I run into from wedding to wedding is when guest tables are set-up close to my speakers. If you love music or are drinking the night away it's no big deal. But, for the elderly or those sensitive to sound, it can be a problem. Just the sight of my "big speakers" can create concern for some guests.

The Hardy farm in Fryeburg is one of my favorite venues in the entire State of Maine. The Wooded Chapel is perfect for ceremonies, the patio serves as the cocktail hour spot, the tent is where food is served and finally the barn for the party portion of the night 1. The owners are fantastic people too, Greg & Deb Link.

Be extra sure that your wedding DJ has liability insurance. Many venues request something called a certificate of insurance. It's a form that gives the venue details about who the DJs insurance company is, the effective dates of the policy, the policy number and amount of coverage. Add this little detail to your list of things to prepare for!!

We all want the perfect weather day!! Be prepared to take action if Mother Nature tries to interfere with your outdoor ceremony. Wind and rain in particular can have a negative effect on wireless microphones. For tented weddings, heat & humidity require fans, cold requires several heaters (ones that work too). Be prepared, have a Plan B.

Send me your favorite dance songs and include a "do not play" listing of songs and I'll create a music format at your wedding that'll work in keeping everyone dancing from beginning to end!! I'm watching the dance floor, reading the crowd and making any needed adjustments to the song selection and flow. It's party time and I'll make them dance, guaranteed!

The Parent Dances, The Cutting Of The Cake and the Bouquet Toss, all popular wedding traditions. Some are shortened version, some modified and customized while some are skipped entirely... Consider short versions of you parent song choices, a quiet announcement about the cake cutting or deciding at the last minute on a bouquet toss.

One of the oldest, time-tested traditions at a wedding, the toast or speeches. Be sure to give this tradition some thought, perhaps some time restraints, content limitations? I'll also give a quick lesson to each person speaking as to how to hold and speak into the hand-held wireless microphone!! Clarity and ease of understanding are important.

The Wedding DJ as MC by Dave Dionne

Preparing cocktail hour music is always a pleasure. You can play just about any type of music. Since it's mostly background music, it's a great opportunity for couples to put in their favorite artists or song, even if they are obscure of less played. Put your stamp on the cocktail hour music, your music vibe. The bar is open, food is available and music is playing, setting the mood!!!

Introductions for the reception, go formal or skip entirely? It depends on your vibe as it pertains to formalities. Some couples opt for a middle of the road approach, dignified, clean, crisp and short intros. Or maybe you prefer the Michael Buffer style, the WWE high-powered voice belting out names?

Having children at your wedding, consider buying the children's book "The Best Wedding Ever". It's a beautifully illustrated children's book written by me, DJ Dave Dionne. It's a cool way to show kids what they'll see at a wedding, the ceremony, first dance, cake cutting, etc....

I did a Google search today, I typed in Maine Wedding DJs. One of the top search options was a company offering a Wedding DJ for UNDER $500!!! You might have better luck shopping for a wedding DJ on Craig's List. Maine is a big State, there's no way to offer a DJ for a wedding in Fort Kent or Kittery at the same price (or an island wedding).

For a quick and accurate Wedding DJ pice, feel free to text or call at 207-240-3012 anytime or email me at dave@davedionne.com. A quick phone call can easily get you an accurate quote with only a few basic questions (how many hours do you need the DJ for? Do you need the DJ for the ceremony?). Be sure to book your Wedding DJ ASAP!!!!

It looks like we're headed back to "normal" here in Maine as it pertains to weddings. I appreciate the fact that the pandemic is fading and especially that we here in America are safe and able to gather with friends and family for the upcoming wedding season. When I see how life is in the Ukraine, I'm especially appreciative of where we're at in Maine.

Most couples inquiring to my wedding DJ company ask two main questions, are you available and hoe much do you charge? Each inquiry is unique, it's distance from our home base, the number of hours you may need, whether or not the wedding is on an island (or mountaintop). Typical pricing starts between $1295 and $1695. For a more experienced wedding DJ, the price can be substantially higher.

It's a common question from couples, what's the process for picking music!! Choosing pre-ceremony music, cocktail hour music and dinner music is easy, anything works and fits. Dancing time music is a bit tricker. You may want give your Wedding DJ "Carte Blanche" as far as deciding what to play and when to play it!!

Be sure to take the time to prepare a list of songs to be played during the pre-ceremony time period. Ask your DJ if they'll be including that service on the day of your wedding. in addition to your processional and recessional songs, choosing the right pre-ceremony music helps set the tone or the vibe for the actual ceremony.