Wedding DJs, First Names Only or First And Last For The Wedding Party?

[matnkris]

I always ask during a consultation. When the reception comes, I then ask again with the bride & groom. I always let them decide.

[mainedj]

I have brought this subject up to my clients for years. I explain to them when we meet that everything on the planner is optional, including how things are announced.

I let them know that they can use fun nicknames, first names or first and last names, or even if there is something else that they want added into the intros (relationship to the bride or groom, etc.)

[hede502]

I like first and last, it builds excitement and and is a little more professional.

To avoid mispronunciations, have the client read you the name over the phone(as a last minute check to make sure you have the people in the right order) and write it down phonetically. IT WORKS, plus you always get kudos for pronouncing it correctly the first time, and no one ever knows any different .

[soprincess14]

I agree that if they dont say anything about it do first name and maybe do last name if its easy. If you can do it the last name of the bride and groom is important b/c they just changed them but no care about the rest of the wedding party. Most likely everyone there is going to forget their 1st name in like 10 sec later anyway.

[harveyperch]

it is up to the cliant and every one knows most of the people at the event anyhow

[partyspecialists]

If your going to intro the Bride & Groom you must say their last name. I just did a Chinese Wedding, and freak out a little but got though the names and one of the Groomsmen was Indian so I had full plate.

[bellefontainedj]

I do first and last names, but i make certain to get pronunciation of all parts of the names. I don't think either is right or wrong... I just have always did the first and last

[AmericanHorse89]

I ask the bride and groom to spell all names out phonetically (first and last names) on the wedding dance planner. Then, I go over the pronunciation of those names during the consultation. Then I go over those names again with the actual wedding party as I'm getting them organized for the Grand Entrance. I play a kick-ass song for the Grand Entrance and then announce the names like I would announce the starting line-up of a football team. Let's the crowd know it's time to party.

[JackinTheWoods]

Having done 900+ weddings over 27 years, I've developed little techniques that have become standard operation. Spell the names phoenetically, spell them as they sound. Be glad you don't have to announce an entire biography of each member of the wedding party as you introduce them, that can be a pain as well as very akward.

Yes, 1st and last names are appropriate, I let the bride decide what she wants and add my personal input only if she is unsure of what she wants.

[kcfan06]

I'm beginning to get into being a Wedding DJ, but I have been in my mom's photography business for 10 years now, and all the weddings we've done, most of them go with the "formal" way I guess with mentioning last names, but my opinion is, "why is there a program made up telling the guests who is who if the DJ has to call them out anyway?"  So I totally agree that alot of names can be mispronounced and can be made a big deal out of by some people. So I say, go for it! That's what I plan on. :-)

[skaterboy7311]

when is the results video going to be on youtube for the vms4 competition

[kidwitdawhitehat]

Yes its formal, but like you said brian everyone should know who the wedding party for it? and why would they hire a dj its its formal??? also times have changed and this generation is more laid back and like more of a hip and fun wedding. Yes they all dress up nice and do there best to be proper, but its a party! .... so i would said do what the client wants and if they like you to say just the first names then do that up!

[MrTrickre]

Brian...I agree with you and well said. Most of the time (90%) I do first and last names because it is what the client request. A wedding dj should do the bride wants it's her day. What I do is simple: I talk it over with the bride and groom make my suggestions based on the feel they are looking for on their event and tailor my performance accordingly. I prefer first names only because I think it's friendlier, smoother and much easier but it only happens 10 out of 100 weddings in my area.

[BigDtheDJinNJ]

Brian I have always done 1st and last names. For the most part when I meet with the bride & groom we go over the names and write it out phonically as it sounds. But just this summer one of my buddies at my full time job got me good by telling me how this gentlemen pronounces his name. Well lest say in 20+ years I never had a "Friend" make me say a name wrong matter of fact it was derogatory, where a few people laughed and others where mad. I felt like crap. So I say first names by far is easy

[djthedon32]

brian i am total with you on this one, we both have been doing this for almost the same amount of time and pretty similar car paths. i think it is easier to not try to butcher last names if at all possible and honestly when we are running behind the grand entrance is the first thing i get them to cut out so we can get back on time. honestly most of the people don't give a hoot who the flower girl was or the last groomsman with the pretty blonde.

[WeddingProDJs]

Hi Brian.....about 1st and last name debate. For the last 18 years we have always used the 1st and last names.......I think everyone in my area uses both. I am not saying just using the 1st name is wrong....just we do both. I really never gave much thought to it.....It would be easier to do just the 1st. What really sucks is when the Bride wants the persons full name and their relationship to the bride or groom and a seperate song for all the couples......thank God for computers!

[proent]

Probably better to not do last names if they are hard to pronounce for you.

[AndyTUK84]

do you get toast masters in the us?

[Nemesis5511]

I Guess for a wedding as the couple have just been wedd then they like hearing the first and last names. Wedding's are formal i think until the after party or reception the service is very formal and the dinner but after that's over it's down to parting...

[dougdawson71]

I always try to do what the client wants....I am from SF Bay Area and have had a hard time with names as well....but always try to what my clients want...I however do see your points....

[TitoMysta3000]

lol "who gives a shit" that was my favorite part. hmmm i still havent done a wedding but i would probably just do first name saves time and i know some guests will be hungry.

[jozer77]

this is not bachata,, this is la caca ! LOL

[jasperibe]

sometimes if I am not provided the last names to announce but only given their first name, I am given a note about their relationship to the bride and groom.

[LAWeddingDJ]

I agree with you %100 on this topic. Nobody is going to care about any names.

[waylan3]

your reading to much into it i have a spot on our flow sheet asking the newly wedds how they would like to be introduced as mr and mrs smith or mr and mrs john smith if the name is a hard one to pro nounce i get with the groom never the bride and just repeat what he says and write it down so you know how to read it correctly.never ask the bride how to pronounce it its a new name to her too and she could tell you wrong

[skiing54]

Hey brian! I think you need to do more gear reviews. Nothing wrong with the vlogs but lets see some gear!!!

-Brian

[briansredd]

@skiing54 I know you little guys love the toys, but sometimes there's business to discuss

[skiing54]

@briansredd No, i love the vlogs but we just haven't seen gear in a while. I have really inproved my business from watching the vlogs!

-Brian

[stefanmplayer]

@skiing54

nicely said Brian...:p

[djmkue]

I give my clients a form to fill out, they choose how they want their grand entrance announced...I give them the control....and the majority of them include the last name. All I can do is my best to pronounce the names right....no complaints yet!

[DJRhinofart]

At the weddings that I do have to announce the full names, I always get the phonetics of the names, and make myself little annotations on how to say it.

[nismo8319]

@DJRhinofart I do something similar. I ask them to pronounce their names and I write them down as I think it should be so, I know how to say it. It has always worked for me.

[waylan3]

@nismo8319 i do it the same way you do when it comes to a hard to pronoune name i write it down so i understand how to say it like they do behind a word to the word in the dictionary or something that ill remember how to pro nounce

[RMSENTERTAINMENT]

I've never done a wedding, but in my opinion its the clients decisions.

[awguy]

I usually do full names but of course, it ultimately comes down to what the client wants.

[dencan7]

I may get one out of 20 weddings where I actually announce the Grand Entrance...here in Canada the MC handles all special announcements. I definitely assist, but most of the time the client wants to make these sort of things more personal than having the DJ announce. I do like the first name only....just my opinion.

[djjosh16511]

Maybe it's just a regional thing, living an hour away from Bo, I also do first and last names, and most DJs I've seen do as well.

[eddie4624]

I agree with you Mr Redd. I do what the client wants... and here in Texas ,wedding party is address as first name only and the newly weds in full. I do like it like that because of all of the weird last names i have come across ...... But its what ever the client whats they are paying for our services do what they want......

[dchay333]

I usually do both, but had a wedding a few weeks ago and the client wanted first names only. So thats what i did, and honestly i kinda like that better. From now on, unless the client wants last names, i think im just going to do first. Like brian said, if they wanna know the last name they can ask them, and possibly create conversation.

[foulmouthc1]

If you have not had a complaint thus far then don't worry, perhaps get the agent to ask the question for you? or just read the event ie venue size budget, dress etc and make a judgment call, hell Brian you are the Chicago Wedding DJ , do what you feel is right...all I know is that in the UK we have a bride and groom dance, I always announce "the happy couple and invite Mr and Mrs ....." they are newly weds its nice to acknowledge that and treat them as a unity rather the bloke and girl etc.

[rollingthunderdj]

In my wedding planner they can check if they want a grand march or not. If they do it, there are several options of how to introduce the couples, song selection for the grand march; how they want the bride and groom to be introduced: Mr and Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs John Smith, Shawna and John Smith, etc. I also have a sheet where they fill in the names of the wedding party in the order to be announced. I also have them write the phonetic pronunciations. This is their special day, do it their way.

[DJTmaq]

I never thought about "not" using last names. Now that you mention it Brian, i think i might try just first names for now on. It does make it easier to get it right and speeds up the grand entry moment a bit.

[AVEMTDJ]

it is a formal event, therefore i always do first and last...but i also leave it up to the B & G ....people will surprisingly remember the names being pronounced...so i always just put the first and last name into play!!!

[jazzyjaxroadshow]

nobodys wrong, if nobody has complained, then wheres the problem? ask the question to the client, if they want first names, then heres betty and aurthor

[WindyCityMix]

My opinion....and how I do it...Always first and last names out of respect. I cant imagine doing intros with ONLY first names. I do from time to time get nicknames to be added but always first and last names.

[TJtheDJ06]

I default to first and last names out of respect. The individuals in the wedding party are the bride/groom's best friends and confidants, and have braved thick and thin to join in celebrating the beginning of the next chapter in their friends' lives. The very least I can do is take 5 to 10 minutes in a hallway to line everyone up and get names and pronounciations. Plus, the grand entrance isn't about the audience anyhow...the entire rest of the gig is for them. They can wait for last names.

[lilmoneeboy]

i ask the client(s) what they would like

[Neckwerk2]

I always ask the client what they would like. It's their party! Personally, I rather do first names. It's just easier

[MarkLeeCenter]

Whatever they want. You are their to serve them.

[Koshy1]

I hate it, but I always say the last name. Stresses me out.

The full names are listed in the wedding sheet they get at the Church

[djprodigypat]

Your totally in the right!

[VVooDz]

I haven't done a grand entrance for any of my Weddings. Some traditions have become out dated. Most of my brides and grooms don't even want a traditional opening dance and some don't even want an opening dance at all. Sometimes they will introduce the guests themselves during the opening speech which I feel is more personal and appropriate than having the DJ do it.

My view of a DJ is to make the evening as enjoyable as possible. Do what the customer asks unless it's totally unacceptable.

[directsound]

I like to keep it fun and not to snooty...unless requested I use first names as a mater of fact I take a wireless mis stand by the door and ask them their names as they walk in so I dont screw it up ...I help get them together in the hall and give them all the instructions just before I send them out it just makes it easer for me ...this is just one way not the right or wrong way just my way..its all about how you do it best to make is sound good and not screw it up!

MM

DJ Mikey Mike

[ljmike1204]

i think the first name becous som last names are strange

[irgarza52]

The company I Dj for always does first and last. After the introduction we just call everyone by there first name for toast, first dance, father daughter, etc. It be way easier if we could just do first names.

Isaac g

[DJJDBass]

Brian, I agree with you as well.

[Ricouk74]

in the real world in my mind its best to do what the client wants dont forget they are your in employer they hire you to do a job but sometimes its allways best to ask your client if they wish you to do first and last name or mr and miss's or any intoduceing like that.

[TJsDJsMobileEnt]

I always give my clients reception planners that outlines how the Grand Intro will go. For example I will put Maid of Honor _________ escorted by the Best Man ________. I let the client fill in the blank on how they want their bridal party introduced. In my community I have yet to have someone not give me the last name to introduce. Actually until this video I haven't even thought of doing it any different. I dont think one way is right or wrong. In my opinion it should be up to your client

[traxonwax]

It is not our right to determine what is formal and what isn't formal. It is arrogant for us djs to tell the client what or how formal things should be. I totally agree with you Brian with you on this one.

[rushentertainment]

I like to keep it some what simple but if they want me to I will, im in the same area as you I know how them last names are.

[phatboyphat1]

I ask the clients and the difficult names get written down. If the clients do not have a preference then I usually use first names for the more intimate gigs, or both for a more formal setting. But I make a feature out of the last name, ie - I announce the Bride & Groom into the room as "the New Mr & Mrs ...." but then I go back to a more informal intro and use their first names as they arrive on the dance floor. But I always ask the clients first - they pay my wages, they get the choice.

[djboentertainment]

I believe it always should come down to what the client ultimately wants. I would love to do just first names because of course it's easier. I may have to do a video response to this topic to really get my whole point across. But, here in PA clients expect both first & last I guess. This is a great topic. Watch for the video response.

~DJ Bo~

[Noblewar]

its not weather you think people care about the last names because i could care less too but what i do care about is the way i sound talking and introducing. so dont ask yourself do people give a shit about the last name instead tell yourself would people think bad/unprofessional of me for not saying their last name. its not up to us to choose weather we want to say it or not we should unless asked not too (might be insulting not to say) remember a lot of gigs come out from gigs we've played at.

[BenAMCevents]

I just ask the client what they would be more comfortable with when I meet with them. I then write down the phonetic spelling of their names, and run through them with the client.

I then go through the names again in front of the wedding party just before I introduce them, giving the members of the bridal party the opportunity to correct any errors.

[jcaustin2]

Great video Brian and I think the points you made are right on the money. Certainly gives me something to think about too. For me, (and it sounds like most others) I'll default to what the Bride and Groom prefer but it does help to make the reception more intimate if you're not announcing full names for everyone. Glad you posted this follow-up.

[meiklejohntheuesr]

I default to just first names unless the client tells me otherwise because just like brian said if the the wedding you are have is "so formal" then why did you hire a DJ?

[CapeRayer22]

YO, brian. I Like your poster from american DJ. even though i live in canada, how do i get one?

[spindocsmusic]

Oh Brian, I'm SO glad you've opened this topic up on your You Tube channel. I couldn't agree more with your comments in your video. If the couple want first and last names, I would NEVER think of talking them out of it and by the same token, if they wanted only first names, I wouldn't tell them it's unprofessional or that their wedding may be viewed as a 'redneck wedding'. There really isn't any right or wrong answer to the question you raised as the whole argument is subjective, isn't it? :P

[djnpd]

I use first name except for the bride and groom, the reason is simple these people are amongst family and friends that means its more a personal touch. I’ve emceed a lot of weddings and my selling point of using just first names is “your among friends.

[muckypops]

No they don't give a shit about betty's last name. That's the bottom line. And since they don't, why put in the extra effort figuring out how to say it?

[traxonwax]

@muckypops Exactly, why put in the extra needless effort. In my part of the world, I rarely ever announce the wedding party. Their MC who is usually a family member or a friend of the family does all of that. Problem solved!!!

Shane (aka TRAX)

[djtimaugusta]

@muckypops Because that extra effort could mean the difference between getting another gig from a potential client in the audience or not. Remember every performance (rehearsed or not) is an audition for a future client. You should always go the extra mile on every event.

[BOBBYBLENDZ]

whatever the client wants, but "my preference" is first names only. on my information planner, i have three possible selections. first/last....first only....dj's choice.  when they pick "dj's choice", i am estatic, and always choose first only.

like buying a watch..... the less moving parts you are dealing with, the less likely it is for something to go wrong.

[hopstar117]

I'd go with what the Client wants... its their event so they have control

[CP9er]

First and Last names. Spend the extra 10-30 minutes before the gig to rehearse over and over again. :)

[arrowmanjr]

i agree with you

[djtimaugusta]

I always ask the bride and groom how they would like to be announced and go with that. If they don't know, I offer a suggestion. As you know, every client is different and every gig is different. What might be classy for you may not be classy for someone else. It's subjective.