• How many guests are attending from out of state?

• They do have expectations of having a good time at your reception. Mid Westerners love CHEESE while folks from California are more reserved. Don't hire someone who is less qualified just to get by and not be compatible with this type of audience.                                                                                                                   

• Are any from NY, NJ area?

• I suggest you hire a 2 person DJ/MC team. The DJ needs to be able to mix music properly while the MC leads the party. It is common for these types of parties to incorporate party props and lighting.

• Any Latinos and if so, what percentage?

• I learned along time ago that Latinos love to dance without any coaxing as long as you have their music. Here's the kicker! Your DJ needs to have an extensive knowledge of Latin music and know what islands they are from.

• To mix or not to mix?

• Some parties require it some don't. The challenge is how do you know if you need a good mixer or not. The answer is..... Unless your guests are from #2 or #3, then the chances are slimmer than that if you do.                  However,  I am seeing a trend of more weddings wanting a DJ who can mix it up than someone who just plays track to track. You will see a difference in your crowds response and lose the floor if they are used to a good mixer resulting in a party ending early.

• Old folks vs Younger 

• Nothing like alienating one segment of your party while the other jams out; Especially if the one sitting out is the person paying the bill. A seasoned pro will know the right mixes to blend all generations together without losing the floor. Here's a set that can be used as an example. Remember that if he can't mix, it won't matter.

• Here is a set

• that I used for a 30 - 40 y/o crowd on Friday 3/14/08 at The Rusty Pelican. I was tipped off by a groomsman to play the first song below because it was the best mans favorite song.

     1) Do you think I'm sexy - 70's

      2) Night Fever - 70's

      3) Shake Shake Shake - 70's

      4) I Wanna Be Rich - 80's

      5) Bust a Move - 80's

      6) Jungle Love - 80's

      7) We Are Family - 70's

      8) Please Don't Stop The Music - 2007

      9) Wanna Be Startin' Something - 80's

     10) Calabria - 2007

     11) Twist & Shout - 60's

     12) Love Shack - 80's

     13) You Shook Me All Night Long - 80's

     14) Livin' on a Prayer - 80's  after 14 songs they lost energy

     15) Cake Cutting

     16) Lovin' Touchin'  Squeezin'

The above is an example of how you can mix 5 decades worth of music without losing the floor. Keep in mind this set won't work for everyone.

Below is 2nd part of this reception.

     17) C'mon Ride The Train   -  90's

     18) Whoomp There It Is   -  90's

     19) Do It To It - RR-Remix  - 2005

     20) Flo - Breaks Remix - 2006

     21) Check on It - Beyonce RRRM - 2005

     22) Promiscuous Boy - 2005

     23) Crank That Soulja Boy - Breaks Remix - 2007

     24) U Can't Touch This - 80's

As you can see, the evening progressed with several decades mixed together creating an energy filled night of non-stop dancing.