Weddings

What is the difference between a DJ and an M.C.?

Monday, Mar 28, 22 category: Weddings Entertainment Planning Advice

MC seeking the reaction from the crowd at the wedding reception he was booked at

As you’re beginning to look for your wedding entertainment, we’re sure that you’re noticing many companies in Pittsburgh or southwestern Pennsylvania offer DJs, MCs or both. But what is the difference between a DJ and a M.C.. We’ll explain what both are so that you can select the right option for your wedding because they are not same.

A DJ or disc jockey, is the person who plays the music for your wedding reception. An MC, or master of ceremonies, is going to be the one who makes all of your announcements throughout the event (such as introductions, 1st dance, parent dances, etc.). At EventuresWeddings we have entertainment options were there is one person who works solo at the wedding. In this case, they perform both the DJ and MC roles. We also offer an option with 2 people, which is highly recommend and here is why.

Selecting the wedding package with 2 entertainers makes a big difference. The DJ now can focus solely on programming the music for your reception. They’re selecting songs from your lists, picking additional songs that will fit the style and feel of your wedding as well as watching your guests’ reaction to songs. This is an extremely important part to ensure that the rights songs are playing at the right time, which is what separates good and great DJs.

With the DJ strictly focused on the music, the M.C. is now free to talk with your guests without having to be behind the entertainment console. The MC is similar to a host you’d see on an awards show (without the long thank you speeches). During announcements or any of the wedding formalities, they are out on the dance floor, where all of your guests can see.

The M.C.s job is also to help with the coordination and flow of the evening, which can be hard for a DJ if he is focused on the music.. Once the reception starts the entertainers are responsible for the timeline of the wedding and ensuring that you stay on it (as closely as you can). Once dinner is served, they are the ones who dictate how quickly things happen and how much time to dance you have. Having a dedicated person to can drastically change your timeline. It also means that you, your fiancé, and your family members can enjoy the reception, while the M.C. takes care of everything. 🙂 The M.C. will find family members for special dances, work with the venue on cake cutting and toasts as well as ensuring that the money dance doesn’t take 45 minutes to 1 hr. They will keep the evening flowing seamlessly as you and your guests celebrate.

Now you may be asking yourself, do I need a separate MC or can a DJ perform both roles. There are a variety of factors that will help you decide which options might be best for you. How many guests are you having? If you’re having a smaller more intimate wedding, having a person dedicated to making announcements might not be necessary. We recommend once you start having more than 125 guests that you really consider having 2 professional entertainers at your wedding. How interactive do you want you, DJ? If you want someone to be out interacting with your guests, who wants to bring a lot of energy to the wedding reception, having a dedicated MC is the option for you.

We realize that every couple’s taste, wedding, and needs are different. These are just items to consider as you’re making a choice for your wedding entertainment. If you have questions or still don’t know if you should have a DJ/MC or DJ and MC at your wedding reception, please call or email us and we’ll help find the best entertainment option for you.

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