Singer at weddings
As a singer you will be asked to do various venues which may include singing at a wedding. This will enhance your reputation as an overall entertainer. The more things you know how to do, the more well rounded you are.
Karaoke at Weddings!
More and more people are considering Karaoke at their weddings! It's up to the DJ/KJ, to ensure that it is used in an entertaining manner that brings dignity to the wedding. Like all things, judge your crowd, and base your decisions on that.
First Dance!
Often you are asked to sing a song at the ceremony or sing the first dance song at the reception. It's a bit tacky having the large Karaoke screen out front as it detracts from the bride and groom and focuses attention on you. Lot's of professional entertainers use black and white 5 inch TV's (they can be bought cheaply) and it can sit on a table and virtually no one sees that they are karaoke tracks. Even better if you are a DJ as no one ever expects a DJ to sing! If people ask are you using Karaoke tracks - it's a good idea to say "you are using Vocal Performance tracks" designed especially for vocalists to use. Often if you don't mention the KARAOKE word you won't end up in a pigeon hole!
Later on during the reception when everyone is more relaxed and all formalities have been finished with and it's party time!
Get the bride and groom up to do a duet! Priceless photo opportunity! Just make sure you do it tastefully. Always get the bride and groom to do the 1st song together or a nice song to dedicate to each other. This gently introduces the concept of singing to the rest of the audience.
Sing a couple of slow dance ballads and invite the audience to dance while you sing, and collect requests while doing that.
The real key is to LIMIT the number of songs done at a time. Do no more than say 3 at a time, and then jump right back into a dance set. That will keep the reception from turning into a regular Karaoke show. The pace of Karaoke is slower, and after about three songs, people are itching to dance again. After your last Karaoke song set get your next dance song ready and while the applause is still going on, hit them with a very popular dance song, like the Slide or the Macarena or the Cotton Eyed Joe. You don't have to say a thing; they will come out and dance.
Don't worry about satisfying each request to sing, but look at the requests and try to get each individual up to sing at least once, time permitting. Most times, the max you get are may 5~10 requests. It's easy to use 2~3 of those as a set then swing back into dance. Occasionally, you will get a gig where EVERYONE wants to get into the act. That's when you have to manage expectations.
"Wow, ladies and gents, we have a TON of requests. We will do our level best to have you sing at least one time, with our time together here permitting. And thank you for wanting to entertain (insert Bride &Groom names here) on their special day."
Almost by default, Karaoke puts you in the Interactive mode. You are already interacting with the audience, and they are listening to what you have to say. It's very easy to swing out of a Karaoke set right into a skit like the Hokey Pokey, a Conga line, the YMCA, etc. etc. etc. (insert your skit here) These are very natural progressions if you think about it.
With respect to Karaoke at weddings, remember that it's not about what we think is always right, it's what the customer wants! These two ideas can maximize your performances at receptions when Karaoke is involved by request of the bride and groom or if you, as a Karaoke host are asked to perform vocals at either the Ceremony or the reception.
