2014 Wedding Entertainment Trends

By Guest Blogger, Marc Sense of Integral DJs
All photos by Tonhya Kae Photography

Entertainment is always evolving as a result of the technology. New innovations have changed the way people experience their big day in every way imaginable. From sight to sound, a wedding in 2014 is vastly different from one in 2004, much less anything in the 20^th century.

Here are a number of different things that are on their way in, as well as a few that are on their way to extinction:

What’s In:

1. DJs with club experience – There’s a reason why nightclubs are so popular and drive billions of consumer dollars. It’s because these guys (and gals) can keep a dance floor packed with incredible mixing skills and know what music works. As a generation of DJs grow older, their friends and family start getting married drawing in a fresh crop of talent into the wedding pool.
2. Untraditional ceremony music –In the past, a ceremony would typically take place in a church, but we’re finding that that is now the exception rather than the rule.  And with that change, comes the end of days for the Bridal Chorus aka “Here Comes The Bride.” Couples are choosing everything from John Legend to Ray Lamontagne for their processional and recessional. And Vitamin String Quartet puts a classic touch with covers of modern music.
3. Photobooths – We are officially in the age of social media, selfies, and club photos so photobooths are an easy solution to all of that. Your guests can pose with props for wild and crazy pictures, and later everyone can look back and remember how much fun they had at the wedding. This also allows for even more documentation above and beyond that of a traditional photographer.

What’s out:

1. “DJs” in tuxedos –A majority of weddings are semi-formal at best and many folks associate the tuxedo look with a DJ who tries to take over with their MCing and the Chicken Dance. Modern DJs are aiming to complement the overall look of the wedding, without the over the top formality.
2. Truss lighting – Do you remember those huge steel bars that would run over the top of a DJ’s setup? Yeah, me neither. Often seen in prom scenes from old movies, lighting was often rigged to trusses for proper coverage of the dance floor. Not only were the trusses and eyesore, but they took up a big footprint. Nowadays people would rather save room for more family & friends and get lost in the music.
3. Games – While they have made for plenty of funny moments over the years, couples have opted to cut this out of the timeline. Simply put, there are other important things that serve more than just few select people, such as dancing and socializing. Given that venues have become stricter with rental times, a shoe game can quickly and easily add unnecessary costs. Why consume 15 minutes on games when you can spend it with family and friends?

Many of the new innovations are not just trends, they offer functional solutions to enhance different facets of your epic celebration. There’s no right or wrong answer, but plenty of options to ensure your friends & family are thoroughly entertained.

Marc Sense is the founder of Integral DJs based in Seattle, WA and Washington, DC. He has over 10+ years of experience performing at clubs across the country and concerts featuring the likes of Snoop Dogg, The Roots, and Macklemore.