Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
S

Steve Bourguignon

New DJ
Jan 19, 2007
286
0
60
Russell, Ontario Canada
www.twojsmusic.com
I did a Wedding Yesterday, Ceremony & Reception, Dinner was buffet style so I am walking around releasing tables one by one trying to keep the line flowing nicely, Any way I am walking by this one table to release a table with some older folks and this guy waves at me trying to get my attention to release his table, I waved back and said Hey, and continued to the table I was heading to, as I released that table the guy that was waving to me called me a Sh1thead. I looked over and acknowledged that I heard him, he looked and me and gave me a gumbyassed smile. A couple of minutes later the Best Man comes up to me and asks me If I can do anything to release that table because they are friends of his I am looking over their shoulder and I can see them looking over and smiling and laughing that the best man is telling me to let them go next.. I said I will see what I can do... Well you know what that really irritated me as this table is made up of people in their mid 20's to early 30's and there are other people there with small kids and older folks that cant move all that will. Any way After I released one more table I started to walk over to the table and you could tell they were all proud of themselves. I said to them so you guys are hungry eh? They said Yeah and were just about to get up and go when I looked over at the guy that called me a Sh1thead and said well you know what? I really am a Sh1Thead, turned my back and released the table behind them. A couple of minutes later the guy came up and apologized to me for his comment.

Man did that feel good :)
 
all kinds os stuff, i had a couple wanting me to release tables like you were, so I started with 1-12 or whatever, then a groomsmen comes over and said the bride n groom wanted table X to go next it was some of their family, well they should have told me , course i kept my mouth shut,,
 
You should never get involved with the guest like that,I would follow the people that hired me
 
When I met with the couple I explained the order I usually release the tables and they told me to let them go whatever way I wanted. It was not like they were going to be waiting long any way 120 ppl through the buffet in 25 minutes I think I kept it running really smooth and never had a long line up. Any way he had no reason to call me a Sh1thead and I did not appreciate it.
 
It is very interesting to learn of the different ways that Weddings are conducted. I never knew it was the DJ's job to release tables at a Wedding or function. In all my years the closest I have ever come to doing that is to make a general announcement that the Buffet Line is open. I usually see the Caterers or waitstaff doing table releases. Interesting reading.
 
The point person at the venue should be in charge of releasing the tables. WIth this being said if a couple rents a place that does not have a waitstaff (I did a wedding this past week where all they had was the caterer and his assistant) I will offer to release the tables starting with B&G first (of course) followed by their parents/bridal party and then go from there. btw it's never a good idea to just say the buffet is open. It creates a logjam and isn't at all elegant. Stay classy San Diego!
 
Personally, I don't like releasing tables. But I will do it if it needs to be done.
I been chewed out numerous times by guests, or had guests intentionally jump ahead of others because they didn't want to wait or were not happy with my choice of table to release.

I've even been criticized by caterers that didn't like the way I was releasing tables.

I had one snap at me because I released a table when they were trying to replentish more food. (How am I supposed to know?) Meanwhile, their catering staff was standing around watching the others. I explained that I had no idea/not my job to "monitor the food levels"

Now, whenever I work with that caterer, I refuse to do "their job".

But depending on the caterer & situation, I will assist....if needed.
 
When asked, I do my best to make releasing the tables a "fun" thing, and something of an ice breaker. I'll release tables based on who traveled the farthest to get there, who lives the closest, finding a man wearing a suit with white socks, that sort of thing... I find it keeps people occupied and their minds off their stomachs.
 
I guess its a territory thing being from Canada quite a few of the Weddings here have a close Friend or Family member as the MC, with that in mind they are the ones quite often that the job of releasing the tables gets put onto. I try to be helpful to the MC so that they can eat and enjoy their meal, so I will offer to release the tables for them and once that is done, they take back over again. We work with quite a few of the Cateering companies and see them on a regular basis, they know I can keep a line running smoothly and not have the logjam happen. I do not have a problem working with other vendors to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch.
 
we do the same way as Steve

but 9/10 times they do it themself or the MC does it

now if I do it , I always have fun with it.. play a game to get on top
or a number system

or play a game of cards (have to have BIG Cards for that)

so yes its just as Steve has said as OP

have a nice day all
 
When I release tables, I announce the B&G and VIP tables first.

I then announce "If anyone has a medical reason for not waiting, please go ahead. Otherwise, just to keep you from having to stand in line, please wait for your table number." That way, I've put them on notice, as well as giving anyone who wants to be a dick, something of an excuse.


I had one wedding where the tables were not numbered, but labeled with virtues. The gang at the "Patience" table knew they'd be last, and I made a big deal out of it.
 
Dave things like that where tables are not numbered is a great way to let the clients know for when they have thier wedding

its just something extra to add for your repitra as they say

it keeps it new , alive, different well I can go on
 
Bill Kexel said:
Personally, I don't like releasing tables. But I will do it if it needs to be done.
I been chewed out numerous times by guests, or had guests intentionally jump ahead of others because they didn't want to wait or were not happy with my choice of table to release.

I've even been criticized by caterers that didn't like the way I was releasing tables.

I had one snap at me because I released a table when they were trying to replentish more food. (How am I supposed to know?) Meanwhile, their catering staff was standing around watching the others. I explained that I had no idea/not my job to "monitor the food levels"

Now, whenever I work with that caterer, I refuse to do "their job".

But depending on the caterer & situation, I will assist....if needed.
Click to expand...
Now we are providing fuel to the process. Learn to work with your vendors. Being oblivious to each portion involved to create the perfect day for our clients includes knowing what the other arm is doing and why they do it. Then again we are just DJs why should we care in fact we are the GREATEST part of any event we grace our clients with our presence for right?
 
I, too will refuse to release tables.
You are ASKING people to dislike you, in a job that requires them to LIKE you.
If the hall person tries to persist, I tell them I have too many things to organize and get ready.
In the instances BEFORE refusing this duty....I would joke about it over the mic,
and state: "if you wanna go NEXT, the BIDDING STARTS AT $10..."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back