Seattle Wedding DJ | Alan Chitlik

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Honestly, it was amazing. Little to nothing went wrong, everyone had a blast, and I know Alan played a huge role in that.

Chelsa and Levon Dunn

Married at Robinswood House in Bellevue

Alan got a great feel for our music style before the event and pulled off the DJ/Emcee role perfectly for us.

Cobie O'Brien and Jeremie Leverich

Married at the Edgewater in Seattle

You really went above and beyond all our expectations!

Christina and Isaac Becker

Married at Stilly Brook Farm in Arlington

We needed someone to bring people together who are from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. So, after talking with Alan just two minutes, we realized that he was our guy.

Diana and Jordan Mandel

Married at Ray's Boathouse

We appreciate everything you put into making our night so memorable and fun for all our guests.

Victoria and Michael Villareal

Married at Historic 1625 Tacoma Place

Alan was so helpful! I don’t know what we would have done without all of his great advice. He has so much knowledge and information, it is beyond fantastic!

Michelle and Brian Nagy

Married at Sanders Estate in Auburn

Everyone is talking about how personal everything was and saying it was the best wedding dance party they’ve been to, and so much of that is because of you.

Sarah and Kyle Dominick

Married at Robinswood House in Bellevue

He takes full responsibility for everything at the reception, from the cake cutting to making sure the photographer is there for every important event. As a bride, this was amazing because I wanted no stress the day of my wedding and that’s exactly what that promise included.

Ellie and James Beckman

Married at Lord Hill Farms

An absolute master at what he does and someone who kept the party rolling all night long.

 

Dorothy and Reid Johnson

Married at Salty's on Alki in West Seattle

Alan gave me the gift of allowing me to be completely present during our reception because he was managing our per-arranged goals.

Susie and Ari Cetron

Married at Pan Pacific Hotel in Seattle

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How to Officiate a Friend’s Wedding

by Alan Ceremony, Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas
0

One of the trends I see is couples asking a friend or relative to be the officiant of their wedding ceremony. (If that’s you, you might be wondering how to perform a wedding ceremony and what to say. I will try to help you.)

First, think about whether you want to make an introductory announcement. Often this is the “turn your cell phones” off one. Personally, I don’t love it. I think people either know or they are so clueless, they won’t think it applies to them. I’d rather start with a statement that welcomes the guests and maybe talks about love or something more aspirational and less procedural.

Early in your script, include “PLEASE BE SEATED” in big bold letters. Most guests will stand for the bridal entrance. And I’ve seen a lot of officiants who get so excited to get into their ceremony, that they forget to invite the guests to sit. And it’s awkward for those guests to stay standing and standing.

Personalize, personalize, personalize. The ONE thing that everybody there will have in common will be that they know the couple. So the guests will be eager to hear you talk about them. I don’t think you can go wrong talking about their story, their personal qualities, their families, their relationship. (And on the flipside, I’m sort of sorry to report is that I have seen some officiants who tell so much of their own story that it comes across as though they feel the wedding is about them. It’s not.)

Minimize the cliches/passages downloaded from the Internet. You can find a lot if you search for wedding ceremony scripts. But don’t rely so heavily on them that you create a boring ceremony.

This is totally my personal opinion (and arguably a very shallow one), but I’ve always preferred printed paper for the script over a tablet. Both in the moment and in the photos, there’s just something way more personal about holding a notebook and turning a page than swiping a tablet. And there are no issues of glare.

My recommended order of the events at the end is:
• Vows. Having seen both ways a lot of times, I’m partial to allowing the couple to say their vows directly to each other. It always feels more sincere to me that way. But, certainly, if you or they want to do the “repeat after me” that’s an option.
• Rings
• Pronouncement that they are married, invitation to kiss. (Super Pro Hint: – before offering this opportunity, take two or three steps to the side. This way, the photo of their first kiss will be just the two of them, not the three of you.)
• After the kiss, let the couple face the guests
• Pause to make sure the bride or brides gets the bouquet back in her hands
• Introduce them as a married couple for the first time and end with their names.
• Immediately upon hearing the names, the DJ plays upbeat an upbeat “recessional” song. (Some suggestion of that are in this Spotify playlist of wedding songs to walk out to after the ceremony.)
• Allow wedding party and first row to come down the aisle. You could gently guide them.
• Once they are down the aisle, make eye contact with the DJ who will lower the music and you can tell the rest of the guests where to go for cocktails or whatever else is next.

Make sure your mic is off and then enjoy the rest of the wedding. You will have earned it!

There is a good article on more of the performance-art piece of this. It’s at: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jp-reynolds/is-this-your-first-wedding_b_1983857.html

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Top Dance Songs of 2017
Tips for attending the Seattle Wedding Show
Alan
Alan

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Reviews

Opposite of many DJs that give you very limited prep time, Alan met with us as often as needed to plan pretty much the entire day. Alan went way above & beyond to make sure we were happy with all our decisions, even the tiniest details.

 

Kari and Mitch Ketner

Married at the Hollywood Schoolhouse in Woodinville

The great part about Alan is that he doesn’t nickel and dime you for every extra piece. He charges a flat rate which means he’s there from start to finish without any question about extra money or time. He’s there for you and committed to the event.

Ngoc-Diep Pham and Aaron Swerdlin

Married at Salty's on Alki in West Seattle

Reviews

Having Alan DJ and MC our big day was the best decision that we made when planning our wedding.

Christina and Scott Kissler

Married at family residence on Lake Limerick

Everyone said that our wedding was the best they had ever been to. Alan was a big part of that for us. Never a down moment or guests wondering what was coming next. He was exceptional.

Kim and Robert duRosier

Married at the Arctic Club in Seattle

Check Alan's availability
Select your date to instantly check Alan's availability.
Recent Posts

The Top Dance Songs of 2019

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Alan Music Trends Weddings
There were two big developments in dance music in 2019. First half of the year was the dominance of “Old Town Road.” It was so catchy that it set the record for the longest run EVER at #1 spot on the charts. I played that at pretty much ever wedding in the first half of
read more

Picking the Perfect First Dance Song

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Alan Fun Ideas Music Trends
There are so many big moments at a wedding, but I believe that a first dance that represents your personalities can bring out the joy and the emotion of the moment. I love the fact that after the hustle and stress of a wedding day, you at least get a few minutes completely to yourselves.
read more

Reception Timelines on From Ring to Veil podcast

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alan Ceremony Fun Ideas Reception Seattle Wedding DJ Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas Weddings
“From Ring to Veil” is one of the country’s best wedding planning podcasts. So how fired up was I when co-founder Kim Mills invited me back to talk about one of my huge passions – timelines. I think THE key to a smooth-flowing wedding reception is to think through ALL the elements of the wedding
read more
podcast

“Get to Know Your Wedding Pro” appearance

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alan Seattle Wedding DJ Wedding Professionals
With Reid and his lovely bride Dorothy at Salty’s in West Seattle. One of my favorite elements of being a Seattle Wedding DJ is the relationships I form with other wedding professionals. It’s so satisfying when you get to work as part of a team that coordinates and works behind the scenes to kick some
read more
podcast

The Top Dance Songs of 2018

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alan Music Reception Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas
I’m going to be honest with you. I don’t know any wedding DJ in Seattle or across the country who will look back on 2018 and reminisce about how it was an amazing year for dance music. There just weren’t the big, universal hits that EVERYBODY knows and dances to (think “Uptown Funk,” think “Can’t
read more
dance songs lists music seattle dj seattle wedding dj

Tips for attending the Seattle Wedding Show

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Alan Fun Ideas Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas Wedding Professionals
January is a time of year, especially in the Seattle area, with a lot of wedding shows. They are a terrific opportunity for engaged couples to really kick your wedding-planning into high gear. With all those wedding professionals under one (very big) roof, you’re going to want to strategize so that you can take full
read more

How to Officiate a Friend’s Wedding

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Alan Ceremony Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas
One of the trends I see is couples asking a friend or relative to be the officiant of their wedding ceremony. (If that’s you, you might be wondering how to perform a wedding ceremony and what to say.
One of the trends I see is couples asking a friend or relative to be the officiant of their wedding ceremony. (If that’s you, you might be wondering how to perform a wedding ceremony and what to say. I will try to help you.) First, think about whether you want to make an introductory announcement.
read more

Top Dance Songs of 2017

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Alan Music Reception Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas
When I think about wedding dance songs in 2017, the list has to start with the “Despacito” remix and then everything else. Really, even the best wedding DJs I know thought it was a bit of a down year for dance music.
When I think about wedding dance songs in 2017, the list has to start with the “Despacito” remix and then everything else. Really, even the best wedding DJs I know thought it was a bit of a down year for dance music. “That’s What I Like” was fine, but not quite “24K Magic” or certainly
read more
dance songs lists music seattle dj seattle wedding dj
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Recent Posts

The Top Dance Songs of 2019

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Alan Music Trends Weddings
There were two big developments in dance music in 2019. First half of the year was the dominance of “Old Town Road.” It was so catchy that it set the record for the longest run EVER at #1 spot on the charts. I played that at pretty much ever wedding in the first half of
read more

Picking the Perfect First Dance Song

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Alan Fun Ideas Music Trends
There are so many big moments at a wedding, but I believe that a first dance that represents your personalities can bring out the joy and the emotion of the moment. I love the fact that after the hustle and stress of a wedding day, you at least get a few minutes completely to yourselves.
read more

Reception Timelines on From Ring to Veil podcast

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alan Ceremony Fun Ideas Reception Seattle Wedding DJ Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas Weddings
“From Ring to Veil” is one of the country’s best wedding planning podcasts. So how fired up was I when co-founder Kim Mills invited me back to talk about one of my huge passions – timelines. I think THE key to a smooth-flowing wedding reception is to think through ALL the elements of the wedding
read more
podcast

“Get to Know Your Wedding Pro” appearance

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alan Seattle Wedding DJ Wedding Professionals
With Reid and his lovely bride Dorothy at Salty’s in West Seattle. One of my favorite elements of being a Seattle Wedding DJ is the relationships I form with other wedding professionals. It’s so satisfying when you get to work as part of a team that coordinates and works behind the scenes to kick some
read more
podcast

The Top Dance Songs of 2018

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alan Music Reception Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas
I’m going to be honest with you. I don’t know any wedding DJ in Seattle or across the country who will look back on 2018 and reminisce about how it was an amazing year for dance music. There just weren’t the big, universal hits that EVERYBODY knows and dances to (think “Uptown Funk,” think “Can’t
read more
dance songs lists music seattle dj seattle wedding dj
Recent Posts
  • The Top Dance Songs of 2019
  • Picking the Perfect First Dance Song
  • Reception Timelines on From Ring to Veil podcast
  • “Get to Know Your Wedding Pro” appearance
  • The Top Dance Songs of 2018
Recent Posts

The Top Dance Songs of 2019

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Alan Music Trends Weddings
There were two big developments in dance music in 2019. First half of the year was the dominance of “Old Town Road.” It was so catchy that it set the record for the longest run EVER at #1 spot on the charts. I played that at pretty much ever wedding in the first half of
read more

Picking the Perfect First Dance Song

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Alan Fun Ideas Music Trends
There are so many big moments at a wedding, but I believe that a first dance that represents your personalities can bring out the joy and the emotion of the moment. I love the fact that after the hustle and stress of a wedding day, you at least get a few minutes completely to yourselves.
read more

Reception Timelines on From Ring to Veil podcast

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alan Ceremony Fun Ideas Reception Seattle Wedding DJ Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas Weddings
“From Ring to Veil” is one of the country’s best wedding planning podcasts. So how fired up was I when co-founder Kim Mills invited me back to talk about one of my huge passions – timelines. I think THE key to a smooth-flowing wedding reception is to think through ALL the elements of the wedding
read more
podcast

“Get to Know Your Wedding Pro” appearance

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alan Seattle Wedding DJ Wedding Professionals
With Reid and his lovely bride Dorothy at Salty’s in West Seattle. One of my favorite elements of being a Seattle Wedding DJ is the relationships I form with other wedding professionals. It’s so satisfying when you get to work as part of a team that coordinates and works behind the scenes to kick some
read more
podcast

The Top Dance Songs of 2018

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alan Music Reception Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas
I’m going to be honest with you. I don’t know any wedding DJ in Seattle or across the country who will look back on 2018 and reminisce about how it was an amazing year for dance music. There just weren’t the big, universal hits that EVERYBODY knows and dances to (think “Uptown Funk,” think “Can’t
read more
dance songs lists music seattle dj seattle wedding dj
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Reviews

He took the time to get to know my fiancé and I so he could make it more personal, rather than some cookie cutter reception.

Andrea and Jon Morton

Married at the Fields at Willie Greens in Monroe

He was very professional and worked out the smallest details to our liking. Not one thing was off or unexpected. He allowed us all to enjoy ourselves.

Julie and Johnathan Sutton

Married in Mukilteo WA

Recent Posts

The Top Dance Songs of 2019

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Alan Music Trends Weddings
There were two big developments in dance music in 2019. First half of the year was the dominance of “Old Town Road.” It was so catchy that it set the record for the longest run EVER at #1 spot on the charts. I played that at pretty much ever wedding in the first half of
read more

Picking the Perfect First Dance Song

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Alan Fun Ideas Music Trends
There are so many big moments at a wedding, but I believe that a first dance that represents your personalities can bring out the joy and the emotion of the moment. I love the fact that after the hustle and stress of a wedding day, you at least get a few minutes completely to yourselves.
read more

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