To be a great DJ for Toast, you need to understand exactly what we promise our clients — because your job is to deliver on it.

Here’s what we tell them on the sales call:

“The way our DJ services work is that we plan the entire day around you and your fiancé. Whatever music you’re into — that’s what we’ll play. You can have as much or as little control over the playlist as you want. If you want to give us a 300-song set list and don’t want us to deviate, we’ll honor that. But if you’d rather give us just a few must play songs and let us build the rest of the night — we’ve got it covered. When it comes to the MC side of things, we pride ourselves on not being corny or overbearing, we’re not going to be on the mic all night making jokes or begging people to dance. We make clear, professional announcements to keep the night flowing smoothly. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about us — it’s about you two. We bring everything we need to be 100% self-sufficient — PA, table, tablecloth, chair — plus backup gear for everything: laptop, mic, even a second PA system if your ceremony or site changes. We also have an on-call DJ in place for true emergencies. What really sets us apart is our background — many of us come from the hospitality industry. We were bartenders and servers before becoming DJs, and customer service is at the core of everything we do. I think this is why we’ve earned over 1,000 five-star reviews and become one of the top-reviewed wedding companies in the entire country. We always connect you with your DJ at the one-month mark. All of our DJs are capable of handling a wide variety of genres. That said, if you know your crowd leans heavily in a certain direction — like country or Latin — we’ll do our best to match you with someone who fits that vibe. If you’d like to meet your DJ before booking — or have a referral from your coordinator — we offer a Special Reservation option. We’ll introduce you to a few DJs, and if one of them feels like the right fit, you can lock them in for a small fee.”

That’s the expectation you’re stepping into. When a client books with Toast, they’re trusting us to deliver this level of care, flexibility, and professionalism.

During the onboarding process, you should have created your Toast email. It is very important that you use this address exclusively when dealing with your Toast clients. Please setup notifications on your phone and check it and your Toast calendar often.

After you have been officially approved to move forward, please watch for Shadow Session invites on your Toast calendar from Ops. You will need to attend at least 2 Shadow Sessions before being considered for your own gigs. After the second session, the DJ Director will evaluate your performance and notes from your trainer to determine if you are ready or if they think you would benefit from some more training.

We typically send out calendar invites 3 to 12 months in advance to give you plenty of notice. Sometimes, we get last-minute bookings — if it’s less than 3 months away, we’ll usually text or call you first before sending an invite to confirm availability. Most Toast DJs start out working weekends only — primarily Saturdays, with the occasional Friday or Sunday. Weekday events are rare but possible.

When you receive a calendar invite:

• Please accept or decline within 72 hours — never click maybe

• If we don’t hear from you in that time, the event may be reassigned to another DJ

• Accepting an event is a commitment — plan accordingly

• If declining an event — please let us know why and whether you would still want to be considered for other events on that day

• **IMPORTANT** DO NOT reach out to the client before being officially connected to them via the Concierge Team at the 1 month mark

You are responsible for maintaining your Toast calendar as mentioned above. You are a contractor and your availability is your own, but understand, booking frequency holds a directly proportional relationship to availability/reliability. DJs who respond quickly, follow through, and earn great feedback get booked more often. We’re always looking for our next tier-1 team. If you want more work, stay organized, answer your invites promptly, and never leave us guessing.

Once you accept an event, it’s yours. We expect you to show up fully prepared and give it your best. However:

• If you need to back out and it’s more than 3 months prior, contact your department director ASAP — we’ll try to find a replacement.

• If the event is less than 3 months away, you cannot back out unless it’s a legitimate emergency.

• Once you are officially connected with the client (either through Special Reservation or the one-month standard connection), you are fully locked into that event.

We’ve seen DJs flake last minute — and we’ve also seen the stress that causes for clients, coordinators, and our team. Short of serious emergencies, you’re expected to follow through.

Some clients want to lock in a specific Toast DJ in advance — this is called a Special Reservation.

Here’s how it works:

• Usually, we’ll connect you with the client before they book. Sometimes, they base the request off of a referral and this step may not be necessary. But most of the time, the client will want to speak with you to make sure you all click, or they might be interviewing multiple DJs.

• If they choose you, they’ll pay a "Special Reservation" fee and we will add an addendum to their contract to book you specifically.

• You’ll receive a bonus — and be officially locked into that event.

These opportunities are typically given to seasoned DJs who have shown excellent communication and professionalism. If you’re selected, treat the call like a job interview — you’re representing the brand and helping seal the deal.

The Concierge Team helps handle the backend work — collecting planning forms, sending reminders, and answering general questions. That frees you up to focus on creating a personalized, high-quality experience. So if a client ever asks to add on a service or has questions about something outside of your purview, CC the Concierge Team on an email response to the client letting them know the concierge team will assist them further.

Toast offers multiple services (DJ, photo booth, photography, videography, coordination), so the Concierge Team is often managing multiple vendors for one couple. Please do not attempt to answer any question that you do not know 100% and never hesitate to reach out to the Concierge Team for help with anything. Think of them as your personal assistant for each event.

Here is a list of things that the Concierge Team will handle:

• All communication before the 1-month mark.

• Any adjustments to their contract.

• Anything regarding payment/balances.

• Proof of insurance.

• Signing vendor agreements.

• If you’re ever missing details or are unclear on something, or just need assistance dealing with a difficult client/coordinator, please reach out to the Concierge Team — they’re your best resource.

One month before the wedding, the Concierge Team will send an email introducing you to the client. This marks your official handoff. From this point forward, you are their primary contact for music and event flow. Again, please DO NOT reach out to the client before you see this email.

**IMPORTANT** Please REPLY ALL and customize your template email as much as possible.

Toast Entertainment provides some really thorough online planning forms that we require the client to have completed by the 1 month mark.  These are the forms that would apply to you:

• INFO Form: this form includes important general information, such as the coordinator's name and contact information

• DJ Form: this form is essentially your shot list

• Timeline Form: the client may provide a separate timeline that they or the coordinator creates instead of filling out this form and it will be in the Event File

• Request List Form: in addition to the DJ Form, the Music Request List where the client can add their "must plays", "play if possibles", and even "do not plays"

When the Concierge Team sends the introductory email, they will also be pushing the forms through to you so that you can start preparing for the event. Remember, you always have access to the client's forms with the login credential included on your calendar invite. Also, please always check the Event File for any additional information. 

We lock the planning forms 7-days before the event and require the client notify all parties of any changes made after that point to avoid anything slipping through the cracks.

**IMPORTANT** If you are sent any information separately, please ensure that the Concierge Team gets copies. Also, please alert the Concierge Team ASAP if you see any discrepancies between the planning forms and the package you have been booked (as defined on your calendar invite). The Concierge Team is auditing the information often, but it helps to have multiple eyes on the information.

Please reach out to client within 48 hours to introduce yourself (see example email below). Clearly state your availability and your preferred method of communication.  Schedule a "Final Details" meeting to go over everything as close to the event as possible. 

Many clients prefer texting — so be ready to respond to messages quickly, just as you would a professional email. Delayed responses often lead to client frustration (and negative reviews). Add your new Toast email to your phone so you don’t miss anything.

This is the first direct interaction the client will have with you. This email should feel friendly, professional, clear, and confident. Responsiveness is very important.

Hi (Client’s Name),

I wanted to reach out to introduce myself and make sure you have all of my contact information. I’m so excited to be working with you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding your music selections, timeline, or anything else I can help with.

Once we’re into the week of your event, I’d love to set up a quick phone call to walk through the details together. My number is (Your Number), and I’m typically available (Your Availability). Text is great too if that’s easier for you!

🎵 Spotify Playlists:

If you haven’t already, I recommend putting together a few short Spotify playlists (20–30 songs each) for these sections: Pre-Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Dinner. If you don’t have 20 songs, that’s totally okay — just add what you can, and I’ll fill in the rest with similar music. If you’re unsure of what vibe you want, feel free to check out Toast’s curated Spotify lists for inspiration.

📋Typical recommendations: Pre-Ceremony – Modern classical (The Piano Guys, VSQ) Cocktail Hour – Upbeat & fun (Stevie Wonder, Harry Styles) Dinner – Romantic, classic (Frank Sinatra, Ed Sheeran)

💃 Dance Floor Music:

For dancing, we recommend using our Music Request Form. It helps prioritize: Must Play, Play If Possible, Do Not Play. This helps me make sure we focus on the songs that really matter to you — and avoid any that don’t. For example, if there’s a song that means a lot to your parents, please mark it as Must Play so I know to include it when they’re on the floor! Check out our favorites: This is Toast Weddings - Dance Time!

Please let me know if I can help with anything at all. I’m looking forward to making your big day awesome! 

All the best,

(Your Name)

**IMPORTANT** Always copy the Concierge Team and be very aware of who is being copied in each email. Default to "Reply All" so that everyone stays on the same page.  The Concierge Team is monitoring emails 7 days a week and can answer general questions on your behalf so that the client gets faster responses. If the client is asking questions directly to you, then the Concierge Team will typically hang back, but never hesitate to ask the Concierge Team for help on anything.

Never leave the client hanging. Commit to your scheduled appointment 100% and let them know ASAP if you can not make a meeting and reschedule to the earliest possible time.

Objective: Use this phone call to confirm every critical event detail, build rapport with the couple, and reassure them they’re in great hands.

The week-of phone call is one of the most important parts of your job. It’s where you take note of the event flow, earn the client’s trust, and confirm all final details.

We recommend scheduling the call 3–5 days before the wedding. This ensures that:

• Final changes have already been made

• Your notes will still be fresh by the time you perform

If the client requests a call earlier, that’s fine — just frame it as a preliminary conversation. Let them know that a second call may be necessary the week of to lock in final details.

It’s not just about checking off boxes. It’s about setting expectations, offering professional guidance, answering last-minute questions, and helping the couple feel 100% confident in their DJ.

We advise that you conduct the week-of call by phone, not video. Here’s why:

• You’ll need to take detailed notes — that’s harder when you're trying to maintain eye contact on camera

• Video adds unnecessary pressure on both sides

If the client requests a video call (especially for a Special Reservation), absolutely say yes. Just don’t offer it as the default.

If this call goes well, it sets the tone for the entire event.

IMPORTANT: When the Concierge Team locks the client's planning forms at the week of mark, you will be emailed a copy of the final versions. If you and the client discuss any changes or if you are sent any additional information, please ensure that The Concierge Team receives everything so that we are all on the same page.

💡 Pro Tip: if you want to receive a tip, the call is how you earn it! Smiling while you talk actually changes how your voice sounds — making you come across more friendly and upbeat. In a phone conversation (where there are no visual cues), this makes a big difference in how the client perceives you.

As you review the forms with the client, you’ll often notice opportunities to suggest improvements — whether that’s reordering dances, cleaning up announcements, or fixing timeline bottlenecks.

You don’t have to be bossy — just confident and helpful.

“I’ve seen a lot of weddings, and something I’ve found that works really well is...”

That kind of feedback is pure gold to clients. You’re helping them avoid mistakes they didn’t even know to look for. And that’s what earns 5-star reviews.

NOTE: If they have a coordinator be sure the client runs any changes to the timeline by them first since they may be aware of details we are not privy to.

Here’s a standard and ideal event timeline you can use as a visual guide for how the event typically flows:

• 5:00 PM – Pre-Ceremony Music  

• 5:30 PM – Ceremony  

• 6:00 PM – Cocktail Hour  

• 7:00 PM – Wedding Party Introduction  

• 7:05 PM – First Dance  

• 7:10 PM – Welcome Speech (Father of the Bride)  

• 7:15 PM – Blessing  

• 7:20 PM – Dinner  

• 7:50 PM – Toasts  

• 8:00 PM – Father/Daughter Dance  

• 8:05 PM – Mother/Son Dance  

• 8:10 PM – Anniversary Dance  

• 8:15 PM – Open Dance Floor  

• 9:00 PM – Cake Cutting  

• 9:10 PM – Bouquet Toss  

• 10:20 PM – Last Dance  

• 10:25 PM – Private Last Dance  

• 10:30 PM – Send-Off

Here is a recommended way to prepare for any call with the client:

• Open the planning forms (from your email or client portal).

• Copy them into a Google Doc — this lets you edit easily on the fly.

• Title the doc with the event date and couple’s name (e.g. 06-14 – Ethan & Brookelynn).

• Set up your layout like this:

Phonetic spellings of key names (bride, groom, wedding party)

Simplified, DJ-relevant timeline

Full planning form (notes inline where needed)

Music request form (at the bottom)

After the call:

• Finalize your notes.

• Save the document for offline access (PDF, Word, or OpenOffice).

• Optional: Print a hard copy if you prefer a physical reference on event day.

If the client requests a Custom Mashup or Song Edit (like removing a verse or rearranging a song), Toast will handle that in-house. We charge for this service we manage them separately. You are not responsible for making the custom mashups or edits. (However, if the client just wants a song to fade out earlier — for example, shortening a dance to 2:30 instead of 4:00 — that is something you’ll handle on the day of. That’s not a custom mix — that’s a standard performance detail, and it should be confirmed during your call.)

Click the link below for an extensive list of frequently asked questions. If you ever need help with a client's question, never hesitate to copy in the Concierge Team!

Here’s what we promise our clients — and what you should have for every event:

• Main PA System (capable of handling crowds up to 300)

• Backup PA System (also used for ceremony/cocktail hour)

• Table

• Tablecloth

• Facade

• Main laptop

• Backup laptop or tablet

• Wireless handheld microphone

• Wired handheld microphone

• Wireless lapel mic

• Dance lights (Gigbar 2.0 or similar recommended)

• DJ controller

• Optional: Audio mixer (some cheaper/older DJ controllers don’t handle mics well)

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re new, practice your full setup before your first event. Every cable, every piece of gear. Test it all. Organize your bags. Bring backups.

Story from the field:

We once had a DJ who didn't test their setup before a wedding. Their cables were tangled, some didn’t work, and they were scrambling 30 minutes before start time. It was extremely stressful — and completely preventable.

Music Preparation – The Big One

Music prep is where great DJs separate themselves. Here's how to build playlists like a pro:

Use Spotify for Pre-Ceremony, Cocktail, and Dinner Playlists

Even if your client doesn’t use Spotify, you should — here’s why:

• Spotify supports auto-mix with crossfades.

• You can manage flow and vibe efficiently.

• It saves money and time vs. downloading every obscure request.

Best Practices for Spotify Playlists:

• Do NOT randomize — build a curated, purposeful flow.

• Avoid repeating artists back-to-back.

• Label playlists like this:

•  5-11 Cocktail, 5-11 Dinner, 5-11 PreCeremony

• Pin playlists to the top of your Spotify list. (You can only pin 4 at a time)

• Create your playlists in the web browser to ensure syncing across devices.

• You’ll need a Spotify Premium subscription to avoid ads and enable downloads. It’s well worth the cost and required if you use Spotify at all.

You should not use Spotify for the Dance Floor or Special Dances

For special moments (special dances, important songs, etc) use high quality downloaded files to play inside DJ software like Serato, Rekordbox, or Virtual DJ.

If you prefer downloads, DJ record pools like BPM Supreme are great for sourcing high-quality tracks. But no pool has everything — especially not niche requests.

Avoid Serato for auto-mix. It doesn’t transition well and can create awkward gaps. Use Virtual DJ or Rekordbox instead for auto-mix needs.

Spotify Settings (Crossfade Tip)

In your Spotify settings, use the 12-second time-based crossfade — it's the longest fade, and it works consistently. Do not enable both crossfade options — they will cancel each other out.

Download playlists to multiple devices. Sometimes offline files won’t play without briefly reconnecting to the internet so have a backup plan ready just in case.

Always assume you may not have internet access on-site — prepare accordingly.

Build Your Special Music & Dance Folders in iTunes

Create a folder for each event (e.g. 5-11 – Lopez Wedding)

Inside it, create subfolders:

• Dance playlist

• Special playlist (processionals, first dance, send-off, etc.)

Pro Tips:

• Put all special songs in chronological order.

• Include backup options if clients mentioned multiple songs.

• Play only what’s on their Must Play, Play If Possible lists, and guest requests if allowed.

• Avoid adding songs you like unless you’re given creative freedom.

• Guest requests are okay — but your first job is playing what the couple picked.

What If They Give You Freedom?

Sometimes, clients give you only 5–10 Must Plays and leave the rest up to you. In that case:

• Use Toast’s curated Spotify playlists as a starting point.

• Prioritize songs that would appeal to at least 60% of their crowd.

• If a song’s not on our recommended list, ask yourself why — it may not perform well.

Remember: We've personally tested nearly every popular wedding song in real-world settings. The Toast Spotify lists reflect 15+ years of proven crowd reactions in Central Texas.

Being prepared is the biggest step toward being successful. We only get one shot at these events, and poor preparation is the #1 reason DJs fail. Let’s walk through every aspect of how to get fully ready for your next event.

Practice Your Announcements! If this is your first gig, you should rehearse all major announcements out loud. Later in this manual, we provide a full event walkthrough and scripts so you’ll know exactly what to say and when. Practice = confidence.

Dress & Appearance

• Maintain a professional appearance. Toast DJs are expected to dress in appropriate business casual attire unless the client requested a different dress code. Minimum standard: Dress slacks, belt, long-sleeve dress shirt, and tie.

• Clothing with offensive or inappropriate designs or personal logos are not allowed.

• You are expected to be well-groomed and wear clean clothing, free of holes, tears, or other signs of wear.

• Cologne/Perfume & Breath mints don’t hurt either.

• IMPORTANT: Do not show up in a tank top or gym shorts — ever. 

💡 Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes for load-in, then switch to event shoes before showtime. Most DJs arrive mostly dressed, then finish getting ready on-site (e.g., buttoning and tucking in shirt). If changing clothes on-site, plan for this with an extra 20-minute buffer.

Be on Time

• Check the GPS the night before. There is no excuse for being late in the age of smartphones.

• Add 20–30 minutes of buffer time for traffic or bad weather.

• Major events (like festivals and football games) can massively delay travel.

• Fill up your car with gas before the day of the event. Make sure your tires are in good shape. Never risk it.

Final Reminders

• Organize your cables — don’t show up with a messy nest of cords.

• Clean tablecloth & facade linens.

• Test everything before event day.

• Practice your announcement flow every single time until it becomes second nature.

• Label, sort, and double-check your playlists.

• Make a checklist before packing your vehicle. Don’t rely on memory alone.

• Do NOT forget your laptop charger. Always keep an extra in your bag — it’s the #1 most-forgotten item.

⚠️ No Drugs or Alcohol at Events. Ever. No exceptions. Not before, during, or even right after the event. What you do on your own time is your business. While on the job, it’s non-negotiable.

⚠️ Arrive 1.5 hours before scheduled start time. Map out your route and get gas before the day of. Stress levels are at an all-time high before weddings and being just 5 minutes late can make them start panicking and leave the clients feeling sour on the whole experience with you. 

⚠️ Cell Phones: Be sure to silence your phone. You should never be on your phone unless it is to conduct business for the wedding you are working. If you need to take an emergency call,  be discreet and fast and always have music queued. 

⚠️ Be Helpful: Do anything and everything that you can to help make the client's day awesome. Be helpful to everyone: Guests, other vendors, everyone. Our relationship with the wedding community is just as important as with our clients. Referrals are free, and you never know where they might come from.

⚠️ No Self-Promotion:  Throughout the entirety of your Toast contract you are to represent only Toast Entertainment to the client, guests, and all vendors. You will only pass out Toast Entertainment cards and not mention any other businesses that you have or are associated with.

Load-In Protocol

• Pull up to the designated load-in spot and turn on your hazards.

• Bring your backpack in first, find the coordinator or venue manager, and confirm setup locations.

• Unload quickly and move your vehicle. Never block the load in bay longer than 15–20 minutes.

• Professionalism starts at load-in. Don’t be “that DJ” blocking traffic or delaying other vendors and/or guests.

Setup & Sound Check

• Setup your main PA first.

• Start pre-ceremony music as soon as your main system is ready — even if it’s an hour early.

• Then, head to the ceremony site and set up the backup PA.

• Start pre-ceremony music at the ceremony site once that system is up.

Device Setup Suggestion:

• Main laptop (Reception)

• Tablet (Ceremony + Cocktail hour)

• Backup laptop (Redundancy, worst-case)

Pre-Ceremony Checklist

• If the officiant has a lapel mic, get them mic’d and confirm you’ll turn it on just before go-time (to conserve battery).

• Run a mic check with the officiant.

• Keep their mic muted on your board until the ceremony begins.

• Fade music gently and loop processional songs if needed (e.g., flower girl takes a scenic route).

Ceremony Execution

Your goal is to preserve the emotional magic. If you mess up the ceremony music, it doesn’t matter how well you DJ the reception — the clients will remember that mistake forever.

• Be ready to loop songs.

• Fade in/out smoothly.

• Ensure clear mic levels.

• Keep your notes accessible for song order and cues.

Post-Ceremony Announcements

After the couple recesses, the officiant will often dismiss guests. If they don’t, you may need to step in:

“All right, ladies and gentlemen, we’d like to invite everyone to please make your way over to the cocktail hour area for refreshments. If you are a member of the bridal party or immediate family, we ask that you stay behind for photos.”

Customize this based on the venue. Instead of “cocktail hour area,” use “back inside the reception hall” or the venue’s specific name.

The cocktail hour is a common part of a wedding where the couple will go take formal pictures with their family and the bridal party, and the rest of the guests will mingle. The DJ typically will play soft background music during this time. 

Depending on the venue, guests may already be in the main reception space. If you need to invite them in, here are two common announcements:

Option 1 (standard call-in):

“All right ladies and gentlemen, at this time we’d like to invite you to please make your way inside the reception hall and find your seats as we are getting ready to welcome our bridal party in just a moment.”

Option 2 (guests already inside):

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re getting ready to welcome the bridal party. Please go ahead and find your seats as we prepare to kick off the next part of the evening!”

Bridal Party Introduction

Double-check name order and pronunciation with the coordinator.

Confirm whether it’s “maid” or “matron” of honor.

Cue your intro song and hype the crowd! (Fade the song during your announcement and crank it back up as the couples come out)

Script Example:

“All right ladies and gentlemen, if we can have everyone’s attention for just a moment… It’s time to welcome the bridal party!”

“First up, give it up for Jessica and John!”

“Next, make some noise for Chase and Christy!”

“Keep that applause going for Walter and Liz!”

“And let’s hear it for our Best Man and Maid of Honor, Vance and Victoria!”

Once they’re all out:

“Ladies and gentlemen, at this time I ask if you would please stand.

(Pause)

It is my honor to introduce to you, for the very first time as husband and wife…

Mr. and Mrs. Corey and Tori Thompson!!!”

🎶 Cue their entrance song at its most high-energy moment and crank it!

First Dance Transition

As the crowd quiets:

“Let’s give them another round of applause!

At this time, Corey and Tori will share their first dance as a married couple.”

🎶 Cue the first dance song.

At the end:

“ Let's give them a round of applause!”

Welcoming Speech & Blessing

Before introducing the bridal party, make sure to hand the mic to the Father of the Bride or whoever's doing the welcoming speech/blessing. This allows for a smooth transition from their dance to his speech.

Sample Intro:

“All right ladies and gentlemen, at this time please help me welcome the Father of the Bride — Tony!”

If he doesn’t introduce the person blessing the food, jump in with:

“At this time, we’re going to go ahead and bless the food.”

If needed, you can optionally introduce the speaker:

“We now want to invite up Father Michael to bless the food.”

Dinner Instructions

There are typically 3 service styles:

• Buffet (most common)

• Plated

• Family-style

For buffet:

“Ladies and gentlemen, please remain seated. We’ll allow the bridal party and immediate family to go through the buffet first, then our coordination team will come around and release your table shortly.”

For plated/family-style:

“Dinner will be served shortly. Please remain seated and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

⚠️ Vendor Meal Tip:

Most clients provide food for vendors, especially with how long our days are but it’s not required so be prepared with a protein bar or snack to hold you over. If the food service is buffet-style, always check with the coordinator before helping yourself. Never eat before guests.

Photo Booth Announcement

Before announcing it’s open, check with the photo booth team — they may not be scheduled to start until dance time.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the photo booth is now open! Feel free to head over, grab a prop, and take a pic!”

Toasts

Confirm these details:

• Will drinks be passed?

• Will guests grab drinks from the bar?

• Are we doing “drink-in-hand”?

Before the toast, check with the coordinator/bar to ensure they’re ready.

Pre-toast announcement:

“Ladies and gentlemen, we're getting ready to start the toast here in about 5 to 10 minutes. Please make your way to the bar and grab something to toast with and return to your seats.”

Then:

“If we can have everyone’s attention for just a moment...

If you would please provide us with your undivided attention and put your hands together for our Toastmaster's — first up I have the Best Man, Vance!”

Then:

“All right ladies and gentlemen, if you would please put your hands together and help me welcome the Maid of Honor, Victoria!”

Wrap it up with:

“Let’s give one more big round of applause for all our Toastmasters!”

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dances

“At this time, please put your hands together and help me welcome Tori and her father to the dance floor for the Father-Daughter Dance!”

🎶 [Cue music. Fade out gently.]

“Let’s give them a round of applause!”

“Now if you would please put your hands together and help me welcome Corey and his mother to the dance floor for the Mother-Son Dance!”

🎶 [Cue music.]

“Let’s give them a round of applause!”

Anniversary Dance

This is increasingly popular and a great crowd moment. It is a sweet and sentimental wedding tradition that honors married couples—especially those who have been together the longest.

Kick it off:

“All right ladies and gentlemen, Before we open the dance floor, Tori and Corey would like to do something special to honor all the married couples in attendance tonight. We are going to do what is known as the Anniversary Dance!

so at this time we would like to invite out all married couples to join our bride and groom on the dance floor.”

“If you've never done this before basically the way that it works is I will be least releasing you off the dance floor but how many years that you've been married so please listen for the cues”

“But once again we would like to invite all married couples”

🎶 Start light music (e.g., Let’s Stay Together) while couples gather.

Encourage participation:

“If you see a married couple sitting down out there, please do me a favor and drag them out to the dance floor!”

Then transition into their song and wait at least 1 minute before starting the countdown:

“All couples married less than a day… please exit the dance floor.”

Keep going:

1 year (ask the crowd to give an applause for all the newlyweds)

5 years

10 years

20, 30, 40, etc.

Add applause between milestones:

“Let’s hear it for all the couples married more than 20 (30, 40, 50) years!”

Near the end:

“Sir, how many years have y’all been married?”

“35? Let’s give them a big round of applause!”

Opening the Dance Floor

“All right ladies and gentlemen, the dance floor is now open! Please let me know if you have any requests!”

Start with:

Disco

Pop

Universal dance hits

Hold off on:

Heavy hip hop

Punk anthems

Rock singalongs

These belong later in the night when guests are looser. Line dances like Cupid Shuffle are useful tools — don’t overuse them, but have them ready if/when the dance floor is dead.

💡 Pro Tip: Save the “ratchet” music for after the bouquet toss.

Cake Cutting

When it’s time:

“At this time, Corey and Tori are going to cut the cake. We would like to invite you to gather around the cake table.”

🎶 Play their cake song.

Optionally: Follow it with Sweet Caroline for a singalong vibe if allowed.

Bouquet/Garter Toss

If planned:

“All right ladies and gentlemen, at this time, we need to see all the single ladies on the dance floor!”

🎶 [Cue toss song.]

“Tori, let me know when you’re ready…

On the count of three…1, 2, 3!”

If a garter toss is included (rare nowadays):

“All right single Ladies don't go too far I may need your help dragging out some of these single men, single guys where you at? “

As he reaches under her dress:

“all right ladies and gentlemen, Let’s cheer Corey on a little bit!

On the count of three… 1, 2, 3!”

Last Dance & Send-Off

Even if it’s not listed on the timeline, you should always do a last dance.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve reached that time.

This next song will be the last dance of the night. Please join Tori and Corey on the dance floor!”

🎶 [Cue final song.]

As the song comes to a close:

“Let’s give it up one more time for Corey and Tori!

Thank you both so much for allowing us to be a part of this night!”

Send-off announcement:

“At this time if you would please make your way towards the exit, be sure you grab some sparklers on the way out the door, form two lines, we're going to do a quick send off!”

Repeat as needed — guests tend to linger.

“Once again ladies and gently asked if everybody would please make your way to the exit, you'll have plenty of time to come back, collect your things, say your goodbyes, and even help us clean up if you'd like, but at this time we ask that you please make your way to the exit.”

Approach the couple (shake their hands):

“Hey y’all —Thank you so much for allowing me to be your DJ”

“Whenever you’re ready for that private last dance, just give me a thumbs up and I'll start the song.”

🎶 After private dance, cue send-off music and yell:

“All right ladies and gentlemen — here they come! Let’s make some noise!!”

Final impression is almost just as important as your first impression. 

• Pick up all trash around your area.

• Pack up your stuff before moving your vehicle. Don’t block the load-in zone for longer than 15 minutes.

• Always say goodbye and thank the coordinator.

🎯 Why it matters:

Coordinators often give direct feedback to the Toast concierge team. Their opinion can help or hurt your reputation even more than the client’s. Many coordinators are brutally honest — they've worked with a lot of DJs and they know a good DJ when they see one.

Quinceañeras

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Birthday Parties

Reunions

Corporate Events

To be paid by Thursday, you must submit your invoice by the Monday after your event. Simple rule. This keeps our systems running smoothly and ensures that you're compensated promptly for your work.

Late invoice penalties:

If you invoice later than 30 days after the event, a 10% deduction will be applied.

The longer you wait, the larger the penalty grows.

Why? We've had DJs in the past submit 4-5 months' worth of invoices all at once. That kind of backlog can cause serious issues for payroll, budgeting, and our ability to plan future events. So we’ve had to enforce a strict policy.

After your event, the Concierge Team will follow up with both the client and their coordinator separately. They’ll ask how everything went — the good, the bad, and the brutally honest. Their feedback goes into your Toast performance record.

How you interact with the coordinator often matters just as much as how the event sounded. Coordinators are seasoned pros — they’ve worked with hundreds of DJs. Their opinion carries weight.

For your first official event, you'll have a senior team member attend the event with you. This might be your department director, a senior DJ, or occasionally even the owner of Toast Entertainment.

Assuming everything goes smoothly, you’ll officially be a trusted Toast-Certified performer and you’ll be cleared to DJ solo going forward!

But if there are issues — especially repeated ones — we take that seriously:

• You may be shadowed again for your next 1–2 events.

• We’ll work with you one-on-one to coach you back up to standard.

• But if we receive serious complaints (bad attitude, drinking on the job, unprofessional behavior), we may stop booking you altogether.

“I can teach you how to be a good DJ. I can’t teach you how to be a good person. That’s on you.”

– A lesson we stand by.

We want you to succeed — and we’re here to help. This entire manual exists because we believe that with the right training and attitude, anyone can become a great wedding DJ.

First off — congratulations on making it to the end of the Toast Entertainment DJ & MC Training Manual. We know this was a lot of information, but it was all designed with one goal in mind: to help you become the best, most prepared, and most professional wedding DJ you can be.

Whether you’re just getting started or have DJed before, we hope you learned something valuable about the wedding industry that you didn’t already know. This business is unlike any other — it’s high stakes, high pressure, but also incredibly fun and rewarding when you get it right.

What Happens Now?

Now that you’ve completed the training manual, your next step is to reach out to your department director with your availability to begin your first official shadow shift.

Depending on your skill level and readiness, you may do anywhere from two to eight shadow shifts before going solo. Some new DJs pick things up quickly and are ready to go after just a couple of events. Others need more time — and that’s totally okay. Our goal is quality over spee

⚠️ Important: If it seems like you’ll need more than eight shadow shifts to feel confident and competent, we may need to have a discussion about long-term fit. Not everyone is meant for this job — and that’s okay too. But if you’re willing to show up, stay open to feedback, and give it your all, we’ll give you every opportunity to succeed.

A Final Word of Encouragement

I’ve trained a lot of DJs. Most of them complete the training successfully — but not all of them go on to thrive. Some people finish the program only to realize this just isn’t the right fit for them. And that’s okay.

But the DJs who make it? The ones who really lean in? They end up crushing dance floors, building loyalty, and making real money.

If you want this, if you’re willing to practice, stay humble, and learn from experience — you can absolutely do this. And one day, you’ll look back and realize how much this manual — and your first few gigs — shaped your entire DJ career.

Key Notes to Remember (for Shadow Shifts & Beyond)

As you head out to your first few events, keep these principles top of mind:

• Be on time – Early is on time, and on time is late. Plan for traffic, gear load-in, and time to troubleshoot.

• Be professional – Clients notice everything: how you dress, how you speak, how you carry yourself.

• No drugs or alcohol, ever – Even if the client offers. Decline politely and stick to Toast policy.

• Take pride in your setup and appearance – Clean cables, clean facade, clean outfit. Sloppy setups kill first impressions.

• Invest in your gear – Good gear makes your job easier, improves your performance, and will pay itself off in the long run.

• Customer service is everything – Say “Absolutely!” with a smile and guide your clients confidently. They want to feel like they’re in good hands.

• Review the event forms thoroughly – Know the timeline, songs, names, and special requests like the back of your hand.

• Practice your announcements – Confidence on the mic comes from preparation, not winging it.

• Stay organized – Keep your documents, playlists, and backups clear and easily accessible. Disorganization equals stress.

• You represent Toast at all times – Don’t promote any other business. Be the pro they remember — and recommend.

Your Future in DJing

Being a Toast DJ isn’t just a weekend gig — it’s a chance to build a reputation, develop a performance style, and even turn this into a career. As you develop your craft, you may want to build a social media presence, develop your own mixes, and take your brand to the next level.

But no matter what your long-term goals are, this training is your foundation. Everything you need to get started — and succeed — is right here. Now it’s up to you to apply it.

Final Note

If you ever feel unsure, reach out. Your department director is always here to guide you — whether it’s about music prep, tricky announcements, or just making the day flow better. We’ve got years of experience and we want to pass it on. We hope this manual has helped unlock some of that for you.

Good luck, and welcome to Team Toast. Let’s make memories.