Meredith Bodgas of the KNOT offers these great tips:
1. Try not to get attached to your flower choices.
When you book your florist a year before your wedding day, he can only guess which blooms will be available for your wedding. If you have to have, say, asters, you could be disappointed. Instead, choose backups to your main blooms and add them to your contract. Think in terms of colors and shapes instead of specific flowers.
2. Think twice before you send save-the-dates to everyone.
Until you mail out invitations, your guest list isn't final. And it shouldn't be: Friends you're close with when you get engaged may be mere acquaintances by the time you get hitched. Reserve save-the-dates only for those guests you know will be invited, like your families.
3. You will regret it if you skip videography.
Photos only take you so far: Videos let you hear your voice tremble as you say your vows and watch your friends tear up the dance floor. With more people documenting your wedding, you'll see things you may have missed on the day.
4. Be careful not to blow your fashion budget on your dress.
Maybe you have $1,500 set aside for your look. That doesn't mean you can buy a $1,500 gown! Tack on tax, and if you're not buying off the rack, you could get charged for shipping. You might need alterations, too. Consider your undergarments, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry when budgeting as well.
5. Avoid micromanaging your vendors.
You're choosing talented pros who understand your vision, so let them do their jobs! We know it's tempting to control every detail so you're guaranteed to love the results, but you won't have the time, and you certainly don't have the experience your vendors do. After your initial meetings, trust the pros to get it right. And, you know what? They almost always will.
6. Think hard before you pick your attendants.
Your bridesmaids should be your closest friends. Period. They can also be your sisters, cousins, aunts and even your mom, but they have to be people you'd trust to be there when you most need them. You don't know new friends well enough yet to be sure they'll support you in tough situations (every bride encounters one at some point), and picking people because a family member demands it or so you and your man will have an even number of attendants are also decisions you'll likely regret.
7. Please restrain yourself from telling everyone your plans.
It's so hard not to talk about your wedding. Try. The more you share, the more opinions you're going to get about your choices, whether or not you ask for them. Plus, part of wowing your guests is surprising them. If they already know that you're changing into a different dress for dancing or sending guests home with a batch of your grandma's cookies, they won't be quite as impressed on your wedding day. If that's not enough to deter you, talking about your plans means opening yourself up to copycats, who may actually be marrying before you do. The last thing you want is your friend stealing your idea for your surprise grand finale.
8. Seriously, stop booking your salon appointments last.
We get it: You want as much beauty sleep as possible, and you don't want your 'do to fall out or your makeup to fade before you walk down the aisle. But guess what: Busy stylists will likely get to you late if you're last in the chair. Schedule your appointments in the middle of your attendants'. It's not a big deal for a bridesmaid to switch to a less complicated (read: quick) hairstyle if she's pressed for time. That's not an option for you.
9. Don't even think about speeding through photos.
Speaking of not having enough time, any less than an hour isn't enough for a portrait session; an hour-and-a-half is closer to ideal because you'll look more relaxed in your pictures (and those first few never come out as well as you hope). Squeezing photos into the first half-hour of your cocktail hour will make you anything but at ease. If you refuse to see your groom before the ceremony, take pictures separately beforehand so the only shots left to take after the ceremony include both of you.
10. Avoid "hiring" a friend instead of a pro.
Sure, your pal was the king of the mix CD back in the day, but that doesn't mean he'll make a great wedding DJ. Same goes for your friend who won't leave home without her Flip — this doesn't make her a videographer! Even on a tight budget, you're much better off paying a vendor with experience to take care of the biggies, like the music and the food. Don't you want your friends to enjoy your wedding instead of having to work through it, anyway?
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
What does a Pro DJ do???
What does a pro DJ do?
A good Wedding Entertainment Coordinator (DJ/MC) does many things. Let's go with a list:
1. I listen. I listen to you describe your event. Are you describing an elegant affair or a more informal gathering? Elegant does not mean "not" fun and informal does not preclude formalities. You set the tone and create the vision for your event. Once I understand your vision, I can suggest ways to help you create your unique celebration.
2. I suggest. Perhaps you'd like a harp player for your ceremony? Maybe a saxophone, flute or trumpet soloist or small chamber group? Perhaps traditional pre-recorded soft classical music? How will the intros go? I did one last summer where each couple in the wedding party being introduced had their own song. Each tune had a special meaning for them. It took a long time to make the mix but it came off great. At the end of the wedding party intros, the music faded into the bride & groom's 1st dance song and after being introduced, they went straight to the (now) soft-lit dance floor for their 1st dance. As far as the planning, time lines, music selections, etc., there are many tools I have for planning your reception. My online wedding reception planner is actually fun to use! You can work on it and save your work until it's complete and then, with the push of a button, have it sent directly to me via email.
3. I listen. I listen again to your music choices and help you find just the right mix of music for cocktails, dinner & dancing. Using my online music selection software, you and your fiance can put any song into a MUST play, PLEASE play or DO NOT play category. With the push of a button, your choices are emailed directly to me. Fun stuff!
4. I suggest. Working with my understanding of your vision (do you want lots of dancing or a mixture of mingling/dancing?), and my experience of dealing with dance crowds, I may have some suggestions for your song list.
5. I coordinate. Before your event, I contact every listed vendor and verify time lines and activity schedules.
6. I produce. At the event, I communicate with each vendor to help your event run smoothly. Before I announce that dinner is served, I have already verified the caterers are ready. I speak directly with the photographer before each major activity so that no moment is lost. I am your onsite coordinator. If you have a "day-of coordinator" onsite or the venue provides one, I work closely with them to ensure a stress-free, smooth flow of events.
7. You party! Once we transition into the dance party, I mix your song requests with those of your guests. I take requests via text message or live! It seems everybody is texting these days so that's a great way for them to communicate with me during the dance.
I use and highly recommend this great new book by the "King" of Wedding DJs Peter Merry: It's called "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever!" and is full of great ideas to make your event unique, elegant and fun.
Click here for more info on this great reference book!
Producing Entertainment for Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions is just one of the many services I offer. I also produce entertainment for:
* Anniversaries
* Birthday Parties
* Corporate Events
* Bar Mitzvahs
* Karaoke Contests
* Any Celebration!
A good Wedding Entertainment Coordinator (DJ/MC) does many things. Let's go with a list:
1. I listen. I listen to you describe your event. Are you describing an elegant affair or a more informal gathering? Elegant does not mean "not" fun and informal does not preclude formalities. You set the tone and create the vision for your event. Once I understand your vision, I can suggest ways to help you create your unique celebration.
2. I suggest. Perhaps you'd like a harp player for your ceremony? Maybe a saxophone, flute or trumpet soloist or small chamber group? Perhaps traditional pre-recorded soft classical music? How will the intros go? I did one last summer where each couple in the wedding party being introduced had their own song. Each tune had a special meaning for them. It took a long time to make the mix but it came off great. At the end of the wedding party intros, the music faded into the bride & groom's 1st dance song and after being introduced, they went straight to the (now) soft-lit dance floor for their 1st dance. As far as the planning, time lines, music selections, etc., there are many tools I have for planning your reception. My online wedding reception planner is actually fun to use! You can work on it and save your work until it's complete and then, with the push of a button, have it sent directly to me via email.
3. I listen. I listen again to your music choices and help you find just the right mix of music for cocktails, dinner & dancing. Using my online music selection software, you and your fiance can put any song into a MUST play, PLEASE play or DO NOT play category. With the push of a button, your choices are emailed directly to me. Fun stuff!
4. I suggest. Working with my understanding of your vision (do you want lots of dancing or a mixture of mingling/dancing?), and my experience of dealing with dance crowds, I may have some suggestions for your song list.
5. I coordinate. Before your event, I contact every listed vendor and verify time lines and activity schedules.
6. I produce. At the event, I communicate with each vendor to help your event run smoothly. Before I announce that dinner is served, I have already verified the caterers are ready. I speak directly with the photographer before each major activity so that no moment is lost. I am your onsite coordinator. If you have a "day-of coordinator" onsite or the venue provides one, I work closely with them to ensure a stress-free, smooth flow of events.
7. You party! Once we transition into the dance party, I mix your song requests with those of your guests. I take requests via text message or live! It seems everybody is texting these days so that's a great way for them to communicate with me during the dance.
I use and highly recommend this great new book by the "King" of Wedding DJs Peter Merry: It's called "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever!" and is full of great ideas to make your event unique, elegant and fun.
Click here for more info on this great reference book!
Producing Entertainment for Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions is just one of the many services I offer. I also produce entertainment for:
* Anniversaries
* Birthday Parties
* Corporate Events
* Bar Mitzvahs
* Karaoke Contests
* Any Celebration!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Have fun! Who's hungry???
Can't decide who gets to eat first at your reception? Since buffets are so popular at wedding receptions, why not come up with a fun way to decide when each table gets to eat?
Of course the bride and groom should be served at their table, but after the wedding party and parents have gone through the line, who's next? How about asking your MC to find someone willing to sing for their meal? The first table with a singer willing to serenade the bride and groom gets to eat next! I provide the wireless mic and the subject matter (songs with the word "love" in them or songs from the 80s or disco era) and they provide the talent! "Sir, that was a fantastic rendition of Boogie Shoes. Your table is next in line at the buffet table."
Of course the bride and groom should be served at their table, but after the wedding party and parents have gone through the line, who's next? How about asking your MC to find someone willing to sing for their meal? The first table with a singer willing to serenade the bride and groom gets to eat next! I provide the wireless mic and the subject matter (songs with the word "love" in them or songs from the 80s or disco era) and they provide the talent! "Sir, that was a fantastic rendition of Boogie Shoes. Your table is next in line at the buffet table."
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Public Shows
Although I'm primarily a DJ for weddings and other private functions, I perform in the Sacramento area at public shows with my bands or as a DJ. Here is a listing of my upcoming public shows:
Tuesday, Feb. 7-My 17 piece dance/swing Big Band is playing at JB's Lounge at the Red Lion Hotel, 1401 Arden Way, Sacramento. We play from 7:00 - 9:00 and there is no cover charge. Happy hour drink pricing and app. specials during the show! Prior to our shows, I can demonstrate some of my Live Music DJ services I perform at wedding receptions!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2010
According to Natalie Bradley, the bride attraction expert, here are the top 10 new wedding trends for 2010:
1. Colors: Aqua & Chartreuse.
2. Location: Ditch the hall, go with a backyard setting or museum.
3. Downsize: No more than 3 members per side for your wedding party!
4. Variety is the spice: Choose your colors but let each bridesmaid choose their own style of dress.
5. Go vintage: Accessorize with large pearls or a 1940's style dress.
6. Recycled wedding dress. www.EncoreBridal.com
7. Who made the cake? Ethnic or vintage style cakes are in!
8. Unique cake toppers. Bride and groom in "natural settings":
9. Going green. Less guests use less energy. Use same location for ceremony & reception. Serve locally grown and/or organic food.
10. Cash is king. Some think this is out of bounds, but ask guests for cash instead of gifts. Be specific about reason: "We need to save for a house."
1. Colors: Aqua & Chartreuse.
2. Location: Ditch the hall, go with a backyard setting or museum.
3. Downsize: No more than 3 members per side for your wedding party!
4. Variety is the spice: Choose your colors but let each bridesmaid choose their own style of dress.
5. Go vintage: Accessorize with large pearls or a 1940's style dress.
6. Recycled wedding dress. www.EncoreBridal.com
7. Who made the cake? Ethnic or vintage style cakes are in!
8. Unique cake toppers. Bride and groom in "natural settings":
9. Going green. Less guests use less energy. Use same location for ceremony & reception. Serve locally grown and/or organic food.
10. Cash is king. Some think this is out of bounds, but ask guests for cash instead of gifts. Be specific about reason: "We need to save for a house."
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sacramento Wedding Network
Who do you trust? How do you find a good vendor for your wedding? The best recommendations are word of mouth from friends or trusted businesses. That's why we started an elite network of wedding vendors in the Sacramento area. Anyone can have a website or blog or buy ad space in a wedding magazine. When you get an association of like-minded high end professionals, it can be a very valuable resource for you. Our one-stop shopping internet wedding vendor "mall" is here: www.SactoWeddings.com We've got DJs, Bands, Photographers, Videographers, Chocolate Fountains & Favors, Invitations, Officiants, Venues, Party Rentals, Photo Booths, any service or product you may need for your event.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sacramento Wedding Network
Who do you trust? How do you find a good vendor for your wedding? The best recommendations are word of mouth from friends or trusted businesses. That's why we started an elite network of wedding vendors in the Sacramento area. Anyone can have a website or blog or buy ad space in a wedding magazine. When you get an association of like-minded high end professionals, it can be a very valuable resource for you. Our one-stop shopping internet wedding vendor "mall" is here: http://www.sactoweddings.com/ We've got DJs, Bands, Photographers, Videographers, Chocolate Fountains & Favors, Invitations, Officiants, Venues, Party Rentals, Photo Booths, any service or product you may need for your event.
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