How To Hire a Wedding DJ That Is Right For You

Out of all the wedding vendors couples book, the most challenging and arguably most important one is the DJ. You can judge a venue by its visual aesthetics or a photographer by their images, but what criteria can you use to find the best DJ for you? Here’s how to qualify a DJ, who fits both your needs and has the ability to execute your vision:

1. Mixing – Blending songs consistently and tastefully together while transitioning between different eras and genres of music. It requires technical skill, deep-music knowledge, and the intangible ability to read a crowd.

    Why – This is the most important factor for keeping your family and friends on the dance floor all night long. It will be the difference between guests forgetting your wedding or having lifelong memories they’ll talk about forever.
    How – Does the DJ have a mix that you can listen to? Can you see them perform live at an event? If yes, your ear will be able to distinguish their skill level and tell you if they’re the right fit. If the answer is no, take them off of the list.

2. Service/Organization – Ensuring that every need of a couple is met in a timely fashion and accounting for every detail ahead of time.

    Why – The level of service is a barometer of how invested a DJ is to your event and should make that planning process as easy as possible. Organization ultimately leads to either a botched or well-executed event.
    How – What is your online interaction like? Does the DJ understand your vision and communicate swiftly or is it like pulling teeth? An in-person meeting will give you a a chance to assess this and ask the DJ how they prepare for an event.

3. Hosting/MCing – Guiding an audience through an event with down-to-earth announcements. Creating a natural flow keeps things moving so people are always engaged.

    Why – Family and friends invested their time and money to experience and witness every aspect of your wedding. The last thing you want is some guy blabbing on the mic and annoying everyone.
    How – Again, an in-person meeting immediately reveals their verbal communication and listening skills. Or you can always see them perform live at an event.

4. Equipment – Having professional microphones, sound system, lighting, and gear.

    Why – The most common problem is microphone feedback, which can ruin a ceremony or heartfelt speech. It doesn’t matter how incredible a mix is if it’s distorted or hits a volume ceiling.
    How – Simply ask for a list of equipment then cross reference it online. The cost of the equipment typically correlates with its reliability and performance – the higher the better. If a DJ uses Technics 1200 turntables or Pioneer CDJ 1000s, that’s a sign they are serious about their mixing. If lighting is a priority then find out what options they have available.

5. Experience – The repetition of doing a variety of events.

    Why – A DJ who is well versed in both the pressure of party rocking at a club and the detail required for weddings should be well equipped to make sure you have the time of your life.
    How – Find out their gig history and actually verify its accuracy.

After you have done the research and interviews, take a step back and consider what’s most important to you. Set aside any preconceived ideas about price because investing in the DJ will ensure that all of the hard-earned money you’re spending in other departments doesn’t go to waste. A wedding only happens once and you should hire the right person that can create the unforgettable experience you’ve always dreamed of.

Choosing Buffet Style for Your Wedding: Trend Alert for 2014

Once you have selected your venue you will meet with the on-site catering manager to finalize your menu.  There are different options of service; a plated meal where each guest will receive their own individual entree; country style where the food items comes on platters to the tables to be passed around; buffet style where chaffing units are set out and guests go and help themselves to various food stations.

It appears in many different wedding publications that buffet style service was popular for 2013 and will continue for next year.  Why?  Weddings are about bringing two families together.  Not everyone knows each other’s side so what better way to mix and mingle but with a buffet stations.  This will allow guests to speak with each other while in line, perhaps ask each other questions about how they know the bride and groom and make some new connections and friendships.

There can be an assortment of delicious menu options or you can even do themed buffet stations.  Guests will love the variety and abundance of food. Ensure you work with your MC to ensure there is an organized format in asking the guests to make their way for dinner.

This type of service can be just as elegant as a sit down meal. Make sure that the cutlery is pre-set at the guest tables though and not rolled up in a napkin at the buffet.   You can decorate each food stations, have a jazz band play during the meal, butler pass champagne or a signature drink.  Introducing lounge furniture and or standup cocktail tables are a wonderful idea if there is enough space in your selected venue.

This is not for everyone.  Some brides don’t want guests standing in line and prefer that they are served but if this is something you have wanted to do but thought it would appear tacky or cheap, don’t worry as it seems to be a choice many brides are now leaning towards.

Wedding Hall Entrance Decor

The wedding reception decor will reveal the bride’s personality and set the mood for the evening.  As you look through  magazines, on-line and meet with various decorators you will see what the hottest and latest trends, colors and style are.  Most likely you already have a picture in your mind of how you want the venue to look.   Many facilities offer a grand entrance way and this may be where the head table party is set up to greet guests as they arrive.  Why not do a little decor in the foyer or entrance then?

I love to see the main entrance or foyer with some accent pieces, linens or flowers before entering the main room.  As the guests walk in it will certainly make a great first impression and a small sneak peak of what is to come in the hall.  You don’t want to over due this though and should keep it simple and elegant.   Perhaps there is a beautiful table in the foyer than just may require a large centerpiece or the entrance doors can be swagged with drapery.   It’s when the guest walks in the hall you want the WOW factor.

What to Include in Your Wedding Programs

 You know what to write on your save the date cards, and the invitation is a no-brainer for you. But when it comes to your wedding programs, are you at a loss? The wedding program is a helpful addition to any wedding’s stationery, but can often cause confusion for brides. Here are a few things to include in your wedding programs.

Order of Ceremony/Order of Service

This lets your guest know what will happen during your ceremony. This includes any readings, songs, or special ceremonies you might want to include. This is also a good place to include the name of the officiant.

Wedding Party Names

For larger weddings, in particular, having the wedding party identified in the program can be a nice addition. This gives all those who have helped an extra bit of recognition on the big day.

Reception Details

In a larger program, you can also include details about the reception. If you have set times for the meal, cake cutting, speeches, and first dance, you can tell your guests when they can expect these special moments.

Other Information

Your program can also include special information and messages for your guests. This can be the story of how you met, information about nearby places to visit, or even an invitation to a day-after brunch.

The key to any great wedding program is to choose a design that fits with the rest of your wedding stationery. Working with an expert wedding stationery designer can ensure that everything comes out perfectly. To find out what I can do for your wedding programs, send me an email today!

Black and Ivory Paisley Wedding Program Customized Rack Card by NoteableExpressions

How to Arrange Your Wedding Reception Tables

Unless you’re planning a relaxed wedding where your guests can sit wherever they want, sooner or later you’re going to need to figure out how to arrange your tables. This can be a challenge, but when it is done right, it can help your guests enjoy your reception even more.

How many tables? The first step to creating your seating plan is to decide on the number and size of table you’ll use. You will likely work this out with your venue, but it is an essential piece of information along with knowing how many guests you’re inviting.

Which organizing principle? There are different ways of seating your guests. You can put people at a table together based on how you know them (i.e., all work colleagues at one table, all college friends at another, etc.). You can also put people together based on their personalities. This will take a bit of extra work, but can help introduce people to one another.

What to name them? When you print your escort cards and place cards, you’ll need to include information about which table a guest is seated at. While numbers were once the go-to solution, many people find that this can be seen as a way of ranking your friends. Those at Table 2 might not mind, but those at Table 15 might be a bit offish. Instead, choose a theme for table names. This can be tied into your wedding theme, matched to your playlist, or references to special moments or places in your life as a couple.

However you decide to work out your tables and seating plans, you’ll need to have wedding stationery that can direct guests to their seats. Having an expert designer work on the escort cards, place cards, and other stationery can be a great way to add a beautiful finishing touch to your wedding day. Feel free to email me if you need any help!

10 Things You Must Do At Your Wedding Reception

Eat, drink, and be merry? Yep, that pretty much sums it up! Your wedding reception is the one time–maybe in your whole life–that the universe will truly revolve around you. It’s your 5 hours of fame and you’ll want to use every minute wisely.

Now there are a zillion ways to plan a party, but only a handful of things you really must do at your reception regardless of venue, time of day, season, or style of wedding. Whether you’re going for totally traditional (bouquet toss and all) or completely “you” (bocce ball, a swing band,  belly dancers, fire eaters, and food trucks), don’t underestimate the value of basic expectations. Be sure to include these 10 items at your wedding reception and we promise, you’ll thank your lucky stars you did.

Oh, and by the way, you don’t need a bazillion dollars to have a ridiculously fun reception. Here are 10 ways to save big on your reception but still have the best time ever.

1. Laugh during the speeches. They’re not laughing at you—they’re laughing with you. Oftentimes, images of the bride and groom smiling together during the speeches are some of the more intimate images of the whole day.

2. Cut the cake. This doesn’t have to be a record-scratching “look at us! look at us!” moment. You might even want to carve a few minutes out of your reception to cut the cake secretly and quietly—maybe just the two of you and your photographer (plus a few observant onlookers).

3. Be playful. Your guests will follow your lead. If you’re uptight at your wedding, your guests will feel awkward and anxious. But if you’re letting loose, having fun, and being playful, your guests will be all too willing to get in on the fun.

4. Do something special with just your bridal party. Give your best friends some TLC with a special “something” just for you and them. We love the idea of a balloon release. How cute that someone many moons away will stumble upon a personalized “I Do” balloon?!

5. Entertain the kiddos. Kid-free receptions are a thing of the past. But you need to make sure young ones are properly entertained (and closely supervised!). Hire a magician, play a movie, or have a room full of dress-up clothes. And book a ridiculously fun and responsible sitter with a whole lot of energy!

6. Try your signature cocktail. You selected it so be sure to taste it.

7. Eat something! Please eat something. Really. No one wants to party with a cranky bride. Seriously, if the issue is not wanting to pop buttons off your gown, you need to rethink that dress you’re squeezing yourself into. And if the issue is time-management (must-make-rounds-now), we can help! Seat yourselves WITH your guests, family-style, and you’ll be able to partake in at least part of dinner guilt-free.

8. Dance with your dad. Even if you had a totally non-traditional wedding (Dad didn’t walk you down the aisle, for example), you’ll still want the customary Daddy-Daughter dance. Trust us—it’s THAT important to him. Surprise him with his favorite song.

9. Thank your guests for coming. You can thank each guest for coming to your wedding by going table-to-table during dinner. Or you can deliver a heartfelt, thoughtful, and personalized speech to all your guests in between courses.

10. Spend time alone with your groom. Pick a time when your guests are having so much fun that they won’t even notice you’ve slipped away. Hold hands and go for a stroll, have your own private toast or do a quiet dance under the stars. You need those “regrouping” moments to remember what this day is really all about.

DIY Wedding Tips: The Dos and Don’ts!

We think the internet and having inspiration instantly at the touch of a button is why we are all loving (possible obsessing over) DIY weddings. Yes, they are entirely personal to the couple, usually awesome and always interesting, but if arts and crafts aren’t your ‘thing’ we suggest you read our DIY wedding tips to help you through the process…

Do be realistic with your ideas and your timescale.

As we said, if DIY is totally alien to you, try to keep your projects within your comfort zone. Now is not the time to practice! You may find that it will take you a few attempts to get your pieces exactly as you want them, so don’t be surprised if it takes twice as long as you first thought.

Do ask for and accept help from friends and family.

If you have set yourself the challenge of making all your wedding stationery, this will take a long time to get through. Why not set up a few crafting nights with your mam and bridesmaids, and create a stationery production line? If each invite takes three steps and you have 100 invites to make, that’s 300 individuale elements. Remember, many hands make light work!

Do check with your venue/wedding planner about set-up of DIY props.

If you want to be relaxed and have nothing to worry about on the day, make sure you have all elements covered. Who is going to set your items up before the wedding? Can you do it the day before? When can you leave your items at the venue? Where will they be stored? You should get answers to all of these questions to make sure there is no fretting on the day.

 
Do go for DIY packs – it’s not cheating!

Several stationery stores and online sites offer printables and stationery packs which include everything you will need to make your invites. Why make things difficult for yourself?

Don’t leave things to the last minute.

The last few weeks before your wedding are frantic enough and you really don’t want to add to this pressure anymore, therefore plenty of planning and doing during your engagement is a must!

Don’t forget about setting your items up.

If you have spend hours and hours making items for your decor, you probably have a particular image in mind of how they will be arranged in your venue. If you have time the day before the wedding, check with your venue to see if you can set them up yourself. If not, leave detailed instructions as to your wishes, with pictures if possible.

Don’t think your DIY will save you loads of money – it won’t!

Purchasing raw materials won’t be as expensive as going directly to suppliers, because you won’t be paying for the expert’s time, but be prepared to spend on materials none the less. To help save along the way, make sure you have a clear list of what you need and visit charity and antique shops, car boot sales and auctions to unearth any hidden gems.

Don’t be annoyed with yourself if things don’t work out.

No one will know! If you are a beginner, you will soon find that some things will work, others won’t. Don’t be disheartened, taking on DIY projects for your wedding are tough, not everybody is brave enough!!

One final DO – Enjoy it! When you are knee deep in glue, tissue paper and lengths of ribbon, remember it will all be worth it – no one else will have a wedding like yours!

Good luck!

8 Wedding Trends That Are Still Going Strong

2013 weddings were full of amazing trends, from metallic details to family-style tables to Gatsby glamor. We're getting excited to see what the next year will hold, so we asked wedding professionals from all around the country to predict which ideas will be even more popular in 2014. Check out the growing requests that they're receiving from brides!

1. Camp-style weddings: Weddings at summer camps are popping up more and more because there is ample space to accommodate overnight guests but also multiple venues (all conveniently located on one property) to host different pre- and post-wedding celebrations." Rider Strong of Boy Meets World fame recently got hitched in a camp-style wedding, and so did Matthew McConaughey.

2. The English garden look: Michelle Hoffner of Paper Antler photography is seeing a switch to more "locally grown wildflower bouquets" than traditional florist bouquets. Some brides are even including bouquet-making as a wedding weekend event!

Peach Orchid Watercolor Posh Wedding Personalized Invites by NoteableExpressions

3. Custom Wedding Invitations: Whether it is tweeking the colors so they match your fabulous scheme or getting a custom monogram designed specially for you - having the artist involved helps you make your special day even more special.

4. Shabby-chic seating: Jeni Maus of Found Vintage Rentals is receiving a lot of inquiries for mix-and-match furniture. She thinks "mixing couches, upholstered chairs and pews for the ceremony seating" will be a huge upcoming trend!

5. Non-floral centerpieces: Tabletops are becoming a pure reflection of the couple and not always being covered in florals. I see a table filled with amazing candlesticks and a romantic glow or geometric shapes and pops of color.

6. Bold-is-better lipstick: Danika Lamb of Artistry By Danika thinks brides in 2014 are going to continue "showcasing more ‘pops’ of color on their lips. Adding a bold lip that is still feminine and pretty is a fun change from the typical ‘bridal’ look."

7. Dramatic, short veils: Many makeup artists are getting a lot more requests these days for "voluminous bubble veils with a lot of height!" They’ll be sure to make more appearances in 2014 weddings.

8. Patterned robes for primping: Many are seeing more attention being paid to the "getting ready" outfits that bridal parties are wearing to be photographed pre-wedding. They’re predicting to "see more bridal parties in matching patterns in the coming year."

Uplighting to Its Popular Wedding Packages

After popular client demand, Amplify Entertainment owner Nate Long announced today that his wedding DJ company now offers custom monogram lighting and uplighting. Couples interested in the new products can check for availability at AmplifyMyEvent.com.

"We're excited to take our clients' weddings to the next level," said Long. "We're all about making each of our weddings unique to our clients and their personalities. Our custom monogram lighting and uplighting helps us with that goal."

Long says that unlike monogram lighting options offered by others, his company's are fully customizable and Long himself designs them from scratch. Many companies use pre-defined templates that aren't as customizable and offer only limited font and design options.

"We actually pulled a full-color sunflower design from a couple's wedding invitation and were able to display it on the back wall of the wedding venue for all guests to see when they sat down for dinner," said Long. "Our clients received lots of compliments from their guests."

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1548076#ixzz2iqBeBsgI

Red Heart Snowflake Wedding

This beautiful and elegant design, called Red Heart Snowflake Wedding, has a bright white background. At the top is a beautiful graphic of a red snowflake to frame your names on the invitation. A unique theme for your winter wedding or event. Incredibly elegant and fit for a royal. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, and return address labels available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes!

For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Red and White Winter Wedding

This beautiful and elegant winter design, called Red and White Winter Wedding, has a beautiful bright white background. On the invitation, there is a red border with a white inset for your text. To the left side there is a red modern Christmas tree graphic. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, return address labels, a reception wall decor, and much more available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes!

For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

11 Wedding Trends on the Decline

It’s no secret that wedding trends come and go, and today’s modern bride is always searching for new, now, and next. Some trends are going out the window completely, while others are simply evolving with fresh twists on old traditions. Here is a list of 11 wedding trends on the decline.

1. Double-Sided Buffets: Many couples are hesitant about buffets to begin with, desiring the more elegant approach of a plated meal. Double-sided buffets may speed up traditional buffet service, but they do take up additional reception floor space because they have to be pulled away from the walls. This can encroach on space that couples could otherwise use to set up unique reception elements, such as a mix of square and round tables or diamond shaped dance floors.

2. Mashed Potato Bars: Who doesn’t love a mashed potato bar, really? This was a tough call, but we are seeing couples mix up their novelty food bars a bit– going with lighter fare, seasonal or regional options, and specialty cuisine (think sushi, yum)!

3. Strangers as Guests: Paring down your guest list to only your closest friends and family will allow you to stretch your budget. Skip the out-of-touch college friends from Facebook, inviting every coworker, or distant relatives– not to mention their dates, some of whom you may not even know. It also allows the couple to spend more time mingling, dancing, and taking photos with their smaller group of guests.

4. Large Bridal Parties: With couples marrying a little later in life, on average, the likelihood of having close siblings, childhood friends, college pals and work buddies to choose from for your bridal party has increased. Large bridal parties can add significantly to wedding expenses such as bouquets, gifts, hair and makeup, etc. They can also potentially make things more hectic on the wedding day, from getting ready to getting down the aisle. We think this is why bridal parties of more than three or four attendants on each side are on the decline.

5. Wildflowers: Here’s a trend that is not fading out entirely, but rather taking on new shapes. With the upshot in the trend towards brunch receptions and garden parties, soft and elegant floral is still in, featuring heartier garden-style cut floral than the daintier field-variety we have seen in recent years.

6. The Dollar Dance: We have received markedly fewer requests for the Dollar Dance at recent weddings. Some find it lighthearted and in good fun, while others find it flat out tacky to dance for a few dollars. As with all elements of your wedding, trendy or not, it’s how you look at it that counts!

7. Cupcakes as Wedding Cakes: Another trend with a twist, cupcakes are still going strong; however, the standard cupcake tower is being replaced by more creative displays, including miniature cakes and additional pastries (see next trend for details)!

8. Wedding Cakes as Lone Desserts: The lone wedding cake seems to be out of favor for now, with a variety of desserts such as pies, cupcakes, cake pops, tarts, cookies, macaroons, donuts and custom ice cream flavors joining the party. A dessert buffet ensures that everyone’s sweet tooth is satisfied. Opt for a setup with different levels of cakes stands or tiered trays against a decorative backdrop to really ‘wow’ your guests!

9. Standard Menus: This one is really on the hotel or caterer– as in, offering menus to prospective clients with the standard “one type of chicken” is out. Offering brides sophisticated and personalized options makes all the difference in securing business these days, so be sure to look for a venue that will work with you, within your budget, to create a more personalized menu for you and your guests to enjoy!

10. Bouquet and Garter Toss: This tradition will likely always continue in one form or another, but with many couples opting for more intimate celebrations, that may only leave one or two eligible bachelors or bachelorettes to participate. It’s something to consider ahead of time and perhaps opt instead to do a more symbolic, “honorary” toss to a special person (perhaps a sibling who is engaged).

11. Matching Bridesmaid Dresses: This has been on the decline for a while, but I wanted to give it a nod on this list anyway. Selecting bridesmaids dresses that coordinate in color or fabric, but with necklines, sleeves, and shapes to flatter each individual bridesmaid is not only chic, it is also greatly appreciated! Your girls will look their best and party the day away in greater comfort.

Red and White Snowflake Winter Wedding

This beautiful and elegant design, called Red White Snowflake Winter Wedding, has a beautiful red background with a shaded effect. There is a white stripe and snowflake border on either side with an elaborate floral ampersand graphic for the bride and groom names. This would be perfect for your winter or Christmas theme wedding or event! This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, and return address labels available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes!

For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Top Winter Wedding Trends for 2013

With winter weddings on the rise, the 2013 season is wrapped in romance. Brides are finding novel ways to inject old-world charm into their modern wedding attire and décor, which is being inspired by everything from The Hobbit to Twilight to Kate Middleton.

From princess-style cap sleeves to billowing bell sleeves, arm candy of any style or length is a must-have for a winter wedding. If your heart is set on a sweetheart neckline, decorate your arms with a pair of trendy lace gloves that reach your elbows. Drape an enchanting bolero, faux fur stole, pashmina shawl or cashmere wrap around your shoulders when you get chilly.

Also on trend right now are floor-length gowns that sparkle with crystals and float with feathers. Soft, modest ruffles are created using tulle, organza and chiffon, while backs become a bit risqué with plunging V-necks and peekaboo cutouts that are covered with sheer fabrics.

To complement the flowing gowns, fingertip veils edged with simple satin and pearls or stunning appliqué lace and sequins are making a dramatic appearance at winter weddings. Made from yards of lace or sheer fabric, the longer veils emanate elegance. Popular for centuries in Spain and Mexico, full-length mantilla veils harmonize perfectly with floor-sweeping dresses.

As vintage fever casts its glow over the nation, brides are incorporating ornate hair combs, jewel-toned earrings, cascading lariat necklaces and layered gold bracelets into their wedding day attire. Classic pearls, sizzling sapphires and dripping emeralds embody this vintage trend. Raid your grandmother's jewelry box to find the perfect heirloom piece for your something borrowed.

Adding gold filigree combs to your hair is one of the easiest ways to incorporate this romantic look into your wedding day. Studded with crystals and rhinestones, these elegant hairclips can be worn with an an graceful up-do or cascading curls and are the perfect solution for securing your veil in place.

You can also create a dramatic brooch bouquet, which is a great alternative for brides who want to avoid carrying flowers, or accent the silk-wrapped stems of your bouquet with a crystal brooch.

Although a red wedding gown is regularly worn throughout Asia and the Middle East, most American brides still shy away from such a bold choice, even during festive winter weddings. You can still embrace the colorful wedding dress trend with a seasonal yet elegant ice blue, shimmery silver or modest blush.

From your bridesmaids dress to your table centerpieces, accent these soft colors with rich earth tones, such as eggplant, olive, emerald and crimson. White on white is also popular this winter season, so choose fabric textures that offer sharp contrasts. Add some magic by dusting your décor with an sparling gold or silver metallic.

If you prefer brilliantly bold shades, take a look at Pantone's 2012 color palette, which includes such confident colors as bright chartreuse, honey gold, tangerine tango and Olympian blue. Emerald green, a perfect color for a winter or spring wedding, shines as Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year.

 Simple one-tier cakes are a huge hit right now. Enliven the design with chevron stripes or a faded ombre pattern, both of which can incorporate your wedding colors. To stick with the romantic vintage theme, opt for paper-thin ruffles with ribbon banding and crystal accent brooches. For a stunning frosting-free wedding cake, have your baker decorate with fresh fruit and flowers.

A cupcake tower, candy buffet or confection bar loaded with fruits, nuts and sugar offers your guests a sweet sweet spin on the wedding treats. Or you can create an eye-catching display that guests will talk about for years by filling martini glasses with desserts and serving with silver spoons.

Winter Wedding Trends for 2013

Ornaments and snowflakes are standard winter wedding themes, but don't feel bound to them. Here, seven fresh ways to plan your winter wedding.

Winter Wedding Bouquets 

Low, lush arrangements made up of elegant white and ivory flowers mixed with pops of color, like bright-red amaryllis, and lots of wintry textured accents, like lamb's ears and thistle, are hugely popular this season.

 

 

Winter Wedding Reception Tables

Gold is big for table design, so this season wedding designers are finding formal wintry ways to deck out the tables in the pretty metal hue, like this table with a gold charger, menu card and flatware.

Winter Wedding Receptions

Floral designers and wedding planners are bringing the outside in when it comes to decorating the reception space.

Think: lots of candles and big branchy arrangements adorned with glowing votives and fresh flowers.

 Winter wedding Food

Consider your holiday food favorites and translate them to your reception.

Try cannoli wrapped in gold paper and served during the cocktail hour, or even warm, fresh-from-the-oven favorites like baked Brie drizzled with compote.

Winter wedding Dresses

Illusion necklines and embellished necklines and skirts (like on this sparkly Reem Acra dress) were all over the bridal fashion runways in October.

Winter is the perfect time to showcase this demure look.

Winter wedding Invitations

Beautiful calligraphy mixed with modern fonts like this one will reign this season. The best part: You can dress it up (with embellished belly bands and laser-cut elements) or down depending on how formal you want to go.

Winter wedding Cakes

Bold and beautiful cake designs are big for winter -- like this red-rose-bedecked white wedding cake. Also big? Flavors and frostings that call on the season, like blackberry buttercream or blood orange filling.

So what trends are you looking forward to using in your wedding this winter?

Your Wedding: How to Plan and What Does it Mean?

This new series called, Your Wedding: How to Plan and What Does it Mean? will be a series of articles giving you a 'quick reference' to keep handy - what happens first, who is invited to what, and who pays? Follow my blog to have easy access to all of them as they appear.

10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your DJ

1. Is this your full-time business? Are weddings your primary focus? What clubs, lounges, and corporate clients have you performed for in addition to weddings?

Determine whether they are a well-rounded, successful entertainer who can bring a level of expertise and versatility to your event. You want to ensure that your DJ isn't a one-dimensional part-timer, but a true performer whose had varied and extensive experience performing in front of different (and tough) audiences. It's fine if your prospective DJ mainly focuses on weddings—some DJs perform at well over 100 per year—as long as they squeeze in some time for other types of parties as well.

2. How do you customize the music experience for each couple? Can you help with song lists and providing suggestions?

Find a DJ who will create a soundtrack for your wedding that is based on your style, taste, and vision for that day. One size does not fit all—if your desire is to have a mosh pit at your wedding, then you will need to deliver that and anything else you want, for that matter. A skilled DJ will gladly accept your must-play and do-not-play lists, no matter how short or long.

3. How do you get the crowd pumped?

There are all kinds of incentives that DJs use to encourage guests to storm the dance floor, whether it's asking couples to join the newlyweds for a good-luck dance or playing a meaningful throwback song from the bridesmaids' college days. Ask them how to get the crowd pumped, but, more importantly, listen to their music demos or watch wedding performances to get a sense of how they will interact with your guests in person. Interviewing prospective DJs is certainly helpful, but hearing them in action will really seal the deal. You want to make sure your DJ understands how to read a crowd, build up the energy and then keep it up. There should never be a lull—your DJ needs to have the ability to blend all sorts of genres to accommodate everyone and keep them on the dance floor.

4. How do you handle song requests?

There could be instances where the client directives are diametrically opposed to the guest requests. How a DJ strikes a balance to deliver on the couple's desires—while still satisfying the guests' requests—determines the skill and experience of the DJ. Some DJs (with the permission of the newlyweds) may tell party goers that they need to stick to their playlist, but they'll do their best to fit in their song, while others will appoint a bridesmaid or relative to screen particular requests (so that the DJ doesn't need to interrupt the new Mr. and Mrs. mid-dance).

5. Can I hear some examples of mixing and blending different tracks?

When mixing is done correctly, you probably aren't even aware of it. The DJ should be able to blend between songs seamlessly; you don't want guests to become bored by a ten-minute long Queen rendition! However, when this technique is performed incorrectly, you'll be able to discern it instantly: When there is no mixing or blending, there is awkward silence between songs (it's the same thing as your iPod).

6. What sound equipment do you utilize? Do you have back-up equipment?

DJ equipment is just as important as musical instruments. "Turntables allow the DJ to have hands-on control of the music and the ability to manipulate it instantly. A simple touch can change the sound, speed, and tone," said Sakoda. Ask if your DJ is certified and knows all of the ins and outs of connecting a system. We allow our equipment to operate without overdriving it, which is when guests start to complain about it being too loud (sometimes referred to as 'muffled' sound). When I play at
a wedding, you will hear every word, nice and crisp, at a moderate level; I guarantee guests will still be able to talk at their tables while others are showing off their latest moves on the dance floor. Backup equipment is also essential: DJs should always have the equivalent of a "flat spare" on hand, whether it be a microphone, computer, mixer, etc. Don't forget to ask how soon before the reception they plan to arrive and how long it will take for them to set up.

7. Have you played at our chosen wedding venue before? If not, can you make a site visit beforehand?

The sound varies drastically depending on the room where your reception will be held. Don't underestimate the importance of a site visit: The lighting technician at my wedding reception told me that they've had crises with brides who chose DJs that didn't know how to work the room's acoustics. The sound on the microphones was so poor that the tech couldn't understand the garbled instructions through his earpiece!

8. Do we have our choice of DJs to select from, or is one automatically assigned to us depending on date availability? What happens in case of an emergency?

We believe choice is important: No two weddings are alike! You should have a choice of top DJs that fit your style and personality, and have the proper experience and skill for your wedding. Spend some time with your DJ to answer your concerns in detail and make suggestions when called upon.

9. What other services do you offer (e.g. lighting, HD video screens)?

Some DJ packages come with extra services such as intelligent lighting and video screens. Next to lighting, video screens are our most requested option. I like to explain it as personalizing your day: Imagine watching memories roll by on the screens while you're sharing that first dance. Then, you can add a few photos to enhance the parent dances as well. Remember to get any details clearly outlined in your contract. Also don't feel pressured into signing up for extra amenities if you don't
need them.

10. Why should I choose you as my wedding DJ?

I always like to throw in a curveball to see what they consider to be their best attribute: Is it their amazing sound equipment? Their can-do-anything personality? Or is it their professionalism and dedication towards making your wedding a success?

Hopefully, all of the above!

Wedding Tip Tuesday #85

 

 Wedding Tip #85:

Take a few moments at your head table to simply observe your family and friends. It might just be your favorite part of the night. 

After all the hectic planning and excitement of the day, don't forget to slow down and just breathe and enjoy your moment.