I’m sure most people have heard that a good or bad Disc Jockey can make or break (as in ruin) just about any event. So it really pays to do your homework and know what to look for when you go shopping around for a DJ for your special event.

It never ceases to amaze me that most folks will pay more attention to, and be willing to spend more money on, other aspects of a typical event; such as catering, photographers,venues…etc. But when it comes to the DJ; the source of entertainment; the person that is going to be responsible for all the announcements, introductions, and overall tempo of the event; it becomes almost an afterthought. A vendor that some people will try to save money on; after already spending so much on the catering and the photographers. BIG MISTAKE!!!

After all when it’s all said and done just what do you think people are going to remember the most about the wedding,anniversary, birthday or whatever event it was that they attended? Sure they’ll remember how beautiful the bride looked and how nice the ceremony was. But will they really remember and think fondly about the food that was served….well maybe, if it’s that good:-) or the photographer that was taking pictures? I don’t think so. But what they will remember, is the good time they had dancing to all their favorite tunes. They will remember that the DJ created a fun, festive atmosphere; that they were compelled to dance to the great music that he or she played. They’ll remember that this DJ welcomed and actually played their request. That he/she was all over the place interacting with the guest; making them feel important by including them in the festivities, and making him or herself accessible to them. That is,if you hired a true professional DJ; that knows how to organize and run a party.

These attributes (and more) are all important aspects of being a good DJ and entertainer. So what does it take to find the right DJ for your important event? It takes knowledge and understanding of just what a DJ does, or better yet; should do in order to make any event a fun & memorable experience for all those in attendance. You should always ask for, and check references (word of mouth is also good). Look for business associations such as the: American DJ Association (ADJA), National Association of Mobile Entertainers (NAME) or the local Chamber of Commerce.

Equally important, is to personally interview and get a feel for the person that is going to act as DJ/Emcee for your event. Do not shop or hire a DJ solely on the basis of price. I know it’s so cliche` to say this, but in this business, as is true for most products & services…..YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!

Another important thing that a good DJ should do for you, is help you plan and organize your event. For example, the planning for any announcements, introductions, and most importantly the timing of all the above. The DJ should provide you with either paperwork or online tools for making a outline of the chain of events that happens at most functions. Sort of a guideline for the DJ to follow; as well as to communicate any needed info to the other vendors such as the caterers, photographers, and staff at the venue. He should also be able to share any unique knowledge and creative ideas he has with you based on his years of experience. If he’s been in this business for a while, and done many different types of events, then he should have all kinds of thoughts on this matter; and be willing to share them with you. Speaking of paperwork; make sure you get everything in writing. Any true professional DJ will provide you with a contract. Spelling out the date, time, price and other agreed upon specifics of the event.

An event such as wedding is just too important to cut corners when it comes to an area where most of the focus (aside from the Bride & Groom) is going to be directed to. On that same note, a good wedding DJ should control & direct most of that focus not at himself,but towards the Bride & Groom. After all, it is their day and the very reason why everyone is there to begin with; therefore they should be the focus of all the attention.

So do yourself a favor, do your homework and know exactly what it is your looking for in a Disc Jockey for your special event.

Here are some interesting statistics to consider (compiled by USA Today from several national sources):

• 72% of all brides say they wished they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.
• Almost 100% say they regretted not spending more on their wedding reception entertainment.
• During wedding planning, brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer;reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Yet, within one week after their reception, 78% say they regret not making the entertainment their highest priority.
• When asked, 81% of guest say that the entertainment is what they remembered most about the reception they attended.

If your going to pinch pennies for your reception; the ENTERTAINMENT is the one thing you should NOT skimp on!!!

—

Jaime Z. (aka DJ Z-BOP:-)
I’m a professional mobile DJ that has been in business for over 13-years. And loving every minute of it. I totally love to entertain and to be able to create an environment where people can have a fun time. It’s a natural high for me; and those are the best kind!

Today we’re thrilled to announce the launch of some great new wedding planning tools.  We’ve made the new tools, including a wedding checklist, wedding budget, and personal wedding vendor list, just as easy to use as our great wedding websites.  The new tools are extremely powerful, and we’re confident that they’re the best out there.

A wedding checklist is at the center of the new wedding planning tools.  We’ll get you started with common tasks, but you can easily add, edit, and remove tasks to fit your own planning.  You can also assign tasks to categories, occasions, and owners and then filter those tasks so that you can focus on what needs to be done.  Tasks can also have dates and times associated with them, meaning your task list doubles as an appointment calendar.  Your  checklist tasks can also be linked to vendors or budget items so it’s easy to see how everything is related.

Our wedding budget tool is just as innovative.  It makes categorizing budget items easy.  The wedding budget tool allows you to track estimated and actual costs, and when you provide us with a target budget we can give you some estimates on how much certain things might cost based on industry averages.  Having experienced this with our own weddings, we also realized that tracking payments is just as important as tracking your budget.  A budget allows you to see how much you are spending on different parts of your wedding, but payments allow you to keep track of what money is due when, and how it is getting paid.  For example, many vendors will require a deposit up front, and then the remainder at some point in the future.  With the payments integrated into our wedding budget, managing these is a breeze.

We’ve also made big updates to our wedding vendor area.  With tens of thousands of wedding vendors to choose from, you’re sure to find the right vendors for your special event.  To make it easier, we now let you search and sort vendors by various criteria, such as number of reviews, average rating, alphabetically, etc.   This means you will spend less time searching, and more time comparing the ones you are interested in.  We also let you save vendors, and give them personal notes and ratings.  For example, if you like a vendor you can save them to your personal list and write a note explaining why you liked them.  If they aren’t available then you can make a note of that and not worry about forgetting that.  You can also write down any quotes or pricing they gave you so at a quick glance you can easily see and compare all of the vendors you are considering.

You’ll notice we’ve also made some changes to our site navigation and the ‘My Account’ page in this launch. To start planning for any event go to the ‘My Account’ page and click on the ‘Start Planning’ link in the top right corner of the event.

As always, we’d love to hear how we can improve these tools - so let us know what you want to see!

Happy planning!

The MomentVille Team

Communication, communication, communication! It is the key.

It is so difficult to get what is in your head and put it into words, so take pictures! Bring magazine clippings and try to figure out exactly what you want on your day.

Just know that you imagine a perfectly pigmented pink (which is wonderful), however every makeup artist will have about 10 different shades of that pink. So, any pictures or items that convey your idea are always greatly appreciated.

Also, please do not hesitate to ask questions! We are the experts in the field, so we love sharing tips and tricks.

Makeup artists are so well-versed and have tons of knowledge and experience, we just need to know what you want! Afterall, it is your very special day!

—

Evonne began in the business 7 short years ago with help from a great mentor that showed her the ropes. She was trained by the best trainers in the business and then certified later that year. She has worked for MAC in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for over 2 1/2 years and has been able to create the most awe-inspiring makeup. She is also experienced in several cosmetic Trend Shows, school dances, and wedding make-up.

First, some context.  This was our week of helping out two brides who ordered their dresses from less-than reputable Internet retailers. One bride ended up with a dress eight inches too short. Not exactly a minor detail!  The other bride is not happy with her dress overall: essentially it does not match the picture provided on the Web site.

Here is some advice to follow BEFORE ordering from an Internet retailer so this does not happen to you:

• If the price sounds too good to be true, it is. Beware!
• Find and print the return policy. (This however was no help to one of our brides. Despite having a return policy, the retailer is not honoring it!)
• Realize that by paying with PayPal your protection as a buyer is limited to receiving the item or not. If the item is not as described, your recourse is with the vendor, not with PayPal
• Make sure you are seeing the retailer’s own photo of the dress in question, or pictures of other dresses that they have made. I can’t stress this point enough!
• Order a fabric sample. There is no better way than to see it in person.
• Only order from people you can communicate with easily, preferably by phone. Communication is so important when explaining the details of your dress. An e-mail description is fine to start the process, but a live conversation is must before you finalize everything.
• If your dress design is a combination of several dresses and otherwise hard for you to visualize, it is best to have a designer sketch it out for you so that you are sure that 1) you like the way the elements look together and 2) you know what you will be getting.

—

Christianne Brunelle is the Designer & Founder of Custom Couture Bridal where you can “Design Your Own Wedding Dress” and have it made to your measurements.  Brides mix elements from their favourite dresses and we bring their unique dream dress to life. The first step is often a design sketch to ensure we are on the same page.

We saw this video and had to share it. This is a very impressive proposal!

The Purpose of the Wedding Rehearsal is:

• the opportunity to figure out all the tiny logistical details
• make your wedding ceremony run smoothly
• entering, exiting, of bridal party, groom, bride
• which way to face,
• handling the rings,
• handling the bouquet & when to pass it to maid of honor
• Candle lighters, Readers, special rituals in your ceremony
• Seating of parents/grandparents
• Cues and who’s role it is
• Flower girl & ring bearer roles, where to stand or sit
• Ushers & roles
• Maid of Honor & Best Man Roles
• The Bride and her escort need to know where to stop
• What happens at the altar standing, facing
• Table set up for Unity Candle & Sand Ceremony, Roses for mothers and who is responsible for setting up the items
• Crying children & how to handle it professionally
• Prepares you for your special day.

These steps need to be practiced so that each phase of the ceremony flows smoothly, seamlessly, beautifully so that on your wedding day everyone will be confident and poised. All of which you gained from your rehearsal!

—

Authored by Alafia Ceremonies

I am a professional wedding officiant! I love weddings! Weddings are a happy and joyous event in our lives.

My belief is every couple is unique and different and each couple’s wedding ceremony should be a reflection of who they are. There are as many types of ceremonies as their are couples.  Your ceremony is a one time event! No second chances the next day, no starting over once it begins. We understand that and our goal is always to create the most beautiful memorable ceremony for you.

for the bride’s out there who are in the process of planning their special day, i wanted to share a little bit of advice!

consider planning for a “first look”!

“what is a first look”, you ask?

a “first look” is a brief portrait session before the ceremony on your wedding day.

now, i know what you’re going to say “but, it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding!!”

to that, i will respond with a brief history lesson! back in the day (hundreds of years ago!), marriage was more of a business transaction than the uniting of two lovers. (and the bride was the legal tender) fathers would, in essence, sell their daughters in an attempt to gain land, or favor with another father of the groom-to-be. so, as added insurance that the groom-to-be wouldn’t flee from the alter, the bride was kept hidden from him…just in case he didn’t like what he saw. this insurance policy turned into tradition, and then superstition.

well, times they have changed! people marry for love!

the benefits of a “first look”…

more time
with the bride and groom portraits out of the way, you can go directly to your cocktail hour or reception immediately after the ceremony!

less stress
by seeing each other before the ceremony, you’ll feel calmer, and more relaxed. which will reduce any stress or anxiety you may have 110%!

better light
if you’re planning an evening wedding, by the time the ceremony is over the available natural light may be limited, or worse, non existent! and natural light is by FAR the MOST flattering!

so, i know what you’re thinking “wow! this sounds awesome! but, how does it work?”

well, i’m glad you asked! the goal is to keep all the built up excitement and suspense by getting ready in separate locations. then, before the ceremony, when you are both dressed and looking FAB-U-LOUS, you’ll meet and get your FIRST LOOK! my job will then be to capture those smiles, tears, giggles, hugs, and kisses! (things you wouldn’t necessarily be able to do if your first look was at the alter in front of everyone.) once we’re done with the first look, and relaxed bride/groom portraits, we’ll get the bridal party and family/group shots out of the way, and you’re off to the alter! then onto your reception to PAR-TAY!

your wedding day should be spent with your new spouse, friends, and family! and that’s why i recommend a first look!

happy planning!

—

hi! my name is marcia tumminaro, and i’m a wedding photographer. i photograph the real, emotional, and sometimes hilarious moments of gorgeous couples on one of the most important days of their life. i also photograph engagements, portraits, families, and whatever else peaks my creative interests.

if you’re interested in hearing more from me, please visit my blog:
marciatumminaro.blogspot.com

you can also check out my website for galleries, bio, and pricing info: marciatumminaro.com

The number of film makers attending your wedding can impact the intrusiveness of the filming itself. In this case, more is often less, as one camera person running around with a shoulder mounted camera and a headlight on the camera, trying to catch every meaningful shot, is far more intrusive than several film makers stationed strategically in the background on tripods with an off- camera light bouncing off a wall or ceiling.

With several film makers you can have a cocktail hour fillmed at the same time as a photoshoot at the same time another person is setting up mcrophones in the reception area. Thinking that one person can do the job, and do it well, and unobtrusively, will likely result in some major limitations on your final product.

In the editing room it’s helpful to have several angles to edit with so that a first dance can include a wide shot of the couple with the reception room and guests in the background; a tight closeup of the couples’ faces and arms about each other; and even a balcony or very wideshot of them dancing, shot from above. Similarly, during toasts, it’s great to ave a shot of the person toasting and a reaction shot of the couple and the guests as well. With multiple cameras you can have it all, and never see the cameras in the way of your guests.

—

Naom Raiselle is the creator of GENERATIONS cinemastories in Brookline MA., a special event film studio tthat specializes in multi-camera filming and editing of fine event films. GENERATIONS’ films are characterized by their pristine live sound; their meticulous attention to detail,; expressive character portraits and highly individual creations. Every GENERATIONS cinemastories’ film is a one of a kind production.

The presence of a Piper at your wedding can be as prominent or as discreet as you like. Sometimes the adage “less is more” holds true, sometimes the entire ceremony is infused with highland heritage and pride. The possibilities include:

Before the ceremony:

• Playing while the guests arrive before the start of the service.
• During the ceremony:
• As the bride makes her entrance.
• Leading the bride or groom down the aisle (or remaining at the back while they proceed).
• A slow air played during a mid-service candle lighting or flower presentation.
• A special piece piped during part of the communion service.

After the ceremony:

• The Piper saved as a “surprise” for the recessional, leading the newlyweds out in celebration.
• Playing as the wedding party and guests leave the service.
• Various festive tunes played outside as guests make their way through a receiving line.
• Leading guests from one area to another is another great use of a bagpiper
• Piping outside as guests arrive at the reception hall.
• Making a grand entrance for the newlyweds as they enter the reception hall.

Choosing a Piper:

Before hiring a bagpiper for your wedding ask these questions:

• How many years they have they been piping?
• Experience; How many weddings have they piped for?
• Do they belong to a pipe band that practices and competes regularly?
• At least a grade 4 or better piper?
• Price between $175 and $250? You can find a very good piper for around $200
• Charge extra for longer driving distances?
• Is the piper willing to do what you want or just what the piper wants to do? Flexible and easy to work with?
• Suggestions for tunes?
• Deposit?

Pipers do not usually attend the dress rehearsal, or if they do they will charge you extra for this.

—

Authored by Kim Johnson “Michigan Bagpiper for All Occasions“.

I have been piping professionally in southeastern Michigan for 12 years at 100’s of weddings; each one is unique and special and I try to enhance this very special occasion and not take attention away from the bride and groom. I have 25 years of piping experience as a grade 4-3 competition piper with the pipe band Michigan Scottish Pipes and Drums. I am more than willing to work with a couple or family to make their wedding memorable and exciting; a wedding is about honoring and showcasing a couple, not about the piper. I charge around $200 for a wedding.

The wedding season hits in June and we at PhotoHand expect a rise in custom photo books design orders. Most of our clients have been in the wedding photography business for a while but there are a lot of talented young beginners who have been asking us to give them some tips on how to be prepared so that they are in the right place at the right moment and shoot enough material for a lively photo story. We looked at the weddings albums that we have created so far and came up with this cheat sheet. A bride can also use this list when giving directions to her photographer.

A wedding is a celebration of a tradition and traditions by their nature adhere to certain scripts. Below are the points general to any wedding but if the wedding is to include some ethnic traditions or special family customs, that photographer must be notified of all such details beforehand so that he or she is able to capture every key moment.

Behind the Scene

The dress on a hanger
Close-ups of any remarkable details on the dress
Accessories: flowers, shoes, jewelry, the rings
The bride getting ready (makeup, hair, jewelry, dress,shoes)
Family and bridesmaids assisting the bride
Others getting ready
Portrait of the bride
The groom getting ready (adjusting the ties tie or cuff links)
Portrait of the groom

Waiting for the Ceremony

The wide-angle view of the location
The groom waiting for the bride
The groom, the best man and the officiator
The ring bearer and flower girl
General view of the seated guests
Arrival of the bride

The Ceremony

The best man and maid of honor coming down the aisle
Each groomsman and bridesmaid coming down the aisle
The bride coming down the aisle
Wide-angle view of the ceremony
The vow and ring exchange
Signing of the marriage license
The kiss The bride and groom coming down the aisle
Any special musician, singer, speaker, etc.

Formal Photos Hands with the wedding bands
Formal group photos
Romantic bride and groom photos

The Reception

Details: centerpieces, the cake, decor
The wedding party entering the reception
Toasts
Cutting of the cake
The first dance
Dances with parents
Bouquet toss
Garter removal
Guests at each table
Dancing guests

Final Scene

The newlyweds waiving or walking away
Departing Limo

That’s it! Have a great shoot!

—

PhotoHand.com will retouch your wedding photos at the starting fee of $3.50/photo for complete cosmetic retouching. Also, on offer there are custom-designed save-the-date cards and wedding invitations and wedding photo books from your photo material. With professional photo editing and photography retouching, skillful cropping and art effects, your book becomes an outstanding memorable piece.