Don’t plan any big activities that will require a lot of energy on the first day or two of your honeymoon. Planning a wedding takes a lot of work and you will be exhausted afterwards, whether you feel it now or not. Plan to rest for a while before doing a lot of sight-seeing.
DJ versus Live Band at the Reception: Part II June 26, 2009
DJ: A really skillful DJ can really help to liven up the reception, and can engage with and respond to the audience. He will know how to balance songs between slow and fast, different styles, and set the right volume and feel to carry the event from dinner hour music through the last slow dance at the end of the night. As with the band, he can announce the arrival of the wedding party, instruct people when to eat, announce the cake cutting, etc. The benefit of a good DJ is that he / she can literally have 1000s of songs at the fingertips, and can take almost any request. He should be able to bring a very high quality sound and lighting system, if requested, and play any special songs you may desire. As with the band, make sure they have experience performing at weddings, and get references.
Make sure your DJ knows the following at least 2 weeks prior to the big day:
1) what time to arrive for their setup and sound check
2) who their point of contact is
3) where they can load and unload
4) who will let them in
5) where they can park
6) what time to begin playing, timing of any special songs
7) where their power outlet is located
how much of a sound and / or lighting system they will need to bring
9) attire (ie how formal)
10) whether food and drinks are included with their fee.
11) How they will be paid
DJs versus Live Band at the Reception: Part I June 25, 2009
The decision about whether to hire a DJ or a Live band is an important one for your wedding to be special. The right music can make the whole night, and have your guests dancing the night away! The choice comes down to several important personal factors as well considerations about the size and style of your event. The benefits and considerations of each choice is listed below:
Live band: There is just something about the creative energy and spontaneity of a live band that can not be re-produced with a recording. Vocals are a lot more powerful when live, and good musicians can draw on the energy of each other and the audience to create a more inspired, powerful performance. This in turn influences the audience. Great music is also a visual experience, with lighting, and the physical motions of the performing adding a whole new dimension to the music. Again, this is not possible with recorded music. With a live band, make sure they can handle a variety of styles of music, especially those songs or styles you want to hear, and have experience performing at weddings. Ask to see their songlist of most proficient songs, and try to go see a live public performance before hiring them. References can also be very important. Make sure you have the right space, sound system, and lighting requirements for the band, and work out agreement on any songs in particular you would like them to perform. Make sure your band knows the following at least 2 weeks prior to the big day:
1) what time to arrive for their setup and sound check
2) who their point of contact is
3) where they can load and unload
4) who will let them in
5) where they can park
6) what time to begin playing, timing of any special songs
7) where their power outlet is located
how much of a sound and / or lighting system they will need to bring
9) attire (ie how formal)
10) whether food and drinks are included with their fee.
11) how they will be paid
Set-up for Your Musicians June 24, 2009
It is important to plan ahead for musician set-up prior to the wedding service. Below are key questions to ask the musicians you hire.
Will you need to rent a piano or does the keyboardist have one he can bring? How about a small PA system for guitars, keyboards, vocals, etc.?
What space and power requirements do the musicians have?Will they require any sort of lighting? (playing in the dark is sometimes difficult and people will not be able to see the performers)
Do they know exactly what to play when?
Do you have a backup plan if there is an emergency, a musician is sick or a vocalist can not sing?
(the performer can usually suggest an alternate, and hopefully can deal with such a situation professionally)
If the service is to be outside, is there a tent they can setup under in the case of drizzle, and is there any type of heat lamp if the temperature is below 60?
(even a light drizzle can be very bad for guitars and electronic gear, plus any temp below 65 tends to make the fingers cold, and performing harder).
-Brent Moseley
PLANNING FOR MUSIC DURING THE SERVICE June 23, 2009
Music is an essential element that can truly make a service special and set the tone for celebration and create a classy atmosphere. The more unique, the more memorable! Music is typically performed at 6 stages of the wedding:
1) Before the service while people are walking in. This time works very well for a soloist, duo, or classical ensemble
2) As the wedding party is walking in (called the processional). Also great for a soloist
3) As the Bride and Groom are walking out (called the recessional)
4) After the service, while guests are walking out. Great for a soloist or duo
5) During the wedding dinner
During the reception / dance hour / cake cutting
Its important to plan ahead, hire the right musicians early, and decide on songs early enough to give them plenty of time to prepare. Unless they have excellent reading skills, a small ensemble (strings, horns, singer / piano, etc) will need on average one week per song when the music is something they have not performed before. So, if they will perform 5 songs, give them at least 5 weeks notice. Those that have experience performing at weddings may be able to make suggestions as to a song list – they will know through experience what works. Piano music while people are walking in, during the wedding procession, and while people are leaving the service can be especially nice.
-Brent Moseley, Point of View
Guest Blogger – Entertainment June 22, 2009
Finding the right entertainment is not always as easy as hiring a DJ and then seeing him at the wedding. My friend Brent Moseley, with Point of View Entertainment, has kindly agreed to be my guest blogger for the week. Brent has been gracing the Phoenix area with his musical talents since 1998. When he’s not entertaining, he teaches music to both children and adults. This week, Brent will discuss how to accommodate your musicians and what to consider when choosing between a live band and a DJ.
To know more about Point of View and to listen to their talent, click here. Brent can be contacted at Mus123@cox.net or 480-229-5966.
Wedding Decorations June 15, 2009
Save on flowers and include other elements in your decorations. Enclosing flowers is a great way to cater to those with allergies. An arrangement like the one to the left, borrowed from the Wedding Flowers Guide, is beautiful and can be used with a variety of flowers. You don’t have to have gigantic centerpieces to make a statement. I think this would be breathtaking on a mirror, with tea lights surrounding it.
This one, from Stylish Beach Weddings, has a sophisticated, modern look. Floating candles are right out of a fairy tale love story and the combination of flowers and stones at the bottom of each vase gives the look both a stability and a femininity. Being creative with your wedding decorations will give the affair a special quality and make it even more memorable.
Quick Tip June 10, 2009
Create a signature drink for the occasion. Consider your wedding color, theme, location, your personalities and put those elements into the drink. By offering only this drink along with non-alcoholic alternatives, you can limit your guests’ drinking. You also have the option of offering only your signature drink at the cocktail hour and having a bar at the reception if this is not a concern. Make it special and give it a fun name.
Wedding Quote June 5, 2009
“This is what marriage really means: helping one another to reach the full status of being persons, responsible beings who do not run away from life”
~Paul Tournier (Swiss physician and writer)
Wedding Make-up Contest! June 4, 2009
Okay ladies, it’s time to get creative! Design an inspiration board with your colors, textures and ideas for your own wedding. Put together inspiring images and send the board to jamie@designerplanning.com by June 12th. That’s a Friday, so you have one week from tomorrow. The winner will get a one-on-one tutorial on do-it-yourself make-up techniques. The techniques are borrowed (with permission) from celebrity make-up artist, Krista Embry. This is good for both the wedding day and those days before and after (parties, honeymoon…).
Let’s see what you can do!
