Unique twist to the normal recessional!

Don’t know what to do with those close friends that didn’t quite make the bridesmaid/groomsmen cut but you still want to include them? Maybe something like this will work?

Top 5 Mother Son Dance Songs

5.) Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

4.) What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

3.) Stand By Me – Ben E. King

2.) A Song for Mama – Boyz II Men

1.) The Man You’ve Become – Molly Pasutti

Can a DJ Handle My Ceremony Music?

A lot of brides and grooms are opting for a more nontraditional ceremony outside the four walls of a church. Some people find a spot outside, fall in love with it and couldn’t imagine saying “I do” anywhere else. Other folks choose a venue where both the ceremony and reception can be held. Whatever path you take, you will need music for the ceremony.

If you choose a church for your ceremony the music will probably be handled by the church. However, if you are getting married somewhere else, you will need help organizing and playing the music for your beautiful ceremony. This is where a professional DJ can help.

Prelude Music. The prelude music is the music that is played while your guests arrive and find their seat. We usually like to start playing the prelude music at least 30 minutes before your ceremony is set to start. Often times the prelude music is an after thought. With the amazing amount of details that need your attention, the prelude music doesn’t rank very high on the priority list. However, a good DJ should be able to make some suggestions that really set the mood for the entire ceremony. If you are looking to have a very formal ceremony, you may want to think about playing some powerful, orchestral music. If you are getting married on the beach, you may want to think about a light and airy collection of songs. The right music can do more than simply fill the air while your guests arrive, it can really set the mood for the entire ceremony.

Seating of the Mothers. The seating of the mothers (and grandmothers) is where the ushers or groomsmen escort the mothers (and grandmothers) to their seat. Typically the music doesn’t need to change for this, the prelude music works very well.

Groomsmen & Bridesmaids Entrance. Once the mothers are seated the music should fade and the groomsmen should enter. If the groomsmen are coming from back, down the isle, they should walk to music. If they are coming in from the side, music may not be needed, it all depends on how far they are walking. If you do decide to use music, don’t be afraid to have some fun with the song selection. We recently did a wedding in which the groom was very into movies so he picked the Superman Theme by The Boston Pops. Again, the music you choose should really set the mood of the ceremony and have that personal touch. Don’t feel bound by tradition. The same should be considered when choosing the music for the bridesmaids to enter. Personal touches really go a long way in making your ceremony standout from the rest.

Bridal March. Like I’ve said, personal touches go a long way in making your ceremony memorable. We recently had a bride select an acoustic version of a popular Kings of Leon song to walk down the isle. Now every time she hears that song she will instantly be sent back to that very special moment. There was recently a bride who sang a song to her husband to be while she walked down the isle. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, you can find that video on YouTube. Remember, you’re not bound by tradition, make it personal.

Interlude Music. Interlude music is the music played during the ceremony. If you don’t have a musician or a singer, it’s probably a good idea to skip the interlude music. It’s an awkward feeling standing in front of everyone while your DJ plays a song for 3 minutes.

Recessional Music. You’ve exchanged your vows, you’ve said I do, you’ve kissed the bride and have been pronounced man and wife, now it’s time to walk into the sunset together. Continue to follow the theme of personalization and you will make your walk back down the isle very memorable. We recently did a wedding in which the bride chose to surprise the groom by secretly asking me to play his college’s fight song. He was so surprised and touched that his new wife did that for him. Just like the bride who chose the Kings of Leon song to walk down the isle, every time he hears his schools fight song he will be flooded with amazing feelings from that day.

A professional DJ will be able to help you navigate through selecting songs that set the right mood and make your ceremony amazing and memorable. Your ceremony is the first part of the best night ever.

For more information visit our website, our Facebook page & our WeddingWire.com page!

Where is everybody?

Trying to determine where to put everything in your reception hall? Often times people will place the bar outside on a deck or patio area. Having a drink outside, overlooking the water or a beautiful garden, relaxing in the summer breeze is a great way to enjoy a cocktail. It’s so nice that you may notice more people out on the deck then inside dancing. You may want to consider moving either the dance floor outside or moving the bar inside. Nothing keeps a dance floor more packed than a healthy dose of liquid encouragement!

Never be afraid of doing something memorable!

Don’t be afraid to do something fun and original. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just work hard to make it fun. Most of your guests have been to so many weddings that they all blur together, make yours stand out and it will be the best night ever!

Happy 4th of July everybody!!!

Top 5 Entrance Songs

Your entrance song can set the mood for your entire reception so make sure you pick a song that will get everyone in the mood to party! Here’s our list of awesome entrance songs. Is your song on the list? If it’s not, let us know so we can use it in the future!

5.) Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses

4.) One More Time – Daft Punk

3.) Beautiful Day – U2

2.) Sirius (Chicago Bulls Entrance Music) – Alan Parsons Project

1.) Enter Sandman – Metallica

What Do You Ask a DJ?

You’ve researched some DJ companies and have decided on a few you want to interview. However, what do you ask a DJ? There are lots of websites out there that will give you suggestions and that’s a great place to start but here are some other questions you might want to think about asking.

Are you going to control the tempo of our reception? Your DJ should be able to work as your day-of event coordinator or work very closely with whomever you have selected to be in charge. A lot of brides enlist help from a specific friend or family member to help plan and run everything and that’s great! However, your friend or family member should also be able to enjoy themselves at your reception, after all, they have worked really hard to get you this far. That’s when your DJ should step in and relieve some of the pressure. You should never have to ask your DJ when or if they are going to get to an event within your reception. Cake cutting, bouquet toss, anniversary dance, etc. should all flow smoothly and seamlessly and a professional DJ will know how to make that happen.

What are some examples of past problems or issues you have had to deal with at a reception? How did it turn out? Every professional DJ has seen their fair share of strange problems that arise during a wedding reception. From the cake falling apart to the bride and groom arguing, the things that can go wrong during a wedding reception are endless. You need a professional that can remain calm and collected even when things are crumbling around them. Find out how the DJ reacted to the issue and how they fixed it. Most professional DJ’s will be able to refocus your guests’ attention onto something more positive or adjust the schedule to accommodate the issue.

What experience do you have behind the microphone? Has this DJ ever done anything on stage? Have they ever gone through any sort of education process? A great DJ will be able to command the room without resorting to cliché or cheesy tactics. Remember, everyone at your reception is ready to party and have a good time. Often times the only thing that stands in their way from enjoying dinner or dancing are the events in which you may want their attention most. The first dance, the father daughter / mother son dances, a slideshow, all of these events are profoundly better when you have the attention of your guests. If your DJ can’t draw everyone’s attention to you or what is taking place, people are going to miss out on these very special moments.

Couple these questions with some of the standard questions you can find online and you will start to develop a better picture of your DJ. However, perhaps the most important question any bride and groom should ask isn’t even directed to the DJ, it’s to each other. Do you like this person? Do you feel comfortable with them and their ability to make your night a dream come true? The right DJ will make your night the best night ever.

For more information visit our website, our Facebook page & our WeddingWire.com page!

Photo courtesy of the wonderful Sarah Goodwin, check out her blog!

Thursdays Tip

Debating whether or not to invite the little ones? Worried about their rambunctiousness taking the spotlight off of you? Often times children act the same way at recess as they do at a reception and that can lead to problems, especially if your reception site is already tight.

To keep the children in check, give them jobs or tasks. No, I don’t mean give them rubber gloves and tell them to go wash the dishes! If you are having a grand exit with bubbles and you have a large crowd, have the children distribute the bubbles to all the guests. If you have a guest book, instead of leaving it out front where your guests may or may not see it, let the little ones go around to each table and get people to sign it. If your venue has space, set up a table with crayons and paper and tell the little ones to draw a picture for the bride and groom.

Children love feeling like they are a part of this great event. When they have a very important job, they focus on it, they own it and when they are focused on their job, everyone else will be focused on you!

Photo courtesy of the beautiful Erin Rice!