A bride who called me today is debating whether to schedule her wedding on a Sunday next year. She wondered if Sunday wedding receptions are less fun, with less dancing, compared to those held on Saturdays After all, Saturday is more commonly a party night, and Sunday is what we all grew up knowing as a "school night."
Good question. Here's what I told her.
Generally, Sunday night receptions can be as high-energy as Saturday night events. I've never had a problem getting Sunday night crowds to fill the dance floor.
This is especially true if a lot of your guests are coming from out-of-town, meaning that they're staying overnight Sunday rather than going back to work Monday morning. But even local guests usually seem to get into the party spirit at a well-run Sunday evening reception.
Notice that I specified Sunday NIGHTS.
I do find that Sunday DAYTIME receptions sometimes are bit less boisterous, a bit more restrained. But frankly, that can be true of Saturday afternoon receptions as well.
Think about it. How often do you or your friends go out dancing in the afternoon? It's just not something we typically do in our culture. When it comes to dancing, we tend to open up after dusk, when it's darker, like night-blooming flowers.
I'm not criticizing daytime weddings. They can be wonderful. And I've DJ'd at plenty of afternoon weddings with lots of folks cutting loose on the dance floor. But as a general rule, it's fair to say that, all things being equal, there may be less dancing at an afternoon reception.
What about Fridays? Like Saturday nights, Friday after dark is also a traditional "night out" in our culture. The only downside to Friday night partying is that your local guests might get tired a bit earlier, coming to your wedding after a normal 9-to-5 workday. (This doesn't apply to out-of-town guests who are making a 3-day weekend out of your wedding celebration.)
One advantage to a Friday OR Sunday wedding is financial. Due to supply-and-demand, many wedding vendors often a discount for those dates, compared to Saturdays.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
BEATLE-MANIA
To succeed at wedding receptions, a DJ must play dance music that appeals to guests from a wide range of ages.
A good DJ does this by playing a wide variety of styles during the reception -- playing sets of music from 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and so on -- varying his selections to appeal to one age group or another.
Even better for DJs are those songs and artists so universally known and loved, they appeal to many guests of all ages.
The Beatles are one such group. I know this from experience as a DJ. But now I also know it from a recent study by the Pew Research Center, a highly respected think-tank. In its report on current trends in generational attitudes among Americans, Pew concluded that "there is one area of culture that members of every generation can agree on: music, and more specifically, the Beatles."
The 2009 Pew study found the Beatles the most popular performers in America across-the-board, with roughly half of all Americans liking the Beatles "a lot" and four out of five liking them at least "a little." No other performer scored as high.
Affinity for the Beatles is so widespread across generations that they were only performers scoring in the top five in ALL the age-groups surveyed (16-29 years, 30-49 years, 50-64 years, and 65+ years)!
No wonder the newly remastered reissues of the Beatles on CD are creating such a buzz. At the time I write this, the reissued Beatles albums hold 9 out of 10 slots in Amazon.com's list of music top-sellers.
A good DJ does this by playing a wide variety of styles during the reception -- playing sets of music from 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and so on -- varying his selections to appeal to one age group or another.
Even better for DJs are those songs and artists so universally known and loved, they appeal to many guests of all ages.
The Beatles are one such group. I know this from experience as a DJ. But now I also know it from a recent study by the Pew Research Center, a highly respected think-tank. In its report on current trends in generational attitudes among Americans, Pew concluded that "there is one area of culture that members of every generation can agree on: music, and more specifically, the Beatles."
The 2009 Pew study found the Beatles the most popular performers in America across-the-board, with roughly half of all Americans liking the Beatles "a lot" and four out of five liking them at least "a little." No other performer scored as high.
Affinity for the Beatles is so widespread across generations that they were only performers scoring in the top five in ALL the age-groups surveyed (16-29 years, 30-49 years, 50-64 years, and 65+ years)!
No wonder the newly remastered reissues of the Beatles on CD are creating such a buzz. At the time I write this, the reissued Beatles albums hold 9 out of 10 slots in Amazon.com's list of music top-sellers.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
BACK FROM VACATION
There's been a lull in my blog postings recently. I was out of town on vacation for about a week at the end of August, and since returning have been playing "catch up" in what's turning out to be a very busy late summer/early fall wedding season for me.
But I'm back in the saddle. Stay tuned for a flurry of new postings.
By the way, even while on vacation, I do stay in touch with my wedding clients via email and cell phone. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I try to respond to clients very promptly. Sometimes within a matter of minutes. Usually within a few hours. Rarely longer than one day.
But I'm back in the saddle. Stay tuned for a flurry of new postings.
By the way, even while on vacation, I do stay in touch with my wedding clients via email and cell phone. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I try to respond to clients very promptly. Sometimes within a matter of minutes. Usually within a few hours. Rarely longer than one day.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
DANCING CONTINUOUSLY, OR WITH BREAKS?
Some wedding couples prefer scheduling ALL the special moments before general dancing starts. In this format, once the dance floor opens, there is nothing but uninterrupted dancing until the end of the evening.
Personally, I don't recommend that. I recommend scheduling ONE break roughly halfway through the dancing period -- typically after about one hour of dancing. During that break, we typically do the cake-cutting and bouquet toss. This break is also a suitable time for any additional toasts or thank-you remarks from the bride and groom. The idea is to have one, but not more than one, break in the dancing -- and group together a few special moments during that break.
On the other hand, I've DJ'd at some weddings where the schedule calls for multiple segments of general dancing -- such as a short dance set before dinner, or a dance set between the first and second courses or dinner -- followed by the standard, longer dancing period after dinner.
Personally, I don't recommend that either. It seems a bit herky-jerky to me. The guests are invited to take their seats and eat their salad, then they're told to get up and dance for a time, then asked to be seated again, and so on. I think the energy flow works best when guests are allowed enjoy their dinner in a leisurely fashion, perhaps with an occasional diversion such as toasts toward the end of the meal.
Also, a dance segment during the meal requires the DJ to raise the volume of the music for that time, which might not be appreciated by those guests who remain at their tables during that between-courses dance segment.
Personally, I don't recommend that. I recommend scheduling ONE break roughly halfway through the dancing period -- typically after about one hour of dancing. During that break, we typically do the cake-cutting and bouquet toss. This break is also a suitable time for any additional toasts or thank-you remarks from the bride and groom. The idea is to have one, but not more than one, break in the dancing -- and group together a few special moments during that break.
On the other hand, I've DJ'd at some weddings where the schedule calls for multiple segments of general dancing -- such as a short dance set before dinner, or a dance set between the first and second courses or dinner -- followed by the standard, longer dancing period after dinner.
Personally, I don't recommend that either. It seems a bit herky-jerky to me. The guests are invited to take their seats and eat their salad, then they're told to get up and dance for a time, then asked to be seated again, and so on. I think the energy flow works best when guests are allowed enjoy their dinner in a leisurely fashion, perhaps with an occasional diversion such as toasts toward the end of the meal.
Also, a dance segment during the meal requires the DJ to raise the volume of the music for that time, which might not be appreciated by those guests who remain at their tables during that between-courses dance segment.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
RODRIGO & GABRIELLA ... and FOO FIGHTERS UNPLUGGED
In my August 17 post I mentioned how my clients sometimes bring to my attention wonderful music that I hadn't heard before.
Two recent examples come to mind.
A couple getting married this September told me they'd like to hear some Rodrigo Y Gabriela as during dinner. I must admit, I wasn't familiar with them, but I quickly filled that gap in my musical database. It turns out Rodrigo & Gabriela are an extraordinary guitar duo -- from Mexico but based in Ireland -- who play a fiery, edgy blend of Central and South American and world music. They're like a stripped-down, acoustic version of the Gipsy Kings. Wonderful stuff, and very suitable if you want something a bit different during cocktails or dinner.
A couple whose wedding was earlier this month wanted the Foo Fighters' "Everlong" for their First Dance. One doesn't normally think of that noted grunge-rock group as a source of First Dance material, but this couple had come across a lovely acoustic renditon of the song. It took some digging to find a downloadable version, but after getting it, I not only played it as their First Dance but also added that song, with its poignant, emotionally-charged lyrics, to my list of suggested First Dance tunes for future clients.
Two recent examples come to mind.
A couple getting married this September told me they'd like to hear some Rodrigo Y Gabriela as during dinner. I must admit, I wasn't familiar with them, but I quickly filled that gap in my musical database. It turns out Rodrigo & Gabriela are an extraordinary guitar duo -- from Mexico but based in Ireland -- who play a fiery, edgy blend of Central and South American and world music. They're like a stripped-down, acoustic version of the Gipsy Kings. Wonderful stuff, and very suitable if you want something a bit different during cocktails or dinner.
A couple whose wedding was earlier this month wanted the Foo Fighters' "Everlong" for their First Dance. One doesn't normally think of that noted grunge-rock group as a source of First Dance material, but this couple had come across a lovely acoustic renditon of the song. It took some digging to find a downloadable version, but after getting it, I not only played it as their First Dance but also added that song, with its poignant, emotionally-charged lyrics, to my list of suggested First Dance tunes for future clients.
Monday, August 17, 2009
MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE - A TWO-WAY STREET
It's often said that the best teachers don't just teach; they learn from their students.
Likewise, the best DJ's learn from their clients. The best DJ's understand that sharing knowledge of music is a two-way street.
I'm something of an expert in music, but I didn't get that way by sticking to what I already knew. Over the years, I've considerably expanded the scope of my knowledge (and vast collection) of music. Some of my most interesting discoveries have come from my clients.
When I meet with a wedding couple and go over their musical requests, I don't dismiss or ignore any artists or songs I'm unfamiliar with. In fact, one of the first things I do upon returning to my office after a planning meeting is to check these out -- read up about them, listen to excerpts, and download them (or order the CD). That way, I am able to satisfy ALL of that couple's musical needs -- not just those I already know or have. And that way, I constantly expand the musical repertoire I can offer to future clients.
Likewise, the best DJ's learn from their clients. The best DJ's understand that sharing knowledge of music is a two-way street.
I'm something of an expert in music, but I didn't get that way by sticking to what I already knew. Over the years, I've considerably expanded the scope of my knowledge (and vast collection) of music. Some of my most interesting discoveries have come from my clients.
When I meet with a wedding couple and go over their musical requests, I don't dismiss or ignore any artists or songs I'm unfamiliar with. In fact, one of the first things I do upon returning to my office after a planning meeting is to check these out -- read up about them, listen to excerpts, and download them (or order the CD). That way, I am able to satisfy ALL of that couple's musical needs -- not just those I already know or have. And that way, I constantly expand the musical repertoire I can offer to future clients.
Friday, August 7, 2009
MY KIND OF BLOG
Publishing a blog is increasingly common in the wedding industry.
The vast majority of these blogs
I'm not knocking those kinds of wedding blogs. But mine's a bit different. The purpose of mine is to provide practical tips and advice to wedding couples (and to my fellow wedding professionals). And to do so in short and pithy posts that are quick and easy to read.
That's why you don't see frequent descriptions of the reception sites I've worked at, photos of my wedding clients, or lots of links to other vendors. (I might do this sort of thing on occasion, but it's not the primary focus of my blog).
The vast majority of these blogs
-- showcase events the vendor worked at;
-- contain beaucoup beautiful photographs of these events; and
-- give "props" to other vendors at the event, with links to these vendors' websites.
I'm not knocking those kinds of wedding blogs. But mine's a bit different. The purpose of mine is to provide practical tips and advice to wedding couples (and to my fellow wedding professionals). And to do so in short and pithy posts that are quick and easy to read.
That's why you don't see frequent descriptions of the reception sites I've worked at, photos of my wedding clients, or lots of links to other vendors. (I might do this sort of thing on occasion, but it's not the primary focus of my blog).
THE GRAND ENTRANCE - DON'T BLOCK THE VIEW
In yesterday's post, I mentioned that during a Grand Entrance, the people being introduced can immediately proceed to their seats or can remain standing on the dance floor, forming a sort-of "welcoming line" for the bride & groom's entrance.
If you choose the latter, and if you are doing your First Dance immediately after the Grand Entrance, make sure that the wedding party, while standing, is not blocking the guests' view of your First Dance.
For example, say your guests are seated to the left and right of the dance floor, with the head table or sweetheart table placed along the far edge of the dance floor (by far edge, I mean the edge further from the ballroom entrance). In that case, have the wedding party stand by that far edge -- not on the left or right edges of the dance floor. Again, this is just one example.
The key thing is, if the wedding party remains standing during your First Dance, position them so that everybody can watch your First Dance (rather than staring at the backs of the wedding party).
If you choose the latter, and if you are doing your First Dance immediately after the Grand Entrance, make sure that the wedding party, while standing, is not blocking the guests' view of your First Dance.
For example, say your guests are seated to the left and right of the dance floor, with the head table or sweetheart table placed along the far edge of the dance floor (by far edge, I mean the edge further from the ballroom entrance). In that case, have the wedding party stand by that far edge -- not on the left or right edges of the dance floor. Again, this is just one example.
The key thing is, if the wedding party remains standing during your First Dance, position them so that everybody can watch your First Dance (rather than staring at the backs of the wedding party).
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
THE GRAND ENTRANCE - REMAIN STANDING OR SIT?
During a typical Grand Entrance, the DJ announces the wedding party and the married couple, as they enter main ballroom where guests are already seated.
There are lots of options concerning the Grand Entrance -- ways to personalize it -- and these will be discussed in other posts.
Here, I want to pinpoint something that sometimes isn't clarified until the last minute, and sometimes decided on the spot rather than considered beforehand.
It's simply this: After they are introduced, should each member of the wedding party proceed to his or her seat, or should they remain standing on the dance floor, forming a sort-of "welcoming line" for the bride & groom's entrance?
Either option is fine. But what's not so fine is to have your wedding party, as they're about to enter, confused and unsure as to just where to walk and whether they should stand or sit after they make their entrance. I've seen this many times -- that's why I mention it here!
So talk this over in advance with your DJ, your wedding planner, and/or your site coordinator and tell them your decision. That way, after getting everyone lined up, your DJ or planner/coordinator can clearly explain to the wedding party how to proceed during the Grand Entrance.
There are lots of options concerning the Grand Entrance -- ways to personalize it -- and these will be discussed in other posts.
Here, I want to pinpoint something that sometimes isn't clarified until the last minute, and sometimes decided on the spot rather than considered beforehand.
It's simply this: After they are introduced, should each member of the wedding party proceed to his or her seat, or should they remain standing on the dance floor, forming a sort-of "welcoming line" for the bride & groom's entrance?
Either option is fine. But what's not so fine is to have your wedding party, as they're about to enter, confused and unsure as to just where to walk and whether they should stand or sit after they make their entrance. I've seen this many times -- that's why I mention it here!
So talk this over in advance with your DJ, your wedding planner, and/or your site coordinator and tell them your decision. That way, after getting everyone lined up, your DJ or planner/coordinator can clearly explain to the wedding party how to proceed during the Grand Entrance.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
THE BIG PICTURE
You can find a lot of practical advice about all the details involved in wedding planning. You can immerse yourself in the particulars of floral arrangements, music selections, honeymoon destinations, and wedding dresses. You can refine your guest list, decide if your meal should be seated or buffet, determine who walks up the aisle in your processional and in what order. You can pick your first dance and last dance, and many of the songs in between.
But while attending to these -- and many more -- specifics, don't forget THE BIG PICTURE.
When it comes to your wedding day, the big picture has to do with love ... with celebration ... with dear friends and family.
So if you're feeling too much stress when planning your wedding -- if "sweating the details" has you breaking out in a sweat -- try to relax, take a break, and bathe yourself in the refreshing joyfulness of it all.
But while attending to these -- and many more -- specifics, don't forget THE BIG PICTURE.
When it comes to your wedding day, the big picture has to do with love ... with celebration ... with dear friends and family.
So if you're feeling too much stress when planning your wedding -- if "sweating the details" has you breaking out in a sweat -- try to relax, take a break, and bathe yourself in the refreshing joyfulness of it all.
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