The following will provide a time line of my latest gig:
3:00 PM - DJ Superunknown shows up to set up and test equipment
3:45 PM - DJ Superunknown is ready to rock
4:30 PM - The first guests arrive (open bar) I have the Rat Pack on.
5:15 PM - Bride & Groom arrive, pose for pics, etc.
5:25 PM - Grand March introduction is conducted, Beautiful Day by U2
5:30 PM - Bride & Groom give welcome/thank you speech
5:35 PM - Bride & Groom dance, Thank You by Led Zeppelin
5:39 PM - Dinner Starts, (open bar closed) cash bar
5:50 PM - Best Man/Maid of Honor Speech
6:00 PM - Back to dinner and desert
7:00 PM - Father Daughter Dance, Ready Set Don’t Go by Billy Ray Cyrus
7:04 PM - Mother Son Dance, Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
7:10 PM - Dance Floor Open
7:25 PM - Married Couples Dance (longest couple married gets a bouquet from Bride).
7:35 PM - Bouquet Toss, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
7:40 PM - Garter Removal, Legs/Sharp Dressed Man, ZZ Top
7:45 PM - Garter Auctioned (Best Man drops 100 bucks)
7:50 PM - Dollar Dance Starts (close to 100% participation)
8:10 PM - Dance floor back open (I rock the house)
11:55 PM- Last Dance, Wonderful Tonight, Eric Clapton
12:00 AM - Guests depart, I start breaking down my equipment
12:30 AM - I head for home, and stop @ White Castle.
6:00 AM - I’m regretting my late night snack.
Monday, March 31, 2008
DJ Superunknown @ The Crowne Plaza North, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
The 2008 Wedding Season Kicks Off!
So it’s the first weekend after Easter and wedding season is in full swing. I read on the net that approximately 2.4 million couples will be exchanging vows this year. If you‘re reading this blog, you either are a past or future client, or you just happened to stumble upon this. Anyway my next few posts will address receptions, food, music, etc.
So 2.4 million weddings will go down this year and no two will be alike. That said, hopefully each one will be unique and special. I’m sure you’ve been to receptions and said to yourself I would do it this way, or that was cool I should remember that for mine. I’m just gonna talk about a formula I use for the first few hours of a reception. Remember it’s just something that I suggest for my clients that works but it’s not for everybody, and I never expect it to be, but if you’ve never planned one before here’s a few things to keep in mind.
Time Management – You only have the venue for a set number of hours, some venues let you extend late into the morning but they charge a premium. So having a DJ that can roll with the punches, and keep things on schedule is critical. You should be there to enjoy your night and take it all in, not micromanage the whole thing. Having a personal attendant that you trust to make decisions, think on the fly, round people up for the photographer, pull the groomsmen away from the bar when needed, or the groom, etc., and that can work as a team with your DJ (if he or she knows what their doing) will make your night a lot less stressful.
Bridal Party Instructions – At some point when everyone is sober and drama free let your bridal party know the order of events and what you expect. Be assertive it’s your day and you have a lot of time and money invested in that day, and hopefully it will be a memorable one to last a lifetime. Your DJ should not be afraid to recap your instructions to Maid of Honor & Best Man, a successful receptions takes communication. Your reception is your stage and if you think about it, it’s a big production.
Music Selection – The music you select tells your guests and loved ones how you feel about each other and how you feel about them, i.e. Mother Son Dance, Father Daughter Dance, etc.
· Cocktail Hour – I say Rat Pack era. You can not go wrong.
· Dinner Music – The first half of dinner should be something instrumental but nothing that will put people to sleep, the second half should be a little more upbeat, a little Motown, old girl groups, Jack Johnson maybe.
· Important Dances – I suggest picking songs that have some meaning to you, I often have Brides request It’s Your Love by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill or The Way You Look Tonight by any number of artists (Dean does it the best), but anyway is that REALLY your song? Father Daughter Dance - Butterfly Kisses come on, Mother Son Dance – Through the Years (dude, pick the song your mom loves) You get the picture, maybe I’m a little jaded but originality is very cool this year.
· The Opening Set – I love rap and top 40 just as much as the next guy but pick some fun oldies, after all the “older” people brought the good presents.
· Typical Reception Songs – The YMCA, Chicken Dance, Cha Cha Slide, etc. I highly doubt that these are in heavy rotation in your ipod, but these songs get people out of their chairs, so don’t be ashamed of them. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices.
· Mix It Up – Don’t stick with one genre of music, make sure your DJ is hitting all tastes of music, we live in the Digital Music, Jack FM world, people really listen and love all kinds of music, if it’s got a good beat let it rip, let’s say that you absolutely hate country, pick at least one song, everyone likes a good hoedown.
· Special Requests- Honoring your Grandparents with their song is very cool, if a guest is attending your wedding on their birthday have the catering staff bring out a cup cake with a candle, honoring others on YOUR day is classy, and people never forget.
· Kids- Don’t forget the kids man, one or two songs and there off to the hotel pool or going home with Granny.
That’s all I got for now. I’m at the Crown Plaza North for a reception this weekend, and I have no doubt that it will be kick ass.
Word…
So 2.4 million weddings will go down this year and no two will be alike. That said, hopefully each one will be unique and special. I’m sure you’ve been to receptions and said to yourself I would do it this way, or that was cool I should remember that for mine. I’m just gonna talk about a formula I use for the first few hours of a reception. Remember it’s just something that I suggest for my clients that works but it’s not for everybody, and I never expect it to be, but if you’ve never planned one before here’s a few things to keep in mind.
Time Management – You only have the venue for a set number of hours, some venues let you extend late into the morning but they charge a premium. So having a DJ that can roll with the punches, and keep things on schedule is critical. You should be there to enjoy your night and take it all in, not micromanage the whole thing. Having a personal attendant that you trust to make decisions, think on the fly, round people up for the photographer, pull the groomsmen away from the bar when needed, or the groom, etc., and that can work as a team with your DJ (if he or she knows what their doing) will make your night a lot less stressful.
Bridal Party Instructions – At some point when everyone is sober and drama free let your bridal party know the order of events and what you expect. Be assertive it’s your day and you have a lot of time and money invested in that day, and hopefully it will be a memorable one to last a lifetime. Your DJ should not be afraid to recap your instructions to Maid of Honor & Best Man, a successful receptions takes communication. Your reception is your stage and if you think about it, it’s a big production.
Music Selection – The music you select tells your guests and loved ones how you feel about each other and how you feel about them, i.e. Mother Son Dance, Father Daughter Dance, etc.
· Cocktail Hour – I say Rat Pack era. You can not go wrong.
· Dinner Music – The first half of dinner should be something instrumental but nothing that will put people to sleep, the second half should be a little more upbeat, a little Motown, old girl groups, Jack Johnson maybe.
· Important Dances – I suggest picking songs that have some meaning to you, I often have Brides request It’s Your Love by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill or The Way You Look Tonight by any number of artists (Dean does it the best), but anyway is that REALLY your song? Father Daughter Dance - Butterfly Kisses come on, Mother Son Dance – Through the Years (dude, pick the song your mom loves) You get the picture, maybe I’m a little jaded but originality is very cool this year.
· The Opening Set – I love rap and top 40 just as much as the next guy but pick some fun oldies, after all the “older” people brought the good presents.
· Typical Reception Songs – The YMCA, Chicken Dance, Cha Cha Slide, etc. I highly doubt that these are in heavy rotation in your ipod, but these songs get people out of their chairs, so don’t be ashamed of them. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices.
· Mix It Up – Don’t stick with one genre of music, make sure your DJ is hitting all tastes of music, we live in the Digital Music, Jack FM world, people really listen and love all kinds of music, if it’s got a good beat let it rip, let’s say that you absolutely hate country, pick at least one song, everyone likes a good hoedown.
· Special Requests- Honoring your Grandparents with their song is very cool, if a guest is attending your wedding on their birthday have the catering staff bring out a cup cake with a candle, honoring others on YOUR day is classy, and people never forget.
· Kids- Don’t forget the kids man, one or two songs and there off to the hotel pool or going home with Granny.
That’s all I got for now. I’m at the Crown Plaza North for a reception this weekend, and I have no doubt that it will be kick ass.
Word…
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
CEREMONY MUSIC
Before you get caught up in selecting your ceremony music be aware that some ceremony sites and officiants may have strict guidelines about which music can -- and can’t -- be played during a ceremony… just so you’re aware.
If you decide to use musicians find out if they suck or not, can play the songs you want, supply their own PA system (if needed), and how much space they’ll need. Don’t forget they may need access to an electrical outlet. If you can afford musicians and they can meet your expectations I say go for it. If not, go with a DJ who has experience playing ceremony music. To date I have personally played about 40 ceremonies, and it’s just not pushing play and running on autopilot, it’s really nerve racking and stressful. You need great timing, and improvisational skills. If a DJ screws up your ceremony, chances are pretty good that you are stuck with the same douche bag all night. I don’t want to scare you but it’s a sacred moment in time, as it should be.
Anyway, regardless if you use musicians or a DJ, if you go with traditional music or you use music you actually like, here are the basics:
Just like any story or movie you have a beginning, middle, and end. Before I forget make sure you put a little effort in selecting your songs, the music you pick tells your guests and loved ones how you feel about each other.
Beginning:
PRELUDE music usually begins 20 to 40 minutes prior to the ceremony. These selections set the mood for the coming event. Basically the prelude provides an acoustic backdrop for your guests which I call “seating music” so they don't get bored.
The PROCESSIONAL announces the arrival of the wedding attendants and, ultimately, the bride. Usually, there are two selections played during the processional: one for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and a different selection for the bride. Make sure the music is cranked up when the bride comes in so the guests stand and recognize!
Middle:
Throughout the ceremony, you can accentuate key moments with INTERLUDE music, which make an impact on your guests, and breaks up the solemnity of the occasion. You might want to include music just before or after a reading, during communion, at the signing of the register, etc. These selections should be slow paced and softly played to give your guests a moment for contemplation or reflection… Ahhhhh.
End:
The RECESSIONAL is the grand finale of the ceremony and should reflect the awesome nature of the occasion. Music should play as the wedding party leaves the church or ceremony site and continue until all guests have departed.
Anyway hope I didn't bore you.
If you decide to use musicians find out if they suck or not, can play the songs you want, supply their own PA system (if needed), and how much space they’ll need. Don’t forget they may need access to an electrical outlet. If you can afford musicians and they can meet your expectations I say go for it. If not, go with a DJ who has experience playing ceremony music. To date I have personally played about 40 ceremonies, and it’s just not pushing play and running on autopilot, it’s really nerve racking and stressful. You need great timing, and improvisational skills. If a DJ screws up your ceremony, chances are pretty good that you are stuck with the same douche bag all night. I don’t want to scare you but it’s a sacred moment in time, as it should be.
Anyway, regardless if you use musicians or a DJ, if you go with traditional music or you use music you actually like, here are the basics:
Just like any story or movie you have a beginning, middle, and end. Before I forget make sure you put a little effort in selecting your songs, the music you pick tells your guests and loved ones how you feel about each other.
Beginning:
PRELUDE music usually begins 20 to 40 minutes prior to the ceremony. These selections set the mood for the coming event. Basically the prelude provides an acoustic backdrop for your guests which I call “seating music” so they don't get bored.
The PROCESSIONAL announces the arrival of the wedding attendants and, ultimately, the bride. Usually, there are two selections played during the processional: one for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and a different selection for the bride. Make sure the music is cranked up when the bride comes in so the guests stand and recognize!
Middle:
Throughout the ceremony, you can accentuate key moments with INTERLUDE music, which make an impact on your guests, and breaks up the solemnity of the occasion. You might want to include music just before or after a reading, during communion, at the signing of the register, etc. These selections should be slow paced and softly played to give your guests a moment for contemplation or reflection… Ahhhhh.
End:
The RECESSIONAL is the grand finale of the ceremony and should reflect the awesome nature of the occasion. Music should play as the wedding party leaves the church or ceremony site and continue until all guests have departed.
Anyway hope I didn't bore you.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Poppin My Blog Cherry...Again
I'm seriously gonna stick with it this time around. I always say I'm too busy to write but I'll find time. Tonight I'll make it short.
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