January 17th, 2011
I wanted to share a couple of notes regarding the wedding entertainment business. As a fulltime DJ I get to experience all the facets of preparing and performing for every gig. All the time spent before your wedding is crucial to what happens at your wedding.
My preparation requires your input and rehearsal. Once I get the information via our Wedding Reception Perfection planner then I can begin fully preparing for your reception. Meeting with you, gathering special music, special audio edits and rehearsing name pronunciations are all part of our personal preparation. Simply put, that’s exactly what a professional entertainer does.
We do it so you may have a wedding that is trouble free, exciting and fun!
Sadly, there are many nights when guests tell me how the DJ they hired for their wedding ruined the event with bad choices.
This past weekend a guy named “Joe” came up to tell me his 2010 wedding was a disaster. The DJ he chose was late setting up, had no information for introductions and ruined the whole event before dinner even started.
The DJ was dressed in an open collard shirt and dockers and had no presence on the microphone. They wanted a Sinatra style for dinner but he played hip hop instead. Joe and his new wife were horrified and embarrassed. They asked if he had Sinatra, the DJ replied he didn’t think Sinatra would work for the young crowd they had invited. The kicker is “Joe” called us but passed because of a difference of $250. Joe even had references from friends to call us but passed in favor of an amateur. Joe admitted hiring us was a missed opportunity and he wished he could turn back time.
I’ll be frank and honest about something that has been bugging me for many years. Amateur DJ’s have been ruining weddings for a long time but never more than now. I hear these stories 60 times a year or more from guests and banquet center owners and it drives me crazy! I wish I could have played at those weddings because I could have done it much better.
Do you want to know something? It’s time to stop hiring them! Demand better!
There are no credentials or educational certificates or degrees to be a DJ so ask to see references instead. If the DJ you are interviewing has less than 150 references just get up and walk out the door.
Couples can be so fixated on a cheap price that a cheap DJ can seem like a dream come true. He may have the same gear & the same music but how many weddings has he played for in his life? Maybe he has fancy cool uplighting, a video show and party favors and he’s still $500 cheaper than us. What’s up with that? Business must be hard to come by. Just say no. Hire a professional entertainer.
We play at hundreds of weddings each year and have experienced every kind of crowd, every kind of play list and every scenario imaginable. We all perform in front of thousands of guests with excellent results. Our customers go into their wedding expecting a great performance and I make sure they get one.
It is true that the DJ you choose to hire will make or break your reception.
I will guarantee one thing, if you hire an amateur you will get someone who will make terrible choices from the start of the reception. Not to mention the “blah” performance with little energy and no personality.
You will get what you pay for.
On a recent Wedding Wire survey people were asked about their biggest reception fears. Topping the list was “bad DJ” or “boring party.”
Don’t let the fear become reality.
So which is it?
Are you going to waste money and time on a DJ who has limited references and limited experience?
Or are you going to hire someone who you will look forward to having play at your wedding? Don’t be afraid to expect great results at your reception. Oh, one more thing. Ask other your banquet center and other vendors who they recommend and listen. You maybe surprised at what you hear.
Mike Bonaventura is a career wedding and radio dj with over 35 years of show biz experience
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June 29th, 2010
Congratulations on the announcement of your wedding day! I’m sure you’re excited just thinking about your wedding reception. We’re excited for you, too!
I’m Mark Lindemer, the founder of Trans Audio Mobile Music. After 27 years of mobile DJ experience, I am now your personal music consultant and also a columnist for Shore Bride Online. Please consider me your “go to guy” for memorable wedding ceremonies and fun receptions. Here’s the link to my latest Shore Bride column…
I’d love to hear about your hopes and expectations for “your” perfect wedding day. I think when you learn more about what we can do for you, you’ll realize that we are uniquely capable of making your wedding day dream come true. I invite you to get in touch…
E-mail: mark@trans-audio.com
Office: 219-663-3815
Cell: 219-743-7575
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June 29th, 2010
Everyone was excited when wireless technology eliminated mircrophone cords that caused many problems including tripping over them, but wireless microphones aren’t perfect either. Like most professionals, Trans Audio DJs always arrive and setup long before guests arrive to test and make sure all their equipment is working flawlessly, including wireless microphones. Then guests arrive and unfortunately the quality of sound is jeopardized when guests forget to shut off their pocketed electronic devices (cell phones, PDAs, etc.), which will occasionally result in microphone “voice dropouts” and/or “various noises,” including ringing. To avoid this potential problem, please have someone request that your guests turn off their cell phones during your event, or ask your DJ to announce your request five (5) minutes before the beginning of your event
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April 20th, 2010
As a wedding professional I get asked about toasts all the time. Actually, what they usually refer to as a toast is a “speech.” These speeches are really toasts in disguise.
Get it?
This past Saturday the Best Man’s toast was part speech, radio show, stand up comedy and lecture. Oh, and it was 25 minutes.
There is no need for a toast to be quite that lengthy.
The BM went on to pull out a list of historic happenings for April 20. All 20 of them were supposed to meld the importance of history with the marriage. What does a marriage have to do with Captain Cooks arrival in New South Wales? Uhh, nothing is my guess.
This BM was literally killing time. Emphasis on “killing”
The Bride was getting a little testy after the 10th historic fact. With no end in sight after the 15th historic fact the banquet manager was freaking out as all she wanted to do was serve the prime rib on time. I think I actually saw steam escape her ears.
The only thing the BM did right at the end was “toast” the newlyweds.
Best Men and Maids of Honor pass this up all the time!
Here’s directions on how to do it properly: Hold the champagne flute at the stem, raise it to eye level and wish the happy couple good tidings.
Really that’s all that is ever asked of the Best Man. Or should be.
The lesson?
Tell your Best Man to prepare something short which is personal, touching or original.
Tell your Best Man to practice the toast until he knows it by heart.
It can funny, touching, lovely or simple.
It should be 2 to 5 minutes in length. Definitely NOT 30 minutes.
It’s not supposed to be stand up comedy (unless your BM is Jerry Seinfeld!)
And please, DO NOT embarrass the Bride with rude references, they are never needed. How would you like it if someone made a rude comment about you on the biggest day of your life? Especially when it’s in front of 200 people!
And please, don’t forget the “toast”
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April 5th, 2010
For those of you planning a May or June wedding now is the time to get those music plans finished. Why now? Why not! Look, a good percentage of our customers get it done early. What’s early? 1 to 2 months ahead of time. The reason is because most understand they will be too busy the couple of weeks before the wedding! No plans for ceremony or reception music with 14 days to go is a disaster waiting to happen. Find out from your DJ or band if they can help but I’m sure they can because that’s why you hired them right? Most couples think they are alone in choosing music but that’s not the case. All you have to do is ask for a professional opinion and you will receive guidance. Most DJ’s have large music libraries and have the knowledge to put together a wedding ceremony. So don’t sit there, get going and get it done! You’ll feel better when you do.
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February 26th, 2010
The new music season always coincides with the wedding season so we’ll have to wait a month before new Summer music begins to wind it’s way to our radios and ipods. To get a start though, here are a few song suggestions to help spice things up a little with some fresh music choices. Most of these suggestions can be found on itunes, youtube or Rhapsody. They are all song choices in the WRP library too.
“You & Me” Dave Matthews Band
* Excellent first dance, cake cutting or slow dance
“Never Had Nobody Like You” M Ward
* Cake Cutting or to cut a rug!
“Hey Soul Sister” Train
* Fun mid tempo slow dance for couples
“Say Hey (I Love You) Michael Franti & Spearhead
* Everyone (you & old) seems to enjoy this but why not use it for a dollar dance song?
“Two Is Better Than One” Boys Like Girls w/ Taylor Swift
* Slow song for the Bridal Party Dance
“My Life Would Suck Without You” Kelly Clarkson
* Good song for Bouquet Toss or when the girls need a moment of bonding.
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) Beyonce
* The most popular bouquet toss song ever
“Today Was a Fairytale” Taylor Swift
* Good for a late night couples dance
“I Gotta Feeling” Black Eyed Peas
* This can be used for intros for anyone & as an energizing sing-a-long on the dancefloor
“Bad Romance” Lady Gaga
* A fun song to bring everyone out to the floor anytime
“Shots” LMFAO & Lil Jon
* A great sing-a-long for late night fun!
“Everyday” Vetiver
* Cake cutting or Bridal Party song
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February 16th, 2010
Everything you see listed on the WRP reception planner is information we DJ’s need to have. We have couples who call us all the time to simply ask “what do you need me to do?” Fill out the planner. It really is that easy. Your DJ wants to be accurate in playing all the special songs and you want him to be accurate too so list them on the planner. Whether it’s cocktail music, dinner music, introduction music, opening dances or chicken dances make sure you record them on this planner. The other very important pieces of information would be all introduction announcements, who is the DJ introducing? We need the information in the order on the planner. You need to be rather aggressive in helping us because we do not know your bridal party and tastes in music. Once you complete the WRP info then we can start assigning DJ’s and we really begin to understand what it is you want us to do. I have customers who take weeks and weeks to make up their mind about one special song and change their mind again and again. Get to work on this planner about 3 months before the wedding and you won’t need to worry about any of these decisions the week of your wedding.
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February 2nd, 2010
Are you nervous about dancing in front of hundreds of people? If not you probably are a type “A” extroverted bride or groom. Most couples are probably a little more introverted and are nervous regarding the opening dance. Most parents are probably apprehensive about the dance with their children too. Last year a Father of the Bride said to me that all eyes would be on him because everyone knew he had no formal dance lessons. We set up a dance lesson for him and his daughter. The idea was to help him gain some confidence and get him over the negative. On “Sarah’s” wedding day dad did just fine and even enjoyed the applause he and his daughter received as they finished the final twirl. He told me later he had a blast and wanted to do it again! Another way to help motivate parents is to share the dance floor with other fathers and daughters or mothers and sons in the room. Here’s the way it works; first the DJ invites child and parent to the floor. He will tell your guests the title of the song you will be dancing to and then tell your guests a couple of minutes into the song we will ask other parents and children to come forward to share the floor. The fearful parent is now “covered” by the other guests and it’s a magical way to begin a reception because those other guests will come forward to dance. Photographers and videographers are happy too because they have truly recorded some wonderful moments.
Just imagine looking back on this event many years later. The lesson is to find a way to gain some measure of confidence or comfort. Its your wedding day and your family & friends will truly want to celebrate it with you.
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January 15th, 2010
When it comes to “toasting” a bride & groom I have seen many things I would never consider doing myself. In my world that’s usually a pretty good rule of thumb to go by.
Many years ago the act of toasting was simple, easy going, happy and quick! The best man would stand up before dinner and say, “Let’s toast Jim & Carla on the happiest day of their lives!” the best man then raised his glass in honor and it was over. Lightning fast. Usually the crowd shouted “here, here” and that was it, nothing more. (for more on this simply watch any movie featuring a wedding from the 1930’s)
In the 21st century the act of toasting has expanded into performance art.
The buzzword is “speech” but a toast is not supposed to be a speech, like “4 score and 7 years ago.” Webster’s defines a toast as, “a salutation or a few words of congratulation, good wishes, appreciation, remembrance, uttered immediately before drinking to a person or event.”
Last year I entertained at a wedding where the best man couldn’t even stand up straight. He flubbed the toast, all the while crying over HIS misspent youth.
I witnessed a maid of honor cursing during a toast in front of children and family members. Another by the father of the bride took over 30 minutes to recite and dinner service was delayed 45 minutes to courteously give him the floor.
You get the idea.
Needless to say it was quite a bad year for wedding toasts. A few understood what was expected of them and the rest did not.
Here are a few things a toast can be; humorous, short and to the point but 2 to 3 minutes maximum, lighthearted and respectful of others.
Here are a few things to keep in mind; when you are assigning best man and maid of honor privileges talk with them about the toasts. Tell them YOUR wishes. Make sure there is no profanity. Keep stories to a minimum. Don’t over imbibe in alcohol before the toast is delivered. Write it down and rehearse it a few times if need be. Do not recall past relationships or bad memories. Above all just keep it classy.
I would think since most humans are afraid of public speaking, and would rather jump off a cliff or encounter a wild mountain lion in their back yard the idea of a short toast may come as relief to your maid of honor and best man.
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December 22nd, 2009
Today’s bride is choosing ceremony music to fit her personality.
More and more brides want pop tunes for all entrances and recessionals. Canon in D maybe losing ground to Vitamin String Quartet, country & western or even Michael Jackson! Why? I think today’s young couples have less of a connection to the distant past than ever before. We haven’t played the traditional “Bride’s Processional” in several months. This year has seen a major increase in using songs from Lifehouse, Clint Black, & Coldplay or classic oldies like “At Last”, “All You Need Is Love” & “I’ll Be There.” Does the bride risk losing credibility by using pop songs for a serious and solemn wedding ceremony? Lighten up, Francis! If she has dreamed her entire life of walking up the aisle to Etta James why should anyone deny her?
Why should a classical title be any different than a popular title?
There is no solid rule of thumb so use whatever you like. My only parting thought is to be tasteful and thoughtful of family & guests attending your ceremony.
Below you’ll find a list of recessional songs many bride’s have used, some classical and some different;
All You Need Is Love (String Quartet Tribute to the Beatles)
Allegro (Violin Concerto)
Allegro From Spring – Orchestral Faster
Arrival Of The Queen of Sheba
Bach Cantata No 1
Back In Black
Concerto Alla Rusica
Concerto For Two Trumpets In Bb
Concerto grosso Op. 6/1 ‘A tempo giusto’ ( George Frideric Handel )
Don’t Stop Believing (The String Quartet Tribute to Journey)
Eine Kleine Nactmusik
The Four Seasons: Winter IV. Allegro for Brass
God Only Knows
Hornpipe – Guitar
Mama Mia Overture / Prologue (edit end out)
Music For Royal Fireworks
Sweet Child O’ Mine
Tambourin – Tambourin en Rondeau ( Jean-Philippe Rameau )
Trumpet Tune (Trumpet & Organ)
Variation In Sonata In A
Viva la Vida
Wedding March – Wedding Recessional
Wedding March Recessional (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Wedding Recessional – Guitar
Wedding Recessional – Piano
Wedding Recessional – Pipe Organ
Wind Dancer
You Shook Me All Night Long (String Quartet Tribute to AC/DC)
There are so many different ways to musically approach every ceremony, it’s best to work with your DJ or live musicians to make sure they understand and offer what you want. Music edits maybe needed so the flow of an entrance or unity candle presentation looks and sounds it’s best.
A great place in the ceremony for some personal music choices is either prelude or postlude, most brides will probably not hear much of the prelude but once the ceremony is over and you are greeting guests or releasing rows you’ll be able to pay attention to some postlude selections. Beach themes, light pop, light rock or light jazz work great for postlude music as guests are ready to now enjoy your reception and have a little fun!
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