Getting the most out of your wedding dj

November 30, 2015/in Wedding/by Aaron

Getting the most out of your wedding dj – get on the floor when ever you can.

It’s no secret. Weddings can be an expensive endeavor. Most wedding receptions last 5 hours and when you’re trying to jam in cocktail hour, a formal dinner service for 180 of your closest family and friends, dance with your father, your groom dance with his mother, toss a bouquet, do a couple toasts, have a blessing before dinner etc… the time flashes by quicker than you might think. Your wedding dj is the keeper of the keys when it comes to your wedding timeline. They will guide you and your guests through the events of the day ensuring that everything is set to plan with the coordination efforts of your wedding team. But there are times where things take a little longer than expected or maybe dad is in the restroom right when it’s time for the father/daughter dance. It happens. But fear not, you can still get the most out of your wedding dj.

When you think of wedding djs, the mind thinks first of the dance floor. The goal of most couples is to get to the dance floor as soon as possible and have the maximum amount of dancing time to enjoy with their guests. Depending on the meals you choose, and the formalities that you add to your timeline, each thing plays a role and takes a certain amount of time which in some cases can take away from open dancing. So how do you get the energy up and keep it going to have a fun and memorable wedding reception and get the most out of your wedding dj?

There is no right or wrong time to dance. If you’ve ever heard your favorite song come on and it just compelled you to dance or at the very least, tap your foot to the rhythm, you know this is true. A great opportunity for dancing is the bridal party introductions. Your wedding dj will introduce your bridal party and then your grand entrance followed by your first dance. Now this is when the magic happens. Either towards the end of your first dance or shortly after, have your wedding dj invite everyone to the floor to join you and kick off the night with a high energy song to get everyone in the mood and set the tone for the rest of the reception.

Although it’s not customary to do this, it’s a great way to keep your guests wanting more. If you’ve been snacking on finger food for an hour, followed by a 4 course meal that could feed a small army paired with some spirits and wine, that’s a recipe for a food coma. But if you get them all on the floor from the start, it’ll get their blood pumping and get them excited for what is to come. Another great way to get more out of your day is to dance in between courses. Your dj might instruct everyone to stand up and push in their chairs and then head to the dancefloor for another short and powerful set. This does 2 things. It offers more dancing time but also is a great way to help the waitstaff clear tables in between courses without having to reach around guests and efficiently serve the next course.

Following this, once the newlyweds are done with their meal (because they will be the first to be served), this is a great opportunity for the cake cutting. By doing the cake cutting before parents dances, this allows the catering staff to cut and plate your cake to be served while your parents dances are happening and give your guests another focal point so that they won’t be waiting for the next event to take place. The goal is to always keep them moving. After that, it’s time to toss that bouquet, maybe do an anniversary dance to get your married couples out on the floor and then in to open dance until the end of your night.

Bouquet Toss Alternatives

November 30, 2015/in Uncategorized/by Aaron

Bouquet Toss Alternatives

The one wedding formality that you see in every movie, every wedding album and video is the bouquet toss. But what is the bouquet toss all about? It’s kind of like passing the torch. The bride has reached a zenith in her life by marrying her partner and the bouquet toss is symbolic of passing on good luck and best wishes to one of her single friends in hopes to find happiness in marriage some day. But for some brides, they may not have any single ladies in need of a wedding bouquet on their special day. Or maybe the idea of throwing $200 worth of flowers across the room just doesn’t sound appealing. Either way, if you’re hung up on trying to find an alternative for the traditional wedding bouquet toss, consider a few of these options.

1. The anniversary dance:

The anniversary dance has been around for quite some time as a fun wedding tradition seeking out the oldest married couple. Your wedding dj will play a timeless slow dance tune and invite the newlyweds and all of the married couples up to the dancefloor. And then the dj will instruct couples that were married closest to the wedding date of the newlyweds to make their way to the side of the dance floor. He will repeat this process in 5, 10, 15 year increments until the last and longest married couple remains. As an alternative to the bouquet toss, the bride can award the longest married couple with her bouquet as a sentiment to honor them. It’s fun, sweet, and is a good way to segue way to open dancing.

2. The Scavenger hunt:

Now as a child, you’ve probably played this game at summer camp or on the playground in middle school. But with weddings, the finds are a tad more upscale than finding the snapping turtle by the creek. Hiding the brides bouquet at a wedding in a sea of floral centerpieces isn’t too hard and can be done prior to the reception. It’s a fun opportunity for dinner service while people are eating because they will be able to get together in teams and while mingling be on the look out for the bouquet.

3. The mother/son dance:

She raised her son to be a gentleman who will treat his bride with the love and admiration she deserves. As a thank you, a sweet gesture might be to offer her your wedding bouquet. After the mother/son dance, the bride can come to the center of the dance floor and give her mother in law the bouquet and a warm embrace. This also makes for a great photo opportunity!

Principal cancelled prom

November 23, 2015/in School Events, Uncategorized/by Aaron

Principal cancelled prom claiming the cost to parents and students is too much to bare and is a risk due to drug and alcohol abuse

Headmaster Chris Beirne of the Beaulieu School for girls had made the decision this year to eliminate the school’s end of year prom. The cost of prom to parents and pupils was just too much to bare. He had also said that it was ‘no longer reasonable’ for staff to be expected to supervise the school event, ‘in an era of increasing safeguarding risk to students and the staff themselves.’

According the the Jersey Evening Post, Headmaster Bernie was also quoted as saying, “The price of pre- and after-prom parties and the significant focus and distraction this event causes in the academic year, not to mention the growing expense and luxury foisted on parents in the preparation for this event.”

Now for the solution:

Proms are big business. Over 1 billion dollars is spent in the US alone on prom dresses, tux rentals, tanning, flowers, limos, and disposable themed cardboard cutouts. There is so much emphasis on keeping up with the Jones’ to outdo each other with the amount of money spent on these items. But that isn’t the goal of prom. Prom is an opportunity for students to celebrate their school spirit and enjoy a special night just for them with friends and classmates.

The truth is, you don’t need to spent a small fortune to have a good time. But you do need to prioritize your goals. Proms and weddings are miles apart when it comes to planning. For weddings, the majority of the attendees are adults. They want to be wined and dined and enjoy a 4 course meal with all of the trimmings, have an open bar, and dance the night away. But with proms, you’re dealing with teenagers. These are the folks who have 20 minutes for a lunch period and are done with a meal in 10 minutes. They want to dance and let it all hang out for a night. Dinner is for sustenance. Sure it has to be good considering the price per person but, instead of opting for a plated meal, consider a buffet. The students that eat a little bit can take what they want and the students with a healthy appetite can grab a little more if they wish. Everyone is happy because they get to choose what they want.

Centerpieces are pretty, but they make a better door than a window. And if you’re doing 3 foot hurricane glasses filled with an acre of wildflowers, it’s going to impede on the students’ ability to chat with each other during dinner.

PROM THEMES! This past year, The Great Gatsby was where it was at. The decadence of Hollywood is so popular for proms. It’s the student’s opportunity to spoil themselves and feel like royalty for the night. But this theme, and many more can be satisfied when it comes to the individual choices in apparel. By saving on disposable decor that will inevitably find it’s way to the landfill 8 hours after it’s set up, you can pass the savings on to the students for other things like limo services, coach buses, and formal wear.

Last but not least, and certainly the most important… Your Entertainment matters the most. Your entertainment is what makes or breaks a prom. Choose the right one and you’ll be a hero to your students and administration. Choose the wrong one and the students will spend the night on their phones or leaving early or at the very worst, succumbing to the clutches of alcohol and substance abuse.

It is completely understandable that the administration in this particular case wants to protect his students from the dangers of substance abuse but by the same token, if you give the students an opportunity to enjoy themselves and put the focus on what is important to THEM instead of what you THINK they want, by giving them an environment that will have them dancing long and hard, singing at the top of their lungs, clapping their hands in the air all night long, they won’t want to turn to drugs & alcohol. They’ll be having too much fun to want to leave.

Hiring a DJ: Invoice vs DJ Contract

November 18, 2015/in Disc Jockeys/by Aaron

Hiring a DJ: Invoice vs DJ Contract

Hiring a DJ is something most people do at least once in their lives for a variety of ocassions. For many it might be their wedding and for others, it could be a corporate event or private affair. But in all of these instances and with so many DJs out there, each one has a different business model that they follow.

Invoices are popular when it comes to service companies of all types. Take your home heating oil provider. They will fill your tank and leave an invoice for you at your door to find when you come home from work. If you have already signed a service agreement with them to provide service, you are obligated to pay for the services rendered. But if not, they are leaving you their product in good faith that you will pay for it regardless of what they write down on the invoice. It’s a scaryer their proposition for both consumer and company. But, it’s a risk that business owners take every day.

But think about this in terms of the consumer. How does “good faith” work? If you hired a DJ on a handshake or a verbal confirmation, you are taking a leap of faith that the DJ will come to your event prepared to render their service to you and your guests and perform to your expectations for the agreed price. But that leaves a lot of gray area.

If you’re in the process of searching for DJs to hire for your next event, when it comes time to choose one, be sure to read and sign a service agreement or contract with them. By doing so, not only is the company protected legally for non payment but your investment is also legally protected should the company become unable to fufill the requirements of the contract. By a DJ service putting their reputation on the line in writing and legally promising to perform for payment, they are fully obligated to uphold the terms and conditions without exception unless otherwise written in the contract that both parties are signing.

Be sure to hire a DJ you can trust and who is a good fit. Your event depends on it.

Should I use Thumbtack to find my wedding DJ?

November 17, 2015/in Wedding/by Aaron

Should I use Thumbtack to find my wedding DJ?

Technology has made it easier than ever to have the world at your fingertips. You can order a pizza and have it delivered to your house, do your grocery shopping, and lots more. But there are some things that require a personal touch that can’t be satisfied with a few easy clicks of the mouse.

Thumbtack is a business listing website that connects consumers to companies relevant to services or products they are searching for. So, if you are looking for a wedding dj, how does this pertain to you? It’s kinda like priceline but for DJs. Here’s how it works.

You sign up for an account and input your contact info. Find a dj in the service directory. Then fill out an inquiry form including the date, location, and budget for your wedding. It asks you if your venue will supply audio and lighting for your event or if it is the responsibility of the DJ. It even asks you if you want a fog machine for your wedding. And last but not least, what kind of music you’re in to. You click the submit button and you’re on your way to endless emails from DJs trying to outbid each other for your business. Sounds like a dream doesn’t it?

Now those criteria might be perfectly acceptable for a 13 year old’s birthday party at the VFW, but we’re talking about weddings. A pivotal moment in your life where you make the commitment to your fiance for the rest of your life. Something as important as a wedding needs to be handled with care. Imagine your grandma banging her head for 4 hours to some David Guetta like she was at the Ultra Festival in Miami. On second thought, let’s not.

The point is, your wedding guest list will be the culmination of a variety of genders, ages, personalities, and music tastes. The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a DJ is the dancing and the music. But when it comes to weddings, your DJ holds a much higher responsibility of keeping things running smoothly and guiding you, your guests, and your wedding team through your wedding day. From introductions to the last dance, every detail great and small is tended to and executed to ensure that you are getting the most out of your reception. In terms of music, the job of your wedding dj is to cater to the masses and ensure that you and your guests young and old have an enjoyable experience throughout the day.

You won’t find that kind of dedication, attention to detail or expertise by filling out a generic form and hiring the lowest bidder.

9 wedding expenses you didn’t see coming.

November 15, 2015/in Wedding/by Aaron

9 wedding expenses you didn’t see coming.

Since August 12th 2006, I have been happily married to my best friend. I’ve also been a wedding DJ for more than half my life and have seen a lot of couples go through the wedding planning process. The funny thing is, even with all of that acquired knowledge from other couples, I still ended up not knowing everything I needed to know when it came time to plan my own wedding. There are a lot of things to think about when planning a wedding budget. There’s the obvious things like your venue, photographer, DJ, etc… But even with a lot of DIY weddings (like mine was), there’s still a lot that goes unnoticed until it happens.

1. Transportation to and from the wedding.

While most would say, “Just hire a limo and you’re good” that comes with a price. In many cases, couples may indulge in some adult beverages and cannot drive themselves home or to the hotel before the honeymoon. So having a reliable transportation resource is always a good idea. Even if you don’t pull out all of the stops and get a stretch party bus complete with full bar and club lighting, a ride in the back of a comfortable large SUV with room for your gifts and bags is always a nice thing to have at the end of your wedding.

2. Lodging

While we’re on the topic of post wedding expenses, don’t forget to have a roof over your head. When you’re a couple who is headed to a honeymoon the day after the wedding, you won’t want to go very far to get to the airport or bus terminal. Be sure to research hotels in advance to make sure that they are convenient to travel from. In some cases, hotels may even offer a shuttle to and from the airport if they are close by.

3. The Rehearsal Dinner

You’ve taken great measures to ensure that everything about your wedding is as perfect as your soon to be spouse. After you’ve gone through the motions of rehearsing your ceremony a couple times to tie up any loose ends, you’re going to have a lot on your mind and probably won’t want to entertain a house full of wedding guests at your house so, consider a rehearsal dinner following your dress rehearsal. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy but, if you have the ability to hit up a restaurant that can comfortably accommodate your bridal party and family, it’s definitely worth it.

4. Thank you Cards

As of late, many couples are opting to make their own thank you cards. If you head to your local retailer and pick up cards, you will find yourself writing until your hands fall off trying to personalize every card that you send out. Of course you want to thank all of your guests for attending your wedding and for any generous gifts they may have given but, if you’ve got 150 couples coming to your wedding, that’s a whole lot of writing and a whole lot of time. Consider a mailing service like Vistaprint.com or sendoutcards.com for your thank you cards. You can customize a card that fits you and enter in a database of addresses and they will print, stamp, and mail them for you. It’s a small price to pay for the hours you could spend writing them all out yourself.

5. The emergency kit

Think emergency kits are just for expectant mothers? Think again. On your wedding day, you’re going to be living in the moment and may need a few things. Things like bottled water, gum, protein bars, first aid, makeup, shoe polish, feminine products, pens, cell phone chargers and any other thing you might need in a pinch is a good thing to have on hand. Head over to your local Target store and hit up the travel sized toiletries aisle.

6. Gratuities

Although gratuities are never expected, they are always appreciated. So if your wedding team exceeds your expectations and you’re feeling generous, set aside a few dollars as a thank you to your vendors. Tips don’t always have to be money. They can be Dunkin Donuts cards, Movie tickets, or anything you would want to thank your vendors with.

7. Your Marriage License

Yes, this is a big one. With all of the finite details that you’ve painstakingly planned, you want to actually be married at the end of the day. Check with your local state and town government to see if things like blood tests, and any ancillary fees there may be for obtaining a marriage license. Your officiant might be able to shed some light on this as they have to sign the marriage certificate.

8. Don’t forget the dancefloor

If you’re planning an outdoor or backyard wedding, you will want to shelter your guests. But you also need a place for your guests to dance. Outdoor weddings are subject to changing weather and dancing in a pile of mud is just no fun (unless you’re in to that type of thing) Be sure to ask your events rental company about dancefloors and what you will need to provide a clean, stable, and safe surface for dancing.

9. Your rent or mortgage

You’re probably thinking, “Of course I’m going to pay my rent/mortgage!” With all of the added expenses of a wedding, some times this gets overlooked. Especially if you’re going on a honeymoon. Before you leave for your honeymoon, be sure to go through your monthly living expenses and where possible, have your bank do an auto-deduction to make sure that you don’t get charged late fees while you’re away.

DJ Aaron DeMarest Pushing the envelope to bring you a better wedding

November 9, 2015/in Wedding/by Aaron

DJ Aaron DeMarest Pushing the envelope to bring you a better wedding

All my life, I have been going against the grain. When the world turned right, I went to the left. I can’t help it. It’s just the way it is. And when it comes to being a wedding entertainer, the same holds true. In Connecticut, there are over 400 listed wedding djs on google. Such small state and a massive collection of DJs.

What one couple’s ideal wedding dj would be may be the next couple’s worst nightmare. I’ve said on many occasions that finding a wedding DJ who’s personality is a good fit is the most important factor when hiring your wedding entertainment. In the 400+ wedding djs in ct, each one has a unique personality. But there are a few that really stand out. These are the DJs that put all of their energy into what they do to give their clients and guests the best fxxking wedding they have ever been to. And THAT is the goal.

It’s not about selling every possible addon or trying to squeeze every last dime out of a couple at the start of their marriage, it’s about putting a smile on their face and the faces of their guests. To truly honor the newlyweds with a party that rivals anything they have ever experienced. To bring out emotions and create lifelong memories. That is what we are here to do.

About 5 years ago, I had the fortunate experience of shadowing my good friend Sean “Big Daddy” McKee at a wedding when he had asked me to lend a hand. I didn’t know it at the time but Sean was going through chemo treatments during his second bout with cancer and was feeling tired as a result. But, not once during that wedding did his guests know how he was feeling because Sean blew their minds that night. He’s the kind of guy that lights up a room when he walks in. I went home that night with a gift that changed me forever. He said to me after that night, “You have to own what you do. Make each moment count. And NEVER EVER second guess yourself.”

I’ve been in the entertainment business since I was 14. Playing on stage in bands and working behind the scenes is all I know how to do. I’ve taken something away from every experience I’ve had since then. But there are some things you just can’t learn, they just have to be a part of you.

With each wedding, there is a new audience. I’ll probably never see those 100 people again. But, after 20 years, I still get butterflies in my stomach the same way I did just before I stepped on stage. But when the introductions start, and I see the bridal party enter the room smiling, dancing, and singing along to the music, it gets exciting. And when the mood changes from dinner service to the party and the guests totally rock out to their favorite songs, it’s an adrenaline rush like no other.

I want you to not only listen to the music, I want you to feel your music and let it move you. And if that means losing your inhibitions and singing your favorite song as loud as you can, GO FOR IT! Belt it out like you’re in the car on the way home from work and dance like the rockstar you are when nobody’s home and the music is rattling the windows. That’s what it’s all about.

How NOT to write a wedding toast.

October 29, 2015/in Wedding/by Aaron

How NOT to write a wedding toast.

Hundreds of weddings after my first one in 1999, one thing that still makes me gasp for air is the moment before the best man or maid of honor gives their wedding toast to the newly married couple.

There have been a lot of great toasts with inspiring messages, heartfelt memories, and some light comic relief. We’ve seen people rap, sing, and put poetry into toasts. We’ve seen scenarios acted out broadway style. And everything in between. But, there are those occasions where the line is crossed and things get uncomfortable.

As the couple’s best friend, there is no shortage of material. Decades of memories. The good, the bad, and the ugly. You’ve been through it all with your best friend. Through celebrations, family arguments, breakups, and shenanigans. So what should you talk about when honoring your best friend at their wedding? The answer is, anything you want. Just avoid these few hot button topics when writing your speech.

EXTREME INTOXICATION:

In your younger years and college days, it’s not uncommon to throw a few back and live in excess once in a while. But if you and your friend woke up on the front lawn of your frat house wearing but a toga and lipstick… this is probably not the best time to reminisce about it. Instead, think about something their grandma would be proud of.

EXES ARE A THING OF THE PAST. KEEP THEM THERE:

Your best friend may have cut ties with an ex on good terms or on really bad ones. And even if they are still friends with them or are at the very least “friendly” with them, let’s not talk about how they had a hard time getting over their boyfriend before they met Mr. Perfect who was supposed to be a rebound relationship until he proved he was worthy of her love for the rest of her life.

IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU, IT’S ABOUT THEM.

It’s no secret. People love to talk about themselves, how they feel, or their climb towards success. But for the celebration of your best friend and their new spouse, keep the topic about them. It’s ok to bring up some fun and heartfelt memories but, the story should highlight them in a positive way.

INSINUATION THAT MARRIED LIFE IS BORING AND SINGLE LIFE IS MUCH MORE FUN

The term bros before hoes complete with fist bump should never be uttered in a wedding toast. Regardless of your inseparable bromance with your best friend, today is about the newlyweds. Your best friend’s new spouse did something to make them happier than they ever have before. And that is why they are married. Contrary to belief, married life doesn’t have to be boring. In marriage, when you love someone, the simplest things in life give a couple joy. Embrace that theory and go with it.

4 LETTER WORDS THAT MAKE GRANDMA TURN RED

We can get colorful when it comes to our vocabulary to describe things that we are passionate about or to create dramatic effect. But, there is a time and place for it. Weddings typically have a very diverse audience from kids to grandparents and everyone in between. Keep it PG

Follow these 5 helpful tips and you’ll be on your way to writing a killer wedding toast for your best friend they will enjoy, and you will enjoy telling.

Long Distance Wedding Planning

October 28, 2015/in Wedding/by Aaron

Long Distance Wedding Planning for the BUSY couple.

2015 was the year of the long distance wedding. On average, 1 out of every 15 couples we met with were from out of state and some were from as far away as California and Arizona. So that begs the question, how does a couple plan a wedding from across the country?

Google and other search engines have become a huge help when it comes to long distance wedding planning. For instance, a California couple just has to do a search for Connecticut Wedding DJs and Pryme Tyme Entertainment will be in the search results. But beyond looking at search engine listings for Wedding DJs in CT, what about meeting with your wedding vendors. Can you afford to hop a plane to come to Connecticut for an hour consultation? Some couples plan ahead and set up a tight schedule and plan a weekend trip to visit wedding djs, venues, photographers, etc. And some don’t have the luxury of time of income for a cross country trip. So what is a couple to do?

As many of our couples will tell you, the pinnacle factor when choosing their entertainment was that we were a good fit for them. That’s why it’s so important for engaged couples to meet with their potential wedding vendors before hiring them for their wedding day. Their personalities have to click and there has to be a connection that is comfortable to both the couple and the wedding dj. But if a face to face meeting can’t happen, many resort to sending emails, texts, and facebook messages back and forth. Sure, typing out a list of demands is a good way to send information back and forth but, there is no personal connection. You never know if that wedding vendor got the message or is fully invested in you as their client.

But there is hope. Whenever I get a call from an out of state or long distance wedding couple, I offer them a face to face meeting using SKYPE. SKYPE is a great tool for meetings because nearly every communication device, whether it be a laptop, smart phone, or tablet comes with a webcam and microphone and the couple can easily do a face to face chat with their wedding dj right from the comfort of their own home, thousands of miles away.

In addition to meeting their wedding dj, they can also send live screenshots showing their dj what they are looking for by showing them examples of pictures, videos and the same in return.

So if you’re partaking in long distance wedding planning for your special day, worry not. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Happy planning!

Connecticut Community Foundation at Aria

October 23, 2015/in Events/by Aaron

Connecticut Community Foundation at Aria

This past Wednesday, we were invited to help the Connecticut Community Foundation celebrate and empower women in our community. It was a wonderful event with a powerful message.

The Connecticut Community Foundation is a charitable organization that raises funds to assist the citizens of the greater Waterbury and Litchfield County area. Everything from meals on wheels and funding for handicap access for the disabled and elderly to the womens fund and beyond. But on this occasion, we were rasing awareness and funding for the women’s fund which helps disadvantaged women and youth grow and prosper by putting them in touch with programs such as the YWCA and work programs that eventually lead to careers.

Following some mingling and a delightful dinner service at Aria, the stories of many young women were told and thanks were given to the many women who were influential role models to their individual successes.

Our services for the event included live audio for guest speakers as well as music during dinner service as well as audiovisual services for the short film shown at the event as part of our events production and live audio offerings.

For the past 5 years, it has been a great honor and pleasure to help the Connecticut Community Foundation with their continued mission to help others and be a good neighbor in the community. Congratulations to all of the women who have grown to become such an inspiration to many.