quassy, lake quassapaug, quassy amusement park, quassy wedding

Quassy Wedding | Doug & Rebecca

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Quassy Wedding – Doug & Rebecca

Photo Courtesy of mebCINEMA

When I first met Doug & Rebecca on their way to finding a wedding dj, I knew they weren’t your typical couple. They were very much outside the box thinkers and loved all things alternative. Their wedding celebration was no exception. On September 21st 2013, Doug & Rebecca had their wedding reception at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury CT.

It was a fun filled day complete with horseshoes, bocce, volleyball, and frisbee. Not to mention ferris wheels, pirate ships, and roller coasters. Instead of filet, guests were treated to a tasty barbecue. Music filled the air as guests ate, drank, and played.

At the end of the reception, a campfire was started and the kids enjoyed yummy smores after a fun filled day at quassy.

Rebecca & Doug’s celebration was one I won’t soon forget.
To see a video from Rebecca & Doug’s reception, click the link below.

 

wedding stress, wedding nightmares, wedding invitations, mother in law, my wedding

Wedding Stress: Who’s wedding is this anyway?

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Wedding Stress: Who’s wedding is this anyway?

As I sit here and read the WeddingWire forums this morning with my coffee, I notice a few posts about overbearing parents on the B&G’s wedding planning. As a wedding vendor, I’ve seen this very often.

As a parent myself, I can sympathise with the parents’ desire to want to help their children make the best decision for their special day. It’s a big investment of time, money, and commitment. Parents who have been married have the experience that their kids don’t and want to make sure that they don’t miss out on opportunity. That’s very admirable. But just as parents remember from their child’s teenage years, the kiddos grow up quickly and start becoming their own person and making decisions for themselves. Sometimes, hard lessons are learned from and sometimes not. Either way, they live and they learn.

Now it’s time to plan their wedding and you want to help. You as the parent have ideas and experiences of what YOU feel a wedding should be. You also know that the world around you is changing. Traditions change. Society changes. And you’re still, YOU.

Offering advice to a bride and groom for their wedding is a touchy subject with most. This is their day and they want to make it all about them. Their wedding is all about 2 hearts coming together as one and the reception is all about their friends and family sharing in that beautiful wedded bliss. So, how do you help your children plan their wedding? How do you keep them from making mistakes and forgetting something? It’s easier than you think.

You remember when you were a newly engaged couple. Your wedding was a year away and you were overwhelmed with planning this affair. Where should it be? What decorations should you use? What kind of cake should you get? Should you wear your mother’s dress that she wore in the 1930s or should you get something that is more fitting to your style? Should you use the family friend who DJs on the side or the 12 piece Brian Setzer tribute band? I’ve got news for you, they are going through the same thing. You also remember the tremendous pressure that your parents put on you by wanting to invite everyone they knew and brushing your guests aside so their boss’s nephew could attend. Don’t make the same mistake.

Your kids have grown up. They know what they like and what they don’t. If you want to help them, ASK them what they want for their special day and help them get it. Your wealth of knowledge can help them this way without being obtrusive. Help by making phone calls and offering to drive them to appointments. Help them by mailing out invitations or getting lists of vendors to choose from. But always remember, ultimately, they have to be happy with the decisions they’ve made.

It’s their wedding. It’s all about them…

school dance dj in ct, prom dj in ct, homecoming djs in ct

Prom advisor tips – Hiring the right prom dj

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Prom advisor tips – Hiring the right prom dj

Being a prom advisor can be a daunting task. You’ve got a budget to figure out, students to make happy, and the administration’s microscope on every decision you make. So how do you pick the right entertainment for your school?

The $300 dilema.
Three Hundred Dollars seems to be the number that is carelessly tossed about in conversation when it comes to disc jockeys. Why is that? It all depends on who you ask. $300 won’t get you very far. The old adage “Good things aren’t cheap and cheap things aren’t good.” is very appropriate when it comes to hiring entertainment. So what should you look for?

Your prom DJ should be professional through and through. They should have commercial liability insurance to protect your school and themselves should an emergency arise. They should have experience with students and a clean track record. They should use a music subscription service like ‘PrimeCuts’ that updates their music library weekly with CLEAN and Radio Friendly music. They should have ample equipment to facilitate 500 students or more and not use things like iPods or consumer grade equipment. They should offer lighting that is event appropriate. And last but not least, the should have references.

All of these items mentioned are crucial to the success of your prom. And by the same token, those things come with a price tag. In the end, it’s all about value and how much your peace of mind is worth. When it comes to proms, remember one thing. It’s one night. You get one shot. There are no do overs. It’s got to be PERFECT.

dj playlist, wedding playlist, wedding music, wedding dj, club dj, connecticut dj, wedding djs in ct

THE GREAT DEBATE: Band or Wedding DJ and how much?

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From the WeddingWire Forums Kim Writes:

Band or Wedding DJ and how much?

“So I’m struggling with either having a band or dj. Do bands cost more? Do people think wedding bands are cheesy?
We were originally going to use FH’s co-worker, who does DJ’s on the side, but that fell through. When I started to look in to them, I was pretty bummed to see how much they actually cost and that may just put our entire a wedding a tad over budget now. This is one of the last things I need to book and is causing the most trouble!”Kim,The expression “The early bird gets the worm” is very useful here. When planning your wedding reception, the most important factor of finding vendors is that they are a good fit. Now in terms of the decision to go with live music or a dj… There are several things to consider.If you enjoy live music and you want more of a ‘SHOW’ where your guests can sit and watch a band play, this may be the right choice for you. You know your guests and what they like. Not to say that all bands are incapable of filling a dancefloor but, most people want to hear the original artists in a dancing environment. Also, you’re limited to the set list of songs that the band knows.  You also have to take into account that the band is full of people. And people need breaks. So expect to have 5 or 6 songs followed by a break and then back again.

When you use a DJ, they will have tens of thousands of selections for music covering just about everyone’s tastes and can easily switch things up to get people on the floor. Also, DJs don’t take breaks. If you’re having a 5 hour reception, expect that music will be playing throughout the length of the reception from start to finish.

A seasoned wedding DJ will have plenty of experience as well doing intros where as your bands have more experience with playing in bars and festivals. A DJ can also help to guide you and your guests through the events of the day giving you peace of mind keeping everything running smoothly for the catering, photography, videography, and reception staff.

Prices for DJs and bands and the requirements for each are miles apart. A DJ can comfortably be put into just about any 12×6 space and use a minimum of 2 dedicated circuits where as a band will need much more space and power not to mention food and drink. From a cost factor, DJs are typically more economical. A polished wedding band could cost anywhere between $6-$20K depending on their experience and ability. Wedding DJ prices vary and average between $1000-$3000. Sometimes with lighting included. You could always go with the family friend but, as you found out, sometimes things are best left to a professional.

Which ever way you choose, it’s up to you. It’s your special day. Make it whatever you want it to be.

 

wedding centerpieces, uplighting, pinspotting, lighting design

Give your wedding centerpieces some POP!

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Give your wedding centerpieces some POP!

In the WeddingWire Bridal forums, Kelly writes:

“I’ve been pretty set on my colors for a while now. Purple (like a royal purple, deep but bright) and blue. Lately, though, I really like the color blush and think it would help soften things up a bit. Our wedding is rustic themed and both the ceremony and reception spaces have lots of dark wood in them so I don’t want everything to be too dark.”

Great question Kelly!
Centerpieces and floral arrangements are a big part of the decor for your reception. But, what if your favorite color is at the darker end of the spectrum? There’s a solution!

One of the great ways to get extra POP out of deeper hues is to light them up. We use a method called ‘Pinspotting’ for this very situation. By incorporating a small focused beam on your dark centerpieces, they will stand out against the darker hues of the natural woods and stone of the wedding venue. Here’s an example of what pinspotting does.

Wedding advice for men

WEDDING Advice for men

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WEDDING Advice for men

Alrighty fellas. This one is just for you. Now this may be a touchy subject for some but, like anything else, when you hit it straight on, you get the best results.

Fellas, I’m going to tell you a little secret. Your fiance wants you to be a part of the wedding planning. No really, she does. There are so many working pieces to put together for this one special moment that she’s been dreaming about since she was a little girl. And lucky for you, you are a part of that dream. Congratulations!

Now you’re probably asking yourself, “Ok, what should I do?” or “What can I do to help?” Simple. LISTEN to her. Ask her, “What do you want for our wedding.” She will probably be taken back that you asked her in the first place and reply with, “Really? You really wanna know?” This isn’t a setup. You just opened the door of opportunity to make her day.

Once she tells you all about her dream wedding, ask her then, “So what can I help with?” She’ll probably think about it for a little bit and then come up with a list of to dos. Now don’t get discouraged. We’ve all had that uncomfortable shopping trip to the pharmacy for some feminine products where we didn’t know what choice to make. This is no different. So pay attention.

Write down what she wants.
Write down what she wants you to do.
If you do these two things, that will probably open the door for you to tell her what you want out of the wedding day. Maybe it’s a photo booth. Or a cigar bar. Either way, work together to come up with ideas for your special day.

Once you’ve gotten your list, STICK TO IT! Ask questions if you’re not sure. The key here is, ‘Under promise and over deliver’ If you can master that skill, you’ll not only have a very happy fiance, but a very happy wife for years to come. Remember one thing. Happy Wife = Happy Life. GOOD LUCK!

LGBT Wedding Help

LGBT Wedding Help

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LGBT Wedding Help

From the WeddingWire forums Crystal writes:

“i need alot of help and ideas planning a lesbian wedding is there anysites to go to to get more help and ideas… any ideas or help from anyone is very much helpful and appreciated. thanks in advance”

Hi Crystal!

Congratulations on your engagement! You must be excited.
I’ve done several LGBT weddings this year and I can say with a great deal of certainty, there’s no difference between a heterosexual wedding and a lesbian wedding. That is, unless you want it to be. Now in speaking with some of my lesbian couples, they had said that they had a difficult time finding LGBT specific vendors and decor. But let me ask you this, do you want it to be different? The only significant difference that I saw was the cake topper. Other than that, everything else was the same. Food was delicious, tables and centerpieces were tasteful and exquisite, lightscaping was colorful and vibrant, and the guests danced all night long.

As it is with any wedding we do… Every wedding. Every time. It’s all about you.

To get ideas, share stories with other LGBT couples, visit the CT LGBT Wedding Forum on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/CTLGBTWEDDINGFORUM

seating chart, wedding seating chart, wedding seating arrangements, wedding arrangements, wedding decor

Wedding Seating Arrangements

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Wedding Seating Arrangements

As if planning a wedding wasn’t tricky enough, one of the hardest parts of the planning is the wedding seating arrangements. You want those closest to you to be near your head table and then fill in with friends, co-workers, & acquaintances. Makes sense right?

Think about this for a moment. You love your grandparents and your parents. And they love you. They are ecstatic to be a part of your celebration. Do them a solid and put them as far away from the dance floor as possible.  Why?

The dance floor is a lively place to be. Full of music, and in some cases bright lights. If you remember from your childhood your parents or grandparents yelling up to you, “TURN THAT DOWN”, then being next to the DJ or his speakers is probably not the best place for grandparents. If you put them towards the rear of the room, they’ll be able to mingle with guests and chat with each other a lot easier if they are further away from the music.

“Can’t I just tell the DJ to turn it down?”

Sure you can. And they should oblige that request. But by the same token, a speaker is just that, a speaker. And it has to be loud enough to reach the far ends of the room. Not uncomfortable but, audible.

So when you’re starting to plan your seating arrangement, remember this little tip and keep guests young and old happy.

no dj at wedding, bad wedding dj, ipod dj, ipod wedding

Wedding Reception with no DJ?

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Wedding Reception with no DJ?

Fatimah writes:

Reception with no DJ ?

“Me and the hubby to be are trying to cut costs as much as possible.we want background music but no DJ. I think it’s a waste b/c I really don’t think people will dance much. Anybody having or been to a reception without a DJ!”
A wedding reception without entertainment is just dinner. You can get that at Red Lobster.The picture above tells a lot about this topic. But one question comes to mind. Why do you think that your guests will not dance at your wedding? Are they ultra conservative and don’t like being the center of attention? Are they so immersed in playing Candy Crush on Facebook to enjoy the festivities?What is a dancing crowd exactly? When people refer to a ‘dancing crowd’ they are best described as self starters. When large groups congregate, the social butterflies of the crowd are usually the first ones to the floor. Once they are up there, others join in and the party begins. But how do you get to that point if no one is dancing?SLOW DANCES:

Anyone who has ever been to prom knows how to slow dance. For some, it’s all they know how to do. To stand with your partner and rock gently like a leaf on a tree giving a squeeze to that special someone. That’s a great way to get as many people on the floor to start the night. Once they’re out there, kick it into 5th gear and they’ll be begging for more.ICE BREAKERS:

Songs like YMCA, The Macarena, The Cha Cha Slide, and more are great ice breaker dances. they are easy enough for people to follow along and in some cases, very goofy. When you get that one person who has no fear to start it off, again, others will follow because they aren’t the center of attention. It’s a great way to get even the most conservative of guests moving. BRIDAL PARTY DANCE:

This is a great way to include your guests in the festivities and get the ball rolling. Lead by example. Invite your wedding party up to dance a slow dance with you. And then halfway through, invite the rest of your guests to join you. This will ensure the maximum amount of guests on the floor. From that point, your DJ can bounce around a few genres to see what works and keep the energy up.But what if I’m on a budget?
There is a DJ for everyone out there. In CT, DJs range from $300 to $3000 for weddings. More importantly than getting the cheapest one is finding one that is a good fit for your personality. If your DJ gets your non-dancing crowd up and running, you and he will look like a hero and you will have a wedding people will talk about and remember for ever. The choice is yours.
wedding traditions, bouquet toss, cake cutting, garter toss, something old, something new, something used, something blue, anniversary dance

What wedding traditions are you having at your wedding?

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Wedding Traditions – What traditions are you having at your wedding?

From the WeddingWire Forums Almost Mrs. G Writes:

“Does anyone else’s FH want to do EVERYTHING that they’ve ever seen at a wedding? It’s driving me nuts. I *really* don’t want to do the garter toss. Or the bouquet toss. We really don’t have many guests who are single and every wedding I’ve been to it’s awkward. On top of it all…I *really* don’t want him to have his head up my dress in front of my entire family. We’re still at a stand still with that because he does and I don’t. He does because it’s “traditional”. I want to change a few things about our wedding and he just has no idea that there are no “set” rules for a wedding…we can do what we want. It’s driving me mad. How do you all deal with it?”

Well Mrs G, You’ve found yourself wound up in one of the most common wedding conundrums. Weddings have various traditions. Indian weddings have the Jaimala or ‘Exchange of the Garlands’ Moroccan weddings do hena. And in North America, it’s the bouquet toss.

Traditions are much like fads. They come and they go. They go more so now in recent years. One of the reasons is that the wedding receptions have been shaved down quite a bit from 8 hours down to 5. To do every single formality would take much more time than allotted. So what do you do? How do you choose?

Knowing your guests is half the battle. If the majority of your guests aren’t single, then maybe the bouquet and garter toss isn’t a good idea. But if you want something in it’s place to break up the time, consider things like an anniversary dance or newlywed game. If done properly, these formalities will break up the day a little bit and allow for your caterers to reset in between courses and leave your guests entertained.