2013 Brides Choice Award | Pryme Tyme Entertainment

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2013 Brides Choice Award | Pryme Tyme Entertainment

For two consecutive years, Pryme Tyme Entertainment has won the WeddingWire Brides Choice Award!

Pryme Tyme Entertainment has been rated 5 stars by WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides Magazine, Weddingbee, Best Hartford Weddings, The Wedding Aces, Bridal Buds, & GayWeddings.com.

For the last 2 years, Pryme Tyme Entertainment has won the coveted ‘Brides Choice Award’. This award is given to the top 5% of wedding professionals nationwide. To be a part of such an exclusive group of our peers, it is truly an honor and a humbling experience. We truly love what we do and will continue on our mission to provide the best wedding entertainment services to our clients.

To our past clients who have been so kind to share their experiences on weddingwire, we thank you from the bottom of our heart. Without you, there would be no Pryme Tyme Entertainment. To our team partners, vendors, and colleagues, thank you for all that you do.

To read some of our reviews, please visit http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/pryme-tyme-entertainment-winner-of-the-2012-2013-brides-choice-award-prospect/e3910f841d8badbd.html

bridal shows in ct, bridal show ettiquite

How to get the most out of visiting a bridal show

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How to get the most out of visiting a bridal show


Alrighty ladies, the time has come to start looking for vendors. With CT’s bridal show season officially underway in January, there’s a few things to know before you head out in search of the perfect wedding team.

While walking down the aisles, you’ll see wedding professionals of all types. Be sure to stop at as many as possible. Every wedding vendor has something unique to offer that could potentially make your special day amazing.

If you see a vendor you are interested in, be sure to give them your contact information so that they can set up an appointment with you. The vendors get a list of brides and grooms attending but, it helps us as vendors to know who is interested in us so we don’t bother you if you already have the services you need or are interested in another vendor.

Use things like dot stickers on promotional materials that you get so that you remember which vendors you are interested in. You’ll be more than likely carrying around a bag FULL of cards, brochures, and other promotional material. This will help you sort through the pile quickly and find your wedding team.

While speaking with the vendors at the show, ask for referrals to other vendors who they recommend. This could help you save time and give you some great references when choosing your wedding team.

As you’re waiting to speak to a vendor (chances are there will be a line), be sure to pop onto their website on your smartphone or tablet. This way, you can learn a little bit more about the company and have time to ask questions more specific to your special day.

After you’ve met with all of the vendors, go to a wedding site like WeddingWire or TheKnot and read their reviews. This will give you an even more in-depth look at what your wedding vendor can do for you.

Carry a bottle of water with you. You will be doing a lot of talking & walking. Stay hydrated.

Have a light meal before you come. Don’t miss out on meeting the right vendors on the account of going hungry. Visiting a bridal show can be exhausting. Carry a snack with you like protein bars to keep your energy up.

Follow up with your favorite vendors immediately! The good ones get booked quickly. Keep in mind, the majority of weddings in CT happen in May, June, September, October, and November.

Visit multiple shows. You might meet the right vendor for you after the 2nd or 3rd show. Smaller to medium sized shows typically offer the best experience because you have more time to chat with the vendors.

The DO NOT PLAY list

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While on the Weddingwire forums this afternoon, I came across a post labeled ‘DO NOT PLAY LIST’
I was especially eager to see what brides thought about this and how varied the answers would be.

As expected, there are some standards and floor fillers that happen at almost every wedding you’ve ever been to. Things like Love Shack, Cha Cha Slide, and a few others.

What does the fox say, was another one that made the list. It’s pretty cheesy. Not sure where it would fit into a wedding but, hey… who am i to judge?

HIP HOP & Top 40 – It’s no secret, the music of today continually pushes the envelope when it comes to raunchiness. At a wedding, you typically have everyone from grandparents to kids there so, it’s important to have music that is at the very least PG13.

Don’t Stop Believing – This is the #1 song most requested at weddings. It has been for the past 5 years running. Such anthems are great for sing alongs and air guitar enthusiasts.

Miley Cyrus – Enough said.

Carrie Underwood – Before He Cheats – For a wedding? Really?

And these are just a few. What songs would you omit from your wedding celebration?

Heavy Metal Wedding

A VERY HEAVY METAL WEDDING

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A VERY HEAVY METAL WEDDING

If you’ve ever been to a wedding, you’re probably used to hearing some of your favorite pop tunes, classic throw backs, and some oldies for good measure. But a HEAVY METAL WEDDING? Well that just ROCKS! Music is one of those things that is not only a universal language but also a very personal experience. It’s up to the songwriters and musicians to create memorable sound tracks and push the envelope in terms of how someone might react to it. Music is an immersive experience and with metal, the music can take you just about anywhere. From cutting teeth on a shredding guitar and  flamboyant drum line to the most subtle vocal characteristics of a heavy metal ballad.

So get ready to rock and grab the aqua net, eyeliner, some acid wash jeans and your best black concert t-shirt and watch this VERY HEAVY METAL WEDDING INTRO.

Bride and groom celebrate wedding with guitars by storyfulviral

Video from Daily Motion

Will your song requests make the final cut?

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Dancefloor science – Will your song requests make the final cut?

Everyone has their favorite tune or band that they listen to. But how well do they translate to the dancefloor? Think about your ipod playlist or the radio station you listen to. What do you listen to while you’re at work, in the car driving home, or in the bar on a Thursday night?

Every song has a purpose. If you’re hanging out at your dad’s bar, he might be listening to the Bob Dylan or George Thoroughgood. If you’re in the car, maybe some uptempo rock or top 40 is in order. If you’re at work, more than likely your employer tunes into the ‘safe at work’ station that has the word ‘lite’ attatched to it.

But what about the dancefloor at a wedding, school, or corporate event. Chances are, you know what to expect from each. At a wedding, there are some standards that almost always get played. Things like Love Shack, Build me up Buttercup, and the YMCA are all time tested and proven floor fillers. Why? They just work. But what if you’re not into the standards and you want to hear some Manheim Steamroller? Chances are, it’s probably not going to happen. For no other reason other than, a DJ’s purpose is to play for the masses and their job is to pack the floor and keep it full.

Now, what if you’re the bride or groom? Does being the client give you any clout? Absolutely it does. You trust your DJ to make the right decision. After all, this is what you hired them for. Your favorite song may not lend itself to dancing. So where does it fit in? During cocktail hour or dinner service. Dinner is a great opportunity to ‘LISTEN’ to some great music. By playing some of your requests that aren’t danceable during dinner, this allows your guests to share in the joy of a personalized music selection by you. There’s no law that says, ‘KENNY G must be played during dinner.” It can be just about anything you want, within reason of course. Sepultura is probably a little difficult for some folks to digest. But, you get the idea.

So don’t worry about spending days on end thumbing through all of your MP3’s and creating a 5 hour long mix for your DJ to play. Trust your DJ and help them help you take the pressure off your shoulders. Give them a few suggestions that will tell them enough about your taste in music and like a tenured sommelier, they’ll be able to pair the perfect music for every occasion throughout the evening.

It’s our job to entertain. It’s your job to enjoy your special day. It’s all about you.

hire wedding dj, book wedding dj, find wedding dj

How to hire a wedding vendor team that works well for you and each other.

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How to hire a wedding vendor team that works well for you and each other.

Let the planning process begin!

By now you’ve just recently got engaged and all of those things you’ve dreamed about for years are about to come true and planning for the big day begins now.

There’s so many pieces to the wedding puzzle, it can be quite overwhelming to think about all at once. Start slow. Get the big things out of the way and use a checklist to help keep organized. So, where do we begin?

THE VENUE: Make sure you visit lots of venues. Every venue has something unique to offer in the way of dining, atmosphere, and service. Pick which one best fits your personality and taste. While you’re at your final meeting with the venue you have chosen, ask for some references for DJs, photographers, videographers, florists, and anything else you need to make your dream wedding a reality.

Venues see many different vendors pass through their doors and know who works best with them to make your experience as a bride the best possible.

THE DJ: Once you’ve gotten your venue squared away, and you’ve met with your DJ, ask them for references as well. The DJ serves as your master of ceremonies and works seamlessly with the rest of your staff to make sure that the events of the day are in place and on time. Your DJ will be able to tell you who they have worked with and who they work well with.

As your list of ‘to-dos’ turns into ‘dones’, keep asking for those references. When you have a wedding team that works as a team, you will have the confidence in knowing that all that you ask for will be taken care of and you and your new spouse can just enjoy the day.

Father Daughter Dance

A very special father daughter dance.

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Break out the tissues and watch this very special father daughter dance.

One of the most difficult parts of planning music for your wedding is finding songs for the father daughter dance. Think about it. Can you think of any song that really personifies the relationship you have with one of your parents? But as you will see in the video, finding the right song was the furthest thing from this bride’s mind.

Almost every wedding video shows a bride dancing with her father but for this particular bride, her experience was different than most. Her father had passed away before her wedding day. Thanks to her big brother, she was treated to a big surprise.  It’s moments like these that make what we do so rewarding. Seeing people fall in love time and time again never gets old. We are part of some of life’s most memorable moments. And that is fantastic.

Bride’s Special Dance

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Photo Booths – Know the difference…

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Photo Booths – Know the difference…

Photo booths have become increasingly popular for weddings and events in the past couple years. What was once a ‘special’ item has now gone mainstream. Lots of vendors from DJs to Photographers have gotten on board with photo booths. The key is choosing the right photo booth for your event that suits your needs.

That being said, there are many different styles to choose from and many different options.

Our photo booths take on more of a traditional approach. Walk into our booth and have a seat on the comfortable bench. Within 60 seconds of hitting a single button, 4 high quality photos will be taken and printed for you to share with friends. It is the highest quality and the fastest in CT giving you more pictures per hour and the instant gratification of getting your photos right on the spot.

Other photo booths may include the ability to share your photo session on social media or get sent right to your smart phone. Although a neat idea, this process slows down the experience for the user and often causes traffic jams giving you less pictures per hour.

Another alternative that we’ve seen is the photo studio in a tent. Basically, it’s a pop up tent with some curtains with a photographer inside. You’ll be posed for portraits and group shots and be able to purchase prints online. You may get some great poses but, it takes away from the private experience of a photo booth plus adds the additional cost to you and guests of having to purchase prints.

Last but not least, there’s the digital photo station. This is a popular option where space is limited. The photo booth components (camera, screen, & button) are present without the privacy curtain. This is also a great addition if you have a lot of group shots that you want to take.

There is something out there for every taste and preference. Now that you know what is available, you can make an informed decision when selecting a photo booth that’s right for your next event.

Wedding Introductions

Wedding Introductions

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Wedding Introductions

One of the most important jobs we have at weddings is introducing loved ones of the bride and groom. This may seem trivial to some but, it is one of the highlights at many wedding receptions. It also sets the tone for how the rest of the reception will be carried out.

But what if you’re someone who doesn’t like to be the center of attention?  Or maybe it’s the exact opposite and you like the idea of all eyes on you. It’s ok. Your wedding is all about you. There are many different styles of wedding introductions. You can find most of them on Youtube from DJs across the country. Every DJ’s style is a little bit different and brings something special to the table depending on the tastes and preference of the bride and groom.

Here are a couple of examples…

The Conservative: A conservative intro would have a classic feel. Not over the top energy but more or less, a simple announcement of the bridal party with very little embellishment.

The Average Joe: A little more upbeat than the conservative but not a showstopper. Your guests will undoubtedly know you’re there but, it’s a more laid back approach to introductions.

The Grand Entrance: This is reserved for doctors, lawyers, and elected officials who’s title is very important to them. You’ll hear more of a presidential announcer quality to the voice and lots of Dr, Senator, and Esquire mixed in.

Let’s get ready to rumble!: Use your imagination. This is probably the favorite among radio DJs gone mobile. They love to be the center of attention and really put on a show for your guests.

The Comedian/Chris Berman Special: This is reserved for bridal parties and guests who have both a good sense of humor and like to take part in Cosplay to emulate their extroverted personality or favorite fantasy character. You might hear the best man introduced as Dan ‘THE MAN’ Johnson and the maid of honor, Princess Layla Jones.

THE ROCKSTAR: When you are looking for the most energetic introduction to make you feel like a rockstar, this is the one you want. You might hear something like, “You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest couple in CT. BOB & JANET!!!!!!!!!!!!”

No matter what your preferences are, there is a DJ and an intro for every personality. A seasoned pro will be able to switch from one to the other seamlessly depending on your taste.

Last week, we had the pleasure of entertaining Lauren & Chris and 200 of their closest friends and family at the Lake of Isles @ Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Here is an example of one of the many introduction styles we offer.

Wedding Disc Jockeys in CT – Lauren & Chris @ Lake of Isles – Pryme Tyme Entertainment

Quality Wedding Entertainers, award winning wedding dj

Wedding Disc Jockeys – It’s time to raise the bar.

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This is a post I have been holding off on for quite some time. But, for those of you who have met me in person, you know that I never pull any punches and I will be honest with you. So here goes…

Every day, I keep up with the latest DJ industry news, the bridal forums on weddingwire, DJ forums on facebook, and many other entertainment and wedding specific groups and publications. Sadly, alot of what I read is the same old regurgitated topics.  How do I make more money as a DJ? Why do DJs charge so much? I lost a wedding to an ipod. And last but not least, my sister’s wedding dj ruined her wedding, I’m thinking of using an ipod.

All things considered, I believe I have found the one detail that these topics have in common. SERVICE.
Why service you ask? It’s simple really. Whether you’re a DJ or a bride, service is king. When we purchase equipment or subscribe to a website like WeddingWire, we want the best service possible so that we know if need be, we’ll be taken care of. The same goes for brides and clients of all types. When you hire your DJ or wedding team, you want to make sure that everything will be on point, stress free, and enjoyable. So why are we seeing the same old ‘CHEAP’ topics coming up?

The economy has been in a downward spiral for 5 years now and companies are tightening their belts. People are getting laid off in record numbers and for some, becoming a DJ overnight to make fast cash seems like a great idea. It’s not.
These weekend warriors and overnight companies lack the experience and the business sense that goes into running a successful entertainment company and things like ‘Taking care of the customer’ and ‘Holding yourself accountable’ seem to pass by and ultimately, the client pays the price.

The same can be said for the client. If you’ve fallen on hard times or are trying to be fiscally responsible, you may be cutting costs where and when you can. That being said, you also know as a seasoned consumer, that when you invest in something, you want to make sure that you get a return on investment. That’s where the professional comes in.

So here’s my message to my colleagues and competitors:
You know that the economy is bad. Instead of banging your head against a wall and waiting for the next dollar to come through, raise the bar. You need to be on your A game and above. If you take care of the client in the down economy, when we’re on the rebound, those clients will be customers for life and will grow with your business.

To my brides & clients:
Knowing what you know now, DON’T SETTLE for the lowest bidder. They are a dime a dozen. Not all wedding Disc Jockeys are created equal. Take the time now to meet with your wedding vendors and choose the one that best suits your needs. You’ll be glad you did.