thumbtack, dj, wedding dj

Should I use Thumbtack to find my wedding DJ?

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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.

Surprise wedding expenses

9 wedding expenses you didn’t see coming.

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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

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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.

wedding toast, wedding speech, how to write a wedding speech, how not to write a wedding toast

How NOT to write a wedding toast.

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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, planning a wedding from out of state, destination wedding planning, planning your wedding out of state

Long Distance Wedding Planning

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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!

Gallaher Mansion Wedding – Corey & Kellan

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Gallaher Mansion Wedding – Corey & Kellan

On April 25th of this year, Corey & Kellan were wed at the Gallaher Mansion at Cranberry Park in Norwalk. This was our first event at Gallaher Mansion and what a great first experience it was. The over 225 Acre park that the Gallaher Mansion resides on is the perfect wedding venue in Fairfield County for an outdoor wedding. The meticulous grounds and lush green treeline is a wonderful backdrop for wedding photos. The great feature that Gallaher Mansion has is that guests can spread out for different parts of the reception. The wedding ceremony was held at the tip of the great lawn just outside the rear of Gallaher Mansion. Cocktail hour was held on the patio and dinner and dancing happened in a tent just outside.

But on April 25th, Gallaher Mansion in Norwalk was transformed into party central when 200 of Corey & Kellan’s guests joined them in a tent just outside of the mansion. Being a large irish family, love was in the air and families came together and danced all night long. At one point the roar of 200 guests filled the tent so much that our sound system could barely be heard during dinner. This type of environment was a good clue to us that we had a dancing crowd that night.

For 3 hours straight following dinner service, guests were treated to many wedding favorites, top 40, and rock that had guests singing at the top of their lungs. After Corey & Kellan’s wedding at Gallaher mansion this past April… It was the wedding that the rest of our 2015 weddings would be judged by.

To check out the Gallaher Mansion, please visit http://www.norwalkct.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/1

Pryme Tyme Entertainment

203-437-7047

www.PrymeTymeEntertainment.net

owenego inn wedding, owenego inn, djs in ct, connecticut wedding dj, j fiereck photography

Owenego Inn Wedding – Carrie & Jeffery Suraci

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Owenego Inn Wedding – Carrie & Jeffery Suraci

September had no shortage of amazing couples for us. And the Owenego Inn Wedding of Carrie & Jeffery Suraci was no exception. Tucked on the Branford, CT shoreline, the Owenego Inn is a beautiful place for summer weddings. The rockface just off Long Island Sound creates a stunning background for waterfront wedding photos.

On the inside, the Owenego Inn features classic traditional New England Beach decor with white post and beam construction. Perfect for your beach loving couples. 150 of Carrie And Jeffery’s guests piled into the oceanfront cottage for the couple’s celebration. There was so much love in the air, it was intoxicating. From their heartfelt first dance, to the tear jerking toasts by their maid of honor and best man, it was all about them. There’s nothing better than celebrating the start of your new journey in marriage with those that love you and that’s exactly what we did.

Following dinner service, we brought Carrie & Jeff to the center of the dancefloor and surrounded them with guests to kick off the night. From that moment on, the dancefloor never emptied. Many smiles & hugs were had and many songs sung. For us, It was one of the most memorable weddings of 2015. Congratulations to Carrie & Jeff!

Take a peek at Carrie & Jeff’s Owenego Inn Wedding by clicking the pictures below. Photos courtesy of J Fiereck Photography

Pryme Tyme Entertainment
7 Coer Rd
Prospect, CT 06712
203-437-7047

Find us on Google:
Connecticut Wedding DJ, Wedding DJ CT, Best Connecticut Wedding DJ, Connecticut Wedding DJ Reviews, Top Connecticut Wedding DJ Reviews, Affordable Connecticut Wedding DJ, Find a Wedding DJ in Connecticut, Connecticut Wedding DJ Prices, Hiring a Connecticut Wedding DJ, Pryme Tyme Entertainment

connecticut wedding dj, candlewood inn, candlewood weddings, djs in ct

Candlewood Inn Wedding – Eileen & Michael

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Candlewood Inn Wedding – Eileen & Michael

 

On June 13th of this year, we returned to the beautiful waterfront wedding venue, The Candlewood Inn for Eileen & Michael’s wedding. It was a perfect day for Eileen & Michael for their Candlewood Inn Wedding. The sun was shining, the water was calm, and a gentle breeze came across Candlewood Lake. Needless to say, the pictures were absolutely gorgeous.

Nearly 200 of Eileen & Michael’s closest friends joined them at the Candlewood Inn. Guests enjoyed a breathtaking sunset as toasts were given and dinner was served. The culinary artisanship of the chefs at the Candlewood Inn is second to none. Events manager Christian and his team were on point that night making sure that Eileen & Michael’s guests were well taken care of.

After dinner service, we packed the dancefloor and kept it in 5th gear til the end of the night. The last song of the night was the Beatle’s EPIC anthem, “Hey Jude” which had guests singing as they left that night. It will be a wedding that they won’t soon forget.  Check out some of these gorgeous photos from Eileen & Michael’s Candlewood Inn Wedding courtesy of Devin Peppler Photography. www.pepplerphoto.com

 

Pryme Tyme Entertainment
7 Coer Rd
Prospect, CT 06712
203-437-7047

Find us on Google:
Connecticut Wedding DJ, Wedding DJ CT, Best Connecticut Wedding DJ, Connecticut Wedding DJ Reviews, Top Connecticut Wedding DJ Reviews, Affordable Connecticut Wedding DJ, Find a Wedding DJ in Connecticut, Connecticut Wedding DJ Prices, Hiring a Connecticut Wedding DJ, Pryme Tyme Entertainment

bohemian rhapsody wedding

New Haven Couple’s EPIC Bohemian Rhapsody Wedding

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New Haven Couple’s EPIC Bohemian Rhapsody Wedding

Sarah & Adrian’s wedding at Lighthouse Point Park on the East Haven shoreline was nothing short of extraordinary. Watch as Sarah, Adrian and 160 of their guests serenade the bride and groom and each other with Queen’s Epic Anthem, Bohemian Rhapsody.

Thank you to Fritz Photography for capturing this beautiful moment. www.Fritzphotographyct.com

Pryme Tyme Entertainment
7 Coer Rd
Prospect, CT 06712
203-437-7047

Find us on Google:
Connecticut Wedding DJ, Wedding DJ CT, Best Connecticut Wedding DJ, Connecticut Wedding DJ Reviews, Top Connecticut Wedding DJ Reviews, Affordable Connecticut Wedding DJ, Find a Wedding DJ in Connecticut, Connecticut Wedding DJ Prices, Hiring a Connecticut Wedding DJ, Pryme Tyme Entertainment, New Haven Wedding DJ, Wedding DJ New Haven, Best New Haven Wedding DJ, Best Wedding DJ New Haven, New Haven Wedding DJ Prices, New Haven Wedding DJ Reviews, Find New Haven Wedding DJ, Wedding DJ in New Haven, Top New Haven Wedding DJ, Top Wedding DJ New Haven, Find New Haven Wedding DJ, Hire New Haven Wedding DJ, Affordable New Haven Wedding DJ, Affordable Wedding DJ New Haven, Prices for New Haven Wedding DJ, Reviews for New Haven Wedding DJ

wedding reception songs, wedding party, get the party started

Get the party started! 21 Reception Entrance Tunes

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Vows given, rings on, let’s party.
When you enter your reception, you’ll be introduced as newlyweds for the very first time. Imagine your family and friends cheering you on as you make your way to the center of the dancefloor with a roar of applause fit for a king and queen. The big reveal of the new couple should be complimented with music that is high energy that will set the pace for the rest of the reception. After all, it’s the celebration of you!

Depending on your style and the style of your bridal party, you might elect to have a special song played for every pair of your bridal party or maybe you just want one theme for the whole entrance. It’s up to you. Here are 21 entrance songs sure to start your reception off right.

1.  Crazy in Love – Beyonce, Jay-Z

2. Beautiful Day – U2

3. Let it Rock – Kevin Rudolph, Lil Wayne

4. I gotta Feeling – Black eyed Peas

5. Turn Down for What – Lil Jon, DJ Snake

6. Happy – Pharell Williams

7. Fancy – Iggy Azelea

8. Summer – Calvin Harris

9. Best day of my life – American Authors

10. Classic – MKTO

11. When I ruled the world – Coldplay

12. Love & Marriage – Frank Sinatra

13. Rock n Roll all Nite (Party Every Day) – KISS

14. Shipping up to Boston – Drop Kick Murphys

15. Feels Good – Tony! Toni! Tone!

16. It takes Two – Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock

17. Blow – Ke$ha

18. Fireball – Pitbull

19. Good feeling – FloRida

20. Calypso – DJ Snake, Big Ali

21. Rock this Party (Everybody Dance Now) – Bob Sinclair