10 things a smart bride never says

January 13, 2016/in Wedding/by Aaron

10 things a smart bride never says:

“It’s all what you make of it.”

You’ve heard your parents, grandparents, teachers, and friends say that phrase before. It sounds like a meme you’d read on facebook but, it’s short, sweet and to the point. When it comes to weddings, this statement couldn’t be anything closer to the truth.

While many people will tell you that weddings typically cost 5 times more than the average party, they’d be correct. There’s a reason for that though. When you lay your money down on the table for something, does it meet your expectations? Was it everything you wanted and more? What is the most important feature that you want for your wedding? And how do you get the most value from it? It’s all a matter of priority.

We hear many stories from once bridesmaids turned bride on what their experiences and the experiences of their friend (the bride) had at their wedding. Some are full of happy memories and some not. Here are the 10 things a smart bride never says.

1. Aww man, I wish I could have done this instead of that.

2. I had a buddy of mine take care of (insert assorted wedding service here) because he was cheap and available.

3. We really wanted a photo booth for our wedding because they were so much fun but we figured, people are just gonna take selfies in the bathroom anyway so, what the hell.

4. Thank god we opted for the chair coverings and chocolate fountain. It really made the wedding more amazing than I had hoped.

5. I didn’t allow my DJ to stray from my playlist and as a result, I loved the music. Nobody was dancing though, that DJ sucks.

6. It’s my wedding. The guests are there for me. They should be happy to get a free meal.

7. I spent $10,000 my dress that I will wear for exactly 14 hours in my lifetime and now I don’t have enough money to buy all the things that Pinterest told me that I need for my wedding.

8. I am going to wear these 5 inch heels if it kills me.

9. My DJ never showed up and he kept the $300 we paid him even after he promised he’d do my wedding.

10. My wedding SUCKED!

Check out this DJ’s package.

January 4, 2016/in Disc Jockeys, Wedding/by Aaron

Check out DJ Packages.

It’s the first line of nearly every email that we get. “HI I’m Samantha and I would like to know what your dj packages are. Thanks.”

Of course you do! You are trying to plan your budget for your wedding dj or event. It makes sense. The first question anyone asks when trying to get all of their ducks in a row is about price. And why shouldn’t you? It’s an important question. But think about this. If you’ve ever called a cable company or a satellite provider and set up service, you probably know their schtick by heart. And it probably sounds a lot like what you’d expect a DJ to say. So many DJs across the country are also programmed to respond with tantalizing packages to make the largest one seem appealing. But, what if you’re not looking for 100 uplights, two 90″ TVs with hip hop videos and a 2 man entertainment team? What if your wedding is supposed to be a laid back affair with family and friends? DO you really need all of that stuff? Or better yet, does the venue you chose for it’s beauty and charm really fit with the 2016 equivalent to Studio 54?

If not, that’s ok! But, if you did want to go for the gusto, you could always have those options. Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you look at our wedding dj prices page you’ll notice that there are just 4 things offered on that page. These are our most popular options that people ask for. You certainly aren’t limited to those four and there are many more enhancements to choose from depending on your preferences but, we don’t want to limit you to what you can or cannot have by forcing you into a decision that just doesn’t work. Much like the cable tiers that include the basic channels, about 40 more that you don’t care about, and if you act now, they’ll throw in a month of Starz and 20 home shopping channels if you sign a 3 year contract today, you know and I know that you’re probably going to watch about 10% of what they are offering. And if you did want just one channel that isn’t included in that tier, you’d have to upgrade to a lot more undesired channels to get the one you’re looking for and pay exponentially more. In that scenario, who comes out on top?

We have a simple philosophy that we work from. “Take care of the client and everything else takes care of itself.” That’s why we don’t offer vacuum sealed, pre-made, postage paid packages for the events that we do. When you sit down at your first meeting, we want to know what YOU want so that WE can help you reach your goals for getting the wedding dj, lighting, photo booth, and any other amenities that you’re looking for. And by forming that partnership with you, it allows us to create one of a kind experiences for you and your guests.

So grab a pencil and a pad, and dream away. It’s not the Pryme Tyme show, its all about you.

Typical wedding songs that you hate to love

December 24, 2015/in Wedding/by Aaron

Typical wedding songs that you hate to love.

If you’ve ever been to a wedding, chances are you’ve probably heard some of the same songs at nearly every wedding Songs like the YMCA, Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle and the list rolls on. And if you’re thinking about tossing them on your do not play list, give it another thought before you banish group dances from your wedding.

Even though you might grow tired of those songs, imagine how your wedding DJ must feel. He hears them not once or twice per year but potentially 50-100+ times per year with each wedding they perform. But whether or not they are the DJs favorite songs or not, there’s a reason why he plays them. They work.

People gravitate towards familiarity. When you have a room full of introverts that don’t want to be the first person on the dance floor, a group dance is a great opportunity to break the ice. And once you get them to the floor, the goal is to keep them there. Because there are a group of people on the floor, none of the guests have to feel like they are the center of attention (unless they want to be). There’s nothing that says that these songs have to make it on the list but, when a guest request them as a motivator to get them to dance, it might just be the boost your reception needs.

Here are a list of typical wedding songs that you love to hate.

Do I really need lighting at my wedding?

December 21, 2015/in Lighting, Wedding/by Aaron

Do I really need lighting at my wedding?

Weddings are a very personal experience for many couples. The majority of couples that we meet have the same goal when it comes to their entertainment. Make my guests dance.
But in 2015, the role of wedding djs has evolved into more of an events production approach and that’s where lighting comes in to play.

If you’ve been to a wedding at The Riverview, Waterview, Aqua Turf, or Aria this year, you’ve probably seen uplighitng in the ballroom. Come to think of it, the majority of Connecticut Wedding Venues has installed uplighting as an option for couples to take advantage of and give the room a dash of color. Because these wedding venues have installed permanent uplighting, you can rest assured that the lighting that they have installed will compliment the room and enhance what is already there. Uplighting is a great option as you have many different color combinations available to create a vibrant environment.

But what about other types of lighting?

If you’ve ever been to a wedding where the room is very bright, you notice that it is more difficult to get people to let their guard down and head to the dance floor. Nobody wants to be the only one out there and especially in plain view of the other 150 guests attending the wedding. So, when the house lights are dimmed, it helps to lose those inhibitions and head to the floor to move, shake, and sing. But turning the lights down only goes so far.

Intelligent lighting is an enhancement that excites as much as it’s soothes. We’re not talking about the type of lighting that you’d see at a roller rink or bowling alley but more like a theater, concert, or nightclub. Computer controlled and motorized lights (moving heads) are the tool of choice for professional entertainment companies like Pryme Tyme Entertainment. With these very powerful lights, you can add new dimensions to your wedding. Imagine for a moment dancing in the center of the dance floor for your first dance as a soft white light follows you around the floor. It’s an intimate moment that can turn your first dance from ordinary to extraordinary. And with the same type of lighting, it can also be used to enhance an otherwise blank ceiling during dinner service by projecting patterns and colors. During dancing, these moving heads will dazzle your guests and create an exciting environment to help them to the dance floor.

Pinspotting has become a very popular option as of late. By focusing a beam of light on certain objects such as centerpieces, the wedding cake, or sweetheart table where the couple sits, it creates a tasteful contrast in the room. When uplighting is used on the walls, the middle of the room becomes dark and everything turns into a silhouette. Especially if cool colors like the very common blue and purple uplighting you see at nearly every wedding. Pinspotting centerpieces ensures that your investment in wedding decor doesn’t get missed out on and makes them stand out.

Image projection is another very dramatic effect. From a simple monogram of the couple’s names in lights being projected to a fully patterned wall, image projection gives a 3 dimensional look to a plain wall, ceiling, or floor. Stencils or “gobos” are used in front of the light source to project just about any pattern or stencil of your choosing.

Dry ice or “Dancing on a cloud” is an old favorite. Some of the great features to using this theatrical effect are a bride’s white dress that seems to stretch to the far reaches of the dance floor during a first dance and paired with intelligent lighting makes for a very beautiful and dramatic effect. The other benefit is that the fog stays low to the ground and will not set off smoke detectors in the venue and is non-toxic.

Atmospheric haze is the best way to enhance all of these lighting effects. When a light is refracted (and reflected) off of a small amount of haze, it creates a beam. If you’ve ever driven through a fog and have seen headlights, you’ll see the beam. Although haze makes for an incredible lighting display and is safe to use, many venues do not allow this effect unless a fire marshal is hired to supervise and ensure that the venue’s smoke alarm won’t falsely alert the fire department.

When it comes to weddings, lighting is a great enhancement that can help you create an exciting and beautiful environment.

The 20 Happiest Wedding Songs Ever

December 14, 2015/in Wedding/by Aaron

20 Happiest Wedding Songs:
Weddings are one of the happiest times in a couple’s life. It’s a time to celebrate and throw caution to the wind. And the music plays a big role in the happy memories. Check out the 20 happiest wedding songs that will have you tapping your feet and singing out loud.

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.

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.