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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.

DJ Aaron DeMarest

DJ Aaron DeMarest – The loveable badass..

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When I asked a fellow colleague of mine where he thought I fit into the marketplace in terms of mobile entertainers, he had this to say.
“Aaron DeMarest, you’re the loveable badass.”

Taken back by that statement and finding it quite humorous, I thought about it for a while.  He hit the nail on the head. Now before you back away with caution, let me explain what he meant…

Your impression of what a DJ is or should be may vary greatly depending on personal experience or what others have told you. What most people perceive a wedding DJ to be is the mid 40’s salt and pepper haired guy with the polished smile and a gold microphone that’s got a voice like Michael Buffer (Let’s get ready to rumble) and swaggar like the Most Interesting Man in the World. (Dos Equis)
And for the most part, based on my experience attending weddings, I’d have to agree.

But what if that’s not what you want? What if you’re looking for something different? Music trends have gotten edgier and edgier as time has gone on. The sombreros and inflatable instrument schtick that your parents enjoyed at their wedding in the 80’s and early 90’s has been laid to rest and new trends like intelligent lighting design and the dancefloor is where it’s at. .So, where does the loveable badass fit in to the equation?

When I do a wedding, it’s a highly personal experience for me and far from cookie cutter`. My Brides and Grooms are the center of my world for those 5 hours and I make sure they know it. It’s all about 2 people in love coming together as one. That’s the loveable part. I’m very passionate about what I do. I want my clients to have an experience that exceeds their expectations.

While most DJs fit the mold of the description you read about above, the badass is the big guy standing at 6’3″ tall you see wearing black & purple sporting a goatee. He’s in control and with a cool and confident smile let’s his clients know that they’re in good hands. A protector of sorts making sure that nothing stands in the way of the client and their ability to enjoy their special day.

 

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.

Lake of Isles Wedding

Lake of Isles Wedding – The Wedding of Lauren & Chris

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Lake of Isles Wedding – The Wedding of Lauren & Chris

 

Weddings like the wedding of Lauren & Chris don’t happen everyday…
The setting for their ceremony @ Lake of Isles at Foxwoods Resort and Casino was the quintessential New England fall wedding. Over 200 guests bundled up and headed to the shore to witness Lauren & Chris’s new beginning as husband and wife unfold.

After the ceremony, guests headed up to the clubhouse for the start of a magical evening. Guests of all ages were socializing, enjoying a tasty beverage and letting their inhibitions fly in our Funtastic Photo Booth. The bridal party was introduced to Rihanna’s popular club hit, ‘We Found Love (In a hopeless place)”  which set the tone for the rest of the evening.

High energy was where it was at. This group wanted to party. Thanks to Bethany and the amazing staff at Lake of Isles, dinner service was as much efficient as it was tasty. In just over an hour, over 200 guests were served appetizers, and 2 courses which is great for us because it allows the maximum time for dancing.

And speaking of dancing, there was LOTS of it. Guests young and old packed the dancefloor solid for nearly 3 hours straight and enjoyed hits from the 50’s to today. As we always do at the end of our weddings, we sent Lauren & Chris off with a bang singing and dancing to BEP’s The Time.

This wedding was all about Lauren & Chris. At the end of the night, hugs and goodbyes were exchanged. The very next day, I read Lauren’s review and was awestruck by the wonderful things she had said about us. Thank you so much Lauren. It means alot.

To read Lauren’s review, please visit our WeddingWire Page by clicking the link below. Stay tuned to our facebook page for video of Lauren & Chris’s wedding provided by mebCINEMA!

http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/pryme-tyme-entertainment-winner-of-the-2012-2013-brides-choice-award-prospect/e3910f841d8badbd.html

Pond House Grill – Jillian Tabara’s Sweet 16

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Pond House Grill – Jillian Tabara’s Sweet 16

There comes a time in every young girl’s life when she becomes a young woman. And when Jillian Tabara became 16, this was no exception.

Family and friends from around the globe as far as Hawaii gathered at The Pond House Grille for Jillian’s Sweet 16. The birthday girl was introduced along with her family and best friends in a near wedding introduction style. After introductions, she danced with her father, her step dad, and finally, one lucky gentlemen.

Guests enjoyed fine dining from the Pond House Grille and danced until the late evening. We uplit the room in pink and completed the high energy ambiance with some atmospheric haze and intelligent lighting making this dancefloor the envy of a downtown club.

Check out the video from Jillian’s Sweet 16 by clicking here.

If you would like to see pictures from Jillian’s sweet 16, ‘LIKE’ us on Facebook and click the link below. Stay tuned to our facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151704413628862.1073741847.60186428861&type=3

 

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.

 

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.