Sunday, July 21, 2013
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Band Vs. DJ
Music can make or break a wedding celebration. It's the heart and soul of a reception and can send your guests home with happy feet - or pained grimaces! The fact that you want to hire a talented band or fleet-fingered DJ is a given. Finding one is a matter of polling friends, surfing online, shopping around with fine-tuned ears, and making a move quickly -- top talent can get booked up to a year in advance. What type of entertainment suits your personal taste, budget, space allowances, guest demographics, and killer dance moves best? Keep an open mind, and consider these issues to start your search.
Vibe
The type of music you choose can set the tone of your wedding ans solidify a theme. And remember, it's the thing people most often remember. Think about what musical genre best reflects your personalities and inspires the ambience you want to create: Groovy funk or subdued string quartet? Swanky swing or kick-off-your-shoes-and-sweat zydeco? The way the music is delivered - by live band or DJ -- also affects the ambience. The type of music you choose may dictate the choice too -- big band sounds are generally best live, for example.
Variety
Are you a little bit country, while he's a little bit rock and roll? Regardless of weather you choose a band or DJ, be sure they play slow and fast songs, and old and new tunes to encourage different sets of guests to hit the dance floor.
Budget
In the price war, DJs generally cost less, and prices vary depending on equipment requests and whether it's a weekday or a weekend. A 12-piece band, for example, will generally be more expensive than a DJ, since there are more people to pay. (There are always exceptions; celebrity DJs can be just as expensive as live bands.) Band prices vary by the number of musicians, the time you want them to play for, day of the week, and what time of year it is.
Space
Don't get your heart set on a 8-piece salsa band before you check whether the reception site has any restrictions on the number of musicians and pieces fo equipment you may bring in, and whether there are any electrical power supply or noise limitations. For example, a landmark reception site may not allow you to use large speakers. Ask these questions before you start scouting bands.
Band
Pros: Live music is, well, live. You and your guests will experiance the pleasure of a performance. Anything can happen to raise the excitement level, from an infectious horn-section interlude to a moving solo.
Cons: Bands can be more expensive than DJs. Also, no matter how great the band, they can't have the repertoire of a standard DJ, who can keep a huge variety of music on hand.
DJ
Pros: If there are a dozen songs you're dying to hear at your wedding, it likely won't be a problem for your DJ to find each track. Also, DJs are generally less expensive than bands. A DJ with a charismatic stage presence and excellent emcee skills can really set the mood and keep the party going.
Cons: On the opposite end of the spectrum, a DJ with a less-than stellar personality can be a party killer. Also, improvisation is tough if, say, your dad is dragging behind tempo on the father dance or your nieces and nephews decide to crash the chicken dance.
All in all there is a lot to think about when making your choice. I hope this information helps you a great deal!
information gathered from theknot
www.jenniferbyrdevents.com
Vibe
The type of music you choose can set the tone of your wedding ans solidify a theme. And remember, it's the thing people most often remember. Think about what musical genre best reflects your personalities and inspires the ambience you want to create: Groovy funk or subdued string quartet? Swanky swing or kick-off-your-shoes-and-sweat zydeco? The way the music is delivered - by live band or DJ -- also affects the ambience. The type of music you choose may dictate the choice too -- big band sounds are generally best live, for example.
Variety
Are you a little bit country, while he's a little bit rock and roll? Regardless of weather you choose a band or DJ, be sure they play slow and fast songs, and old and new tunes to encourage different sets of guests to hit the dance floor.
Budget
In the price war, DJs generally cost less, and prices vary depending on equipment requests and whether it's a weekday or a weekend. A 12-piece band, for example, will generally be more expensive than a DJ, since there are more people to pay. (There are always exceptions; celebrity DJs can be just as expensive as live bands.) Band prices vary by the number of musicians, the time you want them to play for, day of the week, and what time of year it is.
Space
Don't get your heart set on a 8-piece salsa band before you check whether the reception site has any restrictions on the number of musicians and pieces fo equipment you may bring in, and whether there are any electrical power supply or noise limitations. For example, a landmark reception site may not allow you to use large speakers. Ask these questions before you start scouting bands.
Band
Pros: Live music is, well, live. You and your guests will experiance the pleasure of a performance. Anything can happen to raise the excitement level, from an infectious horn-section interlude to a moving solo.
Cons: Bands can be more expensive than DJs. Also, no matter how great the band, they can't have the repertoire of a standard DJ, who can keep a huge variety of music on hand.
DJ
Pros: If there are a dozen songs you're dying to hear at your wedding, it likely won't be a problem for your DJ to find each track. Also, DJs are generally less expensive than bands. A DJ with a charismatic stage presence and excellent emcee skills can really set the mood and keep the party going.
Cons: On the opposite end of the spectrum, a DJ with a less-than stellar personality can be a party killer. Also, improvisation is tough if, say, your dad is dragging behind tempo on the father dance or your nieces and nephews decide to crash the chicken dance.
All in all there is a lot to think about when making your choice. I hope this information helps you a great deal!
information gathered from theknot
www.jenniferbyrdevents.com
Caring for Your Gown
One of the last things you may think about right after your wedding is caring for your gown. Thankfully, eco-friendly dry cleaner http://www.slatenyc.com/ has made this easier for brides everywhere by offering the first world-wide dress cleaning and preservation service with online pricing and real time tracking. Check them out!!!
information from Brides MagazineThe Bar Bill
Ways to save!
1> Forgo The Full Bar ~
Providing only beer, wine, soda, and signature drink can cut your bill in half.
2> Find A Byob Venue~
Choose a site that will let you bring in your own liquor. Buy it by the case to save 10 to 15 percenst off the cost of single bottles. Return unopened bottles, if that's allowed in your state.
3> Say Yes To A Different Bubbly~
Instead of the real French stuff, serve a sparkling wine like Prosecco (Italy) or Cava (Spain), which mimic champagne's bubble personality but not its price tag.
4> Avoid Designer Labels
Choose nonbrand liquors and house wines instead of premium brands. Most guest won't notice.
5> Use Trays
Have waiters offer glasses of champagne and wine from trays. This way, you can serve less expensive varities without worring about guest judging the drink label.
6> Think Tuesday
Are most of your guest local? Get married on an off-night (Sunday through Thursday). People tend to drink less when they have to work the next day.
7> Go Ethnic
Plan a themed reception, then limit beverages to a few appropriate options - wine with Italian celebration, or Corona and margaritas for a mexican party, for example.
8> Work With Your Waitstaff
Ask that servers clear just the empty glasses from the tables to avoid driving guests back to the bar when their half-finished G&T has disappeared.
9> Open As Needed
Have bartenders start a new bottle only when needed, or else you'll be charged for that fifth of Johnny Walker Red even if no one orders a single whiskey.
10> Time It Right
Avoid overtime. At the Omni Hotel in Chicago, an extra hour of open bar ($7 per person) would cost $1050 for 150 guest.
HINT HINT ...
A cash bar seems like it's a win-win: You don't pay for the alcohol but your guest still have access to it. But here's the rub: It's Tacky! Opt for beer and wine if you can't afford a full bar.
Sometimes a party minus liquor is necessary (perhaps your religion frowns upon it or the two of you met in AA) :). But to save money? Not such a hot idea. People look forward to having a few drinks at a celebration - don't disappoint them!
Information from Brides Magazine
http://www.jenniferbyrdevents.com/
1> Forgo The Full Bar ~
Providing only beer, wine, soda, and signature drink can cut your bill in half.
2> Find A Byob Venue~
Choose a site that will let you bring in your own liquor. Buy it by the case to save 10 to 15 percenst off the cost of single bottles. Return unopened bottles, if that's allowed in your state.
3> Say Yes To A Different Bubbly~
Instead of the real French stuff, serve a sparkling wine like Prosecco (Italy) or Cava (Spain), which mimic champagne's bubble personality but not its price tag.
4> Avoid Designer Labels
Choose nonbrand liquors and house wines instead of premium brands. Most guest won't notice.
5> Use Trays
Have waiters offer glasses of champagne and wine from trays. This way, you can serve less expensive varities without worring about guest judging the drink label.
6> Think Tuesday
Are most of your guest local? Get married on an off-night (Sunday through Thursday). People tend to drink less when they have to work the next day.
7> Go Ethnic
Plan a themed reception, then limit beverages to a few appropriate options - wine with Italian celebration, or Corona and margaritas for a mexican party, for example.
8> Work With Your Waitstaff
Ask that servers clear just the empty glasses from the tables to avoid driving guests back to the bar when their half-finished G&T has disappeared.
9> Open As Needed
Have bartenders start a new bottle only when needed, or else you'll be charged for that fifth of Johnny Walker Red even if no one orders a single whiskey.
10> Time It Right
Avoid overtime. At the Omni Hotel in Chicago, an extra hour of open bar ($7 per person) would cost $1050 for 150 guest.
HINT HINT ...
A cash bar seems like it's a win-win: You don't pay for the alcohol but your guest still have access to it. But here's the rub: It's Tacky! Opt for beer and wine if you can't afford a full bar.
Sometimes a party minus liquor is necessary (perhaps your religion frowns upon it or the two of you met in AA) :). But to save money? Not such a hot idea. People look forward to having a few drinks at a celebration - don't disappoint them!
Information from Brides Magazine
http://www.jenniferbyrdevents.com/
Wedding Linen Guide
This may help when it comes time for you to choose your linen.
Common Terms:
Polycotton: Thes come in a rainbow of colors and are great for food stations and other utility tables.
Lamour: These are a shinier linen and are softer to the touch than polycotton. These are the most common upgrade linens.
Bengaline: This fabric has thin ribbing that runs in one direction (similar to corduroy, but with a different texture). I personally love the look of the Bengaline on bigger pieces, like a table, because it helps give the table an added element of depth.
Bichon: These are shiny like Lamour, but have a "wrinkly" texture. Bichon is a more delicate fabric and therefore cost more than some of the other luxury linens.
Pintuck: These linens have seams that run across the fabric, creating diamond or square patterns. These add instant glamour to any table, though it can be difficult to balance certain glasware on them, depending on the width of the seams.
Common Terms:
Polycotton: Thes come in a rainbow of colors and are great for food stations and other utility tables.
Lamour: These are a shinier linen and are softer to the touch than polycotton. These are the most common upgrade linens.
Bengaline: This fabric has thin ribbing that runs in one direction (similar to corduroy, but with a different texture). I personally love the look of the Bengaline on bigger pieces, like a table, because it helps give the table an added element of depth.
Bichon: These are shiny like Lamour, but have a "wrinkly" texture. Bichon is a more delicate fabric and therefore cost more than some of the other luxury linens.
Pintuck: These linens have seams that run across the fabric, creating diamond or square patterns. These add instant glamour to any table, though it can be difficult to balance certain glasware on them, depending on the width of the seams.
Here are some table measuring tips!
Table Size ~ 72" Round (6')
Seats 10-12
Linen Sizes ~
132" Round (to Floor)
120" Round (24" Drop)
108" Round (18" Drop)
90" Round (9" Drop)
Topper ~ 85" Square
Table Size ~ 66" Round (5.5')
Seats 8-10
Linen Sizes ~
120" Round (24" Drop)
108" Round (18" Drop)
90" Round (9" Drop)
Topper
85" Square
72" Square
Table Size ~ 60" Round (5')
Seats 8-10
Linen Sizes ~
120" Round (to Floor)
108" Round ( 24" Drop)
90" Round (15" Drop)
Topper
85" Square
72" Square
Table Size ~ 48' (4')
Seats 6-7
Linen Sizes ~
108" Round (to Floor)
90" Round ( 21" Drop)
Topper
72" Square
Table Size ~ 36" (3')
Seats 2-4
Linen Size ~
90 " Round ( 27" Drop)
Table Size ~ 30" (2.5')
Seats 2-4
Linen Size ~
90" Round (to Floor)
Table Size ~ 36" Round ~ 42" Tall (bistro)
Seats 2-4
Linen Size ~
120" Round ( to Floor)
108" Round ( 36" Drop)
90" Round (27" Drop)
Topper ~
85" Square
72" Square
8'X30" Banquet
Seats 8-10
Linen Size ~
90"X156" (to Floor)
60"X120" (15" Drop)
Topper
85"
72"
6'X30" Banquet
Seats 6-8
Linen Size ~
90"X132" (to Floor)
60"X120" (15"Drop)
Topper
85"
72"
72" Square
Seats 8
Linen Size ~
85" Topper
60" Square
Seats 8
Linen Size ~
132" Round (To Floor)
Topper
85"
72"
48" Square
Seats 4
Linen Size ~
120" (To Floor)
Topper
72"
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