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  • Wedding Ceremony Tips from Dash of Class Platinum Entertainment

    Wedding Ceremony mistakes to avoid to achieve great pictures.

    Here are some ideas and tips that will help those special moments at your ceremony with minimal interference.


    -Keep the bridal suite or bedroom where you are getting ready free of clutter. Clutter can slip into the background of the perfect picture moment and make it unusable for albums or frames. Cleaning up once your photographer arrives can also cut into valuable shooting time. So make sure beds are made and clear backgrounds ahead of time.


    -Have your officiant and entertainment announce to your guests to limit cell phone use during the ceremony. Also be conscious of not interfering with your professional photographers photo opportunities. During the ceremony your professional photographers are trying to capture your processional and recessional. Knowing about these Wedding Ceremony mistakes to avoid to achieve great pictures will really help. It is hard to get that perfect picture with having arms with cell phones reaching into the aisle. Unless it’s a close friend or family member, ask your officiant to step aside on your first kiss at the end of the ceremony. Doing this will ensure it’s just the happy couple in this special moment.

    -At the reception, your guests sometimes are stepping right in front of your professional photographer. Trying to get that perfect picture on their cell phone of your grand entrance or first dance can block the opportunity for your professional photographer. So once again, a quick announcement of limited or discrete cell phone use will help your photographer capture those special moments at the ceremony and reception with minimal interference.

  • Wedding Planning Timeline Blog

    Sequence of events to plan your wedding.

    Once the initial excitement of getting engaged wears off, the planning starts. With an average 16 month engagement in the US, there are certain key preliminary decisions to make that will get you started with the sequence of events to plan your wedding. Selecting key vendors such as your venue, entertainment, photographer/videographer, flowers, wedding dress, tuxedo, etc. Doing these steps first will get you on your way.

    Guest List

    Come up with a tentative guest list to help determine and narrow down the venues that you may want to consider that will cater to your number of guests. Start off with the most important guests like immediate family and friends. Continue with extended family, then coworkers, neighbors, parents friends, etc. Then narrow down from the bottom up.

    Budget

    Come up with a budget and figure from where (savings, salaries, credit, etc) and possibly from whom (parents, grandparents, close friends). Funds will be coming to help pay for the venue and all the related costs of a wedding reception. Knowing and narrowing down the number of guests, as discussed above, will help determine your budget.

    Location

    Next step, choose the locations of the ceremony and reception. Will both be at your venue or will the ceremony be in a different location? If in separate locations, you will have to account for travel time and accommodations for you and your guests. If you’re considering a destination wedding it is even more logistically challenging. Consider the extended travel, accommodations, and comfort for you and all invited guests. You’ll possibly have to deal with your vendors via email, phone calls, FaceTime/Skype and forego the comfort level of dealing with many of your vendors face to face.

    Theme

    Choose a theme, season, and day of the week for your wedding day based on your personal preferences. Season & day of the week can dramatically affect your budget. It will help your budget if you chose off peak months such as January & February. Also, considering a Sunday, Friday, or weekday can also significantly reduce your overall budget. The same venues and vendors you would be considering will cost much more on a Saturday and during peak wedding season. The theme or season you choose will affect your choice of decor and floral arrangements/centerpieces as well.

    Wedding Planner

    Hiring a wedding planner is an extra expense up front, but, for those couples with busy career schedules, can save you money & time throughout the whole planning process. By pointing you in the right direction and suggesting the sequence of events to plan your wedding. This also means recommending vendors who fit your personality, style, & budget. They can handle a lot of the grunt work to make it a less stressful & enjoyable experience as you plan your wedding and the smaller celebrations leading up to your wedding with close family & friends.

    The Right Vendors

    Hire vendors who book up quickly such as DJ/Band, photographers, & videographers so you can book someone who fits your style, personality, and budget. Higher quality & reputable vendors book up quickly and earlier in the planning process so don’t procrastinate and continue to check off items on your checklist.
    Start shopping for your wedding dress. Finding the one that captures your heart and fits just right may take a lot of trial & error and many higher end gowns take many months to be delivered once ordered. You want to get it at least several weeks before the big day in case minor fitting adjustments need to be made.

  • LaptopWithNotepad

    WEDDING PLANNING BEFORE BOOKING VENDORS

    With so many decisions, big and small, creating a personal budget, coming up with well thought
    out timeline, and being focused on detail are key. This will likely be your first time organizing
    such a large-size event, so Wedding planning before booking vendors would be a huge help. Any
    bride-to-be who has spent even just one day wedding planning knows it takes an immense
    amount of organization.

    ESTABLISH A BUDGET

    Coming up with a budget based on the couple’s income, savings,
    and possible family contributions (parents, grandparents, etc.) will help narrow your
    choices as far as venue and other vendors. Avoid falling in love with venues and
    vendors you just can’t afford and therefore avoid the disappointment of not being able
    to hire them.

    COME UP WITH A GUEST LIST

    Coming up with a tentative guest list will provide the
    approximate number guests attending your reception and help you aim for a venue that
    can comfortably accommodate your number of invited guests. Once the right size
    venue within your budget is booked, you can consider other vendors to decorate/work
    within your venue logistically ie: florists, DJ with production services,
    photographers/videographer etc.

    CREATE A WORKABLE TIMELINE WHEN PICKING A WEDDING DATE

    With hectic work schedules, family obligations, holidays, unexpected life issues, etc. pick a workable time
    line to plan your wedding so it doesn’t become a stressful process. The wedding day
    does sneak up on couples and it should be a process shared and enjoyed with immediate
    family and friends.

    RESEARCH/INTERVIEW VENDORS WHO WILL WORK BEST WITH YOUR PERSONALITY

    To avoid stressful situations, hire the right group of vendors who work best with both
    your personalities. This will help fulfill your vision for your wedding day. By having these
    preliminary discussions with possible vendors early, it will help set the tone of the planning
    process.

    HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER

    Even though an additional cost, hiring a wedding planner from the get go can help you attain your wedding day vision while working within your budget. Career driven couples with hectic schedules will benefit most with having a wedding planner throughout the whole wedding planning process. An experienced
    wedding planner has relationships with many vendors and can point you in the right
    direction of vendors that fit your budget and personality. Most couples say the week
    before the wedding day is the most stressful. That’s when problems with unexpected
    details come up, leaving some brides stressing and overly coordinating instead of enjoying time with family and friends. Hiring a week of or even day of wedding planner is an
    option that can help handle last-minute vendor meetings and unexpected situations
    that arise.

  • First Dance Naninas

    KEY SONG CHOICES FOR MY WEDDING RECEPTION

    As the wedding approaches, couples frequently ask “I need help with selecting key song choices for my wedding reception”. These special moments and formalities need to have the right music choice for sure.  This is an opportunity for couples to personalize their reception with their favorite artists, songs, genres, etc. A professional DJ will have an extensive library to help couples choose the right songs. From your first dance, to parent/special dances, to the song used to introduce them into the ballroom. All these song selections can make your reception a memorable event.  

    CEREMONY MUSIC

    Many song choices are available for onsite ceremonies. From the bridal party processional, to the bride’s processional and finally to the couple’s recessional.  You can use traditional/classical processional and recessional songs to instrumental string or piano covers of your favorite songs. This is a great way to have a unique and personalized ceremony.  Again, a professional DJ will make suggestions and can create custom music edits for your ceremony.

    COCKTAIL MUSIC

    To create the right atmosphere a custom mix of music can be made to be played during cocktail hour. This can be based on the couples personal tastes and preferences on songs and/or artists. Another idea is to match the surroundings of the venue. If it’s a beach wedding, maybe a steel drum music set would be a great idea. Or if it is more rustic either some classic rock or country would be a great fit.

    INTRODUCTION SONGS

    Personalizing your introductions with favorite songs or genres of music, not only for themselves, but for your parents and bridal party as well.  Be it EDM, dance, rock, hip hop, movie soundtracks, etc, a Professional DJ can make suggestions and create custom edits to make your introductions personal, fun, and exciting! The introductions set the tone for the entire reception.

    FIRST DANCE

    Selecting and sharing that special first dance with your now spouse in front of all your family and friends is a memory that will last a lifetime. Be it the first slow song you danced to when dating, to a song from a mutual favorite artist, take time to make it a meaningful selection. Choosing a meaningful song unique to both of you will add a personal touch to your first dance.  

    PARENT DANCES/SPECIAL DANCES

    In addition to sharing a loving first dance with your new spouse, most couples will be sharing other special dances with their parents.  Depending on the situation and relationship, possibly with siblings or other family members.  You have the opportunity to pick many meaningful and classic songs to dance with that special person. You can also surprise them with a song they love or always envisioned sharing with you.

    CAKE CUTTING SONG

    Other key song choices for my wedding reception would be making this part FUN! Choose an upbeat or meaningful song to be played in the background while you cut your wedding cake. Something that your guests will sway and even sing along to. This will add a great atmosphere for that photo opportunity and big kiss by your wedding cake.   

    BACKGROUND MUSIC DURING COURSES/BUFFET

    Eating time does not have to be boring. A Professional DJ can create a custom mix of music to be played during the courses or buffet based on your personal tastes. This is also a great spot to satisfy your older guests with sacrificing any dance time.

  • Pin Spot 3

    IDEAS FOR WEDDING RECEPTION DECOR AND ACCENTS

    Couples are always looking for ideas for wedding reception decor and accents. They can incorporate many unique options to transform their wedding reception ballroom to their personal preferences.  From lighting décor, to draping, to a custom sweetheart table, etc…, you can customize the mood & atmosphere you envision for your wedding reception.

    LED/Ambient Up Lighting

    Color wash the perimeter of your ballroom to your color theme with battery powered LED’s and accent your centerpiece color scheme.

    Ballroom Draping

    Drape the perimeter of the ballroom with white draping to give it an elegant and sophisticated feel.  Accent the draping with LED up lighting to give it a warm ambiance.

    Vinyl Dance Floor Wrap with Logo

    Another great idea is to transform your dance floor with a vinyl dance floor wrap. You can even do it with a custom logo in the center.

    Pin Spot Centerpieces

    Highlight the beauty of your centerpieces with custom pin spotting from above strategically placed around your ballroom.

    Up Light Centerpieces

    Up light your centerpieces to your color them from the bottom up with a translucent LED base for them to sit on.

    Gobo Projection of Names/Monogram

    Elegantly project your names or monogram on the dance floor, wall, or draping behind the bride & groom.

    Under Table Up Lighting

    Add a glowing & sophisticated touch to the reception tables around the ballroom with battery powered LED’s under the tables.

    Custom B&G Chairs & Sweetheart Table

    Be it an acrylic sweetheart table, to high back throne chairs, to a 2-seat sofa chair, etc. make a statement with a different look for the couples seating and table.

    Flower Wall Behind B&G

    Adding a flower wall behind the sweetheart table will give a unique backdrop for all the photo ops throughout the wedding reception.  Tie the flower wall into your color theme.

    Lounge Furniture Décor

    Adding lounge furniture seating/sofas, tables, and décor around the dance floor perimeter can give your ballroom a casual lounge vibe.

    Sweetheart Table Decor

    Decorative free standing Mr & Mrs or LOVE table top letters on the sweetheart table will add a special touch to the table. Take it to the next level with larger freestanding Mr & Mrs or LOVE letters set up in front of or to the sides of the sweetheart table.

  • Dash Of Class Platinum Video Enhancements

    Video Montage for my Wedding

    Couples sometimes ask “Can a Video Montage for my Wedding Reception make it memorable?” By telling your story, sharing snap shots of the reception you can get your guests involved. Also incorporating high energy ambient visuals during dance sets will create energy. All of these ideas will add a special touch and moment to your reception. These video and photo options go beyond your reception. All of them will be given to you on a USB drive to enjoy for years to come.

    COUPLES MONTAGE

    Gather cherished photos to create a memorable life video montage sharing past memories with family and friends. There can be different segments of you alone and together with your fiance. These will be choreographed to songs of your choice. We then display it during dinner at the reception. We found presenting it at that time prevents any unnecessary down time.

    PARENT & TRIBUTE MONTAGES

    Another great time to add this would be that dance with mom, dad, or special someone. Create a touching and emotional tribute montage for a special someone who is no longer with us. When presented properly these wonderful memories scroll by on the screens adds an amazing touch for family and friends.

    ZAP PHOTOS

    Zap photographers capture candid shots of your guests dancing, socializing, and partying. We then put them into a slideshow that is displayed on the screens. It’s great to watch the reaction of your guests seeing themselves. These slideshows are shown during the serving of your food courses so that we don’t lose any dance time.

    VISUAL EFFECTS

    Visual Ambient Effects create energy that is tied into the music and lighting. The result is additional excitement & mood to the dance floor. Another effect is to elegantly super-size your engagement shoot photos or ceremony highlight pictures across 2 or 3 displays for an amazing & breathtaking visual effect. LED video panels can also be used as your DJ facade creating a custom design. This wide screen presentation can be used as your guests enter the ballroom, during your first dance, during cake cutting or all throughout your reception. When properly presented, this unique touch is one of the most talked about video options we offer.

    SAME DAY EDIT

    With this option, capture and share same day highlights of your ceremony with a 3-5 minute video clip. We usually recommend this as a lead into your cake cutting. Highlights of getting ready at your homes, the I Do’s at your ceremony, being introduced into the ballroom and your first dance. These clips will be professionally edited to a high impact “Best Of” for all your guests to cherish. Best is, you will get this same day edit on a USB drive to keep. Also you can share it on social media.

    Can a Video Montage for my Wedding Reception make it memorable? As you can see from these examples, there can be really nice ways to do it. Agreed something long and drawn out can be boring. But with the right guidance and planning this addition can be personal and fun.

     

  • Percussion, Sax and Violin Dance Set

    Live Musicians will add a classy note and energy alongside your DJ.

    Live Musicians

    Whether it be for your on-site ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception Live Musicians can add a touch of elegance. They also add a high energy live feel during dance sets as they play along side your DJ. Some couples ask the question “What type of entertainment should we have for the wedding DJ or Band”? How about a combination of both.

    Ceremony Music

    Add an elegant & sophisticated “LIVE” element to your ceremony incorporating musicians such as violinist, harpists, & pianist.  Take it to the next level by adding a string trio or quartet for an unbelievable ceremony feel that will wow your guests.

    Cocktail Music

    Give your cocktail hour a classy vibe incorporating live musicians.  From a latin fusion jazz trio to a pianist playing tunes from Sinatra/Dean Martin to Billy Joel/Elton John. A strolling violinist or sax player, will impress & entertain your guests with these sophisticated options.

    Reception Musicians

    When planning your event, the music you request will help make the right instrumentation suggestion. By incorporating a talented Percussionist, Saxophonist, and/or Violinist, you can spice up your event. Energize your dance floor with spectacular live sounds playing along your DJ’s tunes.  Musicians mingling with you and your guests on the dance floor creates energy and great photo ops! Bring it to the next level with combo’s such as a Percussion/Saxophonist combo or Violinist/Percussion combo to give recorded tracks that live band feel to entertain your guests!

    Vocalists

    In addition to Musicians, our talented Male & Female Vocalists can sing a variety of timeless classics. Entertain your guests during your pasta or main course. They can get right in the middle of the dance floor and sing along with today’s hottest DJ jams!

    These ideas really add a unique touch to your Wedding with class and style. By hiring professional entertainers, you can rest assured that all of these elements will blend perfectly. It is important however to make sure your DJ has experience with adding musicians and vocalists to his or her playlists. It takes that experience to pull it all together, when it is done correctly it is so impressive.
    Dash of Class Platinum Entertainment is a Wedding DJ Servicing the NY, NJ, PA, Long Island, and Orlando FL Area’s. Top Rated Google, The Knot, and Wedding Wire DJ with over 1400 Reviews
  • Dash of Class PLATINUM Ceremony Music Ideas

    Choosing the right music for your Wedding Ceremony

    After all, you want to begin your marriage in the best setting. 
Whether your ceremony is taking place at your venue or on the beach,
the right music will help create your wedding’s atmosphere and style.
    Select ceremony music that suits you and your style! 
Ask yourself, “Do I want my wedding to be formal and traditional or more casual and modern?” Before you start choosing specific wedding ceremony songs, think about both the type of ceremony you are hosting. Also think of the venue and where it will take place. If you are hosting a traditional ceremony in a house of worship, you may only be able to play certain songs or religious music. But if your wedding is held in another location, you have a lot more flexibility. 

Also, think about who will be performing your wedding ceremony music. Are you having live musicians or a DJ? Your music pros can be very helpful when it comes to selecting the specific songs during parts of the ceremony. To help make this process easier, think about other weddings you’ve attended where you’ve liked the music. Try asking the couple about where they found their song selections. We found a great place to listen to different ideas for ceremony music on Wedding Wire. From the prelude to the recessional, you’ll need the right music to make it your own.

    Prelude Songs 


    The prelude music will play while guests are entering and taking their seats. This music aims to welcome the guests to your wedding ceremony, and sets your personal tone for the rest of it. We recommend choosing tunes by your favorite artists and find acoustic or string versions. Groups like Vitamin String Quartet or The Piano Guys have covered these songs with a romantic and upbeat feel. We suggest a medley of these songs to last about 20 to 30 minutes as your guests arrive and settle in.

    Wedding Party Processional Songs 


    This is the music that is played while the wedding party walks down the aisle. Our suggestion is a song that has a rhythm that matches a natural walking pace. Two of our favorites: “Canon in D” by Piano Guys or “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Vitamin String Quartet.

    Bride’s Processional Songs 

    After the wedding party has taken their places, there is a brief pause before the bride’s entrance. Traditionally, all of the guests stand up and a new song is played. You can go in a variety of directions with the bridal processional, from something grand and traditional to a song that’s sweet and lively. We have recently played “Perfect” by Vitamin String Quartet (covering Ed Sheeran’s hit) or “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys (a beautiful rendition of Christina Perri’s song).

    Interlude Songs

    While you don’t have to have interlude music during your ceremony, it adds a unique touch to a Candle Lighting or Sand Ceremony. Interludes can also be a great way to include a friend or relative with musical talent who can perform during your ceremony.

    
Recessional Songs

    You are married, and it’s time to kiss! The recessional song should be very upbeat and joyful to help lead into the celebration to follow. You can even be a little cheeky and humorous at this point. Some recessional songs we have suggested to our couples include: “Beautiful Day” by U2, “Story Of My Life” by Piano Guys (a cover of One Directions song) or “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles.

    Microphone For Your Officiant

    Preparing your vows is a beautiful touch, but if your guests can’t hear them it puts a damper on the ceremony. It is important that there is a microphone present for your officiant as he or she performs your ceremony. It makes such a difference that your guests can hear all the beautiful words that make your ceremony personal and special.