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  • 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.

     

  • Dash of Class PLATINUM

    Photo Booths at wedding receptions let’s guests of all ages capture great memories.

    PHOTO BOOTHS

    GRAB SOME PROPS & HAVE SOME FUN! Nothing breaks the ice at a wedding reception like a photo booth. A fun backdrop, a few blush-inducing props and you’ll have friends and family mingling in front of the camera.  Add a Photo Booth to your wedding reception & let your guests of all ages capture some great memories to take home. In addition, give them the option to share via social media, text, and/or email.  Photo Booths have many styles & options to choose from that accommodate different tastes & budgets!

    Photo Booths are completely digital. YOUR NAMES on the main screen of the booth welcoming your family and friends! There is a Touch-Screen interface with customizable graphics. Photo Booths are equipped to save every photo individually, as well as the strip that came out of the photo-slot. You can get a digital copy of all photos & videos (usually an additional option) taken in the booth.

    MIRROR BOOTH

    The new full length interactive Mirror Booth features a sleek design & user friendly interface. It allows your guests to get to see themselves in front of a full length mirror before they have their picture taken. Then they sign it, and choose to print, text, or email their photo to themselves.

    SOCIAL MEDIA BOOTH

    How about a Social Media Booth! iPad operated it lets everyone text or email their Boomerangs, GIF’s, or photos directly to their phones. Instanly sharing onto social media.

    TRADITIONAL CONEY ISLAND PHOTO-BOOTH

    There are still the Traditional Coney Island style booth where guests grab a prop, pull the curtains behind them and strike a pose. They then collect 2 photo strips from the booth to keep or put one in the bride & groom’s scrapbook. Above all, they take the scrapbook home at the end of the reception.

    OPEN AIR BOOTH/PIXIE BOOTH

    Open Air booth features a red carpet & stanchions along with a standard or custom step & repeat backdrop!

    ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

    Most photo booths have social media, video capabilities, and printing station as an additional option. Your guests can leave a 30 second video for the bride & groom.  With many options to choose from including type of props, scrapbooks, and custom backdrops, you can personalize the photo booth for your wedding reception. Some other additional options include; Scrapbook w/ Attendant, Double Prints, Acrylic Frames, Memory Poster, Additional Hours, Customized Front Magnet, Custom DVD Slide Show, External Video Monitor, Personal Audio Greeting, etc.

    Jump into the photo booth & have some fun with your guests!

    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

  • 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.