Wedding Tip…

One piece of advice I give my clients before their wedding day is that your guests are there to party with you! Avoid leaving your reception for long periods of time. If your photographer is going to take you out for additional photographs during the reception, inform your DJ before the wedding day and come up with a plan to keep the guests entertained. When couples spend too much time away from their receptions, the guests may assume they have left and think the reception is over. They step outside to see the bride and groom and begin to say their goodbyes. This leads to a chain reaction at the door, and the bride and groom can spend the rest of the reception sending their guests away one by one.
If you are planning extensive group photographs, schedule them after the ceremony and before you make your grand entrance. If a large group of people leave the reception with you, the rest of the guests could feel left out. That will radically affect the positive energy you and your entertainer have worked so hard to achieve. This is going to be an incredible day for the two of you, and you should make every moment memorable.

Free touches that add something special to a wedding

Julie Zanfagna Roland, who was married on the beach in Narragansett, R.I., two years ago, remembers her favorite touch from a friend’s wedding. “She asked everyone to write their all-time favorite dance song on the RSVP card,’’ Roland recalls. “The DJ used the responses to make the song list.’’ Yin recalls one reception in which a “courageous groom serenaded his wife on the dance floor, playing the guitar and singing their song.’’ Kerry Epstein, a Boston wardrobe stylist, recently helped organize a bachelorette party for her sister, Lauren, in which all the bridesmaids learned the steps from the music video for Beyoncè’s “Single Ladies.’’ The girls then showed off their mastery of choreography at the wedding.

8 Best Wedding Apps for iPhone

Wedding applications are among the most popular applications available on iTunes. If you have been involved in a wedding, you are probably familiar with all the hard work that you have to put forth to get through a wedding without any major problems. There is a whole lot of planning and organization that you will need to do to throw a dream wedding event. Thanks to the talented community of iPhone developers, you have access to various wedding applications that can help you get more things done and manage you event like a pro.

If you are looking for a wedding iPhone application, here are 9 options to consider:

8 Best Wedding Apps for iPhone

A Site Survey With Your DJ

I revised a contract today with a couple that wanted to remove the second sound system from their event. The bride's mother called me and expressed her concerns that it really wasn't necessary to have a second sound system when the ceremony was only going to be 15 minutes. The other factor that came into play is that the place at the venue where the ceremony was going to be is only 10 feet from where I will be set up inside. My solution was to put a speaker outside the door for the ceremony and then move it inside after the ceremony. I've done it before and for smaller ceremonies it can work and can also save the couple money. It reduces the time needed for setting up which makes me happy. One thing to make sure of, if you go this route, is to make sure that the DJ inside has proper sight lines to see what is going on during your ceremony so as not to miss any cues. If it is not possible for the DJ to see, then you can use an assistant, or a cell phone, provided that both people on the cell phone are not in view of the guests.

When I set up two sound systems for a ceremony and reception, the ceremony system has to be taken down during the transition when cocktail music is being played. If I am lucky, I have an assistant (often my wife Maria) who can help in putting away that system quickly while pictures are being taken. If not, maybe I can do it quickly, or it may have to wait until the end of the event.

I think the best solution is to do a site survey with your DJ and get recommendations so all this can be worked out before the contract is even put together. Most DJs should be willing to meet with you at your venue to give you valuable feedback on what would work best for everybody involved. During a site survey we can figure out where tables will be placed as well and verify who will provide tables, whether it is the venue or a rental company.

Another benefit is that your DJ can also see where to park their vehicle and load in, and also check power sources and then see about where to get dressed too. I am always open to do a site survey as it also allows me a chance to connect with the coordinator at the venue and begin building a relationship so that we can get to know each other and work more effectively as a team on your event.

The fewer details that have to be figured out on the big day means that there will be less stress that will be in your event and in your team of vendors. All of these are important factors that can really make a difference in the success and flow of your event.

Ask your DJ if he/she is willing to make a site survey happen for you. It is certainly worth it, especially if your DJ has not performed at your venue before.

I appreciate your comments as well on this topic and anything else you care to add.

DJ-RJ

Is it acceptable to ask for money for your wedding?

A report says that 45% of brides and grooms would like their guests to skip the wedding gifts and just give them the cash.

Is it acceptable to ask for money for your wedding? | The Guardian

Where To Seat Your Guests

This is a great article from Clink Events with some ideas on how to set up your guest tables at a wedding:

It’s All in the Details » CLINK

Involving Family and Friends in a Wedding

Here's an article from Austin photographer, Lori Luza about:

Involving Family and Friends in a Wedding

10 Ways to Cut Your Wedding Food Costs

10 Ways to Cut Your Wedding Food Costs

Bird Seed Favors For Your Wedding

I did a wedding a few weeks ago and my clients had bird seed favors for their sendoff. I got a few that were leftover and the birds in my yard have been very happy when I put them out. They came wrapped in cute little bags with the couples names on the tags. I see from their website that they have many different shapes and also that they are based in Texas as well. You can visit their website, NatureFavors.com and order them via mail if you wish for your big day.

Here is what they look like.

Support the birds in your neighborhood and also local business with these great bird seed favors from Nature Favors.

DJ-RJ

Broberg Wedding at Barr Mansion

It was a great honor to work Abby & Kurt putting their wedding ceremony and reception together in February at Barr Mansion. We had many special events that we put together in our planning sessions. One of the most special moments was Abby's father-daughter dance. I got together with her father and we created a medley of three different songs from LP and cassette. It was a big surprise when Abby heard her voice over the speakers from a recording she made when she was only 11 years old. This is one of the special delights I can add to your event when you book me for The Unforgettable package.

Here are some photos from Katherine O'Brien Photography.

Getting a microphone on Kurt before the ceremony:

Me doing one of my infamous Anniversary Dance interviews:

Toasting Kurt & Abby:

Hey, that's me:

Kurt & Abby's first dance:

"Music4Life DJs are extremely professional and fun. They do a lot of the "heavy-lifting" of planning a big party - so you quickly realize you have an ally. I so enjoyed working with RJ. Hey was delightful and I guarantee he will be invested in your event."

~Abby Mooney

Let me know how I can make your reception or party amazing!

RJ

Great Video of Music4Life DJs

Special thanks for Marc Brown of Digital Legacy for sharing this great video of Music4Life DJ, Jabari Warfield at The Thistle Cafe in downtown Austin.

Jabari and I did the interview together and you can see how it clearly takes this video to another level. This interview is just one of the examples of what you can have when you book with Austin Wedding DJs Music4Life.

Austin Bridal Secrets - Summer Mixer Rocks!

On Friday night, we gathered for the latest Austin Bridal Secrets Summer Mixer. I want to thank Mary Charron at Austin Custom Winery in Oak Hill for allowing us to hang out with her and have a blast.

I wanna share the highlights from our event, starting with some of the stars of Austin Bridal Secrets.

First, the wine! I had some of Vintner's shiraz and the pear riesling and they were both very good.

Nicole from Delysia brought her family and her wonderful truffles! I got hooked on the blueberry truffles! They were incredible! Her two-year-old son Sebastian was dancing a lot to the music and what a joy he was to have with us. Their 2nd child is due in August and I wish them all the best with the new baby.

I started out the evening playing some Dean Martin and other Italian-type music. Nice and elegant.


Harpist Amanda Woosley performed 2 sets and brought some sweet vibes into the room.

Linda Carter of Carter Creations had two of her original wedding gowns on display as well her portfolio with some amazing dresses in it.

Other Stars of Austin Bridal Secrets in the house were:

• Johnny Gasyna of Music4Life DJs,
• Tammie Garza, of Tammie Garza hair
• Su-Min, the Makeover Angel
• April Neubold of Petalworks
• Beth Richard of Exquisite Petals

Later on we danced and had karaoke too. My sister Lori and my mother rocked "Dancing Queen":



We also got to meet some other vendors too who came to hang out and network:

• Shannon Wine, the new Austin rep for Premier Bride magazine
• Amy & Lauren from BigDay Event Productions
• Becky Kittelman from Kittleman Photography
• Stephanie Johnson from Creative & Crafty, cards and invitations
• Betty Giannone from Gobo Entertainment

We had a great time together! Look for the next Austin Bridal Secrets mixer to be held in October. Reach out if you would like to be involved.

DJ-RJ
Music4Life

Chicago Here We Come!

Next week, I will be heading to Chicago for the ADJA Summer Conference: “Empowering Your Dreams”. I am so excited to go and see what else I can learn to bring back to my clients in Austin.

ADJA 2009 Summer Conference.

Come See us at Winfield Inn on June 24th

The Winfield Inn is hosting a Bridal Extravaganza at The Winfield Inn on Wednesday, June 24th from 4-7pm. Music4Life DJs will be available to answer any questions you have as well as the other preferred vendors from The Winfield.

Music Selection at Your Wedding

Another great video from Brian S Redd:

Top 10 Texas Songs

Texas Music Matters compiled a list of the Top 10 Texas Tunes. I love all these songs and I am fortunate that I get to play them at many events. Waltz Across Texas would be my number 1 from this list. I love to just play that song and feel good!

Texas Music Matters Top 10 Texas Songs
10. Amarillo by Morning by George Strait
9. La Grange by ZZ Top
8. That’s Right Your Not From Texas by Lyle Lovett
7. Luckenbach, TX by Waylon Jennings
6. El Paso by Marty Robbins
5. London Homesick Blues by Gary P. Nunn
4. Deep in the Heart of Texas by Gene Autry
3. Waltz Across Texas by Ernest Tubb
2. New San Antonio Rose by Bob Wills
1. Miles and Miles of Texas by Asleep at the Wheel

Wallace Hammond

I had the honor of playing at Wallace Hammond's memorial service on Friday night at Mercury Hall. Wallace and I played in local Austin band Tribal Nation for a few years and he has been active in Austin's music scene for many years, playing with folks like James Brown, Gladys Knight, Bootsy, The Killer Bees and many more.
Wallace's wife, Beth is in business with Coby Neal who did a great job putting the whole event together. His floral arrangements are some of the best in Austin and he has been working on flowers for more than 40 years. Perhaps he can help you on your next occasion.

Rest in peace my brother Wallace!

Circular Ceremony Seating

This is a great idea from Manolo for The Brides.

Read the full story HERE.

Photobooth for Your Austin Event

If you want to add some fun to your party, check out Todd Darby of Say Cheese Photobooth Rental. We did a great interview for Austin Bridal Secrets.

Come See Us at Onion Creek

Onion Creek Country Club will be holding an open house on Wednesday, February 11th from 5-8 PM. The following vendors will be available to speak with you about your wedding:

Austin Party Central

The Flower Studio

Christina Carroll Photography

Music4Life DJ's

Simon Lee Bakery

Photography by Cho

All Access DJ

Please contact Jill Benson, for more information on 512-383-2005.