Archive for April, 2009
Music In Motion rocks the Katzenburg B’Nai Mitzvah
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DJ Dave Salonia with Andrew and Isabella for the Hamotzi
Andrew in the Chair
On Saturday April 4th, my staff had the pleasure of entertaining for the Katzenburg family at the B’Nai Mitzvah of Andrew and Isabella. The party was out of this world with lighting, party props, and our 4 dancer team.
The room was completely illuminated with our state of the art architectural up lighting. As per request of Susan ( Mother of Andrew and Isabella ) we produced different shades of blue. The dance floor area was turned into a high tech New York City night club with amazing lighting and special effects. There was even a 15 foot video screen showing growing up pictures that played continuously throughout the night.
Our Music In Motion dance team electrified the guests, even taking time to play some games with the kids like ” Coke and Pepsi.”
The guest list included about 200 of Andrew and Isabella’s family and friends. What a great time had by all. It was a night to remember!
The Music In Motion Dancers
DJ vs MC
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More often than not, when a new client calls Music In Motion to inquire about our service, they request to hire a ” DJ ” and not a Master of Ceremony. Let me clarify that there is a difference of job responsibility between the DJ and the MC. The DJ is in charge of the music, while the MC is in charge of announcements and communication with the audience. Let me also add that in some regions of our country, you would have to hire a DJ and an MC to perform the different tasks. Here at Music In Motion, our DJs also act as Master of Ceremony when performing solo, but we do recommend our 2 person interactive presentations of a DJ and MC. What is the difference?
Selecting a 2 DJ team will allow the Disc Jockey to exclusively program the music and operate all sound functions, while the MC is free to host your event and be more visible. This promotes a much more interactive experience with the audience. Our MC is able to step out from the DJ set up and walk out to the middle of the room for introductions, or conduct the cake cutting from the cake area, or be right on the dance floor to teach the latest line dance. There are advantages to having a 2 person team that will take your party to the next level.
Which way is best? It all depends how you would answer this question. Do you want conservative or high energy? If you would like a traditional, conservative performance from the DJ, and you like the idea of an MC that remains behind the DJ set up with minimal guest interaction, then a 1 person presentation would be the best fit for you. It is the ” Less is More ” concept. If you absolutely want the MC to be out and involved with the guests, producing a high level of energy throughout the room, the 2 person interactive team would best the better choice.
Most important to keep in mind, some DJ companies will offer a 2 DJ option, but both people will stand behind the DJ set up for the entire party. If you are going to get a 2 person team, make sure that the Master of Ceremonies will be fully interactive with all of your guests. What is the point of paying 2 DJs to stand together behind the equipment?
How to avoid becoming BrideZilla
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I happen to believe that ” BrideZilla “ is totally avoidable. It is not something that every bride will go through, nor should go through. The ” Bridezilla “condition is brought on after a period of torment and stress. It does not just happen overnight. After 25 years in the wedding business, I have put together a few suggestions to help you avoid the ” Bridezilla ” triggers that might bring about this notorious condition.
1. Get a solid team of wedding professionals! More times than not, when a bride is stressing over her wedding, it is because of uncertainty. She is not sure whether or not things will go according to plan. This is where the extra investment in a professional really pays off! If you cut corners in a particular area of your wedding, it better not be something that is important to you. Cheap is cheap no matter which way you slice it, and deals found on the internet, or at a bridal show usually translate into mediocre results on wedding day. The bad part about a less than professional vendor, is the doubt you will experience before the wedding, and that can lead to Bridezilla.
2. Service. A happy bride is one who is treated like a queen for a day. Just like royalty, when you hold out your hand, something should be given to you, and this is the trademark of exception service. Find a team that will spoil you and your King on wedding day. This also applies before the wedding. One of the worst things for a bride planning a wedding is not getting timely return phone calls from a vendor. Uncertainty leads to stress, and stress is the catalyst to Bridezilla.
3. Don’t expect perfection! I’m sorry to say that nothing is perfect, and small things can go wrong on wedding day. Don’t sweat the small details. I once saw a bride break down and cry like a child over her limo showing up Black rather than White. If something like that happens, be happy you have transportation, and just contact the livery service after for the honeymoon for a refund. Rain is another thing that is out of our control. Have a secondary plan in the event of bad weather if your ceremony or reception is outdoors. Remember there is NO guarantee for nice and anytime of the year! Be realistic and you can avoid Bridezilla.
4. Don’t let others tell you what to do. Everyone will have an opinion about how your wedding day should go, especially family! Now I’m not recommending you just do what you want with no consideration to your guests and family, rather, I would promote you being a very congenial hostess. Just don’t like people try to take control and tell you what to do. You might regret things not being the way you really want it, which can lead to stress, and you know the rest….
5. Enjoy the moment. They often say that children grow up fast. Well, look at your wedding as a child that grows from infant to graduation in 10 hours. It goes so fast that you have to just step back and take it all in. Don’t try to be the moment, be part of the moment.
6. Lights, camera, action! Remember that all eyes are on you, and bad behavior is obvious. Being Bridezilla is clear for everyone to witness. A label you are sure to wear like the scarlet letter. Be aware that you are in a glass bottle and that might help keep on your best face.
7. Have a reasonable time line. Don’t pack your wedding day itinerary so full that you can never possibly make expectations. Leave time in for delays and even small mishaps. Leave time to relax and have quiet moments. I even recommend a 10-15 minute alone time for you and husband. Now before you start thinking things, this moment is to just be together and reflect on the day without everyone else tugging at your dress. These planned breaks in the action will actually help you remember more of your day.
8. Don’t leave for your honeymoon right after the reception. OK, as if you didn’t have enough to remember, let’s remember to pack, have our passports, travelers checks etc etc….. This extra load on your list is something that will bring stress into your life. The honeymoon is supposed to relieve the stress of the wedding day, not add to it. Plan on leaving 2 days after your wedding, so the day after can be spent with close family and friends at your home. Maybe have a picnic and just chill out! You also have time to pack and get ready.
9. Set a budget, and keep to it. One thing that will always cause stress is money, or should I say the lack of money. Set a budget that you can work with and keep to it. Trying to over spend on a wedding can be tempting, but it often leads to an unhappy bride and groom. Don’t get the most expensive catering facility only to have to cut corners on the DJ and photographer. You will have great food and beautiful views on your wedding day with bad photos and and empty dance floor. Balance is the key to happiness.
10. Remember why you are doing all of this in the first place. It is easy to get caught up in the pomp and circumstance of a wedding. Just remember why you are walking down the aisle. When things get stressful, focus on just the two of you, and the beautiful journey of life you are about to embark on. Your wedding day day is a celebration, so go celebrate!
BrideZilla is not an illness as much as it’s a state of mind. Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground and enjoy this once in a lifetime event. Treasure every moment, be realistic, have a great team to serve you, and you will avoid being Bridezilla.