Add Cheese to your Burger, say NO to the Cheesy Wedding DJ!
Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice
Our Los Angeles Wedding DJs recently exhibited at the Bridal Premier Showcase at the Hyatt in Westlake California, as we do twice each year. Every Bride or Groom we speak with at these shows and elsewhere seems to have 1 common concern about their wedding DJ, and that is, “We Do NOT Want a CHEESY DJ!!!”
So, if that’s truly the case, I wonder why so many DJ companies still present themselves as the same old Cheesy, bad joke telling guys forcing you to endure an overkill of personality with silly props and flashy lights and 80′s costume jewelry. I suppose it stands to reason why our company is doing so well, because simply put, we are not cheesy. We’re a bunch of regular guys with an extraordinary passion for music, an extremely high level of experience in providing a top level DJ/Emcee service for our clients, especially Brides & Grooms and their families, on one of the most important days in their lives.
I say we’re regular guys, and I mean we don’t have to dress in costumes, wear makeup and flashy jewelry, tell jokes with horrible punch lines, or sell you crap you don’t need. I admit, I’m not a used car salesman, none of us are…we develop packages and upgrades that people need, and we won’t force you to spend money on fluff that cheeses up your wedding.
We do offer a very classy, fun, yet low profile lighting option, such as our NEW Wireless LED Up-lighting, which has been a huge seller for us and makes any room or space look amazing. There’s no big silver metal trusses and a bunch of tape and wires all over the room!
When our DJ’s are in front of all of your friends and family, we look our best, always well groomed and wearing a suit and dress shirt, sometimes a tie, depending on the location and style of your wedding. Let’s face it, if your wedding is in a garden or outdoor location, it should have a more romantic, elegant yet relaxed, fun, and even perhaps a rustic appeal. There’s no need for all the Club lighting and a DJ wearing a tuxedo with a sequin vest (heaven help me! I’ve seen DJs still wearing this early 90′s get-up in 2011!) Read the rest of this entry »
The Alcoholic’s Guide to Weddings
Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice, wedding tips
Did I get your attention with the title? I should begin by saying, I don’t mean to offend anyone by using the term Alcoholic lightly. I take alcoholism very seriously and have been personally affected by many problem drinkers who I care about. But I am seeing a lot of problem drinking at Weddings these days. There hasn’t been one specific incident that caused me to write this article, but rather a collaboration of numerous occasions where binge drinking at a wedding struck a personal chord with me and compelled me to write about it.
I don’t want you to think I’m a prude, believe me, I am nothing of the kind. However, as someone who has been a part of so many weddings and celebrations, I can tell you that over drinking never turns out well for anyone, no matter what. Even the slightest “overindulging” can really effect the outcome of one of the most special days in a person’s life. As a Wedding DJ in Los Angeles and Southern California, you can imagine I see a lot, especially over the course of a decade and almost 500 Weddings. But the one thing I see over and over again, is the “mistake” of over drinking at a wedding.
When I’m DJing a wedding, I’m stone cold sober, watching everything that happens with eyes wide open. My role as Wedding DJ is to help the people party, but not to “party” with the people. That’s our policy at Elegant Event Entertainment, No Drinking On The Job!
My biggest observation in recent years: It seems that a lot of people don’t know how to simply enjoy a few drinks, and rather, feel the need to binge drink when they’re celebrating.
I’ve seen Groom’s pass out in the stall of a bathroom before the 1st Dance, Father of the Bride falling down stairs, a Bridesmaid attacking another female guest, a Bride throwing up in the planter in front of a nice country club as all the guests were stepping over her to leave, an uncle trying to attack me and my assistant! The number one most common thing that happens at weddings is someone who is drunk will make an inappropriate speech or comment during a toast, which is sometimes funny but most of the time in bad taste. I heard about a photographer who got drunk and passed out in their car while photographing the wedding rings, and the Bride and Groom were sure she’d run off with their rings. I saw a groomsman kick out someone’s windshield. I once had a Groomsman tell me he was having his last hooray as he was knocking back shots, he was heading to rehab on Monday. I was actually happy for him, but also concerned that he wasn’t going to make it to Monday! In all my experiences, Never have I seen something go drastically wrong at a wedding where alcohol wasn’t involved, or wasn’t the Main culprit.
So what can you do as a Bride or Groom or as someone helping to plan a wedding, to limit the possibility of having your event marred by alcohol? Below is a list of things I think you should keep in mind, regarding alcohol, as you plan your most special day.
1. Do not encourage Binge Drinking at your wedding: This isn’t your bachelor or Frat party! Don’t start drinking heavily with your friends before you even arrive at your wedding. It’s tacky, and it’s setting you up for a failed wedding. This is one night where you need to pace yourself and limit your intake. In most cases, your friends and family will follow your lead and will also limit their intake.
2. If one of your Bridesmaids or Groomsmen brings a bottle of liquor or a flask, ask them kindly to leave it behind. This isn’t the time to have a hard liquor drinking competition. Utilize the drinks at the bar, there’s plenty enough there without needing to conceal bottles of liquor.
Read the rest of this entry »
Choosing Music for your Wedding Reception, tips on picking the Songs for Special Dances.
Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice
If you’re planning a wedding, you know how many different things there are to think about, and Choosing Music is a Major decision. Whether you’re hiring a Band or DJ, you will need to choose music for at least some of the following special moments: First Dance, Bride & Father Dance, Groom & Mother Dance, Cake Cutting, Bouquet Toss, Garter Removal and Toss, and other special moments that you might include such as an Anniversary Dance, Money or Honeymoon Dance, Last Dance, etc.
Elegant Event Entertainment decided to compile a list of all of the music our 2010 Brides and Grooms (all 98 of them) chose for their Wedding Music special requests. Over the course of several days, we published a new blog article highlighting the songs that were requested in 2010 for a particular Special Moment or Dance in the Wedding Reception. We’ve published this Blog to lump those other articles into 1, to make it easier for you. We hope these lists help you find a song that’s appropriate for your wedding in 2011 and beyond, as many of these songs are timeless! If you want to choose something entirely different, by all means, go ahead, it’s your wedding, make it unique!
Below is a list of links to the articles with Song Lists. Have fun planning your wedding and choosing your music and special Wedding Dance Songs!
Father-Daughter Song List
Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice Picking the Garter Toss Song is not always so easy, so we’ve complied this list from Grooms who we worked with in 2010, these are songs they chose for the Garter toss. If you need a reference to listen to, we suggest going to Youtube and searching for the song by artist and title, and hopefully you’ll find one of these that you like. If not, we encourage you to pick whatever song you want, cause it’s your wedding! Happy Planning and have fun guys! 1.) A Little Less Conversation- Elvis Presley Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice Here’s a list of some alternative choices for the Bouquet Toss Song. If you aren’t familiar with these songs listed here, just visit Youtube and search for the song by artist and title, then listen to the song to see if you might want to use it for your Bouquet Toss. Happy Planning! 1.) California Gurls- Katie Perry Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice 1.) All You Need Is Love- Beatles Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice 1.) 100 Years- 5 For Fighting Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice 1.) A Song For My Daughter- Alliare Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice Here’s a list of 62 unique Songs for the Bride and Grooms First Dance. We compiled them from 97 Brides and Grooms who hired our DJ services in 2010. Obviously, several Brides and Grooms chose the same song as other couples, but to have 62 unique choices across 97 weddings is great and it shows how unique most peoples taste in music really is. Go to Youtube and search for the song by artist and title and listen to the song if you aren’t familiar with it. We hope you find a song that works for you, and if not…pick something totally unique to you and your fiance and feel free to comment on this post with other suggestions for First Dance Songs, we’d love to hear from you! 1.) A Rainy Night in Soho- Pogues Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice What the DJ/MC needs to know is: Our suggestion is to keep it fairly simple but make it upbeat and fun! Choose a song that gets people excited, clapping, screaming and yelling for the Wedding Party, and ultimately Up On Their Feet for the Bride and Groom when they enter the room last. One final tip: Many Brides and Grooms choose to follow their Grand Entrance by immediately going into their First Dance. We think this is a great idea simply because you already have everyone’s attention and you can get this part out of the way and relax and enjoy the rest of your evening with guests and dancing and having fun without being nervous about your 1st Dance. But it’s only a suggestion, it’s your wedding, do it the way you want. Here are the songs that Brides and Grooms chose for the Grand Entrance throughout all of the weddings we DJ’d in 2010, listed in Alphabetical Order. If you aren’t familiar with or just want to hear a song listed here, go to Youtube and type in the name of the song and artist and search and listen to the song, but remember to come right back to our website! 1.) 1,2,3,4- Plain White Tee’sThe Best Garter Toss Songs
The Garter Removal and Toss is a very fun and sometimes “risque” moment in a wedding. Depending on how sensitive your family and friends are, you may choose to leave it out of the Wedding Reception itinerary entirely, or you might simply tone it down a little. Other couples might want to really put on a show, but remember, this is YOUR wedding, do whatever you like!
Generally it’s a good idea to choose a song to accompany the Garter Removal and Toss, and the DJ will play the song and immediately the MC will ask all of the “single” or unmarried guys in attendance to come to the dancefloor and stand by as the groom prepares to remove the garter from the Bride’s leg. Once the garter is removed, the groom will wait for the MC’s cue and will proceed to toss or flick the garter into the group of single men, who will undoubtedly all fight to get as far away from the garter as possible! No matter who catches it, there’s always a lot of laughter involved.
2.) Animals- Nickelback
3.) Another One Bites The Dust- Queen
4.) Are you Going To Be My Girl- Jet
5.) Baby Got Back- Sir Mix Alot
6.) Bad Things- Jace Everett
7.) Cherry Pie- Warrant
8.) Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?- Rod Stewart
9.) Danger Zone- Kenny Loggins
10.) Fever- Peggy Lee or Michael Buble
11.) Girls- Beastie Boys
12.) Highway To Hell- ACDC
13.) Hoochie Koo Rock & Roll- Rick Derringer
14.) Hungry Like The Wolf- Duran Duran
15.) I want You (She’s So Heavy)- The Beatles
16.) Indiana Jones Theme Song- John Willams
17.) Legs- ZZ Top
18.) Lets Get It On- Marvin Gaye
19.) Minnie The Moocher- Cab Calloway
20.) Mission Impossible theme song
21.) Naughty Boy- Gunther
22.) Oh Yeah- Yello (Theme from Ferris Buller’s Day Off)
23.) Peek-A-Boo- Siouxsie And The Banshees
24.) Playing With The Boys- Kenny Loggins
25.) Rocky Theme
26.) Sharp Dressed Man- ZZ Top
27.) Short Skirt, Long Jacket- Cake
28.) Smooth Criminal- Michael Jackson
29.) Steeler Tune
30.) Stripper – David Rose Orchestra
31.) What A Man- Salt N’ Peppa
32.) When I’m Sixty-Four- Beatles
33.) Who Let The Dogs Out- Baha Men
34.) Wild Things- Troggs
35.) You Can Leave Your Hat On- Joe Cocker
36.) You Shook Me All Night Long- AC/DCThe Best Bouquet Toss Songs
The Bouquet Toss is undoubtedly one of the most well known wedding traditions at a Wedding Reception, and it can be a lot of fun as well as very unpredictable. Our DJs have seen girls falling all over themselves to catch the Bouquet, while others were running away from the flying floral display channeling the speed of Marion Jones. It’s not uncommon for the bouquet to hit something on the ceiling before it ever reaches the single girls, or to be overthrown with the likeness of a great NFL quarterback.
By Tradition, the Bride stands with her back to her single Bridesmaids and other Single ladies who are in attendance and when the MC instructs her to do so, the Bride tosses the bouquet behind her and whoever catches it is said to be the next girl to be married, which might explain why we see so many young ladies heading for the exits when it’s time for the Bouquet Toss.
To add to the excitement, it’s best to pick a fun song to play as an introduction and background song for the Bouquet Toss. If we were voting, we’d say that Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” would have to be the all time Number 1 most requested song for the Bouquet Toss, but we’re hoping many Brides will choose something different, although we love Beyonce, her huge hit seems a bit overplayed.
2.) Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend- Marilyn Monroe
3.) Girls Just Wanna Have Fun- Cindy Lauper
4.) Hey Ladies- Beastie Boys
5.) I Haven’t Met You Yet- Michael Buble
6.) It’s Raining Men- Weather Girls
7.) Last Night- Keysha Cole Fea. P. Diddy
8.) Milkshake- Kelis
9.) Pretty Woman- Ray Orbison
10.) Say Hey (I Love You)- Michael Franti & Spearhead
11.) Single Ladies- Beyonce
12.) The Sign- Ace of Base
13.) What A Girl Wants- Christina Aguliara
14.) Wishin & Hopin- Ani DiFranco or Dusty Springfield
15.) You Can’t Always Get What You Want- Krystal BowersoxTips for Picking a Song for the Cake Cutting
I bet you didn’t event think about needing a special song to play during your Cake Cutting, but, it’s fun to pick a Cake Cutting Song based on lyrics that might be a pun for Cake, or eating, or Sugary Sweets…or to choose a song for the cake cutting that exemplifies the love that the Bride and Groom have for one another and the joining togehter of two loving souls! To make it a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top 38 songs that over 98 Brides and Grooms who hired us in 2010 chose to play during the cake cutting at their wedding.
The song serves merely as background, and honestly a lot of people won’t even pay attention to the song…but if it’s a clever choice and a song you like, everyone will enjoy it, especially the Bride and Groom! If you aren’t familiar with one of the songs listed below, simply follow this link to Youtube and search for the song by artist and title and listen there, then head back to our site for more planning tips. Best Wishes to you and enjoy your cake!
2.) Angel- Shaggy
3.) Another One Bites The Dust- Queen
4.) Belle- Jack Johnson
5.) Better Together- Jack Johnson
6.) Candyman- Christina Aguilera
7.) Collide- Howie Day
8.) Cut The Cake- Average White Band
9.) Eat It- Weird Al Yankovick
10.) Grow Old With You- Adam Sandler
11.) Hit Me With Your Best Shot- Pat Benatar
12.) How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You- James Taylor Read the rest of this entry »Groom and Mother Dance Songs, a great list to help you choose!
The Mother/Son or Groom and Mother Dance is a very special but relatively new tradition at Weddings. This allows the Groom to honor his mother or another special lady in his life with a special dance. When it comes to choosing a song to dance with your mom, it can be a tricky, but we’re making it a little easier. Below is a list of 37 songs that over 98 Grooms we worked with in 2010, chose to dance with their moms. There are some great songs here!
If you aren’t familiar with one of the songs, we suggest that you go to Youtube and search for the song by title and artist and listen there, then come back to us for more Wedding Music Request tips. Best Wishes!
2.) A Song For Momma- Boyz II Men
3.) Amor De Madre- Victor Manuel
4.) Because You Loved Me- Celine Dion
5.) Blessed- Elton John
6.) Bop- Dan Seals
7.) Child Of Mine- Carole King
8.) Close To You- Carpenters
9.) Don’t Blink- Kenny Chesney
10.) Fascination- New 101 Strings Orchestra
11.) Fernando- Abba
12.) Hero- Mariah Carey
13.) I Hope You Dance- Lee Ann Womack
14.) I Will Be Here- Steven Curtis Champman
15.) I’m a Believer- Monkees
16.) In My Life- The Beatles
17.) In Your Eyes- David Chamberlin
18.) It’s Your Song- Garth Brooks
19.) Love Like Crazy- Lee Brice
20.) Memories- Elvis Presley
21.) Moonlight Serenade- Glen Miller
22.) My Wish- Rascal Flatts
23.) New York State of Mind- Billy Joel
24.) Open Arms- Journey
25.) Over The Rainbow- IZ
26.) Some Enchanted Evening- Perry Como
27.) Sunrise Sunset
28.) Sweet Child O’ Mine- Taken By Trees
29.) The Honey Trees- Edelweiss
30.) The Way You Look Tonight- Frank Sinatra
31.) Wedding Coat- Wedding Coat
32.) What a wonderful World- Louie Armstrong
33.) When You Come Back Down- Nickel Creek
34.) Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton
35.) You Decorated My Life- Kenny Rogers
36.) You Raised Me Up- Josh Groban
37.) Youl’ll Be In My Heart- Phil CollinsTop Song Requests for the Father Daughter Dance Song at a Wedding
We’ve written a few articles about picking the Bride & Father Dance Song for a wedding like this one Choosing the Father Daughter Dance Song, but we’ve decided to publish this list of all 38 songs our 98 Brides chose in 2010 for the song to dance with their father or step-father or other male figure in their lives.
The Father Daughter dance has special cultural and traditional importance, but it has become more of a way to honor someone special in the Bride’s life and does not always have to be a true “Father”- Daughter Dance. In any case, choosing the song to dance to can be difficult, but take a look at the list below from recently married brides and see if one of the songs might be appropriate for your wedding. If you’re unfamiliar with a song, click on this link to Youtube and search for the song by title and artist and listen to the song, then come on back to our site for more tips! Best Wishes!
2.) Ballerina Girl- Lionel Richie
3.) Butterfly Kisses- Bob Carlisle
4.) Cinderella- Steven Curtis Chapman
5.) Daddy’s Angel- T Carter
6.) Father & Daughter- Paul Simon
7.) God Only Knows- Beach Boys
8.) Hero- Mariah Carey
9.) I Hope You Dance- Lee Ann Womack
10.) I Loved Her First- Heartland
11.) In My Life- Beatles
12.) It’s Your Song- Garth Brooks
13.) Just The Way You Are- Billy Joel
14.) My Girl- Temptations
15.) My Little Girl- Tim McGraw
16.) Ode To My Family- Cranberries
17.) Raised Me Up- Josh Groban
18.) Somewhere In Time- John Barry
19.) Somewhere Over The Rainbow- Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole
20.) Stand By Me- Ben E. King
21.) Sunrise Sunset
22.) Surfer Girls- Beach Boys
23.) Sweet Child O’ Mine- Taken By Trees
24.) The Honey Trees- Edelweiss
25.) The Way You Look Tonight- Frank Sinatra
26.) The Way You Look Tonight- Michael Buble
27.) Then They Do- Trace Adkins
28.) Through The Years- Kenny Rogers
29.) Tiny Dancer- Elton John
30.) Tupelo Honey- Van Morrison
31.) Turn Around- The Brothers Four
32.) Walk With You- Edwin McCain
33.) What A Wonderful World- Louie Armstrong
34.) When You Come Back Down- Nickel Creek
35.) Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton
36.) You Are So Beautiful
37.) You Make Me Feel So young- Frank Sinatra
38.) You’ll Be In My Heart- Phil CollinsBride And Groom First Dance Songs: A comprehensive list to help you choose.
The First Dance of the Bride and Groom at a Wedding Reception is the one moment that everyone will have all eyes and ears on the Bride and Groom. Relish the moment, it’s one that you and your friends and family will always remember. When you’re picking your song, keep in mind that lyrics are important, but above all, the song should be one that really means something to you as a couple. We wrote another article a while back that goes into more detail about choosing your First Dance Song, and also gives some Song choices that might not be found on the list below, go check it out here: Choosing The First Dance Song Article
2.) All I Do Is Dream Of You- Michael Buble
3.) At Last- Etta James
4.) At The Beginning- Richard Marx & Donna Lewis
5.) Back At One- Brian McKnight
6.) Better Together- Jack Johnson
7.) Bless The Broken Road- Rascal Flatts
8.) Brighter Than Sunshine- Aqualung
9.) By The Way We Dance- Jump Little Children
10.) Close To You- Carpenters
11.) Come Rain Or Shine- Ray Charles
12.) Come What May- Moulin Rouge
13.) Constantly- Immature
14.) Crazy Love- Van Morrison
15.) Dance Wid’ Me- Hepcat
16.) Dream A Little Dream of Me- Michael Buble
17.) Dreams on Fire- A.R. Rahman fea. Suzanne D’Mello
18.) Earth Angel
19.) Fill Me Up- Staind
20.) Forever- (Acoustic Version by Chris Brown)
21.) From This Moment On -Shania Twain
22.) Grow Old With You- Adam Sandler
23.) Hey Soul Sister- Train
24.) Hold You In My Arms- Ray LaMantogne
25.) I Cross My Heart- George Strait
26.) I Have and Always Will- Dave Barnes Read the rest of this entry »The Best Songs for The Grand Entrance of the Wedding Party
Let’s face it, picking a song for the Grand Entrance of the Wedding Party can and should be a Lot of Fun! We’ve all seen youtube videos of Grand Entrances that include choreographed dance numbers, but honestly, if you and your wedding party are not interested in learning a Broadway worthy dance routine you needn’t sweat it. All you need to know is that the Grand Entrance is simply that, Grand! The MC of your event will introduce each member of the Wedding Party, commonly just the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, but if you wish to introduce parents and flower girls and ring bearer and sponsors or anyone else, that’s entirely up to you. And of course, the Bride and Groom are last to enter the Reception.
Feel free to pick more than 1 song, but don’t get too carried away and pick 20 different songs if you have 20 people in your wedding party, it just get’s too messy for the guests and it never turns out the way you envision it. The best thing to do is pick a fun song, come in to the reception with lots of energy and this will set the mood for the rest of the evening, giving your guests in attendance the license to let loose and have a lot of fun!
2.) 8 Second Ride- Jake Owen
3.) Ants Marching- Dave Matthews
4.) At Last- Etta James
5.) Banana Pancakes- Jack Johnson
6.) Beautiful Day- U2
7.) Better Life- Keith Urban
8.) Bittersweet Symphony- Verve
9.) Burning Down The House- Talking Heads
10.) Celebration- Kool & The Gang
11.) Chicago Bulls theme song
12.) Crazy In Love- Jay- Z fea Beyonce
13.) Crazy Little Thing Called Love- Queen Read the rest of this entry »
If you are an experienced wedding DJ who loves working to serve the needs of your clients, 