Old Ranch Country Club Weddings from a Wedding DJ’s experience with video.
Posted by Jason | Filed under Orange County Wedding Reception Venues
We try to review Wedding Venues in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange County as much as possible. After all, the DJ gets to experience a Wedding Venue from the front and back of the house. We get to work with the staff on many levels, and we see what goes on behind the scenes perhaps more than any other vendor.
This month, we’ve featured a Wedding Venue in Seal Beach California, a country club and golf facility in orange county that hosts beautiful weddings as well. On July 31, 2010 our very own DJ Jason Jones of Elegant Event Entertainment was fortunate to DJ a Wedding for Cheryl and Michael at Old Ranch Country Club. This venue is just about a mile off the 405 freeway in Orange County’s Seal Beach area. The scenery is gorgeous, the greens are perfect and the fairways are lush…the water features and mountains in the distance set the perfect backdrop for a wedding Ceremony. The club has recently done a major construction project which includes a brand new Wedding Ceremony site, complete with amazing rock and iron work, and an grand staircase for the entrance of the bride.
The reception hall is enormous, with numerous salons that can be closed off in sections with large air walls, but one entire side of the room features floor to ceiling windows and glass doorways, the length of more than half a football field. If you’re hosting a large wedding, this place is awesome!
The staff was perfect, the food was very good, and the facility was impeccably gorgeous. Let your DJ or MC know that wireless micrphones might have a little trouble at this facility, but if they own a pretty nice mic, they should be able to find a clear channel to broadcast on. The staff all wear radio headsets, which is why they’re so service oriented and attentive, but the radios and the Naval Base nearby will interfere with a wireless mic signal. For the wedding ceremony, it might be best to use a wired micrphone on a stand, then you’re sure to have No Problems with sound.
Otherwise, I’ve included a short highlight video from the wedding we did on July 31 at the Old Ranch Country Club. Mike and Cheryl are of Japanese descent, and you’ll notice lots of Japanese culture influence in this amazing wedding which held over 300 guests and was topped off as a Sports Themed wedding, since the Groom loves the Clippers and Angels, and our Bride loved the Lakers and Dodgers…Of course as the DJ, I had to remain neutral, but at least I am not a Boston fan!
We had a wonderful time at this wedding, and the facility is one of my new favorites in Orange County. If you’re getting married in the OC, go check them out for sure and let us know if you need DJ and Entertainment services.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Small Weddings don’t need Wedding DJ’s…Or Do They?
Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice
It occurred to me that our Wedding DJ’s seem to be working more and more weddings with smaller guest lists these days. It got me to wonder whether there are more small weddings due to economic hardship, or in fact, if the majority of weddings have been smaller all along. Statistics show that most weddings are of a smaller nature which gives me confidence to know that most of our clients understand the importance of hiring a wedding dj no matter the size of their guest list. If your wedding is of a smaller nature don’t be discouraged, some of the most fun weddings can have 75 people or less, I’ve witnessed it, I’ve been a part of those joyous celebrations!
Now, although a smaller guest list does not necessarily mean a smaller budget, it’s fair to say that the majority of smaller weddings are on a stricter budget than those “pull out all the stops” weddings with 300 or 400 guests. Many Brides and Grooms who approach us are very concerned about their budget, especially if they have a smaller wedding. However, even with a smaller budget and guest list, you need some form of Entertainment! The most obvious and affordable choice is a Wedding DJ. I’ve written numerous articles for our Blog on how to hire a DJ, why to hire a DJ, and so on, but I simply wanted to reinforce that you really do need an Experienced Wedding DJ if you expect the party to be fun, to stay on some type of schedule, and to be handled professionally. The great news for you is, you can afford it! Pricing for DJs ranges all over the place, we’ve talked about it in several blog articles such as our Wedding DJ Pricing article and you’ll see it for yourself if you shop enough places on the web and at bridal shows and magazines. If you’ve got 60 guests coming to an evening wedding in a smaller ballroom or even a garden venue or backyard setting, you want those 60 people to have fun don’t you? Many clients with smaller weddings think they should simply keep it “low key” and just use an ipod or home stereo system to play music throughout the reception, or perhaps worse, they have a friend strum the guitar all night. My question is “who will make important and appropriate announcements to keep your guests involved and aware of things that are happening throughout the event?” The answer is usually “uh? We didn’t think of that.” or “my Uncle is public speaker (translation=teacher/sales manager) and he’ll do it.” My answer: “so your Uncle has to work on your wedding day? How many Weddings has your uncle actually ‘worked’? Or “does your friend have to play guitar all night? Does he have a sound system so he can be heard clearly and does he have microphones for your toasts and other announcements?”
I hope you get my point and that you’ll let your relatives and friends enjoy themselves at your wedding and allow a professional to keep the party moving along nicely without feeling rushed or too “produced”. You also should relish the fact that even though our DJs want you to provide us with a lot of your favorite song requests, you won’t have to try to put the songs in a sequence that flows perfectly and entertains from start to finish, that’s the DJs job and he’ll constantly tweak the music set list throughout the night, which is something you or your guests should not be worrying about! Our DJs have many styles, we can keep it very low key, but always professional and fun, so don’t let your “Smaller Wedding” discourage you from allowing it to be a lot of fun. Oh and by the way, “Fun” does not mean “Cheesy”, our DJs certainly know the difference!
So, whether you have “Religious Constraints” that prohibit or limit dancing or certain types of music, or alcohol, (all of which can be “fun inducers” but are not necessary to have a party) or you think you have “No Dancers” on your guest list (which I highly doubt) these weddings still need someone to play music to serve as a nice accompaniment to the event. You don’t need the smoke and mirrors and crazy lights and confetti blasters that many DJ companies try to sell you, but you will want a professional sound system with microphones for toasts and announcements. And although I wouldn’t use the term “no-frills DJ” you might require a more simplistic approach, a DJ who at the very least will manage the flow of the timeline, play great music in sensible rotations, make announcements and keep the guests aware of the schedule and special events throughout the evening. Let the professionals, not your friends and family keep up with all of those details and your event will be executed perfectly!
DJs provide the soundtrack to the most important day in your life and they carry the responsibility of making sure that everything they are in charge of happens without a hitch, which leaves you and your guests to do one thing: enjoy yourselves! No matter the size of your guest list, consider hiring a DJ, you’ll be very surprised at our affordability and you absolutely won’t regret it. Your guests will thank you and they’ll be talking about how much fun they had for years to come!
Photo provided by Cheryl Ogden
Mother-Son Dance Song ideas for Weddings, with audio/video samples!
Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding Planning
The Mother Son Dance is a relatively recent trend at Weddings, but because most of the attention is on the bride and her family, this is a great way for the Groom to have a nice moment to share with his mother.
Here’s a list of the most popular requests we’ve gotten for the “Mother-Son Dance Songs” also known as the “Groom and Mother Wedding Dance.” Feel free to leave us your suggestions as well, we’d love to hear from you! Click on the songs in Pink to redirect to “youtube” and hear a sample of the song, but remember to click the back button to return to our site! If these are too sappy for you and your mom, pick something more fun and upbeat. It’s your wedding, do what you want!
If you’re looking for Father-Daughter Dance Songs Click Here!!
These songs are in no particular order:
1. Unforgettable- Nat King Cole (also w/Natalie Cole)
2. In My Life- The Beatles
3. What a Wonderful World- Louis Armstrong
4. A Song For Mama- Boys II Men
5. Blessed- Elton John
6. Have I Told you Lately That I Love You- Rod Stewart or Van Morrison
7. I Hope You Dance- Leanne Womack
8. My Wish- Rascal Flatts
9. You are the Sunshine of My Life- Stevie Wonder
10. You Raised Me Up- Josh Groban
11. Because You Loved Me- Celine Dion
12. Close to You- Carpenters
13. God Bless the Child- Tony Bennett (other artists)
14. The Mother and Child Reunion- Paul Simon
15. Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys- Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson
Los Angeles Wedding DJ’s “Top 5 Helpful Wedding DJ Blog Articles”
Posted by Jason | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice, Wedding Planning
Below is a quick list of links to our Favorite and “Top 5 Helpful Wedding DJ Blog Articles” that we published here on our “Los Angeles DJ Blog” throughout 2009 in an effort to help our current and potential clients with the planning of their DJ entertainment. This list should give you a bit more insight about us, and what we can offer our clients. Whether you’re just beginning to search for DJs in Los Angeles or if you’re looking for music ideas for your Wedding, we’ve got you covered! Click the links below that interest you and feel free to browse and read all the articles we post, past, present, and future!
1. Hiring a Los Angeles Wedding DJ? Click Here for helpful hints!
2. Wedding Ceremony Music Ideas- Click Here
3. Bride & Groom’s First Dance Song List. Choosing the “Best” Song for you!: Click Here!
4. Father Daughter Dance Songs & Helpful Hints for Fathers and Daughters Click Here!
5. To Watch Our Los Angeles DJ Services Demo Video Click Here!
And Remember, our Blog is always being updated with Articles, Stories, Reviews of Los Angeles Wedding Venues, Event Planning Tips, Wedding Song Ideas, and so much more. If you need a Los Angeles Wedding DJ, or a DJ in Southern California for any special event, you’ve come to the right place! Please keep coming back and feel free to leave comments on our Blog if something sparks your interest, just type in the “Comments” box and click “Submit Comment.” Happy Planning and Best Wishes!
Click Here to Read the Bios of Our DJs
2010 Los Angeles Bridal Show at the Westlake Hyatt!
Posted by Jason | Filed under Announcement, Tips for Hiring a Wedding DJ, Wedding Planning
It’s that time again friends! Time for Los Angeles Wedding DJs and other event specialists to appear at Bridal Show’s in Los Angeles in hopes of meeting great new Brides and Grooms who are looking for wedding professionals to help them make their dreams of the perfect wedding come true.
If you’re looking for Los Angeles Wedding DJs, Thousand Oaks DJs, or Ventura County DJs, you’ve come to the right place and if you would like to come out and meet us at a bridal show in Westlake Village, representatives from Elegant Event Entertainment will be showcasing our company at the Westlake Hyatt Bridal Show on Sunday January 10, 2010 from 11am-4pm, sponsored by Bridal Premier. If you need tickets, please call us today and we’ll arrange to get some passes for you on our behalf, or you can simply go to the show promoter’s website by clicking here.
You’ll notice several DJ companies listed on the page, including a “Featured Entertainment”, please keep in mind, that’s a Paid advertisement and has no bearing on rank or popularity. We choose to limit our PAID advertising to help our clients.
Whoever you choose as your DJ/Entertainment, please do your homework, meet with and check the backgrounds of the companies you are shopping. If you’d like to know more about Hiring a Los Angeles Wedding DJ, please click here to read our article. “7 Steps for Hiring a Wedding DJ”
Our DJs will be meeting with Brides and Grooms and handing out promotional materials to let you know more about our company. We also hope you’ll consider browsing our website and reading some of our blogs as well and give us a call if you would like to schedule a consultation for DJ or Event Planning Services for your Wedding or Special Event.
We’ll be joined by many of the best local Ventura County and Los Angeles Wedding Professionals including our friends from Mi Belle Photography, Command Performance Catering, and Skyline Videography and many others.
Hope to see you on January 10th!
Happy New Year from all of us at Elegant Event Entertainment.
A Backyard Wedding, Executed Perfectly!
Posted by Jason | Filed under Event Planning Tips
There’s something about having a wedding on your own property that can be really special and unique. But, don’t assume that any old backyard will do. If you’re planning to have a backyard wedding, I hope you’ll get a few ideas from the following story about a wedding that our Ventura County DJs were hired to perform for Susan and Thad’s big day in Ojai California in mid-August.
A few tips for pulling off a successful Backyard Wedding:
1. Have the catering done professionally.
Our clients used Green Acres Catering in Simi Valley, CA and had a variety of gorgeous fruit and cheese trays beautifully displayed on the back porch as well as passed appetizers during the cocktail hour. The main buffet line was set-up under very nice tents on the driveway, BBQ style, and the caterer even grilled the food on-site! It smelled and tasted wonderful.
2. Hire a Professional Mobile Bar or Bartenders.
Catered Cocktails of Ventura were hired to provide Bar service, and they did a great job. The family didn’t have to tend to any food or drinks all night, and the beverage cleanup was done by the professionals as well!
3. Make the Ceremony Unique and Sentimental
The couple asked their friend Sonya Shelton, founder of “Being Present To Win” to officiate their wedding ceremony. Sonya is a leadership and spiritual guide as well as an ordained, non-traditional minister. She incorporated Buddhist traditions in this truly beautiful ceremony. Read the rest of this entry »
Wedding Ceremony Music: Does It Have to be so traditional???
Posted by Chris | Filed under Wedding DJ Advice
So being a DJ for 20 years now, I’ve done my fair share of wedding ceremonies and receptions. It’s got me thinking about ceremony music, when provided by the DJ. I always seem to get the same question time after time. “What type of music should we play for our ceremony?” “We have no idea what to choose for the ceremony, Help!” I can remember 5-10 years ago it was a no brain-er DJ’s would always suggest the following:
“Bridal party can walk into Canon in D by Pachelbel, the Bride must walk into some sort of Bridal March and the exit as Husband and Wife should by Wedding March by Mendelssohn or a second choice of Spring (From The Four Seasons) by Vivaldi.
Flash forward 10 years now, and that’s not the case anymore. Of course you’ve probably seen the video on you tube of The Best Wedding Entrance Dance Ever – Chris Brown – Forever when the bridal party is walking down the isle to Chris Brown’s pop song-Forever. AND WHY NOT??? Read the rest of this entry »
7 Steps for hiring a Wedding DJ
Posted by Jason | Filed under Tips for Hiring a Wedding DJ
I want to keep this article positive, in line with my feelings about the profession of DJing. And that profession is a beautiful thing. It is filled with talented and outgoing people – I have one of the few jobs where my role is to spread happiness throughout a crowd and I play that role at a moment when most people are relaxed and ready to have a good time.
But sometimes I hear words like this, “You were the only DJs we met that weren’t old and fat!” Or this one, “You actually have a fun personality and you aren’t cheesy!” I don’t know the source of these sentiments but I am willing to admit that not all DJs are the same.
Here are 7 steps for hiring a wedding DJ.
1. Listen to your friends or other vendors when they refer you to a DJ. They have seen the DJ in action, they know your tastes by now, and they should be trusted. Our best clients always come from some type of referral.
2. Interview the DJ, not just the DJ company. Whether you do it on the phone or in person, always speak directly with the DJ you want to hire. Let the DJ walk you through his experience and style. I believe this is the best way to determine if the DJ is the right fit for you. Read the rest of this entry »
Planning your First Dance; our recent songs list
Posted by Jason | Filed under wedding tips
The Bride and Groom First Dance is one of the happiest moments of the entire Wedding Reception. As you plan your wedding, it’s one of the many little decisions you’ll make along the way.
The placement of the First Dance in the schedule is a personal choice. In most cases the First Dance follows the Grand Entrance into the reception room pretty much immediately. When this is done, the meal usually follows and open dancing is scheduled later, this can allow the Bride and Groom to have their special moment as soon as they enter, with all eyes on them, and it also relieves the stress for the rest of the evening because the hard part is over, now it’s time to let loose and have fun. You can break that pattern if you need to and we’ve seen the first dance influenced by the logistics of the event location and the style of the event. Some Weddings are very non-traditional, or have longer receptions, and it’s often appropriate to hold the First Dance after the meal.
Even if you do not like to be in the spotlight, our suggestion is to keep in mind that this is one moment your guests will want to see and it is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding. We suggest taking a few dance lessons to ease the pressure and loosen up for the dance. If you aren’t the dancing type, don’t try to choreograph a complex Sir Mix-A-Lot surprise dance routine, it will seem too arranged. But dance lessons can definitely help you to look and feel as natural as possible for your First Dance.
But what song to use! Read the rest of this entry »
Planning a Los Angeles Wedding? Create a Timetable.
Posted by Chris | Filed under Wedding Planning
I was going through the web today looking for content and I came across this blog. Planning a wedding, the timetable I asked myself, “are brides creating a timetable these days?” Recently its seems that DJs are among the last vendors to be booked. We have received calls from clients asking us to DJ their Wedding with less than 4 weeks to spare before their event. In this time-table linked above, the author suggests booking your entertainment or DJ about 6-9 months prior to the event.
In an effort to help our clients, I would like to suggest a few reasons why you might want to consider booking a DJ (especially some of the more competitive Los Angeles DJs) well in advance of your event. Although I have done it numerous times in my career, as a DJ, I don’t like to just show up and play music the day of your Wedding. The DJ likes to get a feel for your vision for your Wedding, and it takes time and communication to carry that out. We will often speak with the venue or your other vendors to arrange and organize the timeline and flow of events, we spend time collecting and arranging music, we set and take meetings or phone consultations with bride and grooms, etc… If you wait until the last minute to book your DJ, it leaves us little time to prepare your entertainment and to make sure that everything runs smoothly. I’m confident that all of us at Elegant Event Entertainment can easily pull off a great Wedding even if we have very little time to prepare for it, but it is so much nicer to have that time to bond with my clients and help them realize their dreams for the perfect wedding.
Furthermore, my services as a DJ are based upon my availability. Many Brides and Grooms do book their DJ well in advance, and they often have the pick of the cream of the crop for DJs and Entertainment Companies that best suit their needs and budgets. Our company only hires very talented and experienced Wedding DJs, but each of their personalities are different. If a client waits too long, they may not find that match with the DJ they’re looking for, simply because the DJ has already been booked. Read the rest of this entry »
If you are an experienced wedding DJ who loves working to serve the needs of your clients, 