Groom's Checklist

If you read wedding blogs like ours or hang out on any of the big wedding web sites, then you know that there are about a bazillion checklists for brides. There are bridal beauty checklists, bridal accessory checklists, and pre-wedding checklists galore. What we don't see too often are checklists for grooms, and let us tell you... as wedding disc jockeys in Denver, Colorado, we see plenty of grooms, some messy and some dashing.

That's why we decided to create our own groom's checklist for all the guys out there who want to be prepared to walk down the aisle in style.

Three Months Before Wedding
Choose your menswear and either purchase it or reserve it. Remember that when you're shopping for a tux, your body type matters almost as much as the formality level of your wedding.

One Month Before Wedding
Schedule your fittings and alterations. Don't think you can get away without getting your suit or tuxedo altered, and TRY IT ON IN ADVANCE! There's nothing sillier than a man with a size 30 waist walking around in size 40 trousers.

One Week Before Wedding

• Go for a haircut.
• Get your nails buffed and manicured.
• Purchase new boxers... seriously.

One Day Before Wedding
Pick up the menswear and again, have everyone TRY EVERYTHING ON. Take no chances! If you are renting, double check for correct size of all the elements: trousers, jacket, tie, shirt, cummerbund or vest, cuff links, shoes, and socks. Pack everything up.

On the Wedding Day Morning

• Go for a close shave.
• Take a hot shower.
• Remember the deodorant.
• Take one last glimpse in the mirror to ensure your perfection.

Good luck!


A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding DJ Basics

As wedding DJs ourselves, we feel we are uniquely qualified to help brides and grooms choose the best wedding reception entertainment possible. Hiring wedding vendors is usually a new experience for couples, and wedding disc jockeys are some of the most influential wedding vendors out there. After all, they are the ones who set the tone for your entire reception!

If you've decided to hire a disc jockey instead of a live band, you will need to find a real pro. To start with, you need to decide on where the DJ fits in your reception plans. What is the role of the DJ? Will the DJ just be spinning music or are you expecting him to also be the Master of Ceremony? What is the kind of music you would prefer-- will the DJ be able to accommodate that? And finally, how much are you looking to spend on your wedding reception entertainment?

Look at Yellow Pages and online listings of wedding DJs, known names you get from loved ones, references, and recommendations. Check with local dance clubs and radio stations -- they can often provide good leads. Magazines and newspapers may sport advertisements of companies that provide wedding DJ services.

Look everywhere! This will give you a broad picture of the prices involved and will also help narrow down the list to fit your budget. Don't assume that the most expensive DJ will be the best DJ -- sometimes wedding disc jockeys are quite reasonable even though they have the skills to pay the bills!

A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Bridesmaids Gifts and Groomsmen Gifts

Gifts for wedding attendants are typically a nice way for the bride and groom to thank their bridesmaids and groomsmen for all of the money they've spent and the effort they've expended in helping to plan the perfect wedding. Choosing the right gift isn't always easy and can be downright stressful if you're not sure what your attendants might like to receive.

The following tips will help you make meaningful gift selections:

• When choosing personalized gifts for groomsmen or for bridesmaids, allow time to have the gifts personalized with the date and occasion if it's appropriate. This can take up to eight weeks from the time your order your items... and even longer if a mistake is made.

• Choose presents that mean something instead of gifts that are stereotypically wedding-y. Think of shared experiences, common interests in activities or books, and what will be most widely accepted. You don't have to get all of your attendants the same gift.

• On the other hand, to keep costs reasonable, choose the same gift for all of your attendants, perhaps only differing between men and women. A universal gift like an engraved or imprinted pen, carafe or mug or a CD of your favorite music can delight both genders. Ask yourself if your particular friends will be happy receiving the same gifts.

• Poll your attendants to see what they might like to receive as gifts. That way you'll be sure to get them something they want, and it might turn out to be less expensive and more special than whatever you had previously planned.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Questions to Ask Your Wedding DJ

As the premier Colorado disc jockeys, we know that it's a wedding DJ's job to keep the party moving. That means so much more than lining up a list of tunes and letting the records play. We keep the party going, make sure people are out on the dance floor, and help set the mood. Consequently, when it comes time to choose your wedding DJ, you should be pretty careful!

Here are eleven questions you should ask your wedding DJ before signing a contract:

1. Can I choose my own music? If you love a song, ask for it. If you hate a song, let your DJ know ahead of time so he doesn't play it. Your disc jockey should work with you on a set of reception guidelines, and a professional will abide by those guidelines.

2. Can you suggest songs? You'll probably have some favorite songs you'll want played at your reception, which your wedding DJ should be eager to play. The DJ should also be able to make suggestions for music you're not sure about. If you need help choosing music, just ask!

3. What is the cost of your services, and what do they include? Are there any hidden fees or taxes not included in the base price? Make sure you're getting what you want. Create a list of DJ duties ahead of time so your disc jockey knows what you hope to receive in return for your money.

4. What contingencies do you have if a piece of equipment fails? Good wedding DJs bring backup equipment and may even bring an assistant to help deal with any problems that may arise.

5. What happens when you're on break? How many breaks will the DJ take? Make sure that it states in your contract that the DJ will leave music playing during bathroom breaks.

6. What will you wear? If your wedding is a black tie event, you might not want the wedding DJ showing up in cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Clarify the dress code in advance.

7. When do you arrive to set up? This will be based on when the venue is available, but the DJ should be there between one and two hours beforehand. There should be time for the DJ to become familiar with the venue, set-up, perform a sound check, and to work out any last minute kinks.

8. Do you provide a contract? Never hire a wedding disc jockey without getting everything in writing!

9. Do you provide references? You should be able to speak with someone who has used the wedding DJ in the past, and if possible see his work on a wedding video.

10. Are you insured? All wedding DJs should have business liability insurance. In fact, your venue may require it. It protects you if your DJ should damage property or if one of your guests is injured due to contact with the DJ or his equipment.

11. What happens if you are unable to perform DJ duties on the day of my event? Your wedding DJ should have a replacement on call if an emergency prohibits him from working your event.

If the wedding DJ you're talking to doesn't answer any of these questions, RUN. Only work with wedding vendors who act like professionals.


A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Second Wedding Invitations

With divorce becoming much more common than it was in the past, we here at A Music Plus (the premier Denver wedding disc jockeys) are spinning our tunes at lots of second weddings... not to mention third and fourth weddings! When it comes to second weddings, it's hugely important that everyone involved follow the rules of good etiquette. There are usually enough tense feelings at second weddings that you don't want to add fuel to the fire by offending anyone.

When it comes to wedding invitations for second weddings, the wording is particularly important. You can bet people will be scrutinizing your wedding stationery pretty closely. Don't worry too much about it, but do try to be as proper as possible.

Here are two ways you can word your wedding invitations:

Mr. and Mrs. Neal Perry
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Mrs. Mary Beth Johansen
to
Mr. Paul Bowman
on Saturday, October the twelfth
at seven o'clock
Our Lady of Good Voyage

OR

The honor of your presence is requested
at the marriage of
Mrs. Candice Eve
and
Mr. David Walker
on Sunday, June the eighteenth
at one o'clock
at the residence of
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Romney
Sixteen Ocean Avenue

Of course, choose lovely invitations that are in keeping with the formality level of your wedding. Above all, have fun!


A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding Gown Care Tips

When your wedding ceremony is over, you're not out of the woods as far as caring for your wedding gown is concerned. Yes, you made sure to protect it from hairspray and lipstick and sips of champagne before your ceremony, but there are other perils yet to come!

Here are some ways you can keep your most precious piece of clothing looking beautiful before, during, and after your wedding reception:

Be careful with the train when you and your new husband get into the car. Have someone help you with it and hand it to you as you sit down. Do not close it in the car door.

If everyone is blowing bubbles as you and your husband come out of the church, make certain you told someone to remind others to not to blow bubbles on your dress. The bubbles will pop and leave little stains on your dress.

Food and champagne stains can set quickly. Steer clear of your uncle if he drinks too much and walks around with chicken wings in his hand. Choose your wedding menu carefully -- avoid greasy finger foods and edibles apt to stain.

At most receptions, brides and grooms feed each other wedding cake. This is a lovely tradition, but be careful. Ask your spouse ahead of time NOT to squish cake in your face, as that cake can crumble onto your pristine wedding gown.

The best tip for keeping your wedding dress free of champagne spills and butter is to take it off immediately after the wedding ceremony. Choose a less expensive and fun reception dress to wear when you kick up your heels on the dance floor.


A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding Budget Concerns

Creating a wedding budget is just about the most responsible thing you can do when your planning a wedding. Before you decide between a sit down dinner or a buffet meal, a wedding band or a wedding disc jockey, you need to sit down with your fiance (or fiancee) and maybe also your parents to figure out how much money you can spend on your wedding.

Of all the wedding budget concerns, whether to have an extravagant affair or a modest party may be the most pressing. This one decision will have an impact on every decision you make from this point forward.

If you're the kind of person who has been dreaming of your wedding since you were born, then you may want to have all the things that the royal family may want. However, you will need to have a considerably larger budget. Symphonies and real dove releases are not cheap.

Sit down with your soon-to-be spouse and figure out what is really important to you. Or you may want to each write out what your idea of the perfect wedding is, and then compare notes. You will probably find that many things match. And for those things that don't, you will need to figure out if they're necessary and something that you both want.

It seems that many couples split right down the middle in terms of a budget. One person is usually more lax, while the other tends to count every penny. Use this to your advantage. After you've figured out what kinds of things you're including in the budget, then you can determine if there are inexpensive ways to accomplish them.

This is your first lesson in compromise. Some things will work, others will not. As long as everyone involves keeps an open mind when you're preparing your wedding budget, you'll have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank!


A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Bridal Party Gifts

The secret to buying a great bridal party gift is thoughtfulness. Not money, not luxury, but thoughtfulness. You can spend all the money in the world on your bridesmaids and groomsmen, but that doesn't mean that you'll end up with the best attendants' gifts.

So what to buy? Start out by asking yourself what your friends want but might not buy for themselves. If nothing comes to mind, consider giving gifts that the wedding party can use at the wedding along with things that can be used for other occasions.

For example, how about buying beautiful handmade shawls for your bridesmaids? You can match them to your wedding colors, but think about choosing shawls in shades your ladies will love. Have fun with it. Wrap the shawls with a real cloth ribbon and place them where bridesmaids can find them. Another great gift is a gorgeous, roomy makeup bag filled with a generous supply of high-end makeup -- think Chanel, MAC, Laura Mercier. What woman doesn't love makeup? Especially if it is a splurgey brand she doesn't normally buy for herself.

For the groomsmens' gifts, high-quality, silver or gold cuff links are a traditional, but great gift. Box them beautifully, and, again, leave them where the groomsmen will find them. If you're looking for something a bit less traditional, gift certificates for lessons are perfect. Cooking lessons, parasailing lessons, a beer-tasting class... there is no limit to what you can give as a gift. If you have a groomsmen with a specific hobby -- perhaps your best man is a disc jockey -- buy a gift associated with that hobby.

Happy shopping!


A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Honeymoon Savings Tips

Let's face it -- honeymoons are expensive. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to shave some dollars and cents off your honeymoon costs. Saving on a honeymoon is as easy as shopping carefully for the best deals and considering alternative options that aren't the usual Hawaiian getaway.

Here are some money saving honeymoon ideas to get you started:

• Pack whatever you can! Sure it's easier to buy things like sunscreen and lip balm at your destination, but prices for necessities in tourist locales can cost double what they cost in your local drug store.

• If you can round up at least two other sets of newlyweds, you can rent a luxury villa in the tropics or a beautiful house in the mountains for what you'd pay for a hotel room.

• Alternately, look into house swapping.

• Prices for car rentals and hotels can fluctuate, so always always always look for a better deal. Ask for discounts whenever you can!

• Local specialty foods make great souvenirs and gifts for family, and grocery stores are the best and least expensive place to find them.

• Ask your wedding vendors -- like your wedding DJ -- if they know of any good deals. As wedding professionals, they often have contacts at hotels.
  

Remember that there's nothing wrong with asking for a deal. Tell everyone you interact with that you are on your honeymoon because resort managers, tour guides, drivers, and other service professionals may offer you a special discount or package deal. Good luck!


A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding Flower Checklist (Reception)

Once you've checked all of the items off on your wedding flower checklist for your wedding ceremony, it's time to think about the reception. You may have lots of flowers on your reception tables or a couple of blooms scattered here and there around your reception space. No matter what, however, a list will help you ensure that nothing is forgotten.

As with any item of decor, presentation is everything. You may want to have floral centerpieces for several different guest tables, on a buffet table, and in several other areas. If there will be a lot of family members and longer tables are being used, you may need additional wedding flower arrangements ordered to compensate.

Here is a short wedding flower checklist to get you started:

• Centerpieces
• Head table
• Gift table
• Buffet table
• Bar
• Cake table
• Entry tables

That's not everything, of course. As wedding disc jockeys in Denver, Colorado, we attend plenty of receptions that are dripping with flowers. Wedding floral arrangement can be used to inform guests of their seating arrangement. You can also have floral headpieces or aisle runners. Many have also found it appropriate to give a thank-you floral arrangement to out-of-town guests and a separate and special set for each of your parents. And here's one more tip: If you're having a lot of bridesmaids, the bridal bouquets can be used as centerpieces! Just have vases ready on each table!


A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Choosing Wedding Music

For those looking for wedding DJs in Denver Colorado and beyond, we want to offer you a few pointers that will help you when it comes time to make your wedding reception playlist. Choosing music isn't always easy, and there's plenty to think about. You have multiple options when you come to this stage of wedding planning, and we've outlined them below.

1) Do nothing, allowing your wedding DJ to choose all the music.This is fine if you have seen us before and know you will like our selections, or if you do not have the time to choose music. The DJs at A Music Plus are at events every week and can quickly determine the kind of music that you and your guests will enjoy. Additionally, our DJs bring a wide variety of all styles of popular music so that they can adjust to your preferences and those of your guests accordingly.

2) Choose a few songs and/or artists you most enjoy. This is what most clients choose to do. This gives your wedding DJ a clear indication of some of the music that is important to you, while allowing them to take guest requests and play songs that they know from experience will please your guests.

3) Choose several songs and artists and identify a list of "Do Not Play" songs and/or artists, as well as possibly forbidding the playing of guest requests. If you have the time and inclination, this option gives you more control of the music played at your event. While more time consuming on your end, it can help you feel that you have more say in what is or is not played.

4) Provide a list of music choices for your wedding DJ, requiring that only songs on that list be played unless you specify otherwise at the event. This option ensures that you will not hear a song at your event that you have not approved, but is somewhat restrictive and eliminates guest choices as an option for the DJ.

5) Create the list of music you want played, in order, and require that your wedding disc jockey stick to it. While we will happily do this for you, it is not recommended. Making such a list requires a great deal of time and effort on your part. Additionally, it cannot account for or allow flexibility for what may be happening at your event at any given time.

Good luck, and have a great reception!

A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding DJs Pt. II

Of all the Denver disc jockeys out there, we obviously think we're the best. But when it comes to choosing entertainment for your reception, it's up to you to decide which dj will make your wedding fun. To help you make this very important decision, here are four questions you should ask yourself when choosing your wedding dj.

How important is it to you that your guests dance?
This is a huge issue at wedding receptions. We sometimes get clients whose primary concern in selecting music is to demonstrate to their friends and families how eclectic or eccentric their music tastes have become. While we will certainly help them accomplish that goal, we try to warn them not to be shocked if most of their guests don't recognize the music and, therefore, choose not to dance. Again, we make no judgment here as to this being right or wrong, it is just how it is. Most people tend to dance when they feel comfortable, and that usually requires recognizing the music.

What if the DJ is off track with music selection at our event?
We at A Music Plus think of performing at an event much like waiting tables in a fine restaurant. A great DJ will do their best to provide exactly what you want, but they cannot know you want something different unless you say so. If your soup is cold, the finest waiter will not know unless you tell him. If you want the music selection at any particular time tweaked, tell the DJ so they can adjust.

Do we have to hear the same old songs that we hear at most weddings?
Of course not. This is your day and you should have total control of the music played. On the other hand, songs that fall under the category of “popular music” are called "popular" for a reason. Popular songs like YMCA, Loveshack, the Electric Slide, for instance...these are songs that make some people cringe, while others flock to the dance floor. You need to decide what matters most. If hearing a particular song or artist will irk you at your event, you should tell us in advance. If you'll be too busy visiting with guests to notice or care, and the song has your guests dancing end enjoying themselves, then you might be best served to not worry about it.

Should we allow the DJ to take guests requests?
This is up to you. We cannot possibly know you and your guests as well as you do. Sometimes guests come up with some good and fun ideas for music selections. The DJ will always use discretion, anyway, so you shouldn't worry about your wedding DJ playing inappropriate songs. Unless you are concerned about the music your guests might request, or you want the DJ to play from your list only, it is generally okay to let guests make requests.


A Music Plus
Colorado Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding DJs Pt. I

Music preferences are so personal that we make no attempt at A Music Plus to determine what is "good" music or "bad" music. The kind of music you like is up to you...not up to your wedding disc jockey. I think that's what sets us apart from other wedding djs in Denver Colorado!

Unlike the other djs you may have met, we do not try to educate our clients about music. We only play the music that our clients ask to hear. With their permission and only with their express permission, we will supplement their choices with selections we feel will appropriately compliment their event.

Live bands are generally limited to the songs they carry in their repertoire. With djs, the choices are much more varied. That doesn't necessarily make it any easier on you -- what if your musical tastes are limited? Don't worry about it. Many clients aren't sure what should be played at their event.

First, ask yourself what do you want the music at your event to do? Is the purpose of the music to provide a format for dancing, to provide ambience, to set a mood or enhance the moment? Determining what you want the music to do will help you decide what should be played.

Then, ask yourself how much control you want over your wedding reception playlist. Again, this is up to you, but here's an analogy. You've asked the chef to prepare a wonderful meal for everyone. You've told him/her what you like. Now, do you stand over his/her shoulder and direct the preparation of the food? What spices to use, what temperature to cook the food at, which pots and pans to use, what order to prepare the food in, etc.?

Providing music for dancing is similar. Your wedding dj should know what you like and dislike and try to play music accordingly. But micro-managing the disc jockey at your event tends to take away much of your enjoyment of the party and makes a long night for everybody.

Balance is best -- tell your disc jockey what you absolutely do want to hear and what you absolutely do not want to hear, and let him or her fill in the rest. We can't vouch for the other Colorado disc jockeys out there, but we here at A Music Plus will always abide by your wishes!

A Music Plus

Denver Wedding Disc Jockeys

http://www.amusicplus.com/

Choosing a Wedding Tiara

When it comes time to choose your wedding day accessories, don't automatically assume you'll be wearing a veil. There are plenty of other options out there, from fanciful hairdos to wedding tiaras! Choosing a wedding tiara isn't always easy because there are so many beautiful options out there, but it shouldn't be a pain in the tush, either.

If you do decide to wear a tiara on your wedding day, be sure that you choose one that will be the crowning glory of your overall ensemble. It should compliment, not overshadow your gown. It should also blend well with your other accessories -- if you like gold, choose a gold tone tiara. If you're planning to wear silver jewelry, opt for silver tone.

When tiara shopping, you should think carefully about the design elements that define your wedding gown. Achieving a flawless line from the top of your head to the tip of your hemline means sticking to one or two types of ornamentation. Pearls, for example, can appear on your gown, in your jewelry and in your tiara. The same goes for gems and rhinestones. If your gown is plain and you're not wearing much jewelry, you can wear a "busier" tiara, but if your gown is very heavily embellished, stick to simpler headgear.

The next thing you should take into consideration when choosing a wedding tiara is the color of your wedding gown. Silver tone or rhinestone tiaras are best suited to a white gown. Pearl tiaras go well with off-white or ivory gowns because a pearl's luster is accentuated by these tones. Gold tone tiaras are another good choice if you are wearing ivory or off-white. If you can, take a swatch of your gown fabric with you when shopping!

The last two elements to consider when choosing a wedding tiara are the shape of your face and your wedding day hairdo. The tiara should flatter your face by framing it, and it should not draw attention to dominant aspects of your face's shape. When you choose your wedding tiara, follow these guidelines:

• For a round face, wear a tiara that has height and will draw the eye upward, giving the illusion that your face is longer.
• For a long face, wear a tiara that is flat and sits close to the top of your head. It should also extend over the sides of your head to draw the eye horizontally, rather than vertically. This will make a long, thin face appear fuller.
• For an oval face, wear a tiara that either sits on the forehead or some ornamentation that sits on the back of your head to make your face appear less oval.
• For a full face, wear a tiara that has height and forms a "V' shape to draw the eye up for the illusion of length and slimness.

Finally, your hairstyle will also dictate how heavy a wedding tiara you will wear. Short hairstyles look best with a light tiara that has subtle ornamentation, while a large amount of thick hair piled high can carry a bigger tiara that is amply encrusted with gemstones.

Happy shopping!


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Apache Wedding Prayer

If you're looking to inject a little cross culturalism into your wedding ceremony, consider integrating the Apache wedding prayer into your vows. Including this beautiful prayer in your ceremony doesn't mean you have to do away with the words commonly associated with weddings in your own faith. Rather, it can augment the usual religious or secular ceremony and make your wedding even more memorable that it already will be!

The prayer reads as follows:

Now for you there is no rain
For one is shelter to the other.

Now for you there is no darkness
For one is counsel to the other.

Now for you there is no pain
For one is comfort to the other.

Now for you there is no night
For one is light to the other.

Now for you there is no cold
For one is warmth to the other.

Now for you the snow has ended, always
Your fears, your wants, your needs are at rest.

It is that way today, tomorrow and forever.
Now it is good and there is always shelter.

And now there is always one.
And now there is no loneliness.

Now, forever, forever you are as one.
There are two bodies.

But now there is only one heart in both
And you are as one person.

You can ask your officiant to make the Apache wedding prayer a part of the service or you can ask a loved one to step up to the altar space to read the prayer. If you like, you can even adapt the wording of this beautiful and poetic prayer by changing certain words to make it appropriate for you and your spouse-to-be to read to one another as vows.



A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Questions to Ask Your Baker

Choosing a wedding cake is one of the best responsibilities on the typical wedding planning checklist. After all, who doesn't fancy the idea of noshing their way through cake samples? At the same time, your baker will be a vendor like any other, and that means you'll need to interview prospective bakers before choosing one. Below, you'll find a list of questions to ask your baker before you sign any kind of contract.

Flexibility in design choices
Will your baker custom-make your cake based on your specifications concerning cake flavors, icings, and embellishments? Some bakers will only work from templates found in their portfolios, so be sure to ask about this. You may also want to ask if your baker can replicate a particular cake from a photograph or description.

How the cake is made
Some bakers use packaged cake mix while most use all homemade, fresh ingredients. Do you have a preference one way or the other? If you'd like a vegan cake or a gluten free cake, be sure to ask whether your baker can accommodate special dietary needs. Some can and some can't.

Request pictures of their of work
Take a look at a baker's portfolio of cakes. Do you like what you see? Does it reflect good workmanship, a steady hand, and creativity? Does the baker's style gel with your own ideas of what makes a wedding cake beautiful?

Extra charges
Some bakers charge a base price that includes the rental or purchase of pillars, cake bases, toppers, and decorative items, while other bakers charge for these things. Ask whether there will be an extra deposit for non-cake items and when the items will need to be returned. Sometimes if the baker is familiar with the reception site or caterer, they may pick up those items on their own. SIf you're heading off to your honeymoon, remember to designate someone to return these items to your baker while you're gone.

Delivery and set up charges
If your baker is close by, there may not be an additional delivery charge. Some may charge $35 to$60 for delivery or a per-mile fee. Usually, the set up charge is included in the price of the cake, but don't make any assumptions. Get this info in writing!

Setting up the cake
Will your baker embellish the cake using fresh flowers provided by your florist? Will they decorate the cake table, too? If you'd like your baker to provide these services, be sure to ask up front in so there are no surprises.

Price per serving
For a three-tiered cake, prices tend to hover between $1.50 and $5.00 per slice. Price per serving can vary by quite a bit based upon the intricacy of the decorations on the cake and the flavor of cake. Elaborate frosting decorations are time- and labor-intensive, so usually cost more.


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Cutting a Guest List

We know that if money were no object for brides and grooms, we'd be DJing at a lot more 500-guest weddings than 100-guest weddings. Unfortunately, most couples can't just toss their budget constraints out the window. That means that no matter how many people they'd like to invite to the wedding, they are going to have to leave some people out and that means cutting the guest list.

Choosing the "winners" and the "losers" can be a painful process that causes familial strife and hurt feelings, but it doesn't have to be as hard as it's made out to be. The first step is to go through your prospective guest list and put an A or a B next to each name. The As are the absolute must-invites like grandmas and best friends, while the B list is everyone else. The next step is to work through the B list to figure out who won't be offended to not receive an invitation.

Ask yourself these questions as you pore over names:

• Have I seen this person in the last 12 months?
• Have I spoken with this person in the last 6 months?
• Did I send this person a Christmas card last year?

If you answered no to all of the questions above, it's probably fine to cut this person from your guest list. You can always send them a wedding announcement to let them know that you're married and to acknowledge that you appreciate their friendship.

Still need to do some more cutting? There are other ways to cut your guest list, though these won't be as easy.

• Don't invite your parents' friends, particularly if you don't know them very well.
• Don't invite old school or college friends that you know you'll never see again.
• Don't invite second and third cousins.
• Don't invite business associates or boss.
• Don't invite children.
• Don't allow single people (those without steady significant others) to bring a date.
• Don't invite people just because you were invited to their wedding.

You may feel badly about cutting people from your guest list, but remind yourself that practicality demands it. If you don't have the money to invite 200 or even 50 people, you simply cannot invite that many people, no ifs, ands or buts about it! There's a chance that people who were not invited will approach you to ask about why they were excluded. In such a case, honestly is definitely the best policy.


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

BRIDEZILLA!

Planning a wedding is a stressful, largely thankless job. When you consider that you're planning a wedding on top of doing your regular job and keeping up with loved ones, it can become a nightmare. While there are some bridezillas out there, most of the brides-to-be who are saddled with this nasty label simply let their anger and frustration get the best of them. If you'd like to keep bridezilla at bay, take these nine tips to heart.

1. Plan on being overwhelmed. Even if you've got your wedding checklist under control, a wedding is still a life-changing event and you're bound to have some strong feelings about it. As much as you want to be calm and collected, you may be weepy, snippy, lonely, or fidgety at times. When you feel the 'zilla coming, step back and take a long break.

2. Diminish the effects of "Bride Brain." Think about how you react to stress in everyday life, and keep your usual coping strategies in mind. If you get clumsy when you're stressed, don't try to create your intricate handmade invitations until you feel better. Do you get forgetful? Make detailed lists. If you lash out, let your family and friends know in advance that you're under a lot of pressure and may say things you don't mean.

3. Enlist the help of one solid, responsible girlfriend (or guyfriend). As wedding DJs, we have seen countless best gal pals step up to the plate when things went awry before and on the wedding day. Why not a sister or your mom? Your friend isn't caught up in your family drama and can protect you from it.

4. Practice being overwhelmed. If you don't usually like being the center of attention, practice at your bridal shower and bachelorette party. If handling multiple responsibilities freaks you out, learn to take smaller steps. When you sense you are becoming overwhelmed, it's time for another break. If you can cope, you will survive and stay in your loved ones' good graces.

5. Connect with your fiancé. Don't let wedding planning overshadow the great relationship that led to the upcoming event! Designate wedding-free days or weekends. Tell your spouse-to-be to let you know when he's feeling overwhelmed by all the wedding talk. Remember how you used to go out on those awesome dates? Make time for those dates again!

6. Allow your wedding to take on a life of its own. Do your planning but when the big day finally arrives, let your wedding be what it wants to be. A major life event like this will have its own personality, rhythm and soul. Something will go wrong, and someone will probably have something negative to say. You can control that, so just let it go.

7. And let go of perfectionism! Be delighted by spontaneity, not appalled that things aren't going as planned. Some of the best memories couples have are of those little unplanned events that made the day special.

8. Be emotionally connected to yourself. That way, you can connect with others. If you feel confident, happy, and in control of your own emotions, you'll be able to engage with your spouse and your guests on a deep, satisfying level.

9. Create a mental image of the bride you want to be. Just because you have a lot to do doesn't mean you can't be the kind of bride who has fun before and during the wedding. On the other hand, if your mental image doesn't quite manifest in your everyday experiences, don't beat yourself up. You are a complex human being with complex emotions, and that's okay.


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Groomsmen Gifts

Congratulations, Mr. Groom-to-be!

By now, you've probably chosen your best man and groomsmen. If not, it's time to start seriously considering who will stand at your side when you say your vows. Brothers and college buddies are a common choice, but cousins and even dads are frequently asked to stand with the groom. Don't be afraid to gender bend, either. If your best pal is a gal, why not have a Best Maid or a groomswoman?

For the purposes of this post, let's just say you've chosen your attendants and they're all dudes. You've talked to them about their responsibilities, and now you want to show your appreciation for the help they've given you so far. That means it's time to start thinking about groomsmen gifts.

Maybe you're not a big shopper, and prefer to leave the shopping to your fiancee. No matter who is wielding the credit cards in your relationship, this post should give you some fun and memorable gift ideas. As always, your overall wedding budget should dictate your choices. Generally, the cost of groomsmen gifts is in proportion to the cost and size of the wedding and the responsibilities of the men.

You can go the conventional route and present each of your men with the same gift. You can't go wrong with traditional masculine gifts like monogrammed mugs, beer steins, toiletry sets, handkerchiefs, engraved pocket watches, engraved cuff links, manicure sets, or engraved money clips. If you do decide to give engraved gifts, you can be sure your attendants will treasure them for many years.

You can also individualize your gifts to each of your groomsmen's tastes. You don't have to give each of your attendants the same gift just because it's what's usually done. Nor do you have to give them the usual masculine gifts if that's not your style. Think about their likes and interests before you buy anything. Your best friend might appreciate a gift certificate to a bookstore more than sports tickets. Your brother might rather enjoy a nice meal with you at his favorite steak house.

Let what you know about each of your attendants be your guide and you can be sure they will treasure whatever you ultimately choose to give them.


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Hiring a Wedding DJ Pt. II

(Looking for part one?)

In our post written roughly a week ago, we talked about how to hire a wedding DJ. Today, we're going to build on that post by talking a little bit about what to look for in your wedding disc jockey. You can't be too careful, after all, when you're hiring the guy (or gal) who will set the tone for your reception!

Experience counts
When you decide to hire a wedding DJ, you're going to have some questions. First and foremost on your mind should be how much experience the DJs you like have. You should look for a DJ who has experience working weddings. As much as you like the dance club DJ who was spinning at the party you attended last weekend, that disc jockey won't necessarily have what it takes to do weddings.

Ask yourself: Is the DJ familiar with wedding protocols and conventions, and does he (or she) understand the sanctity and sentimentality of the event? This is especially important if you expect the DJ to take on the role of MC!

Try to meet any prospective disk jockeys in person so you can lay out your requirements for the wedding reception. Watch videos of their performances if they have any. Most experienced and professional DJs will have some available, either on a DVD or on YouTube. This is a very useful way of pre-screening a prospective DJ. Then check his CD collection and see if it suits your taste. A large, diverse collection is best, but most disc jockeys will be able to find the music you'd most like to hear played.

Passion Is Key
Your wedding DJ should love what he or she does for a living! Most disc jockeys are music afficiandos and enjoy a good party. If you're hiring from a company, it will usually have a number of DJs on the payroll and those disc jockeys may not be as motivated as solo DJs. No matter who you ultimately hire, always get a written contract that details the DJ's responsibilities and your rights. It's there to protect both of you! Finally, it may be useful to choose a wedding disc jockey who is a member of a national DJ association like the ADJA or NAME. The DJs who take the time to join these organizations will usually be responsible professionals.

Ask yourself: Does the prospective DJ simply churn out music dispassionately or does he (or she) actively motivate the guests to dance and have fun? Or, if you prefer a more serene party atmosphere, does the disc jockey play the appropriate tunes? Make sure the DJ is open to requests and does not impose his own tastes on the event. Does your disc jockey include a package of other goodies such as backup equipment and lighting? Does the hiring cost include all the equipment? Is the equipment of good quality and suitable for the venue and occasion?

Time to Negotiate
Definitely try to negotiate the fees for a win-win deal. Never assume that the price listed is set in stone -- the worst a DJ can say is no! Keep in mind that well-known wedding disc jockeys will cost more than newbies, but that isn't necessarily an indicator of quality. Let your gut be your guide, and never choose a wedding DJ who rubs you the wrong way. Some DJs charge more to work on holidays and during the popular wedding months, i.e., June, July, and August. Lastly, make sure the price you are quoted includes everything -- hidden charges are bad news.

And remember, wedding DJs, like almost all wedding vendors, tend to get booked up well in advance, so start looking for yours as early as you can!


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Hiring a Wedding DJ Pt. I

So your wedding is just around the corner. Maybe you've sorted out most of the details, like your budget, ceremony venue, invitation list, wedding stationery, and vows. As the day approaches amidst chaotic delight, your thoughts and energy will naturally be directed towards the planning of your wedding reception. Of all the things that can enhance or detract from a wedding reception, the entertainment should be first and foremost in your mind.

The music
As we've mentioned in the past, your wedding reception music helps ensure that your guests are having a great time. Live band music is a cool option for a very entertaining wedding reception. Live bands do, however, come with their inherent parcel of issues, like the hassle of all the equipment, instruments, their set up and break down times, and the space they require. Live bands also invariably turn out to be rather loud. If you have no problems with these issues and you can afford the price tag, then a live band it is.

On the other hand, a wedding disc jockey can keep the party going without all the fuss...and for a lot less money. If your decision is to enjoy your reception the wedding DJ way, you'll need to secure the services of a professional disc jockey. If your cousin's best friend is an experienced wedding DJ, fantastic! If not, you're going to have to start looking for and interviewing DJs.

Hiring a wedding disc jockey
To start, you need to decide how the DJ fits into your reception plans. What role the DJ will fill? Will your wedding DJ just be spinning music or are you expecting him to be the Master of Ceremonies (i.e., the MC)? What kind of music you would prefer to hear during your wedding reception -- will the DJs you like be able to accommodate your tastes? Your choice of guests may also play a role in the kind of music you choose. Grandma may not want to hear gangsta rap even if it's your absolute favorite!

First, look at Yellow Pages listings if no one you know can recommend someone they've worked with in the past. Check with local dance clubs and radio stations -- they can often provide good leads. Bridal magazines and wedding web sites like Smart Wedding Planning usually have local listings for vendors. Checking with lots of sources will give you a broad picture of the prices wedding DJs charge and will also help you narrow down a list of wedding DJs that fit your budget. Remember that the most expensive wedding disc jockey may not be the right one for your wedding.


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Bridesmaids Gifts

Bridesmaid gifts shouldn't have to be a puzzle. While there's a tradition of giving things like jewelry or tote bags, there's no reason you can't just give your gals something they'd really like. After all, you wouldn't buy your best friend a Santa sweater just because it's Christmas, right? Right? Yes, you can gift your bridesmaids with generic stuff or you can charm your pals with challenging, mind-blowing bridesmaids gifts. Rather than giving a usual key chain or a pearl strand, think of each of your 'maids before buying anything. You know what they like!

If you're really pressed and can't think of a single thing they'd like, consider some of the gifts listed below.

Entertaining Gifts

__Tickets to a dinner or musical theater show
__Computer games or accessories
__Tiffany playing cards
__A purse size camera with a monogrammed case
__Subscription to magazines if she is an avid reader

Lavish Gifts

__Personalized stationery
__Designer makeup bag or clutch
__Monogrammed bath towels or washcloths
__A silk dress or cute shoes
__A gift certificate to a spa

Handmade Gifts

__Fanciful soaps
__Homemade candles
__Perfumed Bath salts
__Knitted woolen gloves with a matching scarf
__A personalized photo album

Unique Gifts

__Vintage ashtrays (for the smokers)
__Workout gear, if she is a fitness buff
__A travel kit embroidered with her initials
__A hot new cookbook and a cast iron pot
__New gardening tools and seeds from her favorite flower

The best bridesmaids gifts will always be those that reflect the personality of the individual receiving the gift. When you choose gifts your attendants will love, they'll be more apt to keep and treasure them for a long time. Can you say that about a paperweight? Only if the chick opening the package loves being a desk jockey!

Remember that your bridesmaids are special individuals who have probably taken a good amount of time out of their lives to help plan, decorate and be present for your wedding day. They should be appropriately thanked for those major contributions!


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding Favor Trends

You know you've chosen a good wedding favor when there are none left at the end of the reception. While it's unusual for there not to be at least some leftover wedding favors, it's a noble goal to aim for! The wedding favors that get the most attention are usually those that are edible, though trendy wedding favors are also beloved by guests. Below you'll find some of the favors that are popular with today's brides...and today's guests.

Unusual Wedding Favors
One trend that we definitely see at events we DJ for is wedding favors that tend toward the unusual. The old classic wedding favor ideas -- think matchbooks and almonds -- have gone out the door because brides and grooms want to give their guests something unique that will be kept and remembered.

Exotic Wedding Favors
Pushing the limit is hot right now because brides and grooms love to inject a little creativity into their event. Items from exotic locales fit the bill because they aren't going to be something your guests just saw in a nearby shop window. For example, a small potted bamboo sprig from China is a popular wedding favor right now. Look for wedding favors from foreign countries or cultures.

Elegant Wedding Favors
Smaller and more elegant wedding favors are gaining in popularity. A single chocolate truffle or sachet of gourmet tea will delight your guests...and more than likely get used.

Personalized Wedding Favors
If you want your guests to remember your wedding, give them something with your name and the wedding date on it! Adding little personal touches like a picture of the couple to be married makes any keepsake more keep-worthy. Some brides and grooms are even adding the name of each guest to make their favors extremely personalized. This is a very nice gesture and one that your guests will love!


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding Flower Checklist (Ceremony)

Whoever thought that flowers could equal stress? But naturally they can when there is a wedding involved! It's not that choosing flowers isn't fun -- rather, it's that you, as the bride (or possibly the groom) have never had to choose so many flowers in so many configurations! What, for example, is a boutonnière? Or a biedermeier? How about a tussy mussy? It's enough to make a bride-to-be tear down a greenhouse!

It's not hard to see why one of the more important wedding planning checklists is the wedding flowers checklist for the ceremony. First, there are the bouquets and the flower petals:

• Flower girl's floral basket and rose petals
• Maid of honor's bouquet
• Bridesmaids' bouquets
• Bride's toss-away bouquet
• Bride's bouquet

Then there are also wedding corsages to think about! These are optional, but they are a nice way to honor mothers and grandmothers who otherwise have no part in the wedding ceremony itself. If you want to mark this tradition, these are the individuals who should be included:

• The Bride's mother
• The Groom's mother
• The grandmothers of the Bride
• The grandmothers of the Groom
• Any other special women in your life

Boutonnières are yet another bit of floral finery you may or may not wish to buy. Boutonnières are for wedding attendants and honored male guests. These are usually nicely matched to the corsages that are worn by the ladies, as well as the bouquets that are going to be carried by the bridal party. These are the individuals that should receive boutonnières:

• The Groom's best man
• The ring bearer
• The ushers
• The fathers of the Bride
• The father of the Groom
• The grandfather of the Bride
• The grandfather of the Groom
• The Groom himself
  

It should go without saying that any remaining members of the wedding party can also carry or wear some sort of floral arrangement if you wish.

Remember that boutonnières don't have to be single roses and bouquets needn't come in little cones. There are many kinds of beautiful and elegant wedding floral arrangements out there waiting for your to discover them. Your florist may be able to help you decide if you'd rather carry a hand tied bouquet or an arm sheaf but they may not be familiar with ballerina bouquets or kissing balls, so do your research before committing to a specific style.


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Before the Wedding

You've probably heard of the wedding planning checklist, but face it...those long lists of duties can be a bit overwhelming when you've only just gotten engaged. Not every item on every list will be pertinent to your particular experience. You may not need to have shoes dyed or hire a wedding videographer, for example. But there are some responsibilities that you'll have to face up to eventually, so you may as well get started ASAP!

Here are some of the main duties you'll need to take care of before tying that knot:

• Share the news of your engagement with your family and friends.
  
• Place an engagement announcement in your local paper.
• Pick out your engagement ring with your fiancé.
• Think about and envision the kind of wedding you have always wanted.
  
• Start a file for all your wedding-planning paperwork. Separate folders are a must.
• Decide on a budget, keeping in mind that the average wedding today is estimated to cost around $20,000.
• Select your wedding dress and accessories.
• Set the time and date of your wedding.
  
• Begin making your preliminary guest list.
• Choose your attendants.
• Select and reserve the location for your ceremony and reception.
• Confirm the availability and book your wedding photographer and videographer.
• Meet with your officiant (Justice of the Peace, Minister, Judge, etc.) to discuss the structure and content of your ceremony.
• Schedule premarital counseling, if required by your state or faith.
• Interview wedding caterers and wedding cake bakers.
  
• Confirm the availability and book a wedding disc jockey for your reception
• Sign the necessary contracts and pay pending deposits.
• Discuss honeymoon destinations.
• Decide on liability insurance for your wedding reception.

When you're ready to start planning your wedding, have a look at a wedding planning timeline to see when you should be doing what. Many vendors get booked far in advance and some items (like the dress) take forever to ship, which means that you need to be aware of how far along you are in the process. If you give yourself plenty of time to do everything you have to do, you'll be fine so don't stress out about it. The more relaxed you are, the more you'll enjoy all of the shopping and organizing!



A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Look Your Best In Front of the Camera

It's easy to look good on your wedding day. Think about it -- when was the last time you saw an ugly bride or groom? All that happiness makes brides radiant and grooms handsome, whether or not they look like Hollywood idols in real life. That doesn't mean, of course, that you can't employ some tricks to ensure that you shine in your wedding photos. Considering that those may be your only visual record of your special day, it's important to look your best!

Here are some tips we've collected over the years that have helped up help brides and grooms make the most of their day-of photo sessions:

• When it comes to doing your wedding make-up, don't fall victim to the saying "more is better". Use the same shades of make-up that you normally wear and don't make any radical changes to your looks before the wedding.

• Consider using a professional make-up artist. They are trained to understand camera lighting and angles, and how to accentuate your BEST features and minimize others. However, always do a "test run" before the wedding day!

• Make sure that you bring along a small make-up bag to freshen up during the day. All you need is some translucent or pressed powder to absorb any shine and some lipstick. If you're outside taking pictures, bring along some blotting paper which works great to absorb moisture without rubbing off your make-up.

• Full length photographs capture all the beauty and magnificence of the wedding dress, wedding attire and beautiful scenery or backdrops. Close-up or half length (above the waist) photographs better capture facial expressions and reveal more emotions. It's a good idea to get a mix of both types of shots.

• Particularly if you are taking pictures before the ceremony, remember to relax in front of the camera. If you're feeling nervous or anxious, this can show in the camera by your facial expression, your posture and smile.

• On your wedding day, you're going to be in front of the camera and you're going to be smiling! Take a break every so often and change your expression and move/exercise the muscles around your mouth. If you don't, your facial expressions in your photographs may look strained.

• When taking your wedding portraits, sometimes it's better to choose a simple background (with nice, soft lighting) rather than an elaborate one. A busy looking backdrop can take away from the picture and distract from the focal point -- which is the bride and groom.

• When your photographer is taking candid pictures during the reception, don't look at the camera! The beauty of a candid shot is capturing the magic and emotion of a particular moment when people in the photograph are interacting with each other.

A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding DJs Keep It Moving

Your wedding DJ will do more than just spin tunes as your wedding guests dance the night away. He or she will set the tone for the entire event, because it's the wedding DJ who orchestrates the shifts in mood and tone using music. Whether you like swing, funk, or contemporary pop, the order of your wedding music can make or break your reception. The wedding DJ chooses songs that compliment the events taking place at the wedding and help keep the party flowing.

Here are some suggestions we think make a wedding reception perfect based on our years of experience.

For the Grand Entrance
The guests are assembled at the wedding reception venue and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newly married couple. When the wedding DJ announces the arrival of the bride and groom at the wedding reception, there's electricity in the air. Your wedding disc jockey can help you choose a song that's dramatic or fun, like:

Bittersweet Symphony, The Verve
Celebration, Kool and the Gang
Let's Get it Started, the Black Eyes Peas

For Cutting the Cake
When the wedding disc jockey announces the cake cutting, he can play a traditional song or something more tongue-in-cheek. Some fun choices include:

How Sweet it Is, James Taylor
Pour Some Sugar on Me, Def Leppard
The Sweetest Thing, U2

For Throwing the Bouquet
When the single ladies gather to catch the bouquet, it's all about having fun. Not all couples opt for the bouquet throwing (or the garter toss, for that matter), but for those that do, the following songs fit nicely:

It's Raining Men, Weather Girls
Girls, Girls, Girls, Motley Crue
Hey Ladies, Beastie Boys

Tossing the Garter
Not all brides wear a garter and some find this ritual a tad offensive, but some brides take part in this ritual just so the groom can remove it and toss it to the single male guests. If you choose to have a garter toss during your wedding reception, some fun songs to play include:

You Can Leave Your Hat On, Joe Cocker
The Stripper, David Rose Orchestra
She's Got Legs, ZZ Top

For the Last Dance and Your Exit
All good things must come to an end, including your reception. You can let the wedding DJ wind down with a slow song or end on an energetic note. Popular last dance songs include:

Last Dance, Donna Summer
We are Family, Sister Sledge
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), Green Day

You may or may not take part in all of these events depending on the tone of your wedding reception, but you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself knowing that your wedding DJ is keeping the party moving and playing the right soundtrack to your important day. Isn't it worth it knowing you have one less thing to worry about?


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Engagement Rings

Presumably, if you're reading this, you already have an engagement ring on your finger...or maybe not. Quite a number of people commit to marry one another without ever exchanging any rings at all, though wedding rings are a common part of the marriage ceremony. How do we know? We DJs see it all!

If you do have a ring, it's probably your pride and joy, lighting up your days with its sparkle. But do you know the history of the engagement ring?

In all cultures, traditions of engagement, betrothal and other forms of the commitment to marry extend back thousands of years. Whether it was an arranged marriage or a marriage of choice, the engagement provided time for the communities' (not to mention the families') reaction and counsel. Engagement periods also offered everyone involved with the wedding plenty of opportunities to prepare and plan for the ceremony and reception.

Historians do not have a clear idea of when the engagement ring became a standard gift to symbolize the promise to wed. What is certain is that the exchange of rings in the marriage ceremony predates the giving of an engagement ring and that the customs related to engagement itself also existed long before the engagement ring became the most prevalent gift to give.

Traditionally, the seriousness of marriage was marked by the exchange of household wealth. The bride's family was expected to provide a dowry. The groom's family, in exchange, usually paid a somewhat lesser bride price. Note that in some cultures, only one or the other was given. The engagement ring may be a custom that is distantly related to this payment of a bride price, similar to the custom of the bride's family paying for the expenses of the wedding -- derived from that of providing a dowry.

Historical records in Europe show that future grooms from wealthy aristocracy gave engagement rings to their beloveds beginning in the 1400s. This coincides with the rise of Courtly Love, where the wealthy and privileged classes were more free to romanticize marriage, beyond its practical economic, political, and social purposes. Until then, marriages were typically arranged to suit the needs of both families involved, whether their concerns were economic or political. You might not even get to meet your spouse-to-be before the wedding day!

Kind of puts your ring -- and all of the privileges that go along with it - into perspective.


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Buying A Wedding Gown

On a small budget? Pressed for time? Hate shopping? There are many places other than the traditional bridal salon where you can buy the perfect wedding dress. Whether you're driven by frugality, a disdain for wedding shop attendants, or the simple need to do things quickly, there are plenty of alternative ways to buy a wedding gown. Try:

Bridal Warehouses
These facilities offer dresses that you can purchase off-the-rack for prices that tend to be much cheaper than bridal salons. Many of these stores carry designer gowns that were either bridal shop samples or overstocks. The advantage to these stores is that there is no ordering, no waiting and no worrying about whether your dress will come in on time.

Mail Order (or Online) Discounters
You can save 20-30% off the retail price of most major designer gowns. All you need is the name of the designer, the style number of the dress and your measurements. The dress is then mailed to your home. The downside is that you have to take care of alternations and pressing yourself.

Sample Sales
Many salons have annual or semi-annual events where they sell those sample gowns that have recently expired. While probably not as cheap as the preceding two choices, you can still save a ton of money.

Seamstress or Tailor
He or she will be able to create a dress designed entirely for you. While this isn't always the cheapest option, it is definitely something to look into, especially if you prefer simpler wedding gowns. Before deciding on your seamstress, check references!

Rent or Borrow
If you don't mind not owning your wedding dress, you can always borrow it from someone. Before doing this , check and see what the owner's policy is on making alterations to fit your body frame.

As surprising as it may seem, you CAN find the perfect wedding gown without having to hoof it to the nearest bridal salon. Trust us, we know! We've asked more than one bride where she bought her dress, and we've been astounded at the answers we've received time and again!


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Choosing A Wedding Reception Site

Choosing your reception site can be a real pain, but the decision is such an important one. Your chosen venue will set the tone for your party...a reception held on the grounds of your local arboretum will be very different from one help in the ballroom of a five-star hotel! As familiar as you probably are with all things wedding, it's likely that you have never personally rented a commercial facility. Before you jump into the process feet first, ask yourself if you know what you want and what to look for.

With those points in mind, here are some of the questions we here at A Music Plus recommend you ask when planning and ultimately choosing a wedding reception site:

• How much will it cost to use the site? Is that per hour, per head, or flat?
  
• What are the deposit requirements?
  
• What are the conditions of cancellation? What if the site cancels?
  
• Is there a payment schedule or plan?
• Is there a reception package? Can we order services a la carte?
  
• If there is a package, how much does it cost?
• What is included and what is not included?
• What are the "extras" and how much do they cost?
• How long can I have the site? Do we have to clean up ourselves?
  
• Is there a minimum hour usage or head count?
  
• Is there an overtime fee?
• What is the overtime fee?
• Is your party the only party? Or is there one before or after?
• If there is, will there be sufficient time to clean, prepare and redecorate the site?
• Does the site provide liability insurance and what does it cover?
• Is there an in-house caterer or a list of approved or preferred caterers?
• Can you choose your own caterer? Baker?
• Will they show you a sample contract before you make your decision?
  

You will probably think of other questions to ask, depending on what your needs are. These are just the basic questions you should toss out there when you're seriously considering working with a particular venue. Good luck!


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Bridesmaids Gifts

Saying a proper "thank you" is always important, no matter what the occasion. In the case of a wedding, showing your wedding party how grateful you are for their help is even more important because of the time and expense involved in their participation. If you have the time and the energy to find super personalized gifts for your gals, great. But if you're like most brides, you're going to want to go the traditional route when shopping for bridesmaids gifts.

What's traditional? When it comes to gifts for bridesmaids (and any other female attendants you may have) girly is usually the way to go. After all, when it comes right down to it, few things are more feminine than a wedding with all the gowns and the cake and the little presents. Here are a few ideas to help you thank your bridesmaids for being there for you.

• Bag it up -- Personalized tote bags do double duty, serving first as wedding day emergency kits for the bridal party and then as beach or overnight bags for the bridesmaids. Totes come in all shapes, colors, styles, and sizes. For fun, try switching it up and giving each of your gals a different bag.

• Drink it up -- Pink monogrammed flasks may seem a little frivolous, but they are a fun alternative to the usual makeup bags and keychains. You never know...the flasks might come in handy on a long wedding day!

• Bling it up -- If you know your ladies' tastes, consider gifting them with bridesmaid jewelry that they can wear to the wedding and after the wedding. Remember this simple rule: Fewer rhinestones mean more chances to wear the jewelry again.

• Tear it up -- And by it, we mean "the town." Give each of your 'maids a personalized bridesmaid shirt so everyone in the bar knows that it's your bachelorette party and they are your best friends.

A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Personalize Your Wedding Cake

Wedding cake can be pretty boring, though it doesn't have to be! Even though you may look through dozens of baker's catalogs full of tiered white cakes with plain white icing, there's no reason your cake has to be blah. A good baker or cake designer can whip up icing in any color in the rainbow, create statuary from spun sugar, and create wedding cakes that look like the finest architecture. Being a DJ means I see plenty of wedding cakes, so trust me when I say that your wedding cake can be nothing short of gorgeous!

Here are four ways to personalize and beautify your wedding cake:

• If everything else in your wedding will adhere to a particular color scheme, get your cake in on the action. Decorate or embellish your cake according to your wedding colors or theme. If your color scheme will be rose pink, you ccan cover your cake with romantic pink rosebuds, either real or made of icing.

• For a special touch, talk to your baker about incorporating some of the detailing on your wedding gown into the decorations on your wedding cake. If you take a picture of your dress to your cake designer, he or she should be able to copy some of the lace, beading or other decorations from your dress onto your wedding cake.

• Get sentimental! Copy the wedding cake topper your grandparents or parents used at their wedding, or find a cake topper that is as similar as possible. FYI: If you want to make your parents feel extra special, serve them the first slices of cake you cut yourself, before it is taken to the kitchen to be cut by the caterers and served to your guests.

• Get really personal by having your and the spouse-to-be's initials intertwined in icing on your cake. This type of decoration is even more striking when your wedding cake is otherwise fairly plain.

Then again, if you've been dreaming of a pretty white wedding cake since you were a little girl, don't think you need to spring for some multi-colored monstrosity. Trust me when I say that a well-made plain wedding cake will taste just as delicious as an embellished wedding cake!


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

The Rose Ceremony

Clients often ask us whether we know of any special rituals they can perform to make their ceremonies and receptions a little more unique. It's not easy, after all, to distinguish one wedding from another when so many traditions are deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness! Luckily, we DJs get to see it all, so we always have a recommendation ready for those couples who need some help.

Not surprisingly, many rituals revolve around wedding flowers. When the couple in question is planning a romantic wedding, we usually suggest they think about performing the rose ceremony.

The rose ceremony is a simple wedding ceremony, yet profoundly moving for those participating and those observing. During the ceremony, the bride and groom exchange beautiful red roses, symbolizing the giving and receiving of their love for each other throughout their entire married life.

The rose ceremony is also a nod to the fact that the rose is often a symbol of forgiveness...and forgiveness must be a part of any successful marriage. In the past, the rose was considered an emblem of love, and a single deep red rose always meant only one thing: the words "I love you." So it is only appropriate that for your first gift given as husband and wife is a red rose.

If red just isn't your color, you can choose a alternate shade, but bear in mind that different flowers convey different meanings. White symbolizes innocence, pink symbolizes perfect happiness, yellow symbolizes joy, coral symbolizes desire, and orange symbolizes enthusiasm. The only rose whose meaning is negative is the black rose...a rare species indeed!


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Choosing A Denver Wedding DJ or Live Denver Wedding Band?

Many clients ask us if we recommend live music or a DJ for their wedding. That answer really depends upon each individual wedding. What we offer here is some considerations to make when deciding which is best for you.

DJs

DJs can bring thousands of songs to your event, far more than any band or musician can play and the music sounds just like the original recording. A DJ should be extremely flexible, able to play most any song at your request and at an easily controlled volume. DJs generally do not take breaks, so there is no dead air or loss of energy and DJs are almost always much more affordable than live music.

On the other hand, while a great DJ can really get a crowd going, they don’t have the ability to alter songs on the fly (lengthening them, adding solos, bringing guests on stage to sing, etc.); DJs have what has been pre-recorded as their only option. Also, many years ago DJs had the stigma of being simply a less expensive alternative to live music and that notion does still linger for some.

Live Music

Quality live musicians bring energy, enthusiasm and ambience to any event. Live music at a wedding ceremony (soloists, strings, etc.) offers elegance and romance. A great jazz trio or dance band can adapt to the situation and adjust their music and energy accordingly.
On the other hand, live music is almost always more expensive. Bands take breaks, risking an energy loss while they are offstage. Musicians generally have styles of music they can and cannot play, making them less flexible than a DJ.

Why Not Both?

One request we are seeing more and more often is for a band/DJ combination. With this package, you eliminate any negatives associated with either while enjoying the best of both worlds. A soloist or trio can start off the event, with a DJ onsite to play during breaks and to help with announcements. During dancing, the DJ can play during the band breaks, offering the availability of songs that the band may not know or be able to perform. Many clients then have the DJ play the last hour or so of their event, again offering perhaps newer music that most variety bands don’t play.

We have found that live music/DJ combinations are a very effective way to please all of your guests. Ask us to help put together a package that is perfect for you.

A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/