Wedding Planning Advice from A Music Plus, Denver's Foremost Wedding Disc Jockey

Wedding Planning Checklist

One of the many things that you have to decide on when planning your wedding in Denver, or in the Colorado mountains, is choosing a wedding reception site. There are hundreds of wedding reception sites in the Denver area and chosing the right wedding reception site can be overwhelming.

In fact, the wedding reception venue is quite a significant part of the whole planning process as a lot of other wedding plans will be dependent on it. To make the decision making easier, here are some vital factors that couples planning to tie the knot should consider:

1. Do you plan to hold the wedding ceremony in the same venue as the reception? If yes, then you don't have to worry about how to bring your guests from the venue to the wedding reception area.

2. Is the place conducive for the theme you plan to set up for your wedding? A beach resort is perfect for a Hawaiian wedding in the same way that a secluded chateau is ideal for a medieval wedding.

3. What time are you planning to hold the wedding reception? Different locations may have varying rates depending on the time and duration of the event.

4. What payment terms does the venue offer? Some couples look for venues that offer installment payment methods, while others opt to pay the whole amount of these accommodations in one lump sum.

5. How many people are you expecting to come? Is it going to be a "for adults" only affair or will there be children allowed as well?

6. Do you need a special place where the couple or some guests may be able to rest and get away from the wedding festivities? Although some venues give one room for free, others may charge you extra for this.

7. Do you want to hire the catering service of the wedding reception venue or do you want to use someone else's services? Other venues also allow you to bring your own liquor and food giving you a big stretch in your budget. You should consider those areas that currently hold liquor licenses if you do plan to serve alcohol. You will want to know the things to discuss with your caterer.

8. Does the wedding reception venue have special gifts or packages such as a free wedding cake or a two-night stay for the couple?

9. Will the parking area be enough for the number of guests that you plan to invite to the wedding?

10. Do they offer contingency plans like tents for outdoor locations when the weather gets gloomy?

Whether you're planning to have a small and intimate wedding or a big, grand celebration, finding the right venue will spell your wedding's success!

Tell us more about your wedding and how we can help. Whether you are looking for the best wedding disc jockeys in Denver or maybe a selection of the best wedding bands in Denver, Colorado, A Music Plus is ready to help.

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

Planning A Wedding In Denver, Here's a Helpful Wedding Planning Timetable

Wedding Timetable A 12 Month Wedding Planning Countdown...

Congratulations on your engagement! It's a time where your will, wit, organizational skills, and humor will be put to the test. Weddings take a lot of planning and you will likely spend over 100 hours on the phone, visiting with vendors, planning, and chasing after details. To help you get off to a good start, we've put together a complete outline of the things you'll need to do for your wedding and the approximate timeline for getting those things done!

Six to Twelve Months Before Your Wedding...

_Select a Wedding Date and Time (and possibly a backup date)
_Announce your engagement in the paper
_Plan an engagement party with family and friends
_Talk with a bridal consultant or wedding coordinator
_Find out what bridal shows are in the area and plan on attending
_Agree on a preliminary wedding budget
_Decide who will pay for what and how expenses will be shared
_Call your church or synagogue for an appointment with the Officiant
_Consider and ask friends and family to serve as wedding attendants
_Start a "planning system" and system of organization
_Start your wedding guest list
_Start thinking about ideas/themes for your wedding reception and wedding catering plans
_Determine what type of wedding entertainment you want to have for your reception
_Decide the type of wedding you would like to have (size, formality, and setting)
_Think about your color schemes
_Explore pre-marital counseling
_Start health and fitness plan if you're not already in one!
_Select your reception location
_Select your professional wedding photographer
_Select your wedding videographer
_Select professional wedding caterer (if necessary)
_Select Wedding Band or Disc Jockey
_Select your wedding florist
_Shop together for your wedding rings
_Select wedding dress and headpiece, and set a date for fittings and delivery
_Select your bridesmaids' dresses and accessories
_It's time to choose a honeymoon and location

Four Months Prior To The Wedding...

_Check the requirements for marriage license
_Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist/decorator of choice
_Again consider pre-marital counseling
_Reserve your wedding day rental equipment
_Decide upon a bridal gift registry and select your gift choices
_Order your wedding invitations and related stationery needs
_Start shopping for the men's' wedding attire
_Reserve your wedding day transportation
_Research and select readings for ceremony
_Make music selections for ceremony and reception
_Decide upon and order favors
_Select your baker, then choose your wedding cake, and groom's cake
_Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing
_Review your contracts with all of your vendors and service providers (DETAILS!!)

Two Months Before Your Wedding...

_Have engagement portraits taken
_Place your engagement announcement in the newspaper
_Mail out invitations and announcements
_Decide on the men's' wedding attire
_Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner
_Purchase your wedding day accessories
_Arrange attendants' parties
_Prepare accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests
_Consider a hairdresser and/or makeup artist and book appointments
_Finalize all honeymoon plans

One Month Left...

_Final wedding dress fitting
_Final fitting for your wedding attendants
_Obtain marriage license
_Have your attendants' parties
_Purchase your going-away outfit
_Create a calendar of events for the wedding day
_Make sure your accessories are in order (rings, pillow, garter, etc.)

Two Weeks Remaining!...

_Finalize arrangements with the wedding entertainment
_Provide a list of wedding music you would like played (or not played)
_Finalize music during special events such as first dance, dance with dad, etc.
_Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct-make sure they fit! _Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations.

One Week To GO!...

_If you can, take the week, or part of the week off from work!
_Make sure your marriage license is in order
_Prepare seating arrangements, if necessary
_Purchase travelers checks, confirm honeymoon reservations
_Pack your baggage for your honeymoon
_Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal
_Instruct your wedding party on what they will be doing on the day of the wedding
_Have your rehearsal dinner
_Make sure all wedding attire fits properly
_Give the best man the amounts your vendors are to be paid on the day of the wedding
_Inform your caterer of the total guest count
_Confirm out-of-town guests have transportation and sleeping accommodations
_Check with your florist and/or balloonist to make sure they will arrive when scheduled.

Your Wedding Day!

_Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm!
_Allow at least two hours for dressing
_Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair
_If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, determine the time they need
_If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow plenty of time for that!
_Remember to bring the rings and marriage license
_Seat guests as they arrive
_The groom's parents should be seated about 5 minutes before start time
_Mother of the bride is normally seated last

Take a deep breath, don't worry, be HAPPY and SMILE!

Hiring A Disc Jockey in Denver, Colorado: Eleven Things to Ask Your Wedding DJ

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of making decisions and choosing vendors. It's a busy time, but don't let that stop you from asking potential DJs the following questions:

1. Can I choose my own music?

Your wedding DJ should have a song list that you can choose from. If your song is not on the list, ask the DJ if he can get it or if you can provide it for him to play. He should be open to playing your special songs. By the same token, if there is a song you absolutely despise, you'll need to make this known to the wedding DJ as well. If you hate the Chicken Dance or anything in the country genre, your DJ should steer clear of this type of music.

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. Perhaps you've known for years what song you'll want to hear during the father/daughter dance, but what about when the cake is being cut? Your wedding DJ can help you make appropriate and clever selections.

3. What is the cost of your services and what do they include?

Find out exactly what you are getting for your money. Are there any hidden fees or taxes not included in the base price? While a few wedding DJs simply play a bit of music in between smoke breaks, you'll probably want a wedding DJ that acts as an emcee, warming up your guests and keeping the events of the day moving. The emcee, also known as the master of ceremonies or M.C., can keep the party moving along by adhering to a schedule of events.

4. What contingencies do you have if a piece of equipment fails?

While you want your day to be perfect in every way, there's a chance that something could go wrong. It could be something small like a missing corsage, or something a much bigger. There's an old saying that, "If you plan for the worse, the best will happen." If the wedding DJs equipment fails, does he have a contingency plan?

5. What happens when you're on break?

Chances are, your wedding DJ will be working for at least four hours. He may take a break. Find out what your guests will be listening to if the DJ needs to take a quick break. Silence may not be golden. Ask if he can put automatic music on during breaks. And be sure to have this in the contract.

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?

A contract protects both you and the wedding DJ. Everything should be spelled out in the contract including total price, dates for deposit and payments, and the number of hours the DJ will provide music at your event. It should spell out exactly how the event will be handled by the DJ.

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. While a good DJ won't allow you to crash a wedding he's working just to see him "in action," perhaps he'll be working at a public event you can attend.

10. Are you insured?

The wedding DJ should have business liability insurance. 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. He should have a contingency plan in place.

A good, professional wedding DJ should not have a problem with you asking plenty of questions. Be sure to do so before you put down your deposit and sign the contract.

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

Wedding Ceremony Music Tips

While planning your wedding entertainment, you'll want to take just as much care choosing your wedding ceremony music as you do your wedding reception music. Music played during your wedding ceremony should enhance your ceremony and stir the emotions of everyone present.

By the same token, mediocre music or lack of wedding music altogether can detract from an otherwise perfect ceremony. The following tips can help ensure that your wedding music is the perfect backdrop to your ceremony.

Book wedding ceremony musicians as soon as possible, and even up to a year in advance for a popular or in-demand group or soloist.

Make sure your wedding ceremony location has room for your wedding musicians and their equipment.

If you're not sure what musical selections to choose, don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from your musician. Aside from the wedding standards, she should be able to suggest several options.

Ask if there are any acoustical considerations at your ceremony venue. Your wedding musicians may need to adjust their volume or use specific equipment.

Set the tone with music before the ceremony. To avoid your first few guests sitting in silence, have your wedding musicians start at least a half hour before the ceremony, preferably as the first guests begin arriving.

Don't be afraid to mix music styles. Whether you're trendy or traditional, a mixture of classical and soft contemporary has wide appeal.

While it's not necessary to have a special wedding song during the ceremony, it can lend a poignant and moving moment for guests, family, and the couple. You may choose to have a musical number during the exchange of rings or lighting of the unity candle.

Unless you are completely confident in her musical ability, don't necessarily have a friend provide the music. While it's a lovely gesture to have a friend perform at your wedding, it's still important to discuss your expectations and her abilities beforehand.

Some places of worship have rules regarding live music on the premises. There may be restrictions regarding the type of wedding music that may be played.

You may choose to have your musicians play all of the wedding music in the ceremony, or have musicians for the prelude and postlude and a solo vocalist to perform mid-ceremony.

Meet with a representative of the group before you book and then again several weeks before your event to go over last minute details.

Pay attention to song lengths. If the bride will be walking down the aisle, prelude music length should coincide with song length. It's best for prelude music to fade out, not stop abruptly or play too long. If you having music mid-ceremony during the ring exchange or unity candle, the times should coincide as well.

If, as they say, music is the soundtrack of our lives, you'll want to choose wedding ceremony music that speaks to the senses and lingers in the memory long after the event has passed. Carefully chosen ceremony musicians will leave a lasting impression for your guests and a precious memory for you and your partner.

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

Choose The Right DJ for Your Event in Denver, Colorado

A Music Plus has been Colorado’s DJ service leader for over twenty years. We provide our client's with the finest entertainment and customer service that is second to none!

We’ve remained the industry leader by doing one thing: providing each and every client with exactly what they want from their DJ.

Our website is designed for you; with resources to help you plan the perfect event. No flashing icons or spinning CDs; we are here to provide you with access to our knowledge and years of experience in making informed decisions, so you can feel secure that your event will be everything you want it to be.

A bad DJ is more that just embarrassing. He/she will likely ruin your event, leaving you feeling frustrated, angry and humiliated.

Why does most every major special event company in Colorado recommend A Music Plus?

Because year after year, at event after event, for over twenty years, A Music Plus has always delivered quality and superior customer service.

Since the local event pros trust A Music Plus, shouldn’t you?

Look around our website. We think you’ll find how easy and affordable it is to make our reliable and trustworthy service part of your special event. When you are ready to contact us, you will find a friendly and professional staff member eager to help you.

It would be our pleasure to serve you!