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/