Archive for the ‘Reception’ Category

Do you want Ronald McDonald as your MC?

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

There are times when a McDonald’s meal is just what you need and other special times when you would willingly pay for a high quality meal with exceptional service.  There is a market for both.

The problems occur when you really want the top quality option but are shopping in the wrong place or when Ronald McDonald tries to sell you that they can provide the same service and quality food as those top class restaurants charging 5 to 10 more.

The same thing happens in the DJ marketplace, some DJ’s cater for the commodity market and compete on price, some are comfortable in the middle and others cater for the speciality top end service needed for a once in a lifetime event.  What really annoys me is when a DJ catering for the mass market (lets call them Ronald) tries to convince a client that wants the top end service, that they can deliver everything the top end DJ does, only for less investment.  This is sheer fantasy.

No matter how you dress him up, do you really want Ronald McDonald to MC your wedding?

Next time you come across a DJ claiming to be a professional wedding DJ - just check they are not wearing a red wig and big floppy shoes.  By this I mean, find out how much experience they really have delivering high end entertainment at weddings.  Compare their service offering with others.Don’t just book based on what they tell you, actually ring their references.  Seek the opinion of the venue managers that work the receptions (not the sales people), they see lots of entertainers and can give you an unbiased opinion on who can really deliver.

If you would like to find out more about the top end service I offer, check out my website at http://www.theperfectwedding.co.nz .  If you would like the opinion of one of the best venues in South Auckland - contact Steve at Castaways (based at Kariotahi Beach just out of Waiuku) http://www.castaways.co.nz  They cater for over 100 weddings each year and see their share of Ronald’s.

Where to save money on my wedding?

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

A wedding is not something you have everyday and is a very special event, however in these economic times more and more couples I speak with are looking for tips on how to save some money on their wedding.

My advice has always been the same.   Make a list of your priorities for the day.  

What is most important to you? 

  • Photos look great?
  • I look great?
  • Food is fabulous?
  • Venue is stunning?
  • Guests have a great time?
  • The ceremony is romantic?
  • Relaxed and fun?
  • Flowers are breathtaking?

Make you list, put them in order of priority.  Book and budget for the most important, then make your compromises on the rest.

Unfortunately I sometimes get couples that leave booking the entertainment till last and although their highest priority was for a fun celebration for themselves and their guests, the money has run out and they are having to compromise on the most important service.   

I have a much more comprehensive document on planning a budget for your wedding.  contact me via our website http://www.theperfectwedding.co.nz/contact.htm

Setting the mood…

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

Music can play an important part in setting the mood at various stages during your wedding.

The first thing to consider is what feeling you are trying to achieve during each of the stages.

  • Pre ceremony as your guests are arriving
  • During the ceremony
  • Post ceremony congratulations
  • Photographs
  • Mix and mingle
  • Guest seated in reception venue prior to wedding party arrival
  • Entrance
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Dancing

The list is not all inclusive and will possibly be in different order, but it highlights the need to consider more than just the music at the end of the night.

Generally the mood and tempo increases as the day progresses so guests toes are tapping and they are eager to get onto the dance floor once the formalities are completed.  Having said that, dramatic changes in genre and tempo can create emotional responses during the course of events and can be used to good effect to lock in special memories. 

Think back over your life… Are there certain songs that bring back memories or when you hear a song does it take you back to an event or time in your life?  This is what we want to do with your special day, create memories not only for you, but your guests too.

About time…

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Ok, with a bit of prompting from my good friend Nick, thought I had better get back into this blogging thing.

Ever notice how time just runs away?  Ever been at an event (a wedding maybe) were time couldn’t go fast enough?

Timing of entertainment at an event is very important and often overlooked.  I was once told that the average attention span of an adult is 20 minutes, sometimes I wonder if it is that long.  Sure, you can sit through a whole movie and not get bored, but the content is changing often within seconds, not minutes or hours.  If you are planning an event like a wedding you need to be considering how to keep the guests involved from the time they arrive for the ceremony till they leave at the end of the night.   In New Zealand this could span upto 10-12 hours so 1 or 2 entertainment highpoints are not likely to be sufficient to outweigh the extended periods of potential boredom.   

Over the next few posts I will introduce some of the things we do to keep people involved and change the mood or feeling at various points throughout the ceremony and reception.

Welcome

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Hi,

This is my first experience with a blog so I’m still finding my feet.  I am hoping to include topics on here to ensure your wedding entertainment is everything you dreamed of.  Although my title is DJ an MC, think you will find there is significantly more I can offer to make your day even more special.  The Master of Ceremonies role is a critical part to the success of your day and often is imposed on a family member or friend.  Have you considered involving a professional in this role?

Regards

David Seel