Where to Place the DJ at Your Wedding Reception

Many times we see that the DJ table or DJ area at a wedding reception venue is in an odd place and we wonder to ourselves, "How is this going to work?" So coming straight from a few wedding DJs is our best advice where we can do the best job for your special day. One of the most important things is that the DJ can see "the crowd" and "read the crowd" since this is how we get a feel for whether people like the music we are playing. We get our cues from the wedding guests by watching them and how they respond to the music we are playing. If we are put in a place where we cannot see the crowd, it basically causes a huge disconnect with the audience. If you have a designated dance floor area, it would be best to locate the DJ as close as possible to the dance floor. If you want everyone to have a great time and get up and dance during your reception, please take the time to discuss this with your wedding venue coordinator because this is something that can make a big difference.

Wedding Reception Seating Arrangements for Your Wedding Guests

As you plan your wedding, there are some things to consider. Keep in mind the area closest to the DJ, like right near the DJ's speakers, is going to be the loudest spot in the entire room. With that being said, it is best not to seat your older guests, like grandparents, in an area near the DJ. We say this because they will be the first to come up and ask us to turn the music down. If you want to be able to hear the music when you crank up the dance floor, you want to seat them as far away from the DJ's speakers as possible. In turn, the older wedding guests should be more comfortable.

At a recent wedding reception, they had me located off in the back corner of the room. We didn't even get things rolling yet, at this point low key background music was playing, and as you may have guessed it, an older lady came over and asked if I could turn the music down and at this point it wasn't even loud yet. Many times people don't think much about this until it is too late, so just use a little bit of common sense as you design your perfect day and discuss these concerns with your venue because many times they don't think about this stuff either.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Wedding DJ

Sure there are plenty of wedding websites out there that give you a list of questions to ask as you interview with your potential wedding DJ. Just remember as you ask questions, use a little bit of common sense and ask questions that are important to you. The latest question that came today was how long would we hold the date while the bride and groom-to-be interview other DJ's. The answer is "We don't". We will not hold your date for you until you make a decision to hire us, and your date is not put on our calendar until we receive your retainer fee, which is non-reundable. We also require a contract, it is between the two of you and us. Please know this is normal amongst wedding entertainers.

Atlanta Wedding Reception Entrance Video

We are so excited to share this wedding reception bridal party entrance video with you.

Carl House Wedding

The Carl House is a top notch wedding venue located in Auburn, Georgia. I can't say that all venues in the Atlanta are on top of their game like they are at Carl House. As a wedding vendor, I am impressed with the facility, the staff and the food.... oh my gosh! It was fabulous! And Daniel & Ariel were such a sweet couple. Their friends and family were great too! They danced all the way up till the last minute and I know we could have partied together all day if we had more time. I almost forgot... in the morning is was raining and misting, and then right before the wedding, the sun came out and the skies turned blue with fluffy white clouds. I just know God was smiling on us all with this miracle.

Amazing Bride & Groom Exit

DJ Tony is super stoked about some of the images he got from this wedding. I have been teaching him a little bit about photography and he is learning to use a new camera slowly but surely. I can see why he loves the image he is excited about. You will have to check them out to see how the bride and groom left the wedding reception.

Another Wedding First Dance - YouTube Style

We had a bride and groom that wanted to do something a bit out of the ordinary for their first dance at their wedding reception and we love doing these. Their guests gave them a standing ovation at the end. Atlanta Wedding DJ

DJs are People Too

I continue to be amazed at how people think even when it is really cold outside that they can have an outdoor party and expect their entertainer to remain outside in the cold, windy weather for four to five hours at a time. Are we not human? Sure the party guests can go inside and outside as they please, but the entertainer has to stay wherever the DJ booth is set up.

Other things to consider when planning a party. If you are playing loud music outside there are other people to consider....your neighbors. Sure you think they don't care, but when you want loud music, they may not. If they complain and call the cops, you are forced to either turn the music down or even off. The police do have the authority to shut your party down completely and it has happened. Also it would be good measure to know the sound ordinances for your location, because it is your party, you are responsible for the legalities of it all.

Many times it makes more sense to rent a venue for the evening and eliminate all of these issues. There are venues out there that are extremely affordable if you check around. You can have a real dance floor and plenty of room for everyone and decorate to your heart's content. And the great part about having a party somewhere other than your home is not worrying about your guests tearing up your house or stealing your stuff when you are not looking.

Wheeler High School Homecoming

We had the honor of providing the music for the Wheeler High School Homecoming Dance in Marietta, Georgia.... Over 500 students & dates in attendance. Go Wildcats!

More Wedding Favor Ideas

I am always interested in ideas for parties and events that people can use that I think are unique, affordable, ultra-creative, etc. and I think this one totally qualifies for all of the above. These are "celebration bubbles" that have been adorned with full color labels with the bride & groom's photo along with the wedding date and name overlaid on the image, very nice. It's printed on a high gloss label, they may have had the labels professionally printed. These were handed out to the guests as they were leaving the reception to see the bride and groom off. So there were lots of bubbles for them to walk through on the way to their "getaway car".

Our First e-harmony Wedding Couple - Atlanta, GA DJ

As we ended our evening of doing weddings at separate locations in the Atlanta, GA area, we were comparing notes of what happened with the evening. I was sharing with DJ Tony about all the great dancing I witnessed at the wedding reception I did in Douglasville.

Then DJ Tony shares with me how his wedding couple met..... you guessed it..... e-harmony!!!! So anyway that was really exciting so I was glad to hear about the wedding and reception he did for Frances & Curt in Roswell.

I am sure we will hear about more e-harmony couples in the future.... so there you have it. You never know where you will find true love.

DJ Tony & Military Balls

DJ Tony has been doing military balls for several years now for JROTC at schools all around the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. He really loves deejaying at these events. He just did another one this past Saturday at Union Grove for their ROTC Military Ball and he got some great pictures.

Affordable Do It Yourself Wedding & Party Favors

The helpful tips keep coming....so here is one that surfaced at a recent wedding that I thought others might appreciate because I thought it was SO cute. These are wedding favors that are easy to make and it involves chocolate.

The first one is super affordable and easy enough that anyone can do it. To make one you need a plastic spoon, 3 Hershey's Kisses, a tulle circle, an 8" piece of ribbon, tag that is hole punched and reads "A Spoonful of Kisses From the Mr. & Mrs."

Okay, the next wedding or party favor idea may require more of an investment, but it is very unique. These are custom molded chocolates. We can make your custom chocolate molds with your names and your wedding date along with a graphic of your choice. The custom boxes are also available or you can wrap them in clear cellophane candy wrappers. It is simple enough to make the chocolate bars, especially if you use Wilton candy melts, you simply melt, pour, tap out the bubbles on a countertop, then put on a baking sheet and place in freezer till the chocolate hardens, pop them out and do another batch. It would be fun to gather the gals and make these together. If you take good care of these molds they will last you many years or decades. I have chocolate molds similarto these that my mom has owned for over 25 years and they are as good as new.

Evolution of Dance - Groomsmen Edition

We had a blast last night at Cody & Beth's wedding in Cornelia, Georgia. Cody and his groomsmen decided they wanted to do a special dance called "Evolution of Dance". After he shared the music with us, we realized we had heard it before and after a quick bit of research trying to find the songs that were mixed (a total of 31 songs!), we realized that this is a huge sensation on youtube....so we asked if they would like us to video tape them and put their video on youtube also.... and the answer was "yes!"




There are more videos, you can see them here.

10 Things to Consider When Buying Bridal

Top Wedding Dress Searches
By Molly McCall
Fri, January 18, 2008, 6:43 pm PST

He proposed. You accepted. You're so happy. Now, though, you're deep in the muck of planning the wedding, and the big white gown is proving to be an elusive creature. The hunt for the perfect wedding dress transforms some blushing brides into fire-breathing bridezillas. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Thanks to the huge number of lookups for "wedding dresses" and "bridal gowns" flowing in at this time of year, we have a pretty good idea of the greatest concerns and most fashionable inclinations of searchers seeking nuptial attire online. And we're happy to pass it along to you, noble gown-hunter. Here are the top 10 things we've learned from the season's bridal buzz:

1. It's fine to be frugal. After general lookups for "wedding dresses" and "wedding gowns," demand for "cheap wedding dresses" is far and away the most popular query.

2. Vera Wang reigns supreme. Searches for "vera wang wedding dresses" not only outrank every other designer, but they're one of the most popular queries for the big white dress.

3. Gleaming white is classic, but what about a creamier tone? Buzz for "ivory colored wedding dresses" is surging. Eccentrics could always go for another popular color search—"black wedding dresses." We're not kidding.

4. Nothing beats saying your vows on the sand. Demand for "hawaiian wedding dresses" and "beach wedding dresses" is huge. Mahalo!

5. The strapless style may be losing its grip. Interest in "long sleeve wedding dresses" is on the rise.

6. Many brides are finding inspiration in earlier times. We've logged spikes for "renaissance wedding dresses," "vintage wedding dresses," "old fashioned wedding dresses," "grecian wedding dresses," "gothic wedding dresses," and "18th century wedding gowns."

7. Couples inclined toward concealment might consider the eyebrow-raising results for "camouflage wedding dresses."

8. Most popular fabric request: "lace wedding dresses."

9. The greatest idea for what to do with the dress once you're a happily married lady: "wedding dress quilts."

10. Finally, the most popular celebrity gown in Search: "britney spears wedding dress." But we don't recommend going down that aisle.

Source: yahoo buzz

Sweet 16 Party....Again

I just got back from doing another Sweet 16 party. I know some people might not think spending their entire evening entertaining teenagers would be fun, but I have to tell you, I really enjoyed myself as I DJ'd for this group of teens. I know you might not get it, but because of what I do, I just have a real good feel for what they want to hear. I guess you can say I am a very versatile disc jockey because you can give me a room full of teens, adults, kids, and no matter what I can find their groove. The party I did tonight was with no prior song requests, which is not necessarily normal protocol, but nevertheless, we had a great time tonight. The plus for me was I was also able to stay closer to home. I absolutely love doing parties in Cumming, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Dawsonville, Sugar Hill, Buford, Suwanee and Johns Creek area. Why? Because I can spend more time entertaining and less time driving. Nothing like being back home in less than an hour from the time the party is over. I have another 16 year old birthday party to do next week, but that is on the opposite side of town. Of course, we will have a great time..........but there will be more driving involved.

This is a time of year to be careful on the roads. On my way back from the party I did last Thursday, I almost got hit on the connector by a car that sped by so fast, I couldn't even tell what it was.

First Birthday Party Disco Style

A few years ago the big trend of teen and Sweet 16 birthday parties became very prominent thanks to MTV's Sweet 16 shows. We've done our share of Sweet Sixteen parties, 13 Year Old birthday parties, etc.

Now we have an entirely new category to add to our "portfolio" of unique parties.... the First Birthday Party. If you aren't sure what we are saying here, this is for a baby's first birthday. Yes! You are inviting all of your friends and family of all ages (families) and you want to have something for everyone.

Now of course you could choose different music, but the party we did in Alpharetta, Georgia yesterday choose a disco theme complete with the disco ball and party lights for the dance floor to create a very upbeat party atmosphere.

There were also other fun things for the young ones to do like jump in the inflatable house, color, puzzles, movies and of course lots of treats and party favors.

Of course the parents loved the music since it reminded them of days gone by. Parents danced with their kids and had fun together. And of course the birthday boy made it to the dancefloor on daddy's shoulders.

We eventually mixed in some music to encourage some fun line dancing for guests of all ages and we even taught them a new dance.

We look forward to doing more family parties like this one.

Now Offering The Ultimate Party Package Gift Certificates

Brand new this season....America DJs and Atlanta Chocolate Company are now offering a super sweet gift, the gift of the "Ultimate Party" gift certificates available for recipients in the metro Atlanta, GA area.

The Gift Certificates are for a 4 Hour Party Package like no other. You get your DJ, Music, Sound System, Light Show, Cordless Microphones, Unlimited Advanced Song Requests, 34 inch Commercial Chocolate Fountain with Attendant, Belgian Chocolate (milk or dark) for up to 200 guests.

Fun Wedding Dance Videos

First of all I want to make sure you know that we work closely with our brides and grooms to detail their weddings exactly how they want their special day to be. We play the music they ask us to and set the mood they want to convey because it is their day. Many couples also realize this day is a day they are spending with their family and friends and they want to make sure that everyone has a great time. For the most part, that is what most couples desire is that everyone will come to share the day but that they will also have fun and enjoy themselves. We feel it is 100% your choice how you want things to happen at your wedding ceremony and reception.

We wanted to share some videos with you in case you are looking to do something a little different. If you do, we will do everything we can to help you create long lasting memories whether you choose to go ultra formal or if you want to have a blast and dance your brains out. Click to watch.

Event Planning Tips - Outdoor Events Should Have a Backup Plan

You spend anywhere from 6-24 months planning the perfect outdoor wedding and reception but you cannot control the weather, ever. I am sure this doesn't really come to you as a total surprise, right?

Well you would be amazed to learn about how many people put together a big event, weddings included, who have not made any provisions for a backup plan.

There are some things you can do in the rain and get away with it. It's a proven fact that a football game will thrive in the rain. But have you ever heard the term that electricity and water don't mix?

Recently we have had our share of clients who didn't think it was necessary to have any kind of plan in case the weather wasn't perfect. So I just thought it was a good idea to put the bug in your ear, that sometimes it does pay off to think things out from a logical point of view.

You may be able to actually get married in the rain, but you can't expect anyone to set up any electronics or electrical equipment outdoors when the chances of getting rained out are pretty close to a sure thing. You may know in Georgia that on almost any given day when the summer weather hits if there is a good percentage of precipitation expected that sometime around 4 pm it is a sure thing to come from out of nowhere. I learned this the first time I lived in GA back in the 80's and the weather is the same now as it was back then.

We can also tell you a small tent or cover just for the DJ is not going to cut it if the weather threatens to rain or storm, once the winds and such hit, rain no longer just showers straight down. An additional concern of safety comes into play if the ground is moist, wet, or damp, either new moisture or if it is present because of recent exposure.

It is also wise to mention the fact that if the rain and storms are about to hit, where do you think everyone else is going to try to go? You got it, under whatever cover you have provided even if it is not intended for them.

If you are planning an important event outdoors, it really can pay off to have an alternate plan to hold the event indoors somewhere even if it doesn't measure up with the wedding you always envisioned ever since you were a little girl.