Archive for December, 2009
I typically do not share things about myself to my clients. However, weddings are personal occasions, and my clients often share personal things about them and their family dynamics with me. Sometimes it’s nice knowing a bit more about the person you are working closely with, so now it’s my turn to share a bit more about me – and my thoughts. None of these musings are wedding related, but will give you more insight into my “quirky” personality.
I believe in…
1. Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance, but tact – even more so. I never understood why being hurtful teaches anyone a lesson.
2. I’m a Republican and Democrat – a conservative and a liberal. I see valid points on all sides, and also see misguided opinion on all sides. I just vote for the person that agrees with me most on the issues that most matter to me.
3. Make love, not war. However, if you are going to do it, it should be done with responsibility as to not hurt yourself, anyone else, or to get yourself in a situation you are not ready for.
4. Animals – they are so cute. As a child, I loved a Cockapoo for 15 years. Her name was Useless. Yeah, I know – it was my Dad’s decision. Pets keep you young. They are always there to love you – no matter what.
5. I met my first boyfriend at 20, and married him at 27.
6. Don’t ask me my age, it will probably be a lie.
7. I would say that my sense of humor is more “dry”. However, I cannot stand Woody Allen (too neurotic), and I LOVE Will Ferrell.
8. Love is irrational and is not to be understood – just felt.
9. I love the people in my life who make me laugh.
10. I love creating wedding planning and design proposals. It makes me excited to dream about all the possibilities.
11. I love my two children so much – it almost hurts. If I believed they were in danger, and I could save them by giving my life – I would in a second.
12. I idolized Dorothy Hamill – 70’s haircut and all!
13. Adequate back-up. Life is unpredictable.
14. My Dad died because he felt worthless in this world.
15. I played “first” clarinet in my elementary and Junior high school band.
16. I don’t understand why people kill to prove killing is wrong. However, I am a proponent of the Death Penalty. Not sure how to rationalize this in my mind – I’m conflicted. Good thing it’s not one of those issues I alluded to in item #2.
17. I’m a Capricorn.
18. I aspire to be the best. I am not afraid of it. However, I am afraid of lower standards – as being “good enough” is not “good enough” for me. Ultimately, it’s not the end result that matters – but the process.
19. Everything in life happens for a reason – we just might not understand it at the time.
20. I love the “Golden Girls” because they make me “laugh out loud”. I have seen every episode 5 times – at least. It’s unfortunate that “they” don’t make TV like that anymore.
21. I spent 4 years in an advanced science and Math magnet in high school, 4 years at Smith College studying Biology and Chemistry, and 8.5 years in a PhD program in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Brown. It took me all that time to find my true calling. If that’s not interesting, I don’t know what is.
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We look forward to helping you celebrate one of life’s greatest moments!
Happy planning!
1. Client support – providing answers to questions throughout the entire process
2. Connections in the area – working with different rental companies so they are able to supply the client with what they need
3. Creativity – being able to understand the Client’s vision
4. Personalized service – being able to meet budget requirements
5. integrity – honesty
6. Great food
7. Good attitude
LaPrima has all of these qualities and more. Working with Dina and the staff at LaPrima is a dream. No matter whether the wedding is a “year-out” or a “month out”, Dina is always there to address her clients’ needs – which, unfortunately, is a rarity. She makes her clients’ feel special, not because she has to, but because they are.
LaPrima is extremely versatile. With 10 locations in and around College Park, Baltimore, DC, Annapolis, Frederick, Alexandria, Fairfax, Herndon, Tysons, and Philadelphia, her clients are able to conduct tastings, and pick up items at a location that is convenient to them. In my case, there have been many instances where my clients needed to pick up a special dessert, and Dina has arranged for them to pick it up in a location that’s close to their house or work. What’s better about not having to worry about driving hours out of your way and taking time off of work – to taste their awesome Crème Brule?!
More importantly they have gone above and beyond for my clients – always! At the tastings, there is always an abundance of line
n choices that would go well with the color or theme of the wedding. There are different decor ideas, from sample candle arrangements, different votive holders, different plate and glass options, chairs and cushion covers, and the like. They work with multiple rental companies, and therefore, are able to get almost anything. There is a level of comfort knowing that you are working with a company that is wholly dedicated to the success of your event.
Take a look at their website, and also at some of the amazing things that they have done this year – you will see the LaPrima difference.
When you contact LaPrima, make sure you let them know that you heard about them here.
Happy planning!
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This blog is not about whether a band or a DJ is better. When it comes to this topic, there is not one that’s better than the other. It’s about making the best choice for you, your wedding and your guests.
The entertainment portion is extremely important to the success of your event. If your reception is one where music and dancing are central, you will find that this will be the most important decision that you will make. It is clearly apparent when your guests are not being entertained because it becomes awkward if your band or DJ cannot get people on the dance floor. You will soon see that your guests become bored and begin leaving – en mass. Not good. So, I want to address some of the items you need to think about when you are debating between hiring a band or a DJ.
1. You need to think about you and your fiancé’s musical tastes. Are both you and your fiancé similar? Do you like one musical genre over the other, or do you like music from all across the board? Do you like hearing the music in its pure form (from the artist)? If you enjoy the music and are inspired to dance, your guests will follow suit – even if it’s not exactly their taste. It’s amazing how your guests will follow your lead. If you are not on the dance floor, it’s more difficult to motivate them to dance. If you are not motivated y the music, you will not dance.
2. What are the ages of your guests (average) or is your crowd mixed? If they are older, perhaps music from an older era would work better than the new stuff. Younger people might enjoy 90’s music, while an older crowed might not have as much appreciation. Depending upon your crowd, 80’s music might work for everyone.
3. Ethnicity – is our crowed mixed or largely one ethnic group over another? For instance, at a Korean wedding, one might have a higher percentage of Korean guests. Therefore, you might need someone who knows Korean music and is familiar with Korean customs.
4. What is your budget? Do you have an entertainment budget of $1,500.00 or $6,000.00+?
Bands are significantly more expensive than DJ’s. It’s just not the outright fee. It’s more expensive to feed 7 people than it is to feed 1 or 2. Band contracts often require that beer/alcohol be available to band members, which is unheard of for a DJ (make sure you read those contracts closely). In the Washington DC and New England areas, you should expect to pay at least $5,000.00 for a good 5-6 person band. Expect the cost goes up as you add pieces and artist. Additionally, the popularity of the band contributes to the price.
Bands are also less versatile than DJ’s. You have to find the band that best fits you and your guests. They come with playlists, and you must choose songs off the playlist. If you have a special song that’s not on the list, be prepared to pay the band (above and beyond their fee) to learn it. If you want an obscure version of a song played, you might have a hard time. Bands can always play CD’s, and do during their breaks between sets.
Bands have finite time for playing. If you are extending – be prepared for pricey extension fees.
With that said, there is something totally cool about live music. A band really puts people in the partying mood. I have never had an unsuccessful reception when there was a great band. A band lights up the room.
DJ’s are wonderful too. I love a great DJ who knows how to read a crowd! With a DJ, your possibilities are only limited by your imagination – and iTunes. If you have a special song, it can be downloaded. Not to worry about obscure versions of your first dance song. A good DJ will know how to find it!
With a DJ, you can also go across the board with music. You can play a little rap, a little light rock, R&B, and big band – whatever. You are not limited to defined playlists.
DJ’s are less expensive. In this area, a good DJ ranges in price $1,200.00-$2,000.00 – and this is only a fraction of the cost of a band. I would advise you to hire a knowledgeable wedding DJ. Weddings are unique events that require special talent and skill.
DJ’s are not live – and although a good DJ will keep the crowed going, it’s not the same as having a live band. Often times, for my clients who opt for DJ’s but still want live music, I suggest hiring a pianist, chamber players, guitarist, harpist, etc for the ceremony and cocktail hour. This way, you get the best of both worlds and the live ceremony and cocktail hour music is a unique touch.
In my humble opinion, and your pocket book can swing it, the best of all is to have both. The band plays and the DJ plays during the band breaks and after the band ends (if you are extending late into the evening). They work together beautifully!
Happy planning!
The receiving line is a lovely tradition. It gives the couple, their parents and wedding party the opportunity to great all guests. In a large wedding, this may be the only opportunity for guests to offer their congratulations to the newlyweds. The receiving line traditionally takes place at the reception, but can also take place at in the Church vestibule or on the stairs right outside – time permitting. A church is the ideal location to hold your receiving line, if all guests are not invited to the reception. Participants of the receiving line are as follows:
Who you include in your receiving line is up to you. I often sugges
t that you eliminate wedding party members (Bridesmaids and Maid/Matron of Honor) to save time – which may be a limiting factor. It’s totally acceptable not to include Fathers, and instead they can circulate amongst the crowed. If Mothers are remarried, Stepfathers can be included if you wish.
Just as some line tips.
1. As stated above, only include the essential members – so that your guests do not face a long and tedious wait.
2. Serve refreshments to your guests while they wait.
3. Conversation should be brief but pleasant.
4. The Bride (and Bridesmaids if included) should keep the bou
quet in their left hands, or place it to the side while in the line.
5. Any accessories worn during the ceremony should be worn in the receiving line (hats, gloves, etc).
6. The Bride can kiss those guests which she knows well; otherwise a handshake is appropriate.
Some couples elect to eliminate the receiving line, instead, circulatin
g with their guests throughout the reception. If you choose to eliminate the receiving line, you have the responsibility of greeting each and every guest at the reception.
As an alternative to the receiving line at the Church, the Bride and
Groom can re-enter after the processional to greet guests as they exit the church – which eliminates awkwardness if the parents are divorced or do not wish to participate in a formal receiving line.
Regardless of your plans, it’s imperative that you make sure to introduce your new husband in the proper manner. There is a simple rule of thumb: When making an introduction, present the lower
“ranking” person to the higher “ranking” person. Here is how to determine status:
- An older person outranks a younger person
- Someone senior or more important at work outranks someone less senior/less important at work
- An out of town guest outranks a local guest of equal status
- A person serving religious ministry outranks a lay person
So, when you are introducing your new hubby to your aunt (who is 20 years older), you would say “Auntie Charlie, may I present my husband, Bryant Nelson. Bryant, this is my Aunt, Miss Charlene Powell.
This indicates that your new husband would call your Aunt “Miss Powell”, until it is indicated that he can call her by a more informal name. It’s a good rule of thumb to use the formal name of a senior person.
Happy planning!
