This title is a bit deceptive because it implies that only couple’s on a tight budget consider using iPod’s for their Wedding ceremony and/or reception. Not true. This post applies to couples all across the “budget board”. I have had a rash of clients wanting to use an iPod. Just like anything – an iPod is a great (and cost effective) solution in some cases – but not all.
This post is not to imply that DJ’s are not important. On the contrary – a great DJ is worth his/her weight in gold. Why? Read on and I will tell you.
An iPod works by creating a bunch of playlists. For example, you might have a ceremony playlist, a cocktail hour playlist, a dinner music playlist, etc. You need to appoint someone to change the playlist and turn off/turn on the iPod on cue. These playlists must be set up prior to the wedding day. Since these playlists are set – things cannot be changed according to the mood of the crowd. So, if you are hoping to have a “party” with joyful dancing – an iPod might not be the right choice for your wedding reception.
The job of a DJ is to keep the party going. A good DJ can see trends and determine what music he/she should and should not play to keep your guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Oh what a talented DJ can do – even for people that do not normally dance. With an iPod, you will not get the same effect. Even if you ask your guests what they want to hear before the wedding. If guest Z says that they want to hear Van Morrison – doesn’t man that guests A, B, C, D, E, F, and G will find that song inspiring – and get up and dance. Kwim?
I’m a huge fan of live music and having a professional handle things in a professional manner – but if you are looking to save some dough, where may an iPod be useful? The ceremony – although someone will have to “man” it – and as background music for the cocktail hour – or cocktail style reception. If you are planning for a dance-free reception, an iPod would provide great background music – if played quietly. In these circumstances – the ceremony music is set beforehand, anyway – so if you have someone competent to run it, then you are golden. Likewise, at cocktail style reception (or cocktail hour) the music isn’t as important for the progression – and therefore the success- of your party.
You have to really weigh all the positives and negatives. In all situations – a professional and experienced DJ is always the right choice.
Happy planning!
We love same sex weddings around here.
This gorgeous Tiffany blue and white wedding took place at PG Ballroom, located in Landover MD
Congratulations Sadiqa and Sakeenah!
Happy planning!
Blessing of the Kola-nut is an important ritualistic tradition in all West African weddings.
The Kola-nut is a bi
tter nut that is derived from the evergreen Kola tree – which is a member of the Cocoa family. It’s used for many ceremonial purposes, including weddings, in West and Central Africa. It’s a caffeine stimulate is is prized among different groups as the “bread” of gatherings in that it’s blessed, broken and shared by everyone.
Often times the most significant male figure in each family will bless the Kola-nut in his own native language. In our beautiful wedding, the Father of the Bride and Cousin of the Groom (each representing different tribes) blessed the Kola-nut. We then broke it, and passed it down the two long tables for everyone to partake. It is a beautiful and meaningful tradition.
Happy planning!
Thanks to Rachel Smith for the lovely picture
I’m intrigued by this drink for two reasons. First, I absolutely adore flowers and small details – and I am totally in love with the orchid on the side of the glass. So pretty and so unique. Second, I wonder how they keep the orchid on the side of the glass. A clip?
Hhmmmmm?
Anywho, what a great drink for a tropical inspired wedding. It’s fun – and so fresh.
Here’s how you create this tantalizing cocktail
- 1 ounce(s) Cîroc Vodka
- 1 1/2 ounce(s) pomegranate juice
- 1 teaspoon(s) elderflower liqueur
- 1 splash champagne
- 1 orchid blossom
Stir all the ingredients (minus the champagne) over ice, strain and pour in a pre-chilled cocktail glass
Top off with a splash of champagne and garnish with a Sonya Orchid (or another food grade, edible flower)
Go ahead and try it at home. It’s the kind of homework I love to do!
Happy trying!
Getting your guests to their seats is a necessity. If you’ve got to do it, it might as well be pretty, no?
There are a multitude of ways and configurations – from the down and dirty to the extravagant. Here are just a few simple, aesthetically pleasing and efficient ways that it has been done around these parts!
Enjoy!
Happy planning!
Thanks to Thomas Graves, Love Life Images, Stephen Voss, and Dawn Bernard for the lovely pictures
Different strokes for different folks – is what I say about Etsy and Ebay. Personally, I do not have the patience to look though hundreds of dress listings online. What a nightmare. After the second page, I’ve moved on. However, Brides have found their dream dress on Etsy and Ebay, so it’s something to check out.
There are all kinds of dresses on both Etsy and Ebay. They have eco-friendly, vintage, gently used, new, and custom. Reuse is a good word to have in your vocabulary when you want to make aspects of your wedding eco friendly. It saves materials, processing, and labor – if you can find something in your size that you absolutely love – why not go for it?
Check out – just a FEW nice gowns that I found on the first two pages!
Happy Internet searching- and saving!
Yesterday I wrote about Jonathan Thorpe, an awesome Freelance Photographer based in VA. When my client’s budget is small, I have to go to my pool of awesome Freelance Photographers – in order for my client to have great photos that will treasure. It really does make sense – and here’s why.
There are some fabulous wedding photographers out there (I have featured a number on this blog). Their work is truly amazing and worth every penny that they charge. However, when a couple has a $5,000.00 budget, and the starting photography packages are $4,500.00 – it doesn’t make sense. After receiving the price shock, couple’s navigate through the pool of inexpensive wedding photographers. In that pool, there is an unusually high percentage of questionable photographers and product (red eye problems, uninteresting shots, bad focus, poor quality in general) – and the price (in my opinion) is high for the quality that you receive. To me, that really doesn’t make sense.
Freelance photographers have a fresh eye, are excited and motivated to do a great job for you – and can give a new and different prospective on things.
You have to be careful in choosing a photographer. It’s not an easy. In fact it takes more work – but in the end, will it be worth it? I’m guessing it will.
You need to look for the right things in their portfolio. Even if he/she is good, you don’t want to spend 2 hours of your reception taking pictures – because that will ruin a day. You need to be clear about what you expect – and you may have to explain weddings to him/her. A detailed timeline is a must so that he/she understands the day and the time allotment they have. Finally, you will need to work with someone who is willing to work under a solid contract (which most likely you will need to create). If they have references, that’s often a great place to start.
Everything needs to be given careful consideration
Did I say – not easy?
Also, there are Freelancers out there who have wedding experience but don’t have the client base. Often, they want to get their name out, and will do weddings for little money.
Just food for thought.
Happy snapping!
Special shanks to Jonathan Thorpe for the moving photograph
“I’m a photographer from Northern Virginia, specializing in editorial and commercial portraiture. I’ve always been drawn to shooting people and being able to tell a story or invoke an emotion with just a photo.
When I saw Jon’s work, I knew immediately that I needed to feature him on my blog. Jon has a fresh eye – a new way of looking at the world that’s magical. As you will see from some of the shots that I will post, he is not only spectacular at unique posed shots, but great in the moment – capturing life as it happens – undisturbed. He understands color, and light – and uses it in extraordinary ways. I see in his work – all the stuff that I don’t see in other photographers starting out in the business – and some that have been in the business for a while. He has the drive, the determination, the gift to be able to work with what he has – the elements – to create an amazing set of images that speak to you. When I look at them, they are telling me about what the subject is thinking and feeling.
Check-out his amazing talent…
To set-up a shoot or any questions on rates you can reach Jonathan at (703)895-1375 or at jonwriteswithlight@yahoo.com
This is just a sampling. Take a look at more of Jon’s work here and at the soon to be launched Jonathan Thorpe Website
Thanks for your contribution, Jon!
Happy picture taking!
Based on phone calls, it seems that many couple’s are under the gross misconception that to save money, one has a home wedding.
Home weddings are an entirely different animal. Just because you do not have to rent a venue, doesn’t mean you will save money having a home wedding. On the contrary, you will most likely spend more.
First, let’s think about what you are renting when you pay the rental fee.
- A structure – a very important part to have a wedding. Not all venues have structures (for instance if you have a tented wedding in a field), but go with me on this.
- A bathroom – a very important component.
- A floor – Helpful but not necessary (will explain later)
- The necessary pieces – table, chairs, silver, glass, Linens. Really depends upon the venue. If you are doing careful comparison, make sure you add these pieces in. They add up.
- Layout – Annoying but true, established venues have seen many different types of weddings and have experience with different layouts, egresses, etc.
- Transportation and parking – You need to get your guests to your home – and have somewhere to park their cars.
Let’s look at some costs. Just as a note, costs depend a lot upon what you choose, so I will do quote some averages.
- A structure – For a home wedding, you need a tent or two, or 3, depending upon what you are doing. Even if you don’t want a tent, you need to put one on reserve. No questions. $4,000.00
- Bathroom – You cannot ask your guests, who are dressed up to the 9’s, to pee in a Honeybucket. Yuck. Sorry guys, but running water is a must. $1,500.00
- A floor – depends on the grading of the yard, and personal feelings. If your yard is flat and not wet, your golden. However…$8,000.00 for carpet and up to $20,000.00 for a hard wood sub floor. $12,000.00
- The necessary pieces – Since we opted not to have the sub floor – we are going with wooden folding chairs and some nice linens. It’s really not smart to do Chiavari’s on grass – no matter how much you like them. For 150 guests – $3,200.00
- Layout – This doesn’t cost any money, but is as annoying as hell to figure out. There are so many possibilities. Call me, and we can figure this out together!
- Transportation and parking – Where are 150 people going to park? Buses and/or valets are a must – $3,500.00
With my simple list, our home wedding is costing us…
$12,200.00 more (on average). If you add the flooring in, it will be more.
There are a lot of advantages to having a home wedding (history, freedom of thought and expression, freedom to hire the vendor you want – many many freedoms), but cost is not one of them. To me, home weddings are worth 3X the extra money, thought and time they take to plan. They are beautiful, and it’s a special way to share a part of “you” with your guests.
This is a small list. Don’t get me started with the repairs, the landscaping, pond dredging, bug spraying, etc.
Just some food for thought.
Happy planning!
Pretty, eh? Perfect for summer, weddings featuring celadon hues, upscale weddings, outdoor weddings- all weddings. Perfect on a martini bar, this is a nice signature drink.
Apple Martini
2 parts Vodka
1 part Apple Schnapps
Splash of Lime Juice
Garnish with an Apple Slice
Sour Apple Martini
2 parts Vodka
1 part Apple Schnapps
1 part Ginger Ale
Splash of Lime Juice
Garnish with an Apple Slice
Happy planning!
