Getting Inside a DJ's Head - Song Selection! You might think it's easy!
Put yourself in my shoes - An Aretha song is playing (or Pitbull), and the whole room is jumping - a hundred of your wedding guests on the dance floor, shaking it, having the most fun of their lives at your Celebration. Then you gaze into my booth and see me scrambling! My mission - to find the next great song that will keep this particular crowd hopping. Wow, what a responsibility - with one flop I can kill the party!
A Great Place to get Ideas for YOUR Wedding! Complete Reception from $995!
When the Bridal Party just WON'T Dance...
You can only do so much...
Sitting at the table to my extreme left was the entire Bridal Party - about 10 young men and women who had requested a bunch of songs that they swore they'd dance to.
That's important to me, because if the Bridal Party is out on the dance floor the bride and groom will join, then family members, etc. AND the point of me being there is to create a great dance environment.
They requested Top 40 and 90's Hip Hop. I started the dancing with some 60's and 80's; lots of the aunts, uncles, cousins and even grandmothers hit the dance floor. The Bridal Party sat, waiting for their time.
Sitting at the table to my extreme left was the entire Bridal Party - about 10 young men and women who had requested a bunch of songs that they swore they'd dance to.
That's important to me, because if the Bridal Party is out on the dance floor the bride and groom will join, then family members, etc. AND the point of me being there is to create a great dance environment.
They requested Top 40 and 90's Hip Hop. I started the dancing with some 60's and 80's; lots of the aunts, uncles, cousins and even grandmothers hit the dance floor. The Bridal Party sat, waiting for their time.
More Great Reviews
Dear Tom, Keven and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the
wonderful job you did at our wedding . You came to us recommended by
and a friend, and you turned out to be everything she said you would be and then
some. From the very first meeting we had with you, you helped put our minds at
ease and we were certain you were the right guy for the job. You really seemed
to understand what was important to Keven and I and what our vision was.
We were impressed by how organized you were and how easy you made it for us to plan our day exactly the way we wanted it. The wedding ran smoothly from start to finish. You were good about communicating with us through-out the day, as well as with the venue staff and the photographer. You did a great job of getting people who normally will not dance, out onto the dance floor. We will happily recommend you to anyone looking for a fantastic DJ! Thank you so much Tom!
Sincerely, Keven and Rachel DeMott Lily Lake Inn
Best Cake Cutting Songs
All you need is love - Beatles
Sweetest thing - U2
That's amore - Dean Martin
Dexter Theme from AMC
ChannelYou're my best friend - Queen
All My Life - KC and Jojo
1,2,3,4 - Plain White T's
Buid me up Buttercup
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
How Sweet it is to be loved by you - James Taylor, Buble', Marvin Gaye
Best Mother - Groom Dances
Mother - Son Dances
Could I have this dance -
Anne Murray
Song for my son - Vierick
Unforgettable - Cole
Best Father - Bride Dances
Father-Daughter Dances
Queen of Hearts - Gregg
Allman
Have I Told You Lately - Van
Morrison
Wildflowers - Tom Petty
What a Wonderful World -
Armstrong
Father and Daughter - Paul
Simon
Wish You were here - Pink
Floyd
Remember the Familes in your Reception Menu!
Why should your Reception Menu include the same old boring
Prime Rib, Chicken and Stuffed Shrimp?
Although some venues plate these very well, think about your
guests for a moment. We’re planning a wedding for my son. I’m of Italian
descent, my wife is from fine German stock. Plus, it turns out the boy’s bride
shares the same mix. So half the people
at the wedding will be Italian, half German, and in both cultures food is a
high priority.
When planning your Menu with your caterer or Banquet
Coordinator make sure to include food from these countries. The Appetizer table
will flourish with Bruscetta, cheeses, small sausages, and fresh breads
representing both cuisines. The main dishes might include a choice of Lasagna,
Schnitzels – anything that will certainly put the boring Chicken Breast to
shame, and will entice the families to enjoy the fare. This certainly works
well Buffet or Family-style, and both groups enjoy reaching across the table
for their food (I do!). Food IS Celebration
in these cultures, so you’re guaranteed to have a successful reception (if some
lame DJ doesn’t blow is by playing Hip-Hop all night when you wanted oldies!)
Using Props at the Reception
Should
you use Props at the Reception?...
I go
either way on Props at a Reception. Being a Ham, it's fun to get out there and
join the crowd with Blow-up Guitars,
Top 10 Oldies that are Killing at This Year's Weddings!
Top 10 Oldies that were AWESOME at All Weddings this year...10. Build me Up Buttercup
9. Twist and Shout (Beatles)
8. Long Tall Sally (Beatles Version)
7. Great Balls of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis)
6. Lucille (Little Richard)
5. Jailhouse Rock (Elvis)
4. Respect (Aretha)
3. ABC (Jackson 5)
2. Tutti Frutti (Little Richard)
1. Shout (Animal House)
9. Twist and Shout (Beatles)
8. Long Tall Sally (Beatles Version)
7. Great Balls of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis)
6. Lucille (Little Richard)
5. Jailhouse Rock (Elvis)
4. Respect (Aretha)
3. ABC (Jackson 5)
2. Tutti Frutti (Little Richard)
1. Shout (Animal House)
The Best Wedding Introduction I've EVER Done!
2 months ago I had an
idea...
I was planning a
wedding for a wonderful, creative couple, and asked them if I could interview
them about their relationship, individually. I met with each separately at a
Starbucks about 2 weeks before the wedding, and asked them questions about how
they met, what they meant to each other, and I recorded their
answers.
How to Hire a DJ - Starry Nite Weddings Best Tips
This is a Simplified version of my Article on Hiring a
DJ, to be found on my site, and all over the web (Dior is currently using it on
their site, as are numerous Wedding Sites). Here are the important questions
to ask...
Some Thoughts on Up-Lighting...
Up-lighting-Alright, here is the subject that
makes most Brides-to-Be cringe, and which they invariably pay WAY TOO MUCH to
Vulture DJ companies and Venues to provide. Up-lighting is simply those
fixtures set around the reception room that shoot colorful lights up the walls.
They are usually spaced about 10 feet apart, and under columns to add drama and
color to the columns. Some are set behind your Sweetheart Table to add more
drama.
Rings - Unique Ideas about Finding Them
Choosing Rings – Sure, you can go to the
jewelers and choose from their limited selection, but here are a couple of
suggestions that will add romance to your ring selection…
Bridesmaids' Gowns - try These Tips for a Unique Look!
Choosing Bridesmaids’ Gowns – I’ve played about
70 weddings myself this year, and I’ve seen some dreadful bridesmaid dresses
(I’ve also seen some quite stunning examples).
Tuxedo Junction - Some Tips for the Groom!
1)
For the Groom – Tuxedo Junction! ... If your man
wants the responsibility of taking care of his (and his Groomsmen’s) tuxedos,
share these tips with him…
Research a Very Traditional Wedding - Starry Nite DJs Best Tips
A VERY Traditional Wedding – Do some research,
and add elements of, say, ancient Celtic Rituals into your Ceremony and
Reception. This adds enormous interest for your guests, and makes the event
very memorable.
Can A Loved One Perform MY Wedding?
Can a Loved One Perform My Wedding
Legally?...
If you're getting married in 2012,
you need to book your wedding DJ and Photographer NOW!
...
Remember the Friends Episode when
Joey became an Ordained Minister to perform Monica/Chandler's
Wedding...
Outdoor Wedding Tips from Starry Nite DJs!
Some things to Remember When Having An Outdoor Ceremony...
1)
If you’re getting married outdoors, and using
the DJ to provide music for the ceremony, make sure he sets up a microphone by
default. Not only will it assist the JP, it will allow your guests the
privilege of sharing The Most Important Part of the Day (!) – the Ceremony!
Also important, your guests will hear those beautiful vows you agonized over.
The people you Invite Make the Wedding Special...
1)
What matters most about your wedding?
What matters most is that the people that you love and value are there with you on your big day.
What matters most is that the people that you love and value are there with you on your big day.
Creating Great Wedding Vows - Starry Nite DJs Best Wedding Tips...
In over 20 years sharing
Ceremonies I've noticed a few Great ways to share
Vows...
1) Take existing quotes and add
to them, to give them special meaning... "Grow Old with Me, The Best is yet to
be (by Robert Browning) can be expanded to read, "As we grow old together
Table Themes and Place Cards - Best Wedding Tips from Starry Nite DJs
INSTEAD of simply numbering tables for your guests, create a theme
so they won't be self-conscious if they're sitting at tabe # 104!
I played an Italian wedding a few months ago where the tables,
instead of being numbered, held an Auspicious Card at center printed with the
name of an Italian City...Rome, Amalfi, Florence, etc.
Also, If you're a Wine-lover, name each table after a
Favorite...Cabernet, Albec, Bolla, etc. This way guests will have another
interesting feature to delight in!..."I'm at the Moscato Table!"
Or how about Placing a Boggle Game at each table? The interaction it will create will truly break the ice. Try setting each game with the same letters. Have the table work to come up with a list of all the words they can find, and submit the list to the MC. The table that found the most words gets a prize, or Must lead a conga line!
Or how about Placing a Boggle Game at each table? The interaction it will create will truly break the ice. Try setting each game with the same letters. Have the table work to come up with a list of all the words they can find, and submit the list to the MC. The table that found the most words gets a prize, or Must lead a conga line!
www.starrynitedjs.com - Full Reception only $900!
Choosing Your Reception Songs...Best Tip from Starry Nite DJs
1) Don't Forget the Oldies! - You
might think that you and your friends will want to listen/dance to Just Top 40,
but you must remember
that at least half the people at your wedding will be Over 50 years old,
and will really share the experience if the DJ is well-versed in ALL
music -
My Favorite reception Songs - Starry Nite DJs Best Tips
Starry Nite DJs Best Tip -
My favorite Reception Songs...
PLUS an Inexhaustible List of All Time Songs!
I won't lie to you - I've been DJing weddings for over 20 years now, started back when I had to carry crates of records to each gig (I was much stronger then!), and each album had maybe one song I needed to play. It was the 90's, and Michael Jackson was scorchin' hot (still is),
My favorite Reception Songs...
PLUS an Inexhaustible List of All Time Songs!
I won't lie to you - I've been DJing weddings for over 20 years now, started back when I had to carry crates of records to each gig (I was much stronger then!), and each album had maybe one song I needed to play. It was the 90's, and Michael Jackson was scorchin' hot (still is),
Choosing Reception Events - Starry Nite DJ Best Tips
Starry Nite DJs Best Tip -Choosing Reception Events - a
Short List...
Here are some Standard Happenings
at Receptions (see "Schedule of Reception Events" link on my site www.StarryNiteDJs.com under Planning). Consider
some or all at your reception...Will you have...
Hire Some Local talent for Cocktail Hour!
Hire Local Entertainment
to play Cocktail Hour!
Here are some Great
entertainment ideas for Cocktail Hour. I've personally seen these at Wedding
I've played, and fell in love with them!
How Can You Trust a Wedding Vendor?
I'll be brief. Today I saw on
a Wedding site that a bride-to-be was concerned about my actions. She had
initially contacted me for a certain wedding date. We spoke, and I asked her to
please get back to me soon, to set a date to meet, so she could get to know me
bettter. 3 weeks later she emailed me to tell me she had found another DJ. I
replied that someone else had booked the date.
Day Weddings are Great Too! - Starry Nite Best Tip -
Starry Nite Best Wedding Tip - Day Weddings are Great Too!
More brides (and Grooms) are opting for the afternoon/early reception to save some money. I whole-heartedly agree - the afternoon wedding Reception (and Ceremony, which is usually on-site) will cost less. Here are my observations from 20 years in the business...
More brides (and Grooms) are opting for the afternoon/early reception to save some money. I whole-heartedly agree - the afternoon wedding Reception (and Ceremony, which is usually on-site) will cost less. Here are my observations from 20 years in the business...
Seating the Older People at your Wedding - Starry Nite Best Tip -
Seating Older Guests...
Played a Great Wedding Saturday in Trumbull (Tashua Knolls)...
I Noticed that the oldest guests were seated closest to me (and my Equipment!) on the lip of the dance floor...
Played a Great Wedding Saturday in Trumbull (Tashua Knolls)...
I Noticed that the oldest guests were seated closest to me (and my Equipment!) on the lip of the dance floor...
How NOT to Dress the Groom! - Starry Nite Best Tips -
Starry Nite DJs Best Tip - How Not to Dress the Groom!
In 20 Years Wedding Experience I've come to one conclusion regarding the Groom - Dress Him Yourself! If it's a Casual Wedding be doubly suspicious!
If the Groom is renting a Tux, it's Always worth a bit more money to get a very classic style. Remember, you'll be looking at these pictures 20 years later, and you really want attire that stands the test of time. Cumberbunds are No Longer Fashionable (not even for Old Men).
Also, have him steer clear of the jokes - you do NOT need a Mickey Mouse Bow Tie mucking up the pictures! Nor a Red Sox hat, nor sneakers with a Tux. I understand you all want to seem Devil-May-Care and non-chalant, but IT'S YOUR WEDDING!
In 20 Years Wedding Experience I've come to one conclusion regarding the Groom - Dress Him Yourself! If it's a Casual Wedding be doubly suspicious!
If the Groom is renting a Tux, it's Always worth a bit more money to get a very classic style. Remember, you'll be looking at these pictures 20 years later, and you really want attire that stands the test of time. Cumberbunds are No Longer Fashionable (not even for Old Men).
Also, have him steer clear of the jokes - you do NOT need a Mickey Mouse Bow Tie mucking up the pictures! Nor a Red Sox hat, nor sneakers with a Tux. I understand you all want to seem Devil-May-Care and non-chalant, but IT'S YOUR WEDDING!
Paradise by the Dashboard Light!
Starry Nite Best Wedding Tip - Paradise by the Dashboard Light!
Remember - It's YOUR Big Day!
Played a Great Wedding Saturday in Torrington...
One highlight for me (being the Procurator of the Party!) was when a Guest requested Meatloaf's Paradise by the Dashboard Light (great song!).
We (guest and I) got out there, lined the men on the left and ladies to the right, facing each other.
Remember - It's YOUR Big Day!
Played a Great Wedding Saturday in Torrington...
One highlight for me (being the Procurator of the Party!) was when a Guest requested Meatloaf's Paradise by the Dashboard Light (great song!).
We (guest and I) got out there, lined the men on the left and ladies to the right, facing each other.
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