How to Save on Wedding Music

Great entertainment can really make your wedding unforgettable. A fabulous DJ or a live band keeps your dance floor packed and the energy up. Those ultra-special moments like your first dances and your cake-cutting become even more special with a stellar introduction. And surprise live performances are sure to wow your crowd.

Entertainment can be one of the most expensive parts of the wedding budget, however, and it’s not always the easiest place to cut corners. But fear not, there’s definitely wiggle room when it comes to number crunching — and we’re here to give you the scoop.

The Number-One Question: DJ vs. Band

You’ve always heard that DJs are less expensive than live bands. After all, there’s only one person to hire and feed, so that has to be less, right? But yes, in most cases, DJs can be less expensive than bands since there are fewer people to book and feed.

And yet: “Think about the experience you want to have at your wedding You may be aiming for the energy that fills the room when a live band plays hit songs. Or it may be that you really prefer the original artists’ renditions of songs, as played by a DJ. You may want the festive look of a fuji band  versus the tech-heavy presence of a deejay…. lol

And of course, you might be among the many couples that choose both. They’ll have a band play for the for some hours and the start of the reception, then have a DJ step in and rev up the energy with club music. And—surprise—this can save money. Having both at your event won’t be a bad idea but when cutting cost you can opt for a DJ  with your selected kind of music…..

wedding venue FAQ; WHAT TO ASK BEFORE YOU BOOK.

You can’t really set a wedding date until you’ve secured a location for your wedding reception (and ceremony), so the sooner you tackle this task, the better—do it 10 to 12 months in advance, if possible. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, meet with the banquet manager (or other senior representative) at each place to hash out the details. Following are the key questions to ask before you decide to book.

What services does the rental fee include?
Some reception halls provide catering services as well as all the necessary equipment (tables, chairs, linens, tableware and so on), while others offer only the room, requiring you to take care of equipment rentals. The site should provide a banquet manager who will be present on the day of your wedding at no extra charge.

Is the rental fee cheaper if we don’t book a Saturday night?
If you book a Friday or Sunday night you’ll likely get a lower rate. Rental fees also vary per month—you’ll get a better deal if you book a date during low season (usually considered the months of November through April).

Are other events scheduled on the same day?
Try to avoid booking a banquet hall that’s hosting another wedding simultaneously—you want the staff’s attention to be focused entirely on your event. It’s more common for sites to book an afternoon and evening event on the same day, which usually isn’t a problem.

What is your alcohol policy?
Your catering fee might include a full open bar, for which you’ll be charged either a flat fee or by the hour— or you may have the option of being charged based on what, and how much, guests actually consume.

Are your health department and insurance certificates up to date?
Reputable sites meet health codes and carry liability insurance in case someone becomes severely injured while on the property. If there’s no paperwork to prove these things, you don’t want to do business there.

Are there adequate restroom facilities?
In general, you’ll need at least two bathroom stalls for every 100 guests; for 150 guests, four or more stalls are ideal.

Can you accommodate physically challenged guests?
While most buildings will have ramps and elevators, do a walk-through to see for yourself how well these features will meet the needs of your wheelchair-bound guests.

Are there any restrictions we need to know about?
If a site is located in a heavily residential area, you may be legally required to close down your party at a certain hour. Also ask about fire hazards — some sites do not allow the use of taper candles or sparklers, for instance.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?
Upon signing, you may be asked to provide a security deposit. Find out if, and under what circumstances, your money is refundable, and make sure this is stated in the contract.

Hint: Don’t assume anything! For example, if you’re getting married in the hot summer months, be sure to ask if your site has air conditioning. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises.

Outside Site

Renting an all-inclusive hotel ballroom or banquet hall is a great idea, since these usually offer well-trained staffs as well as a manager who will handle most of the details for you. But don’t discount other wonderful venues that can give your party a little more personality:

*winks

The red rose is classic. It's timeless. But that doesn't mean is has to be boring! here are 15 fresh ways to use this beloved flower ……

1.      Mix light and dark red to give your bouquet more depth

2.       Create an ultra-romantic ceremony backdrop with bud vases and piles and piles of petals.

3.      . Add volume by mixing masses of greenery and hydrangeas with your roses.

4.      Clean and streamlined, place tight balls of red roses atop clear cylinder vases

5.      Add a whimsical touch by stringing vines through the roses

6.       Mirrored vases and a sequined tablecloth help give these multi-hued red roses a modern touch.

7.      Branches bursting from the roses make a bold impression.

8 Top each mini arrangement with a candle for a romantic vibe.

     9. Roses winding up the vase lend a garden-fresh appeal.

     10. Accent a modern lamp-inspired centerpiece with this classic bloom.

    11. Get the best of both worlds with a high-low centerpiece.

   12. Glass orbs suspended from a rose cloud add a bit of whimsy to your wedding look.

   13. Why choose just one centerpiece style when you can have three?

   14. It's like a glam version of a palm tree, with roses surrounding the cylinder vase, candles cascading up the tree, and oversized tropical leaves topping off the look.

   15. Decorate your sweetheart table with a sleek, streamlined rose table runner.