An Inspiring Reception On The Main Line

Kate & Tim
July 28, 2007
White Manor Country Club
Malvern, PA
Web Site

What an outstanding wedding reception!

Hosted in the countrysides of the Main Line, Kate and Tim's spectacular event was really enjoyed by everyone in attendance. Kate father assured me at our second meeting that he would be "bringing a wild group to party with".

As often as I hear that, I usually take that phrase with a grain of salt... He was actually right on the money.

Kate and Tim's friends and family were exactly the kind of guests most everyone would want celebrating with them on their wedding day. They were loud, but appropriate. They were energetic, but not out of control.

Quite simply, they were perfect.

Because this was my second visit to the White Manor Country Club in a short amount of time, I feel like I can say this accurately:

White Manor Country Club does an outstanding job.

Their attention to detail and their unwaivering ability to serve the needs of the bride and groom, as well as the guests, was something I couldn't help but notice.

If you are considering White Manor Country Club as the location for your reception, I say you can't go wrong.

I think the best part of the night was watching Kate's dad high-steppin' to Footloose. By the time he was done dancing, he was completely covered in sweat!

Congratulations, Kate and Tim!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

4:00-5:00 PM Cocktail Hour

5:05 PM Grand Entrance
"You're The One That I Want" from Grease

5:10 PM First Dance
"You're The Inspiration" by Chicago

5:15 PM Blessing and Toast

5:20-7:00 PM Dinner

6:50 PM Bride & Father Dance
"I Loved Her First" by Heartland

6:55 PM Groom & Mother Dance
"The Man You've Become" by Molly Pasutti

7:00-9:00 PM Open Dancing

Malvern DJs - Steve Croce

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A Phillies Theme Wedding in Delaware County

Jamie & Morgan
July 27, 2007
Springfield Country Club
Blue Bell, PA
Web Site

Jamie & Morgan's wedding day was certainly one for me, a devoted Phillies fan, to be jealous of. In addition to being presented with a Phillies baseball hat, autographed by the entire 2007 Philadelphia Phillies, the introductions of the bridal party were done by none other than the announcer of the Phillies, Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas.

To give you a chance to hear the beginning and ending of their bridal party introductions, I've posted them here: Beginning - Ending

To protect their privacy, I've edited out the names of those who were introduced, but I WILL tell you that "Harry The K" referred to the parents as "The Managers", the bridesmaids and groomsmen as "The Starting Lineup", the Best Man and Matron of Honor were "The Pinch Hitters", and the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl were called "The Bat Boy" and "The Ball Girl".

When dinner came to a close, the friends and family were more than ready to fill the dance floor. I particularly enjoyed watching two guests dancing to "ABC" by the Jackson 5.

I also really enjoyed listening to one of Jamie and Morgan's groomsmen, a groomsman who had apparently been cheated out of winning their high school's Junior Class elections, singing "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw.

Congratulations, Jamie and Morgan!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

7:30-8:30 PM Cocktail Hour

8:35 PM Grand Entrance
"The Best Of What's Around" by Dave Matthews Band

8:40 PM First Dance
"Me And You" by Kenny Chesney

8:45 PM Blessing and Toast

8:50-10:50 PM Dinner

10:55 PM Bride & Father Dance
"I Loved Her First" by Heartland

11:00 PM Groom & Mother Dance
"In My Life" by The Beatles

11:05-12:30 AM Open Dancing

UPDATE: If you would like to ask Harry Kalas to record your wedding day announcements for your grand entrance, here is how.

Because Mr. Kalas receives about a dozen requests each week for this, the best way for you to reach Harry The K is to send a letter to:

Citizens Bank Park
ATTN: Harry Kalas
One Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148

Good luck!

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Vote For Philadelphia's Best Local Businesses

MyFoxPhilly.com is looking for Philadelphia's best businesses, including those that provide services for wedding receptions!

If you're having a really good experience, you can vote for your photographer, florist, videographer, baker, caterer, DJ, and more by visiting the links below:

Cakes - Caterers - DJ - Flowers - Invitations - Music
Photographers - Rings - Venue - Videographer
Wedding Dresses - Wedding Planners

Go vote today!

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A Memorable Wedding In Montgomery County

Lauren & Jerry
July 21, 2007
Blue Bell Country Club
Blue Bell, PA
Web Site

The private Blue Bell Country Club is nestled within a quiet golf course community, just 30 miles outside center city Philadelphia.

Their spacious Grand Ballroom is elegantly appointed with three giant crystal chandeliers, a handwoven tapestry, and one of the largest dance floors around. It's old world charm is complimented well by the modern conveniences and outstanding cuisine.

At nearly any given moment, Lauren and Jerry could be seen standing near one another, smiling or laughing, receiving a hug from a friend or family member.

I don't always see a bride and groom spend so much time together on their wedding day. Often, a groom will hang with his buddies, while the bride visits all the tables to thank her guests for coming. It's very encouraging when I see a bride and groom who completely enjoy spending the entire day by each other's side.

The high point of the evening was watching the crowd chant and throw their hands in the air while the ring bearer, Cole, was breakdancing to "Bust A Move" by Young MC.

Congratulations, Lauren and Jerry!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

6:00-7:00 PM Cocktail Hour

7:05 PM Grand Entrance
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" by Michael Jackson

7:10 PM First Dance
"This Years Love" by David Gray

7:15 PM Blessing and Toast

7:15-8:55 PM Dinner

8:55 PM Cake Cutting

9:00 PM Bride & Father Dance
"If I Could" by Ray Charles

9:05 PM Groom & Mother Dance
"What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong

9:10-11:00 PM Open Dancing

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Picturesque Philadelphia

Back in March, I posted a really great idea for your wedding photography about how you can fill your wedding photo album with pictures taken all over Philadelphia.

Yesterday, one of my clients emailed me saying "That's a great idea, but I'm not from Philly... Where should I go to have photos taken?"

While I was reading her email, I noticed Ron Saari's business card on my desk and thought, "Maybe he has something on his site...".

Wow. What an understatement. Check out Ron's stock images of Philadelphia site. It's a great collection of all the most picturesque sites for a bride to have a photo taken.

Some of my favorites include:

Independence Hall
Philadelphia Museum Of Art
The Ben Franklin Bridge (Taken from Camden, NJ)
City Hall from Broad St. (The most famous bride and groom shot ever)
JFK Plaza
"Trash The Dress" in The Logan Circle Fountain
Rittenhouse Square
and, of course... Love Park

What a find!

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Stupid Wedding Crap

Looking for a little stress relief amid your wedding planning frenzy?

Check out this site: stupidweddingcrap.com

According to the site: "This blog was conjured up during a ring shopping related visit to The Knot. There I was introduced to the concept of hay bale wedding favors and forever scarred by the wedding industrial complex."

WARNING: Some is the stuff on here is a little risqué... Surf at your own risk.

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The Biggest Mistakes Brides Make When Hiring A DJ

One of the more daunting challenges a bride and groom must face is the hiring of their entertainment. If you have (for whatever reason) decided to book a DJ over a band, there are a few things you really should consider before hiring anyone.

While contacting various DJs, getting their prices, meeting with potential disc jockeys/wedding entertainment directors, and comparing the notes you take on each one can be a bit of a hassle, it is important to remember the lasting impression a bad DJ can make.

Doing a bit of homework and keeping these five tips in mind will help you make a well-educated decision; the kind that allows you to walk into your reception feeling comfortable and confident.

Not Taking "First Impressions" Into Consideration

After making your initial contact with a professional entertainment company, I always recommend a bride and groom sit down, face-to face with their candidate, and interview the DJ.

When a person applies for a job, the company will not often sign a contract with that potential employee before at least meeting them, right? Why should it be any different for you?

If you have a preliminary consultation with a DJ and find them to be professional in their dress, mannerisms, and speech, you can be sure he or she will conduct themselves that same way at your reception. Unfortunately, the opposite is true as well.

Thinking That All DJs Are The Same

Every DJ has their own style, skill level, methods, and vary a lot in their equipment quality and music library.

An amateur DJ lacks the experience and knowledge required to execute a flawless reception. The last thing a bride wants to do on her wedding is remind the DJ it is time to cut the cake or dance with her father and get the reply, "Oh.... Yeah... Right..."

A professional entertainer knows how to get your guests on the dance floor. Asking a DJ how they get people dancing will often get you an odd answer.

When I was planning my own wedding, I decided to look at other DJ companies, just to see what they offered. One DJ actually told my wife and I, "After dinner, I just crank it up real loud and it gets people bouncin'!"

Right. Your friends and family have been sitting in their seats all night, just itching for the DJ to play "The Twist", so they can knock over tables and each other, fighting their way to the dance floor... Uh huh...

Also, if a DJ only has one genre of music, they sincerely lack in versatility. Your favorite DJ that spins Modern Rock music all night may be perfect for the bar, but more than likely your grandmother doesn't want hear Maroon 5 all night at your reception.

Hiring The Cheapest DJ You Can Find

The phrase "you get what you pay for" holds a lot of water in the case of hiring a DJ, especially for a wedding.

There are DJs which can cost as little as $300 or as much as $5,000, for a five hour wedding. Is the DJ that is only charging $300 no good at all? Who knows, they might do a decent job, but there is one thing that is certain: Either the DJ doesn't have a lot of experience or they are the worst businessperson ever.

Any DJ that has performed for numerous weddings (at least 100 or more) knows that there is far too much involved in presenting wedding entertainment to only charge peanuts. On the other side, remember that just because a DJ is the most expensive in town, does not mean they're the best for you.

Because the entertainment for your reception is what you, your family, and your friends will likely remember the most, isn't it worth more than the cost of invitations? Your entertainment is an investment that you your guests will enjoy from start to finish, not just the first half of the night. If half of your guests leave after dinner because loud music was playing during the main course, the venue isn't going to give you a refund.

Not Having A Written Contract

I am genuinely stunned that any business is able to stay alive without any form of contract, committing them to your event.

I have spoken with NUMEROUS brides, one week before their wedding day, telling me their DJ has booked a prom (higher $$$) and would not being coming to the reception. This goes hand-in hand with my final tip...

Not Making Sure The DJ You Want is "Guaranteed" To Be Your DJ

This is probably the biggest complaint from brides all over the country about DJs. You went to a DJ company that has more than one DJ, you requested a specific DJ, and another DJ shows up in his/her place. Any time you deal with a big DJ company, make sure you get in writing that the DJ you want is the one that will show up.

There is one company, in this area, that tells brides "We don't schedule the DJ until the week before the wedding" and "We let you pick three DJs AFTER you sign the contract. If they're available, they might do your wedding, they might not, no guarantees.".

Does that sound like a company that has your best interests in mind or one that is trying to run a company with limited accountability?

Imagine you're going to buy your first "dream car". How would you feel if the dealer said, "Pick three you like, sign this contract, pay your money, and maybe you'll get one, maybe not..."?

Hopefully, these tips can assist you in making a good decision when it comes to your entertainment. No one likes to walk into their wedding reception filled with anxiety, not knowing what or whom to expect. Spend some time on your choice, making the final call with your fiance, and don't let anyone bully you into making a snap judgement based on sales tricks and high-pressure tactics.

Good luck!

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Listen To The Lyrics

Music is what enhances the mood of the wedding, giving people a soundtrack for their memories of your special day, so while selecting songs for the party can be fun, finding the perfect match can sometimes prove to be a little tough.

Often times, a bride and groom will choose a first dance song because the singer is one of their favorites and it seems romantic enough. It's only after they stop and listen they realize that on their wedding day, they’re playing a song about heartbreak or infidelity.

One song I am particularly fond of is Ben Folds' "The Luckiest". You can check it out here. The premise of the song is how, through sheer fate, he was able to find the girl of his dreams. He also tries to tell her exactly how deep his love is. Awesome song.

A relatively new choice for the father and daughter dance is the song "Daddy" by Beyonce. You can check it out here. Unlike the songs "Butterfly Kisses" and "Daddy's Little Girl", this song is from the perspective of the daughter speaking to her father. Since most Father-Daughter dances are done using a song selected by the bride, it's sort of nice to pick a song whose lyrics send a message to the father, instead of the other way around.

With lyrics like "I'm so proud of what you've become... You've given me such security... No matter what mistakes I make you're there for me...", it basically says "I am so lucky to have had a father like you".

If you're looking for a great song to end the night with, there are some more original ideas than Donna Summers' "Last Dance" or the song "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. Yes, they are classics that will suffice for that moment the dance floor winds to a close, but they are also extremely cliche.

I often suggest a bride and groom consider what I call "Bookends". The first song played after the bride and groom entered the room was their first dance song, right? So, why not close the night with the first dance song and bring the whole evening back to the beginning, subtly reminding everyone in the room why they're there on that day? It also discourages the "one more song" chant...

If you're having trouble picking out songs for the big day, try this site. I've tried to complie songs that are not as common as the classic "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole or Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings".

Do you have any suggestions? Feel free to email me! Email

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How To Choose A Grand Entrance Song

It's that moment where the guests have all taken their seats, the bridal party is lined up and the introductions are about to be made. All eyes are fixed on the doors while all ears are listening for the first names to be called over the speakers.

The Wedding Entertainment Director is about to press play on the song you have selected as accompaniment for that moment. What song is it?

Having the ability to refer to a list entitled "Grand Entrance Songs" can help you and your W.E.D. choose a final selection.

After all, who wouldn't want to pick the best wedding song to reflect the tone of the reception, honor your friends and family who stood up for you, and to fit your personalities?

Most couples choose an upbeat song rather than a slow romantic classical piece. Even at the most formal affairs, something a bit more lighthearted for wedding reception music is usually in order after the ceremony.

Choosing the song can be difficult. Your W.E.D. may be able to make suggestions after speaking with you as a couple, or your friends may have excellent suggestions. Consider the following questions when picking your wedding party's grand entrance song:

Will people recognize it, or is it too obscure to be appreciated?

Does it reflect our wedding party?

Does it reflect our personality as a couple?

Is it appropriate for our reception (not too formal, but nothing with foul language, either)?

Do I want just an instrumental version, or lyrics, too?

In the grand scheme of things, the grand entrance song may only be a two minute long presentation, but if you invest a little time in the subject, you could very likely pick the perfect song to kick off an unforgettable evening!

If you need help choosing a first dance, bouquet toss song, or any other traditional songs, try clicking here!

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The Next Big Thing

Photobooths are quietly becoming the latest craze and hottest new trend in weddings.

If you’ve ever attended a wedding with a photobooth, then you already understand why they are becoming so popular. The resulting pictures they produce are always fun, sometimes hilarious and very often priceless.

But, the pictures are only part of the story. Photobooths, especially at a wedding reception, are SO MUCH FUN! The entertainment factor alone is a big part of their appeal. A wedding reception with a photobooth is usually a very memorable experience in and of itself.

The photobooth concept is nothing new. Invented in the 1920’s, vending machine style photobooths produced an automated and affordable portrait solution for the masses and exploded in popularity during World War II. Over the years, photobooths have remained popular despite huge advances in photography and significantly lower costs for everyday snap shooters. Why? The fun and intimacy of the automated photobooth experience is the reason. With no photographer to please, people are at liberty to produce images they like, making pictures that are amazingly fun, spontaneous, and a bit goofy sometimes, but often very touching.

The ultimate extension of the photobooth concept is achieved by combining digital photography technology and the internet, with the unique attributes of a wedding reception. Weddings are always enjoyable and festive occasions, but when you invite a large gathering of close friends and family to repeatedly enter a personal and very private automated portrait studio, the resulting pictures can be great, often leading to very memorable episodes. The ability to print the pictures moments after taking them is really what makes a photobooth so amusing at such an intimate event as a wedding. Guests quickly muster enough courage to share their newly created mementos, no matter how enthralling, with others. Thus, the excitement is usually ratcheted up a notch or two and games of oneupmanship are likely to ensue.

While a photobooth may not be the most inexpensive favor around, it is definitely not a keepsake that will be thrown away a few days after your wedding!

If you're trying to find a photo booth, try contacting Dave Rosenbaum with Masters Of Fun Party Planners at this web site.

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Wishes In The Sky

From SocialDesign

This is such an innovative idea and a stunning alternative to fireworks... Chinese Flying Lanterns! Your guests can write messages or wishes to you, then as the night comes to a close, you can launch them into the sky! They are "accelerated biodegradable" (super-safe for the environment) and flame resistant.

They are about $8 a piece, sold in packs of 10, and for each pack sold about $4 US is donated to the Rainforest Concern project. (Each box will save .2 acres of rainforest.)

If you have the budget to provide one of these for each of your guests (about $800 for 100 guests, still WAY cheaper then a decent fireworks show), you can make this a group effort for your entire guest list. If you have a more restricted budget, go with one box and have the bride, groom and wedding party each release one instead.

Check out this video of a flying lantern being launched on the beach in Thailand!

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Tapping The Glasses

Traditionally, reception guests will tap their champagne glasses with their flatware as an audible request for the bride and groom to kiss. As inviting, or ludicrous, as this may sound, there is an alternative to this age old tradition, which might just deter some of the guests from being so quick to tap their glasses.

Before your wedding day, put together a list of several couples who will be attending your wedding and give it to your wedding entertainment director (the DJ).

When dinner begins, have the following rules read over the microphone.

1. The bride and groom will not kiss until EVERYONE in the room is tapping their glasses together.
2. Once everyone in the room is tapping their glasses and the bride and groom finally kiss, everyone must cheer as loud as they possibly can.

After the first kiss is demonstrated, the DJ should reveal your list and announce that he or she will be randomly selecting couples from that list. Now, instead of the bride and groom sharing a kiss the next time the glasses are tapped, each couple on that list will be asked (as their name is announced) to share a kiss.

Click here to see a video of what it looks like at someone's reception!

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Lucky In Love

Mary & John
July 6, 2007
DuPont Country Club
Wilmington, DE
Web Site

Brides and gambling aficionados had one definitive thing in common this past weekend: They were both hoping for a stroke of luck.

July 7, 2007, a date that only comes along once a century, was one of the biggest wedding dates in modern history.

Mary & John's wedding day, a date that John claimed he would never forget at anniversary time, was extraordinary.

After their outdoor wedding ceremony and their cocktail hour (complete with a bouquet of flowers suspended in an ice sculpture), the guests filled the well-appointed ballroom.

During dinner, the very proud and beaming friends and family enjoyed a slideshow presentation prepared by the groom's mother.

Mary and John's wedding reception had a much different tempo than most. Instead of having EVERYONE on the dance floor, a portion of the guests were more inclined to spend time strolling the grounds outside, catching up with each other and enjoying the company of those they hadn't seen in awhile.

It was a real pleasure working with such a relaxed and kind-hearted couple.

At the conclusion of the event, Mary slipped out of her wedding dress and into a "Bride" t-shirt, shorts, and sandals, ready to head off to Jamaica!

Congratulations, Mary and John!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

5:30-6:00 PM Ceremony

6:00-7:00 PM Cocktail Hour

7:05 Introductions
"Battle Without Honor Or Humanity" by Tomoyasu Hotei

7:10 PM First Dance
"Always" by Atlantic Starr

7:15 PM Groom & Mother Dance
"Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me" by Gladys Knight & The Pips

7:20 Bridal Party Dance
"That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick & Friends

7:25 PM Blessing & Toasts

7:30-9:30 PM Dinner

9:30-11:30 PM Open Dancing

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