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5 Reasons Why You Should Have a Photo Booth at Your Wedding

5 Reasons Why You Should Have a Photo Booth at Your Wedding


Weddings are a celebration of life, of love, and of two families becoming one. These celebrations are for the bride & groom, their families, friends, and relatives, and brides are increasingly thinking about 'how can I entertain my guest's at the reception'. There are many options out there, but one of the most popular, and in my option the best, are photo booths. I recently got to chat with a fellow business owner here in Seattle about why every bride should have a photo booth at their wedding. Nicolette with Photo Booths by Nicolette is an incredible resource for brides, and well, just fun! So, here goes the amazing 5 reasons that you SHOULD have a photo booth at your wedding! 


1. They’re FUN!

Photo booths provide memorable entertainment for your guests.  It’s the perfect break between dance songs, and a great activity for guests to do during a cocktail hour while you are finishing up your formal portraits.  Friends and family of all ages will enjoy getting their pictures taken in a relaxed, fun-filled way!

 

2. Personalized Wedding Favors

Photo booth prints are the perfect personalized wedding favor.  Your guests will keep their prints for years to come and remember how much fun they had at your wedding.  You can personalize prints with your name, wedding date, a special message for your guests, plus colors, fonts and graphics to match your unique wedding theme.

 

3. Preserve Memories

You and your guests can close the curtain and let loose your inner child for images that would not regularly be captured in your formal wedding photography.  Add props to add inspire creativity in your guests!  You can also purchase a guest scrapbook to take home at the end of your reception that includes copies of the photo booth prints with handwritten messages from your guests.  Online galleries provide free guest downloads and make it easy to share their images online via e-mail or social network sites.  A disc of digital image files is also available for reprints and archival purposes.

 

4. Flexibility to Meet Your Unique Wedding Needs

Photo Booths by Nicolette are flexible to accommodate larger groups of guests with either a black curtain or open air setup.  Our black curtain stand-up booth can comfortably fit 5-6 people per session.  Choose an open air setup if you’d like to feature a great view of your venue in your images.  Custom backdrops can also be ordered.  Our booths feature a touchscreen interface so guests have control over when their pictures begin, and even whether their instant prints will come in color or black and white.  Our booth features constant lighting so there is no distracting flash, and a live view screen so you can see exactly what your photo will look like.  Guests take four pictures per session, and there is no limit to the number of sessions during your service period.  A convenient countdown allows guests to get ready for their next pose and change up their props!

 

5. It’s More Affordable Than You Think

With monthly specials and photography packages available from Photo Booths By Nicolette, a photo booth for your reception is more affordable than you think.  For a limited time, I am offering up to 3 hours of service with basic prints and a professional attendant for only $450.00!  Contact Nicolette today for availability at (360) 463-9731 or photobooths@bynicolette.com!

 

By Nicolette Oliver, Photo Booths by Nicolette (http://photobooths.bynicolette.com)

 

Keeping it Local

Keeping it Local

I am a small business, yes, I am a Seattle area local, and brides who focus on having a local, sustainable, and green wedding are near and dear to my heart. 'Keeping it Local' with Your Wedding Registry is a really cool resource for brides, and is a wonderful new trend that is here to stay. Gina Grappone, Nearby Registry is my amazing guest star on the blog this week, and she has some really amazing points on keeping it local. 

Buying local is a trend that’s here to stay.  As more people learn about the benefits local shopping brings to the economy, the more we turn to these shops and services to meet our retail and service needs.  Couples planning weddings are great supporters of these independent businesses.  They hire local photographers, caterers, DJ, and other professionals from their own cities and towns.  But there’s an additional way to get your local fix while planning your wedding—through your gift registry.   

 

Newlyweds Chelsea and Yoon express what many couples feel when creating their wedding registries: 

The thought of getting gifts meant to help you launch your life together as a couple is exciting, but then you find yourself roaming the aisles of a big box store using one of those scanner devices to tag a set of crème brulée ramekins you never before imagined using.

 

Chelsea and Yoon created their registry on Nearby Registry, www.nearbyregistry.com, a free gift registry service that includes only independent businesses: “It was so nice to have a place where we could list items that we really wanted from stores we knew and loved, on one personalized registry page.”

 

Building your gift registry with items from independent retailers, services and non-profits is good for the local economy, and it’s great for you!  Instead of those ramekins, you can pick out products and experiences that are meaningful, useful and unique. Here are five great ideas for your personalized local registry:

 

1. Exercise classes for couples (yoga, taekwando, kickboxing, etc.)

2. Annual museum pass for two

3. Cookware and cooking classes from a local kitchen shop

4. Organic produce delivery  

5. Donations to your favorite local charities

 

Sound fun?  With a local registry, the sky’s the limit.  Just think about what you love and what matters to you!  Take it from Sarah and Ryan, who are using a local registry for their upcoming wedding: "It's so much more about who we are than just a set of plates from a big box store. This is about what we do and what we value." 


For information about creating your own local registry, contact Gina at (206) 450-2766 or happytohelp@nearbyregistry.com

So, I love to Dance! Tell me about DJ's!

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So, I love to Dance! Tell me about DJ's!

Finding all of the vendors for your wedding can be crazy, but if you find the right ones the day can flow perfectly. I recently got to work with a super cool company at and industry insider event. Bugsie Productions is a premier disk jockey company, and they recently put together a FAQ list to ask your DJ before hiring them! I hope all you soon to be brides enjoy the great tips for 2014. 

How far in advance should you hire a DJ?
 
As soon as a couple has found a venue they need to start looking for a DJ company.  Great DJ’s who are well established are in high demand will book up quickly.
 
Are all DJs required to have insurance?  What type of insurance should couples check to make sure their DJs have?
 
Licensed mobile DJ companies in the State of Washington are not required to have any type of liability insurance.  However; it is highly recommended that DJ’s licensed in the State of Washington carry some liability insurance, usually not to exceed a million dollar policy.  This protects the company from a guest or family member who might trip over a cord or a tree light falling down upon the guest and creating an injury.
 
How far in advance of the event should the DJ arrive?
 
A DJ should arrive at least an hour prior to for set up of an event.  This time may fluctuate if the event includes multiple setups, requires up-lighting, or if loading needs to be precisely coordinated due to limited parking and/or time restrictions for vendors enforced by the venue.

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Are there any setup or breakdown fees that the couple is required to pay?
 
All prices and fees need to be discussed ahead of time and established in the contract between the couple and the DJ company they choose.  Common fees to be considered are the following: parking in a covered garage for the evening, which can vary from $20.00 for the entire event to $20.00 an hour at others; setting up 3 hours early because the couple's wedding is in the same place and they have a live trio playing during the ceremony but want a DJ at the reception. 
 
Can couples typically request specific songs they'd like the DJ to play?
If the answer to this is yes, how and when are these requests made by the couple?
 
When it comes time to building a play list and taking requests from the bride and groom for their ceremony and or reception, couples can either email their DJ those lists or in most cases the DJ company will provide them with a Reception Planner Packet or a Ceremony Planner Packet.  This packet guides a couple through a typical wedding ceremony and reception including where the songs they choose can be placed in a specific order of their choosing.  The most common are the following: pre-ceremony music, Bridal party walk, Bride’s processional, Bride and Grooms recessional, cocktail music, grand entrance music, dinner music, cake cutting music, 1st Dance, (Father Daughter Dance, Mother / Groom dance, etc.) garter toss, bouquet toss, and Grand Exit. 
 
 
Do Disc Jockeys usually play requests made by the guests?  If yes, how is this typically done?
 
Within the packet a couple is asked ahead of time if they would like us to take request or play the music they have selected.  Some of the question couples will be asked are:
 
1) Would you like us to play many of the selections from your “Must Play” list while reading the crowd and choosing songs we know would get a good response?
 
2) Would you like us to play from our Top 100 dance songs for weddings?  These are the top rated songs for dancing and they give us the best chance of getting your guests dancing.
 
3) Would you like us to take request as long as they are appropriate for a wedding?
                                                       or
____ No thank you. Please inform guests that a custom play list has been chosen.
 
If no packet is given please make sure you discuss this with the DJ company ahead of time letting them know it is ok for your guests to request songs.
 

Can couples request specific songs that they don't want played at their wedding?  If yes, how is this handled?
 
In the process of creating a play list a couple will be asked to provide a list of songs they may not want played at their wedding – "The DO NOT PLAY LIST"!.  It is very important for a couple to identify styles of music or certain genres they don’t want to be heard so they do not make it on their play list.  
 
What are some extra services that a couple can add on to their wedding packages?
 
As most DJ companies are aware of these days, lighting options are one of the biggest add-ons a couple may request.  From up-lighting around the room to enhanced dance floor lighting which may make it more inviting for your guests to dance.  Lighting sets the mood for any event.   Other items a couple may want to consider are additional lapel microphones for the ceremony, creating a slide show, and getting a projector and projector screen from the DJ company.
 
How can a couple see a DJ "in action" at an event, prior to deciding whether or not to hire them?   When it comes time to hiring a DJ and you want to see them performing for another wedding is it appropriate for us to bring our future clients to your wedding for a sneak peek.
 
If a couple is wondering whether or not if they should ask the DJ to see them in action prior to their event – they answer is No (unless of course the couple are guests at a wedding the DJ company is already playing at).  A couple should look at videos or sample some of his or her music, but it is not recommended that they go and see the DJ at another wedding.  One couple's dream wedding is not the same as the couple the DJ may be playing for that night. For instance if the prospective couple prefers top 40’s and the DJ is performing at a wedding whose couples' playlist was primarily Classic Rock the prospective couple may think that’s all the DJ can play. So the best way a couple can get an all-round perspective of the DJ is to a) check out their website, b) ask for videos, and c) request some mix samples of their choosing.
 
What if the DJ's equipment breaks during the wedding?
 
During a wedding if for any reason the equipment should be faulty or have issues the DJ should have back up equipment onsite and ready to go.  Backup equipment could consist of another Laptop, CDJ’s, mixer, microphones, etc.  Like in most situations "you get what you pay for". Established DJ companies who charge a little more than the average Joe company have top of the line equipment and backups onsite, while a low ball DJ company quote will have inferior equipment with little to no backup; thus the greater the chances of something actually going wrong. 
 
 
How does it work with deposits?  Specifically, how much should a couple place down for a deposit and when is the balance due?
 
Deposits vary from one company to the next.  Deposits will range from $100.00 to 25% of the total price paid within 7-10 days after a couple has reviewed the contract.  This deposit is non-refundable for most companies.  The remaining balance is usually due prior to the event as most couples do not, and should not, be thinking about outstanding balances or even discussing money on their special day.
 
 
If the event needs to be cancelled or re-scheduled, when is the latest that the couple should notify the DJ?
 
If a date needs to be rescheduled or cancelled, it is imperative that a couple call their DJ company immediately to discuss the guidelines if they haven’t already seen them in the contract.  Most companies try to be flexible, if the date needs to be changed and the new date is still available the couple likely would not be charged any type of fee.  However; if for some reason the couple changes the date and the DJ company is already booked on the new date or the couple cancels the event altogether they will likely be out their deposit.
 

What should a couple pay attention to when interviewing DJs for their big day?
 
When it comes to interviewing prospective DJ companies it is important for couples to pay attention to how well the DJ communicates with them and responds to their questions.  The couple must feel comfortable with DJ as this is the person that will be facilitating (emcee, play music and create a flow) on their wedding day to make it a celebratory event that they will remember forever.  If a couple remembers only one thing from this article, it should be that in the years following their wedding their guests will not be talking to them about the flavor of their cake, but about the incredible time they had at their wedding eating, drinking and dancing. 
 
 
Is it extra for the DJ to also act as the MC/Master of Ceremonies?
 
Acting as an Emcee / Master of Ceremonies should come standard with any DJ a couple hires.  If the couple need or want an Emcee that can co-mingle with the guests and not be tethered to the DJ equipment, then hiring an additional Emcee is an option and yes it will cost extra.
 
 
How does a couple let the "Master of Ceremonies" know what needs to be said at their wedding?
 
During the initial consultation, the couple and the DJ should discuss what may or may not need to be announced by the Master of Ceremonies. Approximately three weeks prior to the wedding they need to meet with the DJ again to fill out any additional announcements that may have been added and again prior to the ceremony or reception if things have changed. 
 

Bugsie Productions is a premier disc jockey company that cares about our customers and has a reputation for excellence.  We were established in 2001 to offer professional DJ services at reasonable prices.  You will enjoy a reception that is exciting without being loud and overbearing.  Bugsie Productions will immerse your guests in beautiful music, controlled clear sound, tasteful guest interactions, and pack the dance floor with the ease and professionalism that only comes from experience.  We are professionally attired, charismatic, reliable, and insured. 

Please visit our website at www.bugsieproductions.com for any additional information, or call us directly at 206-931-9361

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Biggest Things Brides Forget

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Biggest Things Brides Forget

Brides ask me 'What am I forgetting?'. Well if you've got the dress, the rings, and the soon to be husband, you have got everything you need to tie the knot. Although, if this is all you have prepared, the day could be a little bumpy. I have chatted with many industry leaders, and I have picked up a few tips over the years.

I recently got to work with an incredible planner on a wonderful wedding this past season. The wedding was set along the beautiful Puget Sound, in Des Moines, Washington, which is a just a hop, skip & a jump from downtown Seattle. Janis with Greatest of Day's Event Planning & Design put together incredible day. Janis has an eye for details, and a pen that is mightier than the sword. Here are her tips & tricks that you most likely have completely forgotten about on your wedding day. 

 

I'll Bet You Didn't Think of These People as Wedding Vendors! Think Again!

1.  Pet Sitters:

(Somebody has to take care of Fido and Felix)  This last year I had I don't know how many people show up at weddings with their dogs.  It's okay if they are planned for, but some people just assume that they can bring a dog along without thinking even once.  Not compatible in so many ways and I love dogs!  This little dog that's pictured was perfectly welcome.  His Mom and Dad were getting married!  He didn't make it to ringbearer status, but he was so sweet.  He had to dive into the pond just before the wedding!

 

2. Childcare:  

(Somebody has to take care of the munchkins, sometimes on site)

 

3. Cleanup:  

(the ones that thanklessly help clients get their deposit back).  I'll tell you right now that anyone who thinks that being an Event/Wedding Coordinator is glamorous should follow me after the reception is over and the vendors and guests are long gone and I'm working on the 16th hour on my feet.  You would have oh so much fun pouring out wine glasses, beer bottles (which might be anywhere at the venue), gathering unwanted cutesy or half-eaten favors, flowers, finding forgotten shoes, sweaters, and other stuff of a grosser variety.  Vendors seldom, but occasionally will leave items behind, but that's because they're sober and worn out.  Sometimes it's getting down on your hands and knees with a lint roller because glitter got on the carpet and the venue rules stated absolutely no glitter!  This is similar to removing rose petals from the floor right after the ceremony so that they won't stain the flooring if everyone danced on them.  The sad part is that this is often the scenario that was supposed to include a volunteer army of helpers who were going to do all of this after-party clean up!  Sure!  When I hear someone say our friend will do this or our friend will do that, I prepare for disaster.  What disgusts me is when a group will leave a mess and decide it's worth it to just pay the deposit and not clean up.

What's better yet is when the venue requires that all trash be removed.  Inevitably there will be a time when I get to go home in a car at 1:00 in the morning with a car that smells like alcohol, if I didn't have room in the trunk for everything.  By then, I can't guarantee I could walk a straight line without even consuming alcohol.  I'm also changing my contract and putting a time limit on retrieval of items left behind or they are gone and lost forever or I'm changing my name to something with storage unit in it or Greatest of Garbage Collection Days!  I'm this close to adding that a professional clean up crew will be hired at venues that are totally self-serve.  I think it's the only think I truly don't like about being an Event/Wedding Coordinator, but sometimes somebody's got to do it.  

But guess what... 99% of the time I love what I get to do!  How many people can say that?  When asked if I could do anything that I wanted and what would it be, I tell them that I am doing it!

 

Thanks to Janis Flagg with Greatest of Day's Event Planning & Design for the wonderful article. You can click here to check out other wonderful planning articles on her website. 

xo

Love Caren 

 

 

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M+R Wedding Photography | Wedding at Maroni Meadows | Snohomish, Washington

M+R Wedding Photography | Wedding at Maroni Meadows | Snohomish, Washington

Maggie & Rob were married on a beautiful August day in the Pacific Northwest. This area of the country is well known for its majestic beauty, and greenery. The ceremony and reception both took place at Maroni Meadows in Snohomish, Washington which is just a few miles north of Seattle. This venue is absolutely stunning and has a mix of outdoor and a nautical theme, and Maggie (our beautiful bride), put a great deal of time and effort into creating island themed wedding with this great venue as the back drop. What an incredible day you two love birds, I hope you love the images. xo