I have now entered the world of Skype, which gives me another communication option for my clients.  If you're not familiar with Skype, it gives you a way to make calls through your computer using a microphone and/or webcam.  You may have seen it used a lot on Oprah but what you may not know is how easy and inexpensive it is to use.

 

It's free to sign up and it only takes a couple minutes to download the program - just go to www.skype.com for the information.   Once you're signed up, all Skype to Skype calls are free - you can use Skype to call any other Skype user at no cost.

 

I bought a webcam for about $35 but a camera is not required - you can just use a microphone if you want.  The webcam program was easy to load and the camera simply plugs into the USB port.

 

Although basic Skype use is free, there are a few options that cost money.  Voicemail, for example, is $2 per month.  You can also arrange to call landlines and mobile phones, but there is a small monthly fee for that as well.

 

The reason I signed up for Skype is to give my clients another communication option - they still have the option to talk by phone, exchange emails, or meet in person.  But, this is a way to meet "in person" without having to drive somewhere.  The reason I am explaining this is because using Skype could be a real time saver during your wedding planning - I'm not sure which other wedding vendors use it, but I know there are others that do.  It will also save you money on phonecalls if you are planning your event from out of town.  I'm also explaining it because I was amazed at how easy and inexpensive it is to use it - if you were unaware of Skype or didn't know the benefits until now, I hope you will check it out. If you do sign up for it, my Skype name is easy to remember - marskemusic.com.  Of course you can still call or email me but I'm available on Skype too.

 

Kirk

Every so often I have the opportunity to create a music remix for a wedding party introduction and I'm in the process of re-mixing I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas.  I have a couple receptions coming up that are using that song and 1 couple asked me to mix it with another song.  I have posted it here for you to hear, along with another one I did last year.  I also posted 2 other mixes I did for the Steamwheelers games - Pump It and I Don't Wanna Stop.

 

I've been wanting to share a couple thoughts about wedding party introductions and I thought this would be a good opportunity to do so.  I will tell you what I typically do and give you some other ideas to consider.

 

First, who gets introduced?  My lineup typically is ushers, flower girl(s), ring bearer(s), bridesmaids and groomsmen, maid/matron of honor, best man, and the bride and groom.

 

What about parents and grand parents?  If asked, I include them, but keep in mind, the more people you have to introduce, the longer it takes to line people up and get them ready for the introduction.  The time difference varies and it's generally pretty minimal, but if you're running behind or anxious to get into the reception it can seem longer.

 

One option I've used before - particularly with older parents and grandparents - is to introduce them separately, before the wedding party.  I always announce that we are about to introduce the wedding party and ask the guests to be seated before the introduction.  Then I add there are a few people we'd like to introduce before the wedding party, then say their names.  This is also a good opportunity to announce the names of the host and hostess, jr. attendants and anyone else you'd like to acknowledge.

 

To do it right, it usually takes 5-10 minutes to get everyone together, check the names and order, announce to the crowd the introductions are coming and then completing the grand entrance.  The actual introduction is usually 60 to 90 seconds and the rest of that time is prep.  If you prefer a quicker introduction process there are a couple things you can do - one is just introduce the bride and groom and the other is introduce everyone with first names only.  I think a good time to introduce the wedding party would be before the wedding party dance - I've never actually done it that way but it would streamline everything a bit while still announcing everyone.

 

Lastly, choice of song.  For some couples this is easy and others seem to struggle with it.  For the most part, anything goes, it's your choice.  When a couple is having a hard time choosing, I just ask them what their favorite song is or is there a song their friends really like.  The main consideration is regarding lyrics vs music.  Lyrics conflict with the announcements a bit, so if your song is mostly lyrics, it is played at a lower volume.  Instrumental songs work best because they can have more of a presence during the introduction.  One option too is the Karaoke version of a song - preview them on I-tunes and see if there are versions you like.  For my custom Party Like a Rock Star mix, I used the Karaoke version for the first half and the actual song for the other.

Congratulations to Casey & Sarah!

October 10, 2009

Lavender Crest Winery

Congratulations Ron and Meggie!

October 3, 2009

Deer Valley Country Club

Deer Grove, Illinois

 

Wedding couples sometimes ask "Is it too early to book a dj?" or "When should I book my dj?"

 

My answer is, if you found a dj you like, don't wait to hire them or someone else might take your date.  It's never too early to hire a vendor but sometimes it's too late.

 

This has happened to me more than once:  A couple calls for information and I have the date open.  The couple takes the time they need to make a decision and during that time another couple calls for the same date.  This happened last week.  A bride called me for a 2010 reception and the next day someone emailed me for information for their daughter's wedding on that same date.  I thought she was the mother of the bride I talked to the day before but it turns out it was 2 different families.

 

While I say don't wait to book a vendor, I never want to rush anyone either.  I know that when someone calls me for information, they usually need some time to consider their options.  Sometimes that's a day or 2, sometimes it's a week or 2, or longer.  I've started putting dates on a 2-week hold to give couples time to make their decision without worrying if someone will take their date.  After 2 weeks, if the couple has not hired me, the date is open for other couples.

 

In the story I mentioned above, the 2-week hold was a big help to the first couple.  They did make a decision to hire me during those 2 weeks and it saved them from having their date taken by someone else.

 

There is, however, another answer to the question - most of the receptions I book are 9-12 months before their wedding.  Some are a shorter timeline, a few months before the reception, but most are 9-12 months.  Now through the end of the year is a busy time for djs, at least it was for me last year - my 2009 schedule was basically filled by the end of 2008 and there were many couples calling for dates I had already booked.