How To Find Great Wedding Vendors That Will Not Break Your Budget

  Proof the perfect wedding does
not have to cost a fortune.

Weddings can be one of the most stressful events to plan in your lifetime.  Finding the perfect Venue, Caterer, Entertainment, dress, flowers, photographer, etc can be overwhelming.  There are many wedding sites online one can go to and see hundreds of wedding vendors in you area, and these can be a good start.  

Let's say you visit one of these sites.  You type in your information and voila!  up pops a list of vendors.  Which one to choose?  Of course the one on the top with the big display must be the best right? - Not necessarily   They have the big ad and the top spot because they paid dearly for it, upwards to $500 per month.  One thing for sure, is that cost for the ad is factored into their pricing.

Now, scroll down the list.  You see the ones on the bottom - no fancy ad - just a small spot, mostly text.  They must be not as good as the big boys on top, right?  Not true.  Many are excellent vendors, they just choose not to pay the absorbent fees - which can mean a big difference in cost to you.  

I recently had one of these sites sales person tell me if I paid for advertising on their site that like their other vendors that pay for the top spots, I  would reach "High End Brides" and could charge more for my services.  And that "It only makes the Bride feel more special being able to say I booked a DJ for $xxx and I found her on ( insert name of wedding site).com! ( Bragging Rights!)" My response is that ALL brides in our book are special - and our goal is to make the music perfect so all of our brides can brag about their wedding. 

The same thing on Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.  Say you type in Wedding DJ and your city.  The top results will be ads - often from brokers that have DJs in your area.  They are a good place to start, but remember, they are sending you a DJ from your area, so wouldn't it be great to deal directly with that DJ and eliminate the 'middle man' ? The rest, especially the first page on a search, will be a mix of DJ companies in your area and links to more Wedding sites like mentioned above. Look for the listings that are obviously the actual DJ ( or other vendor) site.

Now there is Thumbtack.com that do not allow vendors to pay for their ads.  They rank them according to reviews, completeness of profiles etc.  They get their revenue from the vendors via a small fee the vendors pay for submitting each quote.  Here you know the vendor is interested in providing you their service and is available on your date.   Other sites that brag "Get quotes from vendors here!"  often charge a huge monthly or yearly fee to vendors to be on the list, again driving up their cost.

Once you done some searching, be sure to contact several vendors and have a list of questions you will want to ask written down beforehand.  
Questions like:
What do you change and do you have any special packages for weddings?
What sets you apart from other DJs - photographers - etc?
Will you be the one actually performing the work?
Do you charge extra for travel, set up time etc?
How long have you been in your line of work?
Are you insured?
For DJs - How is the music determined?  Can I select the songs?
And any other questions you may have.  

Note not just what they say but HOW they say it.  Are they passionate about their work?  Are they too pushy - pushing their big package over the smaller one?  Do they spend time answering all your questions?  And most important - is this the person you feel is going to do things the way you want them done?  Are you comfortable with them?

Your wedding is one of the biggest events in your life and needs to be done in a way that reflects you and your fiancee   Their are many good vendors out there and with a little shopping around you will find the ones that are perfect for you.

 2Wolves DJ Service provides quality entertainment at affordable prices www.2wolves.com

Songs to make Cake Cutting Sweeter

JD and Amanda Stanley enjoying their cake

One of the time honored traditions of weddings is the Cake Cutting.   It is the first "task" they do together as husband and wife - symbolizing they commitment to always help each other.
Afterwards, they feed each other a piece of the cake - symbolic of the mutual commitment to provide for one another.

This tradition can be a sentimental moment or a fun one.  Surely all of us have witnessed mini 'Cake fights' where he couple ends up wearing more of the cake than eating it.  The song played should be a reflection of the mood the couple wants to convey and of the couple themselves.

Here is a few top choices  - some romantic - some more up beat and fun:

1. Hit Me With Your Best Shot   -  Pat Benetar
2. Smile                                      -  Uncle Kracker
3. Sugar Sugar                            -  Archies
4. Pour Some Sugar On Me        -  Def Leppard
5. How Sweet It Is                      -  James Taylor
6. Lucky                                     -  Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
7. At Last                                   - Etta James (Beyonce does this well also)
8. Lost In The Moment               -  Big and Rich
9. Love Story                              - Taylor Swift
10. That's Amore                           - Dean Martin
11. I Can't Help Myself                  - Four Tops (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
12. All you Need Is Love               - Beatles

Some couples choose to have a Grooms Cake also.  You can cut this as well, or have the staff do it.  If you do cut it, the DJ can continue playing the 'Cake Cutting' Song you selected, or you can select one to be reflexive of the Grooms style.  One Idea, is if it is his college Team colors and theme, have the schools "Fight Song" played.

If you chose to do Cupcakes (which is becoming wildly popular)  Simply cut one of them, or have a small cake for the ceremony.

Be sure to have your DJ announce the cake cutting and have the photographer ready.   And be prepared to wear some icing . 

Tips on Choosing Music for Wedding Reception

Get your Reception Dancing!

Choosing the music for your reception can be a daunting task.  You know what songs you like, but what about your guests?  Yes, the day should be a reflection of you and your beloved life together, but if you both love hip-hop and invite Grandma, she probably will not be up shaking it on the dance-floor.  Not to mention coming up with music to fill an entire evening alone can be a chore.  But it need not be overwhelming.  Here are some basic tips when it comes to the music.

1. You don't need four plus hours of music - at least, you don't have to select it all yourself.  A good DJ can fill in with appropriate selections based on what few you select.
2. Think of your Guests - Include songs your parents and other older guests would like.  Add some fun songs for the kids.  Toss in songs you and your friends always crank up when you hear them played on the radio.
3. Mix it up - Do a fairly good mix of genres.  Not into country? - maybe some of the newer crossover hits. 
4. Avoid Rap - So you two love rap.  Still I recommend avoiding.  Rap as a genre - for the most part - does not provide for good dancing.  And the lyrics of many rap songs are found to be offensive to some people.
5. Pump It Up -  Yes, this is the most romantic day of your lives.  And you want the wonderful slow dances.  But too many of them and the guests will get restless.  Be sure to add some great club dance tunes so they can shake it.
6. Think Dance - You have a song you totally love - you know all the words and sing along every time you hear it.  But Can you dance to it?  Unless you are doing Karaoke, have DJ play those type of songs during Dinner/Cocktail time.
7. Watch The Language - Be sure to insist on all songs being the radio edited version.  If there is not one available, then you really dont need that song at your wedding.
8. Include the Line Dances - You know, The Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide.  Even the YMCA can be fun.  Don't know them?  Check out You Tube - they have instructional videos.
9. Allow Requests - Allow your DJ to play requests from your guests.  If your DJ cannot play requests, find another one who can.
10. Listen to the Radio - Keep a notepad handy and write down the title and artist to songs you hear that you would love to play at your wedding.
11. Add some Meaningful Songs - Songs that remind you of milestones.  First Date, First Kiss, when he proposed, etc.
12. ASK FOR HELP - Ask your parents, bridal party, friends, cousins, etc for some good songs.  And most of all - Ask your DJ.  

What suggestions do you have for great reception songs?  What songs do you cringe at when you hear it played at a wedding?

Ten Songs To Toss The Bouquet

Traci's Florist - Ft Payne

There is no doubt that since its release - Beyonces "Put A Ring On It - (All The Single Ladies)" has been the perfect bouquet toss song. Its fun, upbeat, and everyone knows it.  But you want something different.  Well heres a quick list of other songs to toss your flowers to:

1. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun  - Cyndi Lauper
2. Man! I Feel Like A Woman - Shania Twain
3. Wishin' and Hopin'               - Dusty Springfield
4. Maneater                            - Nelly Furtado
5. Jump (For My Love)           -  Pointer Sisters
6. Wannabe                             - Spice Girls
7. Here For The Party              - Gretchen Wilson
8. One Way Or Another          - Blondie
9. Material Girl                        - Madonna
10. Ladies Night                        - Kool and the Gang

According to folklore, whichever single lady catches the bridal bouquet  - she will be the next to marry.

What fun songs have you heard during a bouquet toss? Any really unusual ones?

Games People Play - Weddings and other Party Ideas

Nothing is worse than a dull party.  Now you maybe thinking " But GAMES??  We are too old for games!"  But you would be surprised how well received and fun they can be - not to mention a great ice breaker.
We have had a few played at parties we have DJed and with much success  - here are a few:

• Trivia - At a recent birthday 60th party, the wife gave me a list of questions about the birthday boy.  In between songs, I asked the guests the questions.  It provided a fun trip down the course of the Birthday guy's life.  Questions like:

1. How Many Grandchildren does he have?
2. Where was his favorite spot to take his kids on vacation?
3. What was his first car?

This could be done for retirement parties, Anniversaries, Weddings also.

• Generations Dance - Honor the longest Married Couple with a Generations Dance.  DJ will invite all couples up to dance floor.  As song is played and they are dancing, the DJ would have them leave dance floor by length of marriage - 1year , 5 years, etc - until only the longest married couple is still dancing.

Even those who don't dance much love this!

• Door Prize Giveaway via cake plate - Number the bottom of the cake plates.  After everyone has a slice of cake - Have DJ randomly draw numbers for small prizes you provide.

This is a good way not to have alot of left over cake and great for adults as well as kids parties

YMCA 

• Table Dances - Have line dances written on slips and in a hat.  Have DJ get everyone from one table up to dance floor and draw one of the dances.  That Table must start the dance - and then the DJ can invite more up to the floor

Great way to get everyone dancing!

What games have you seen done?

Article by: Susan Leak - 2Wolves DJ Service

Father and Bride - Mother and Groom Dances Stir emotions

Father - Bride Dance

Yes, The First dance by the newly married couple is an emotional part of any wedding reception.  But nothing brings on the tears as much as the Father - Daughter and Mother - Son Dances.  Making sure this part of the reception goes smoothly and choosing the 'perfect' song for these dances can be a daunting task.



These Dances can be orchestrated many ways.  If you want to be slightly different than the standard some suggestions are:

• Half way through song - have DJ invite other Father/Daughters - Mother and Sons to join you on floor
• If Mother or Father is no longer with you - have dance with sibling, grandparent, Step parent,  or you new in law ( father - in -law or mother - in - law) or anyone that played a significant role in your life.
• use only one song  for both - you can even start off with Father and Daughter then have DJ invite Groom and Mother to join you

Mother and Groom Dance

Songs can be one you feel reflective of your childhood, the parents favorite, or one that expresses your feelings.    Some of the most popular are:

Father - Daughter Dances

My Little Girl                               Tim Graw
My Wish                                     Rascal Flatts
Somewhere Over The Rainbow Israel Kamakawiw'ole
You Raise Me Up          Josh Gorban
Wind Beneath My Wings             Bette Midler
I loved Her First                             Heartland              
Daddy's Little Girl                         Michael Buble
Cinderella                                    Steve Chapman
Butterfly Kisses                             Bob Carlisle
Daughters                                    John Mayer
Everthing I Do                   Bryan Adams
There You'll Be                            Faith Hill
The Way You Look Tonight          Steve Tyrell
You are so Beautiful                      Joe Cocker

Mother - Son Dances

A Song For Mama Boys II Men (Long)
Hero                                    Miriah Carey
I Hope You Dance Lee Ann Womack
Have I Told You Lately Rod Stewart
If There Hadn't Been You Billy Dean
The Rose                              Bette Midler
Through The Years Kenny Rodgers
Wind Beneath My Wings Bette Midler
What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
Then They Do                     Trace Adkins
Simple Man                         Lyndryd Skynyrd
Stand By Me                      Ben E King
Mama's Song                      Carrie Underwood
You & Me Against The World Anne Murray

Be sure to take into consideration the length of the song , for some songs are long.  Ask the DJ to fade out after first chorus or after so long into the song is not unusual , and many will be happy to adjust the song for you.

What other songs are your favorite for These special Dances?  Feel free to leave comments.

By:  2Wolves DJ Service, Fort Payne, AL

WFPA NewsTalk Radio Fort Payne to feature 2Wolves DJ Service

When Sherri of WFPA Radio approached me about coming on the show to discuss our DJ Business, I was floored.  To have such a wonderful opportunity to talk about the 2Wolves DJ Service is truly an honor.  But what WFPA Radio is doing for the community of Fort Payne, Alabama is even more incredible.

WFPA 1400 NewsTalk radio loves the town of Fort Payne, and has watched and reported about how businesses here are struggling - many having to cut back or shut down all together.  Mike and Tammy Wallace knows in times like these, more than ever, local businesses need all the help they can get in encouraging the locals to shop local.  Doing what he does best, Mike is shining the spotlight on local businesses every day.  His show, Mornings With Mike,  is featuring business owners from all around the DeKalb County area, having them take questions for the listeners and allowing the audience to get to know their 'neighbors' just a little bit better.

"No one can talk more passionately about what they do than a business owner who loves their work.... that is why we are doing this" said Tammy, Mike's wife.  And she is right.  Passion and love of music is what drives the 2Wolves DJ service and we are excited to have the chance to share this with our neighbors .

Tune into WFPA 1400 Thursday March 29, 2012 at 7am cst and hear just what drives the 2Wolves and discover how affordable hiring a DJ for you wedding or party can be.

WFPA 1400 News Talk Ft Payne -  http://wallacebroadcasting.com/
Find them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalk1400Wfpa

By Susan Leak - DJ with 2Wolves DJ Service