Be a Great Wedding Guest

Weddings are a very special day for the couple, and if they invited you to join them it is truly an honor.  Sadly, some don't realize that being a good and gracious guest does require some finesse.

 

Ceremony
1. Show up on time for the ceremony.   Actually plan on arriving a little early.  That way if traffic is bad you will still make it in time.
Should something go haywire and you do arrive late - stand or sit in the back - don't disrupt the ceremony by tramping down aisle to sit up front.
2. Stay seated until the entire wedding party departs from the altar.
3. If the couple allows pictures by guests - take them from your seat - do not run around trying to get the best angle - they often have a professional photographer for that.

Pictures
1.  When they are having the professional photos done - go enjoy the cocktail hour.  Dont be taking photos of them also.
2. Don't ask during this time to have one taken of you and the bride.  If the bride wants one she will ask you to be there.
3.  Take plenty of pictures at the reception - just be sure not to get in way of the professional the couple hired.
4. Focus more on the candid shots - often the professional photographer will miss them.



Food and Drinks
1. Be sure to indulge without overindulging.  Don't pile your plate with all the shrimp - and do not overdo the alcohol.
2. If you enjoyed the meal - be sure to tell the staff.  If there is a Bartender - be sure to tip them - especially if it is an open bar.

Dancing
1. DANCE! Someone has to start the dancing, why not you? You will not be alone of the floor long.
2. If allowed, don't be shy about requesting a song.  Just remember it is a Wedding - it is a dance - so the song should be appropriate.
3. No - the DJ does not want to play your favorite song off your phone.  Dont ask.
4. Unless it is a wedding with Karaoke - NO you can not have the mike to sing this song.
5. NO you may not have the mike to give a toast or speech - not unless the couple says you can.
6. The DJ will work your request into the night - No you may not hear it NOW.
7. If the song you requested is on the "Do Not Play List" do NOT go whining to the bride you want to hear it.
8. It is a dancefloor - not a playground for kids.  If you have a bunch of kids running, sliding, lying down on the floor, it makes it impossible for adults to dance.  Dont let your kids monopolize the dance area.
9. Just because you requested a song - does not mean it will get played. Hence the term "Request".
10 Have fun and just dance! No one cares if you got 'moves' or not.

When to Leave
1. If you have small children that are getting cranky.
2. Before you have that 'one drink too many'
3. Dont leave right after the Cake, or Bouquet Toss, or "Fake Exit" - there is still more fun to be had.
4.  But don't feel like you have to hang around till the end either.  And be sure to thank the Couple for the invite.

BY: Susan Giles - DJ/Customer Service - 2 Wolves DJ Service -visit us at  www.2wolves.com or Facebook

How To Select The Best Music For Your Wedding

Music is a staple of any wedding or party.  It sets the mood via beat, melody and lyrics.  Choosing the right songs can make or break the whole event.  Focusing on Weddings, lets see how the music can enhance the day.

Ceremony - The guests are arriving and the DJ is playing some pre ceremony selections.  The setting is a beautiful country barn setting, fields in the background.  What style of music would you expect to hear? Many of you probably are thinking Country, which would be the obvious choice.  But don't rule out other styles.  Instrumentals versions of soft love songs would also fit well, along with classical pieces, especially if you are walking down the aisle to something classical/traditional or a soft Pop song.  You want the Pre Ceremony music to complete your setting.



Cocktail/Dinner Music - Like Pre Ceremony music, it is something to be played softly in the background - not to interfere with conversation. Can be a grouping of easy listening songs or something more upbeat. But you want the guests to enjoy their meal and converse - so saving the heavier dance tunes for the dancing hours is recommended.
Cocktail/Dinner hour is the one part of the day your older guests will be there for, so it is also recommended to take them into consideration when selecting the music.






Your "Special" Songs - The First dance, Father and bride dance, Mother and groom dance.   All should have special meaning to you.  Traditionally the song is something slow and romantic, with lyrics that express the love and emotions the pair dancing have for one another.  

Granted, you and your spouse may have a private special meaning of a song, lets say for example - "I Love The Way You Lie" - but your guests may not 'get it'.
Now, say the Groom and Mom can really tear up the dance floor to a Jive or Cha Cha.  Should they? Sure! Why not!  Same goes for the happy couple.  Making it fun can be a reflection of your love.





General Dance Music - When selecting your music for your dancing hours - remember your guests.  You want everyone to have fun right?  So a wide variety of songs is highly recommended.  You know that your Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe love to waltz? Consider adding "Could I Have This Dance?" (Ann Murray)  - Mom and Dad love to Two Step? - "Forever and Ever, Amen (Randy Travis)  etc.  You want to keep the dancing going - so be sure many of the songs are upbeat, fun and sprinkle in some of the wonderful romantic slow songs (like Wonderful Tonight) that even Grandpa will want to dance to.  The main thing is to remember - ask yourself - can people dance to it?  And don't forget the fun line dances - The Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, even the YMCA can be fun for all ages.

There are some songs that maybe not so much good 'dance songs' - but more along the lines of 'sing along songs' - Living on a Prayer, Wagon Wheel, Don't Stop Believin, Sweet Home Alabama to name a few - that everyone enjoys singing along to while dancing.  Always a fun time.

Two main things to guarantee a wedding to remember - Allow guests to request some songs and choose a Good DJ that will not only help you with your music - but will screen the guests requests for any song that may not 'fit' your reception . You don't want Rap at a country wedding nor do you want songs with F-Bombs around the older guests and or children.

Don't overwork yourself trying to come up with a ton of tunes.  A good DJ can take a few selections from you and put together a night filled with great music that truly reflects you and your wedding.

After all ... the music is an very important part - The songs when heard again will bring back memories of your special day for both you and your guests.  So choose your DJ wisely.

By: Susan Giles - DJ/customer relations - 2 Wolves DJ Service

Allowing Guests to Request Music Without Worry - Let The DJ Handle It

At any party, be it a wedding reception, prom, birthday or company event, your main concern is for everyone to have a good time.  When it comes to the music, one way is to allow the DJ to take requests.

  But, is that always a good idea?

Lets see.....
1. If you allow requests - you will not have to worry about selecting many songs, nor will you have to worry about the DJ playing some obscure dub-step version of something you never heard of.
BUT - your guests just may request a strange song you never heard of.

2. If you allow requests - there is a chance your guests will ask for songs you totally forgot about and love.
BUT - they may ask for songs you totally hate.

3. If you allow requests- you friends may request songs that bring back some great memories
BUT - they may be memories you don't want.

4. If you allow requests - it insures everyone gets a chance to hear their favorite song
BUT - their favorite song maybe too vulgar, a break-up song (Big no-no at weddings), or something no one can dance to.

How can you allow Requests and avoid such issues?

1. Start with a Must Play List - submit a list of at least 10 - 20 songs to your DJ that he/she Must Play.
2. Add in another 10-20 songs that you would like to hear if possible.
3. Go over with your DJ what you envision the event to be like.  Fun, with alot of fast songs,..... romantic, with mostly slower songs, .... or a nice balanced mix ( recommended )  Be sure to let your DJ know if you like Country , Pop, Hip Hop, etc
4. Have a Do Not Play List - If you will gag if you hear Bieber's "Baby, Baby" or the "Chicken Dance" ... be sure to add to this list.
5. Ask you DJ how they handle requests.  Do they have 'clean' versions of the songs?  How do they handle those 'non dance-able' song requests?  Request from children? etc
6. Set an age limit - Kids can take over a wedding or family gathering with requests. Setting an age limit can help prevent that - or a limit to number of requests.

One way to keep requests to a minimum is to keep in mind your guests when selecting songs.  Include songs you know Grandma will love as well as the younger crowd.
We have a list of tips on How to Select Music here : Tips on Choosing Music for Wedding Reception 
Good tips for any event.

A good DJ can help you find the right balance of music you want to hear and requests from your guests.  Be sure to discuss requests and how they handle them before hiring.

By: Susan Giles - 2 Wolves DJ Service - Fort Payne, AL
www.2wolves.com

When Planning Your Wedding Reception - Don't Overlook The DJ

The key to a successful wedding reception is planning.  For the most part, brides tend to focus more on the way the room will look, what food will be served and lastly think about the entertainment, simply assuming it will be fun.  How could it not be?  Afterall it is a happy event!

The entertainment is the most crucial factor in whether or not it is a blast or a bust.  So, when planning your celebration here are 5 simple tips as compiled by Brian S Redd - a very well respected DJ turned DJ Tutor - often featured in Disc Jockey News.  I added in my thoughts - comments under each one, to further help you in your planning.

5 Tips To Make Your Wedding Reception As Successful As Possible
By Brian S Redd

1 — When doing seating arrangements, Do Not Put Grandma In Front Of The Speakers.
Your older guests usually want to chat. Even at lower dinner music volumes, they may have a hard time doing so. The most ideal spot for Grandma would be as far away from the DJ as possible. Typically, your younger guests should have no problem hearing & engaging in conversation at those tables closest to the sound system.
( This is especially true for anyone who wears hearing aids.  The volume from the speakers can be painful to hearing aid wearers, even at a low volume)

2 — When making your floor plan, let your DJ help.
Catering and wedding planners can put together some beautiful floor plans that work well for food & beverage. However, an experienced DJ will be able to give you some great tips on arranging a room to maximize the overall success for the entertainment portion of the evening.
(Ideally - the DJ needs to be close to the dancefloor and should have room in front of their setup so people can come up and make requests etc)

3 — Have a Timeline flow chart for the evening.
Timelines are the best way to organize everything from cocktails & dinner to cake cutting & dancing. Your DJ can help make a flow chart that works for you. The specific times you outline may not actually work out to-the-minute, but it will for sure make the evening flow smoother without accidently leaving anything out.
( our planners and Timeline forms do just that!)

4 — If you have a wedding planner, don’t forget to connect them with the DJ.
This is overlooked more often than you would think. When it comes to a well planned reception, it’s always best when all of your vendors are on the same page.
(it is crucial to a smooth event that the DJ, Wedding Planner, and Photographer all to know when you want to cut the cake, etc and work together to make it perfect)

5 — Hire a DJ you trust.
This person will play a big part in the most important day of your life. Regardless of price, make sure it’s someone you like, understands what you want & don’t want, and can Help Make Your Reception As Successful As Possible.

( 2 Wolves DJ Service prides itself in working to help you make your wedding the one you always dreamed it would be!)

Planning a wedding in the North East Alabama area?  Visit our website www.2wolves.com
We would be honored to be your DJ for any event.

Add a Halloween Flair to your Autumn Wedding

Fall weddings are becoming extremely popular, with the cooler weather, the changing of the leaves it makes for a comfortable, colorful time for any ceremony.  And if you have it close the Halloween - that just adds to the fun!

Now borrowing ideas from Halloween need not to be childish or goulish.  Using a pale orange and rich black for your color scheme adds the holiday theme without looking tacky.  Other ideas would be:

Pumpkins

Pumpkin at Sweet Seasons Farm Wedding

An arrangement of Pumpkins and gourds make a colorful setting at a wedding.

Pumpkin wedding centerpiece

Another example of how using a Pumpkin added and elegant touch to a Country "Halloween" Wedding

Gourd Vase

Use painted gourds for Vases 

Leaves and Fall Flowers

   

I know you're saying - I get all that about the decor - but how else can I make it special?

Sweet Favors:  

How about a Smores Bar - where guests can make their own Smores? 

Instead of the usual 'favors' - set up a candy bar - with candy corn, M&Ms, mini candy bars, even bubble gum.  Whatever candies you like ( you can't go wrong here! ) Have little "Treat Bags" the guests can fill.  

Give Candy Carmel Apples for favors - they have some nice 'gourmet' varieties your guests will love!

Now - of Course - The Music

In addition to the "usual" Wedding faire - have your DJ spin some more "spooky" tunes:

1. Thriller - Michael Jackson
2. Spooky - The Zombies
3. Werewolf of London -Warren Zevon
4. Monster - Lady Gaga
5. Monster Mash - Bobby Pickett
6. Timewarp - Rocky Horror Picture Show ( any song from this Classic!)
7. Season of the Witch - Donovan
8. Superstition - Stevie Wonder
9. Jump In The Line - Harry Belefonte ( From BeetleJuice ( Shake Senora) )
10. I Put a Spell on You - Screaming Jay Hawkins

Having the DJ all in Black would add to the fun - as would a black light or Hazer.  You could even make it a costume party - With you - of course being the Bride and Groom!

The trick is - make the day uniquely yours - after all - it is YOUR wedding - Celebrate!

Author: Susan Leak - DJ - 2 Wolves DJ Service, Fort Payne, Alabama 

Guests dancing to That's Amore at Wedding - 2 Wolves DJ Service

This is what happened at one of the weddings we had the honor of DJing.  What a fun idea ... all ages can participate and the guests had a blast doing it!

Outdoor Weddings Take Extra Planning

Picture Perfect Tented Wedding

Outdoor Weddings have always been popular, and the trend is really growing.  They can be more cost effective (no need for a venue - a backyard will do) can hold more people (limited only by ground space) and are 'kid friendly' ( you can set aside a 'play area').  They also can be a romantically fresh setting ( nothing more romantic than a dance under the stars)  BUT - outdoor weddings can be a huge gamble - you are betting against Mother Nature.

Weather is top concern when planning any outdoor affair, now double that for a wedding.  Of course, rain (or snow) is the number one issue, but extreme cold and heat as well as bright sunlight and damp evening dew come into play.  When it comes to planning an outdoor wedding, the brides need to follow the Boy Scout Motto: BE PREPARED!

1. Be Covered:  unless you have a pavillion in your backyard, tenting is a must.  Of course, tenting offers some protection against those stray showers, but also offers protection against the harsh sunlight and the evening dew for you and your guests.  Be sure to provide tenting as well for your DJ or Band (they need to keep equipment protected), and for your food (sun and potato salad don't mix).
2. Be on Guard:  The last thing you want is for your guests to be eaten alive by mosquitos, or worse, stung by a bee.  Spray area down with a good repellent like Yard Guard.  We also recommend using citronella - candles or oil in tiki lamps can be incorporated into your decor, adding to the romance as well as offering protection.
3. Be Aware: That pretty ivy growing up the tree just might be Poison Ivy ...The serene creek just might be home to Cottonmouths.  Nature is full of surprises - Double Check everything
4. Be Cool:  Or warm as the case maybe.  How much fun can anyone have if they are sweating or freezing? Set up fans in summer, and outdoor heaters in winter.  Do not rely on the indoors - thinking those who get too hot (or cold) are welcome to go inside to cool off ( warm up), unless that is where you want the party to end up at.
5. Be Hydrated:  WATER - it is vital for those summertime weddings.  Tea and punch are nice, but water is a must have. (and cheap!)
6. Be Ready:  All the above will not work if it comes severe weather.  Be sure to have an alternative plan to move it all indoors.  If you plan to move into your house, be sure to already have it 'mapped out' as to where everything will go to avoid last minute stress

Successful Backup Plan

2 Wolves DJ Service has done many of outdoor weddings, and this list comes from our accumulated  experience over the years.  What tips would you offer?  What are the best (or worst) outdoor weddings you have seen?

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 school's "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 .

If there has been a unique Cake Cutting Song you had or hear at a wedding - let us know! 

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?