Hosting an LGTBQ+ Inclusive Event

The LGBTQ+ Community and The Music Industry, A Long History

When we break it down, music and expression in dance, and the LGBTQ+ Community just go together! They go together like peanut butter and jelly, like milk and cereal… you get the idea! Over many decades; lyrics, harmonies and rhythms have been used to express the joy, frustration, elation, hope and anxiety associated with expressing non-normative sexual and gender identities.

Music is one of the most accessible mediums that offers marginalized groups a vehicle for expressive freedom, which is both socially acceptable and approachable and appreciated by all! As such, music helps to foster empathy, understanding, tolerance, acceptance and even celebration. But even more than all of that… It’s where so many of the best songs have come from!

Does it Matter if Your Event is Inclusive?

In our opinion, and with our expertise, our Answer is a resounding yes! To start, it is simply the right thing to do! People are people and love is love!  It’s also a way to extend your values into your event… it’s one thing to say that you’re accepting, it’s another thing to demonstrate it. And, lastly,  hosting an inclusive event objectively improves the experience for everyone in attendance, which we think is always a good plan! Hosting an inclusive event is  also easier to achieve than you may think, and the music you play can make a big impact!

Everyone is Welcome on the Dance Floor

Dance is a universal language and should be available and comfortable for all! Being a great equalizer, music brings together people from all different walks of life and experience. Everyone has their own way of moving and adds their own special flavor to the mix. After all, isn’t it the very differences between us that make life interesting! Wouldn’t life (and parties) be boring if we were all exactly the same?! Dance floors should be a beautiful tapestry of humanity! Everyone should be welcome on the dance floor!

Now… About the Music!

With so many songs to choose from, from so many eras and genres, this is in no way a full list, but rather a good starting point! With that in mind, here is a great list of LGBTQ+ Anthems you can include at your next event!

“Follow Your Arrow”, Kacey Musgraves

“Go West”, Pet Shop Boys

“Brave”, Sara Bareilles

“Dancing Queen”, ABBA

“Firework”, Katy Perry

“I want to Break Free”, Queen

“Born This Way”, Lady Gaga

“Rebel Girl”, Bikini Kill

“Grace Kelly”, Mika

“It’s Raining Men”, The Weather Girls

“All the Lovers”, Kylie Minogue

“Freedom!”, George Michael

Big Results, With Only a Few Tiny Changes!

A great first step is adding music that will engage everyone, but how about going a little bit further to bump up the inclusivity factor at your event? Another very small (in our opinion) , but super impactful change is to switch to using gender neutral terms, instead of gender specific terms when addressing your honored guests. Here are a few that come to mind…Ladies and Gentlemen can easily transform into Distinguished Guests, or Honored Guests. Hey Guys can be changed to Hi Folks, Hi Y’all of Hey Friends! Another quick idea is to leave traditional honorifics like Mr. and Mrs. off place cards, or giving your guest the opportunity to choose their honorifics on their RSVP. Small changes like this can add up to big differences to your guests’ experiences! Those few small changes don’t in any way detract from your event, and will very likely make some guests in your group feel right at home! Seems like a no-brainer to us! 

The post Hosting an LGTBQ+ Inclusive Event appeared first on Beat Train Productions ~ Boston & NYC Wedding DJs - New England & New York City Wedding DJs

source https://beattrainproductions.com/hosting-an-lgtbq-inclusive-event/

We hope everybody is having a great #EarthDay as we celebrate this amazing planet we get to DJ on! ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #bostonphotographer #instagood #maweddingphotography #bostonweddingphotographer #happyearthday #weddinginspiration #rhodeislandwedding #earth #nature #bostonbrides #mawedding #newenglandliving #newenglandwedding #newenglandweddingphotographer #bostonweddings #bostonwedding #bostonweddingphotography #newenglandbride #recycle

via Instagram

Why You NEED to Dance on Your Wedding Day

They’re All Here For You!

Really! They Are! Imagine it… It’s YOUR wedding, and you’re surrounded by all your very dearest family and friends. Every single person present has been carefully selected by you and your sweetheart to share in one of the very biggest days of your lives! As such, all eyes are on you, and you get the honor of setting the tone and pace for your celebration. Consider yourself the ringmaster of your very own wedding circus! You’ve painstakingly selected every detail after all, now it’s time to enjoy it! And, make sure everyone else enjoys it too! 

Want your wedding to be one for the books? A memorable occasion that brings a smile to people’s faces long after the big day? Then it’s up to you to make it happen! No pressure though… it really is easier than you might think!

Not a Dry Eye in the Room!

Maybe you don’t like being the center of attention, maybe you prefer to be a background player, but that’s not really an option at your wedding! Everyone that’s there loves the two of you, is happy to be included, and wants to witness your happiness up close and personal!  

They want to see your first dance! It doesn’t matter whether it’s more traditional, or if you decide to  go all the way and choreograph an elaborate dance routine. They’re there to see YOU not to criticize your dancing! We promise! With our 13 years of experience, we know what we’re talking about! You can decide how far you want to take it, but for the love of all that’s good… get up and dance!

Break it Down on the Dancefloor!

Some of the most memorable moments of your wedding will happen after all the official stuff and traditions are completed. Everyone is ready to get up and let loose and celebrate after all the emotion of the day! 

So, if you both want a hopping party at your wedding, get your butts on the dancefloor! You are the guests of honor, so if you’re dancing, your guests will want to join you! After all, they came to spend the day celebrating the two of you! And, there’s a special kind of magic that happens when you’re dancing with a big group of Grandparents, Parents, Aunts, Cousins, and friends! These truly are the kinds of memories that only appreciate in value over time! 

Picture it! The party lights are shining brightly, the music is pumping, the dance floor is full of all your nearest and dearest who are all dressed to the nines, bodies are swaying, people are grooving, everyone has big smiles on their faces! Pretty special right? 

The Cherry on Top of Your Sundae

Weddings are huge events that change the arc of people’s lives, and expand their families, and we feel that it’s always an honor to be included in one! Going with that analogy, if your whole wedding is the sundae, we consider the dance to be the cherry on top! Not an afterthought, but an important detail that brings a little something special, a little flair and sweet memories… if you will. So, if you want that little something, that cherry on top… you’re going to have to get up and dance!!

The post Why You NEED to Dance on Your Wedding Day appeared first on Beat Train Productions ~ Boston & NYC Wedding DJs - New England & New York City Wedding DJs

source https://beattrainproductions.com/why-you-need-to-dance-on-your-wedding-day/

We are honored to once again be selected for the @weddingwire Couple’s Choice Awards for 2022! 🍾 Huge thanks to all of our amazing clients, DJs and co-vendors for helping create unforgettable events! 🍻 ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #newenglandwedding #bostonwedding #bostonweddings #mainewedding #bostonbride #nycweddingvideography #nycweddingplanners #nycweddinginspo #nycweddingvideographer #nycweddingplanner #nycweddingcatering #nycweddingvenue #nycweddingvenues #nycweddingideas #nycweddingdecor #nycweddingphotographer #nycweddings #nycweddingaccesories #njwedding #nywedding #nycweddingweekend #brooklynwedding #nycwedding #nycbride #nycweddingflowers #nycweddingplanning #nycweddingfilms

via Instagram

Ceremony Music – How to set the tone of your ceremony with music

The time has arrived! All the planning of the last months, or years have built up to this moment! It’s time to walk down the aisle! For many people, the wedding day doesn’t really seem to start until they’re walking down the aisle towards their sweetheart! Everything you have been planning as a couple has been building to this very moment, and it’s only natural to want that to go off without a hitch! We believe that music can be a huge element in the overall feel and tone of your wedding ceremony! So, here are a few ideas to make sure you hit the right note (ba dum bum ch!), and find wedding music that reflects who you are as a couple!

How do you want your ceremony to feel?

Music evokes an emotional response, and that effect is amplified at weddings, so spending some time thinking about the tone you want to set on your big day is time well spent!

What is the vibe you’re going for as a couple? Are you looking for classic instrumental music, such as a string quartet or cello? Are you looking for something less traditional such as jazz, indie or folk? Are you looking for sparky and fun, or chill and subtle? Take a moment to think about the most memorable wedding ceremonies you’ve attended. What about the music made them stand out?

It’s a soundtrack, not a concert

Even Though the music is an important element, it is only one element, and it should never take center stage and overshadow your wedding! You want it to be ambient, but also played at a comfortable volume for your guests. You might not want to choose anything too loud, or anything that your guests will have to strain to hear. When it comes to the processional itself, you might want to pick something a little more relaxing, in a natural walking rhythm, so that the bride and bridal party have a calm, relaxed walk up the aisle. 

Don’t make your decisions on the fly!

When it comes to your wedding, follow your heart instead of the trends. You don’t need to do what everyone else is doing, and you don’t need to pick the biggest or newest songs on the radio! The biggest requirement for your ceremony music is that the songs you pick are personally meaningful to you as a couple! 

It’s official! You’re married… Now what?

You’ve exchanged vows and rings, signed the paperwork and kissed! Now, how do you want to take your first walk as a married couple? How do you want it to be remembered? Are you looking for something traditional? Are you planning on dancing up the aisle to something kinda cheeky? Do you want the wedding party to get in on the dance? The choice is yours! The only prerequisite is that –  like the rest of the music you picked for the day – you love it, and it reflects who you are as a couple! No matter what you choose, we think you’ll rock it!  

The post Ceremony Music – How to set the tone of your ceremony with music appeared first on Beat Train Productions ~ Boston & NYC Wedding DJs - New England & New York City Wedding DJs

source https://beattrainproductions.com/ceremony-music-how-to-set-the-tone-of-your-ceremony-with-music/

Another happy bride thanks to our amazing DJ Spencer Henderson! We still have limited dates available for 2022 so email us at info@beattrainproductions.com for a quote today! 💍 ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #newenglandwedding #bostonbride #ctweddings #bostonfacial #mynewportwedding #boston #theknot #newengland #newenglandweddingphotographer #bostonweddingsmagazine #bostonbrides #weddingplanners #newenglandweddings #bostonwedding #newyorkbride #newyorkbridesmag #nycbride #longislandbride #nycweddingplanner #weddinginspiration #nycwedding #photography #weddinginspo #nycweddingphotographer #nycbride #nycweddings #weddingday

via Instagram

Why Explicit Lyrics Don’t Belong At Your Wedding Reception

You probably already have some important songs in mind that have to be played at your wedding. Every couple has those songs that remind them of their relationship. Every individual has songs that are nostalgic for them, their friends, and their family. There is a temptation to play these songs unhindered by censorship. While these songs may not be completely “explicit”, there are occasionally themes or words that would not sit well with a wedding crowd.

Respecting Guests

There are guests who may get a little uncomfortable when they hear profanity. This could be older guests who may feel the words are disrespectful. This could be religious individuals or people who have a personal problem with bad language. This could be children who do not need to be exposed to more mature themes. Weddings are a time for people to come together and celebrate. It’s not a good idea to leave a bad taste in their mouths as they celebrate you.

The exception to this would be if you know for a fact that there will not be anyone in attendance who will be offended. It is better to err on the side of caution. If you are questioning whether a guest will be offended, you can always ask them. If you do not feel comfortable asking, then you probably already know the answer. Do not yuck a yum by playing music that will make people squirm.

A Reverent Event

Weddings are mired in tradition and respect. The people who attend your wedding will have a certain expectation. Weddings are generally classy affairs. You will be spending a lot of money to make sure that everything is perfect. Nothing can kill a mood more than hearing some unsavory language in the middle of your reception. 

There are plenty of versions of songs available that have a censored version or a radio edit. This can make sure that there is not a sudden surprising word popping up while you may be talking with more reserved family members. But just because it is censored does not mean it is in the clear yet. Context with songs is important. If it is a song that has a disrespectful subject matter, this can be worse than hearing a few bad words. 

If You Must, Play Them Late

You are a grown adult. You do not have to feel like you have to keep your reception puritanical. You can still let loose and play the music you like. It is just a better idea in the long run to either cut those songs or wait until later in the evening. After dinner and a few reception standards, guests will naturally start to thin out. Older guests and guests with children tend to be the first to leave. Once you feel as though everyone in attendance will be game, you can really play whatever you want. At the end of the day, it is your wedding and you should be able to celebrate how you see fit. Remember to be respectful, but do not feel like you have to make everyone happy all the time.

The post Why Explicit Lyrics Don’t Belong At Your Wedding Reception appeared first on Beat Train Productions ~ Boston & NYC Wedding DJs - New England & New York City Wedding DJs

source https://beattrainproductions.com/why-explicit-lyrics-dont-belong-at-your-wedding-reception/

DJ Jeff Durand had an amazing time rocking the party for Chris & Ali over the winter! Big thanks to @janellecarmela for the epic shots and Boston Harbor Distillery for hosting an unforgettable evening! 🕺💃 ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #bostonwedding #boston #weddingphotography #bostonweddingdj #massachusettswedding #wedding #charlestonweddingphotographer #bostonweddingphotography #bostonweddinghair #bostonweddingplanner #weddingday #bostonweddingideas #weddinginspiration #newenglandwedding #bostonweddingstylist #bostonweddingplanning #bostonweddingphotographer #bostonweddinginspiration #bostonweddingphotos #bride #ctwedding #bostonweddinglighting #bostonweddingflowers #newenglandweddingphotographer #bostonweddingmakeup #bostonweddingvenue #bostonweddingdjs #bostonbride #bostonweddings

via Instagram