Top Wedding Regrets After All is Said and Done!

No one wants to look back at their wedding day and feel regret over how everything went down! So, this post is a chance for you to learn from those that have gone before you, and side-step their mistakes! 

Not Hiring Professional Vendors!

We get it, we all have budgets, and priorities for how that budget is spent. But, even if you think you don’t care about [insert the lowest priority here] I would ask you to think about how you would feel if that went wrong. Food can sometimes make people sick. Cakes can fall during the course of, and in the heat of, the day. Makeup can seemingly melt off your face, and hair can come undone and look unkempt. And photos…photos are a big one!

Sometimes people don’t consider hiring a pro photographer because they’re not really photo people or they simply hate being in front of the camera. But, at your wedding, whether you like it or not, may be one of the only opportunities for pictures of (and with) the ones you love. So  consider this…What if you don’t end up with a great picture of your father from your wedding day? Before you dismiss something as being unimportant, make sure you consider the worst possible outcome of it going wrong.

Not Hiring a Planner, or Day-of/Month-of Coordination

Don’t make yourself or your future spouse the sole point person for everything! It might seem okay in the planning and prep stage, but come wedding day, everyone will be looking to you for guidance all at once!  With all the moving parts of planning a wedding, you’re going to need some help! There’s no way you can deal with the logistics of flower delivery, the photographer’s arrival, the videographer’s arrival, the hair and makeup artists’ arrival, getting the right tip envelope to the right people, and on, and on!

So, even if you think you can do everything, it will require herculean effort on the day of your wedding, when you should be drinking a mimosa, and getting ready with your bridesmaids!  So, there is a lesson to be learned here!  Either delegate out responsibilities to your future spouse or wedding party or hire a planner! Many of the problems the couple’s we spoke to struggled with would have been solved with hiring a planner, or month-of coordination package!

Inviting People Out of Obligation

Don’t do it. Make a promise to yourselves and stick with it! Because, once you say yes to one, it seems to have a domino effect! I often hear people say “I don’t want to meet anyone at my wedding” and if that’s you, please stick to it. Just remind yourself that you are paying for these people to celebrate with you. So, don’t invite anyone you wouldn’t pay for a surf and turf dinner for. 

Choosing the Wrong Wedding Party

Please don’t choose people for your wedding party, just because you feel you need to. Don’t pick a bridesmaid just because you were her bridesmaid once upon a time. Don’t pick your best man just because he’s your oldest friend in the bunch. 

But, absolutely do pick your ride or die people! Pick the people who are there for you NOW, because if you can’t count on them to be there for you in times of need before your wedding, they’re likely not going to be there when you do require their support! Also, be clear as punch about what you expect of them and if they are causing you more stress than it’s worth, don’t be afraid to show them the door! 

After all, they will live on in your photos and videos forever! So, you want to make sure you can share those photos without cropping them or grinding your teeth when you see their smug mug! Final word… You know deep down who is there for you when you need them, so trust your gut and stick with it!

In Closing

While there are many more points we could add to this list, we feel that these are the real make or breaks when it comes to planning your big day! So, with this in mind, now’s a good time to set your budget and expectations for your big day! Now’s the time for acting with honesty, integrity and steadfastness, to ensure you have the wedding that YOU want, not what everyone else wants for you!

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This recent review for DJ Greg had us rolling! Check out Greg, and all our other DJs reviews, at our website! Link in bio 😉 . . #weddingdj #danceparty #weddinggoals

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Tips For Planning a Restaurant Wedding

Why consider a restaurant  for your wedding?

Well – first things first – The food, of course! 

The reception meal is a major draw, especially for foodie couples. Think about it; you can take the opportunity to make multiple visits to get a feel for the place and service, along with the all-important cuisine itself. 

Meanwhile, a traditional wedding venue or catering hall will likely only provide a tasting, but by that point you’re already committed and have likely paid a deposit. Also, the wedding planning itself is simplified and the cost may be reduced, since a restaurant already has everything you need on hand: glassware, tables, chairs, linen, ect. 

The Food is Top Priority

When you’re thinking of hosting your wedding in a restaurant, the type and style of cuisine offered should be top priority!  It’s also of the utmost importance to know if the space will accommodate the number of guests desired or expected, as these considerations will quickly determine if the restaurant will be a good fit for your wedding reception.

Overall Décor Impact

One of the biggest advantages to a restaurant wedding is that there is very little to rent. For example, they are already going to have all the tables, chairs, place settings, linen and cutlery you’re going to need! And, if you love the restaurant decor and get to start with a room that you already find beautiful, then not much will need to be done to really bring the space to life and make it yours!

How are restaurant weddings coordinated?

Many restaurants will have a dedicated point person, oftentimes the restaurant manager or catering manager, to ensure that no key elements are missed. And, in our experience restaurant and catering managers are incredible at managing logistics and effectively dealing with unforeseen events that sometimes crop up! But, if the restaurant doesn’t plan on having someone on site to handle the numerous logistical pieces of the day, you might want to consider an outside coordinator to keep things running smoothly.

How do Entertainment and Dancing Factor Into the Equation?

It’s important to know what kind of music or wedding dance you envision before you book with a restaurant. For example, if you’re planning to hire a live band, you have to keep in mind that musicians will take up much more room on the dance floor than a DJ will.  It’s also important to know the electrical capabilities and possible noise restrictions of the restaurant, which will also help you determine any limitations you’ll need to work around. This one has the potential to be a deal breaker if you’re envisioning a big, loud wedding dance experience!

How is the wedding menu determined?

Whatever a restaurant serves up on a regular basis is – of course – what they will do best! But some restaurants will be more than happy to design menus for couples that highlight local or peak-season ingredients. Often – when planning a restaurant wedding –  couples are regular patrons, so a good place to start is with what they already know they love to eat during the season in which the wedding will be held.

How about dessert?

Some restaurants will include a plated dessert in their package, while others include a wedding cake, or you may have the option to bring cake from an outside bakery. If this is the  case many restaurants will charge a per person cake- cutting and plating fee.If that’s the case, a serve yourself dessert buffet might be another good dessert option!

What Else to Keep in Mind as You Search?

Sometimes the places you go to regularly – and love the most – may not work for a wedding. If that is the case, we urge you to get out and explore! You may just find a gem you didn’t know about. But once you think you’ve found ‘the one,’ make sure to try it out a few times before you decide. You’re looking for the right combination of elements for your perfect wedding: the food, the service, the location, the look and feel (vibe) of the space itself. Also consider the return-visit factor for date nights, for a drink at the bar, for your anniversary or eventually (maybe) to even share with your kids!

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Amazing Boston Wedding Venues

With a city like Boston you certainly are spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a wedding venue, and we’ve worked with and love so many over the life of our company, But, if you’re having a hard time choosing and you’re still  looking for an incredible bean town wedding venue, be sure to pursue this short list, with a few of our very favorites! 

Hampshire House – On Beacon Hill

First up, we have the Hampshire House, which is a stunning turn-of-the-century mansion located on historic Beacon Hill.  This venue is a very special spot where generations upon generations of Bostonians and their guests have celebrated the biggest milestones of their lives! 

The Hampshire House was designed and built in 1910 by society architect, Ogden Codman, so when you host your event at Hampshire House you are adding your story to the long history of Boston Society. The mansion is a five story Georgian revival townhouse that is lavished with Italian marble, carved oak paneling, crystal chandeliers, gorgeous fireplaces and tall Palladian windows. Extraordinary!

This venue is an absolutely gorgeous spot to wine, dine and dance the night away. You and your guests can relax amidst the unpretentious luxury of the venue, while at the same time, be completely pampered with incredible and attentive service, world class cuisine and a setting that will truly make you feel like royalty! So, whether you are dreaming of an intimate brunch/luncheon or an over-the-top reception, the Hampshire House might just be the place to help you design an unforgettable experience that will feel all your own! 

SoWa Power Station

Next on our list, is the iconic SoWa Power Station! The massive and impressive power station is truly a masterpiece of late-industrial glamor, and when the SoWa Power Station was built in 1891, it was – at the time – the world’s largest power generating plant!  In its heyday, it actually produced more than enough electricity to run the entire West End Street Railway. Impressive indeed!

Moving forward into today, and onto its new life as a wedding and event venue, the century-old structural elements have been revitalized and restored, which transformed it into a perfect blank canvas for both community and private celebrations. 

As such, SoWa can accommodate everything from a small and intimate reception or cocktail party in the mezzanine, to a huge gala, fundraiser or large wedding in the magnificent (and absolutely massive!) main floor space. And, the goods don’t stop there! The SoWa Power Station also boasts a huge list of preferred vendors, caterers and planners. You can rest assured that every company on their preferred vendor list has been vetted by the team at SoWa Power station, which will help you to avoid wedding decision fatigue! Phew!

Warehouse XI

Finishing up our short list is Warehouse XI, which is located in Union Square, and less than 15 minutes from Boston proper. The WXI venue is a large, unique, minimalist industrial space, that is known for its oversized glass windows & unrivaled natural light, high ceilings, concrete floors and gorgeous brick walls. 

In our opinion, WXI is a gorgeous blank canvas – with beautiful architectural bones – , and can easily be transformed into whatever vision you have for your big day! And, selfishly we always love to do events there! 

The event space offers 2000 square feet of open concept potential, as well as offering two smaller event rooms. When you add it all up there is 3225 square feet of venue space that can host any event, for up to 150 guests. 

And, one important piece of information…WXI is a small, local, and woman-owned business! One that takes great pride in their space, and always works hard to ensure that everyone who comes through the doors of WXI has a truly wonderful experience. Check WXI out for your wedding today. We promise that you will not be disappointed!

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Wedding Lines Dances to Get Everyone in on The Action!

All the official moments of the day are done, the vows are exchanged, the speeches given, the cake cut, now it’s time to get to the party! After all, your wedding reception is a chance for you and your guests to cut loose and celebrate this joyous union! But how can you get your guests up and moving together? Maybe a wedding line dance is in order!

Asking your DJ to put on a well-known dance track is a genius and time tested way to get guests up and out of their seats and onto the dance floor! There are choices from classic country hits to modern-day pop sensations. Truly there’s a wedding line dance for every taste, and they have become hugely popular in recent years. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular wedding line dances of all time! Which ones would you like to see at your reception?

Wobble by V.I.C

The Wobble is a somewhat more recent line dance (as the song debuted in 2008), but since then has become a staple at weddings. With easy-to-follow moves and a solid R&B beat, your guests will fill the dance floor as soon as they hear the opening lyric “Oh!”

Conga by Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Estefan

Looking for a way to get every guest onto the dance floor? Then the Conga is just the song for you. This wedding dance is all about following the leader; so make a train of people and keep on adding to it as you move around the room. Soon you’ll have all your guests up, just be sure to end the song with everyone on the dance floor!

Cha-Cha Slide by DJ Casper

A couple of decades ago, Mr. C The Slide Man changed dance floors forever with the release of the Cha-Cha Slide. The routine has since turned into one of the most popular wedding line dances of all time! The simple moves and upbeat tempo is a winning combination.

Macarena by Los Del Rio

Love it or hate it, the Macarena is here to stay! And it remains one of the most popular wedding line dances, complete with a quick tempo, simple moves and jumping to boot, as well as opportunities for your guests to sing along, this track is a proven crowd-pleaser. 

Old Town Road by Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus

If you and your partner are country lovers at heart, the Old Town Road line dance might just be for you. It includes lots of fun side-stepping action along with some horse riding and cowboy moves. Yee-haw!

Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

It might be an oldie, but it’s a goodie! Ready to do the Time Warp again? The song is catchy, and the routine is strikingly easy, especially as the lyrics tell your guests exactly what they need to do next, making it accessible to everyone! So, feel free to unleash your inner ghoul and hit the dance floor pronto for a little Time Warp!

Final note… No Matter which wedding line dance songs you go with, just remember to get up and lead the routine yourselves! The moment your DJ hits ‘play’, make sure you and your partner are the first up on the dance floor. It’s your wedding, so it’s your job to lead the way! We’ve seen first hand, if the newlyweds bring loads of energy and enthusiasm to the line dance, the guests will follow suit.

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A late congratulations to Laurie and Jesse! And thank you to @mary.dougherty for amazing photos of the dance floor in action! DJ Joel had a great time with you all 🥳🥳

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Planning Advice for Weekday Weddings

 

While Fridays and Saturdays have long been the standard for weddings, there’s no rule that says you can’t consider the other five nights of the week for your celebration. That’s especially true now, as the idea of what a wedding should look like shifts and changes with the times.

Weekday weddings really started to gain momentum as destination weddings started increasing in popularity. And, really, it only makes sense if for instance you and your nearest and dearest are already committing to travel for multiple days for your celebration. After all, does it really matter when you choose to exchange vows if everyone will already be in town for a week? 

Then, once you add in the impacts of the pandemic, which has allowed a lot more flexibility with remote work, while also creating a major wedding backlog that still hasn’t been worked though, the off-day approach is more appealing than ever before!

Do a Pre-Check

Before you formally commit to a weekday wedding, be sure to ask the VIPS and the ride-or-dies that you can’t imagine getting married without if the date will work for them. If it turns out there are several major conflicts that can’t be reconciled, it might be time to reconsider a Friday or Saturday celebration. 

Plan Your Ending Accordingly

If you decide not to travel for a destination wedding, but still want to pick an alternative day for your wedding, you might want to plan to wrap the night up earlier. So, if most of your guests have to resume their regularly scheduled lives the next day, you might want to end the party at 10 or 11pm instead of midnight! After all, you want to end your wedding on a high note, so don’t plan to drag it out longer than your guests are going to be able to be invested. A party that ends on a high note at 10pm is a far better experience and memory than one that ends early because your guests have important responsibilities early the next day! What that also means… you don’t need to invest money on hosting an after party!

Be Strategic With Scheduling

If you do decide to travel and host a multi-day destination affair, you might prefer to schedule the actual wedding toward the end of the trip, but you might want to consider hosting a welcome party or group activities earlier on in the week so that everyone will have a chance to mingle. Letting people know of different activities they can opt into throughout the experience will further encourage bonding ahead of the main event. That translates into a more intimate wedding where all your guests come to the celebration feeling like old friends. But, make sure to let people know that these activities (like snorkeling, parasailing, hiking or horseback riding) are optional, and have common areas available for people to gather outside of these group activities.

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