Planning a wedding can be difficult because of the myriad of details
involved in each aspect of the ceremony and reception. With most other DJ
services, instead of enjoying the reception, the newlyweds also act as the
coordinators for the event, orchestrating the food, dancing, cake cutting,
bouquet and garter toss, etc.. Is it any wonder why many newlyweds are
exhausted at the end of the reception?
Night Moves Mobile DJ's has the answer to this problem.
When you hire Night Moves for your wedding reception, we take care of
everything for you so you can relax and enjoy your family and friends!
A large percentage of the events we do are weddings, and since 1983,
Night Moves has performed at close to 2500 of them!!
We will act as your personal reception coordinator, working with the
photographer, caterer, videographer and other vendors to ensure that your
event goes smoothly. We meet with every client approximately one month
prior to the wedding, when we will go over every detail of your event from
start to finish. Your DJ will customize your event according to your
particular requirements, whether you want your DJ to be more subdued and in
the background or if you want your DJ to be very interactive, and to get
the crowd going by utilizing participation dances, party props and line
dance instruction!
At your event, in addition to coordinating everything, your tuxedo attired
disc jockey will "MC" the event and make all the announcements.
Your DJ
will also play a wide variety of music, so regardless of your guests ages
or musical tastes, they will all have a great time!! Your DJ will also
bring back-up equipment to every event, to ensure your party will go on
without interruption.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION!!!
You may also e-mail us
or call us at 714-897-7111 or TOLL FREE at 1-888-4APRODJ
GENERAL ADVICE
CALMING SUGGESTIONS
WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECPETION SITES
CATERING
PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEOGRAPHY
LIMOUSINE
CAKE
FLOWERS
HAIR AND MAKEUP
NAME CHANGES
WEDDING ATTIRE
EMERGENCY KIT
One of the most important tips that we offer newlyweds is to prioritize
"fun" over everything being "perfect". Something unexpected is almost
certain to happen! The ceremony may not begin on time, the champagne may
be warmer than you ideally prefer, Aunt Martha may have some punch
spilled on her dress. So what? These are unfortunate occurances, but not
tragedies that should affect your perception of your Wedding Day!
Newlyweds who simply focus on enjoying their Wedding Day and having fun
instead of insisting that everything be perfect will be more flexible
when something unfortunate or unexpected happens.
Secondly, get all agreements with wedding vendors in writing. These
agreements (or contracts) should contain the complete agreement to
prevent misunderstandings in the future. Be certain that all of the t's
are crossed, and all of the i's are dotted. According to experts, 40%
of all wedding-related problems are caused by the Clients who didn't
fully understand their contracts!
Thirdly, don't fall prey to the trap of trying to micro-manage everything.
Instead, listen to the suggestions from your wedding professionals
(caterer, photographer, videographer, mobile DJ). These experts can
offer solid advice based on many years of experience at wedding
ceremonies and receptions. They have first hand knowledge! They can also
probably recommend other vendors to Brides and Grooms based on their
professional experiences with these people.
Finally, on Wedding Day plan to relax, smile, laugh, visit, eat, drink,
dance, and have fun! Your Wedding Day deserves to be filled with happy
memories!
Simplify your Wedding Day plans as much as possible. The more detailed your plans
get...the better the chance that something will go wrong! Don't
worry about the small stuff! Leave the important details to your Wedding
Day professionals (officiant, photographer, caterer, disc jockey, etc.)
Arrange for a calm individual to handle last minute details.
Enjoy a bubble bath/massage the day before your Wedding Take an entire day off
from work and wedding planning during the week preceding your Wedding
Plan to smile, laugh, and enjoy your Wedding Day :-) Take as many
pictures as possible prior to the Wedding Ceremony to allow more
free/fun time afterwards.
Once you have found each other and selected your wedding date,
immediately make reservations for the location of your wedding ceremony
and reception. Many places are reserved more than two years in advance.
Traditionally, wedding ceremonies are held in the Bride's hometown.
An increasing number of newlyweds are having both their wedding ceremony
and reception at the same site. This creates a win-win situation for the
newlyweds who have less expenses to cover, and for their guests who
welcome the convenience.
Here in the Southern California, most weddings are held on Saturdays.
Because of this, if you select a Friday or Sunday instead, you might
find more locations available and at a lower cost!
Similiar to the melodies heard during a motion picture, music will
underscore the wedding ceremony to create the appropriate atmosphere.
The actual music selections are usually determined by the personal
preferences of the newlyweds, and sometimes the religions attitudes of
clergymen (some wedding ceremony locations do not allow Wagner's "Here
Comes The Bride").
There are five categories of music at wedding ceremonies:
The pre-wedding music sets the theme for the actual ceremony. This
usually begins approximately thirty minutes before the ceremony is
scheduled to begin while guests are being seated. The music selections
are often light and lively, and played in a low volume allowing guests
to converse.
Music for the entrance of the Bridesmaids is usually more formal, and
presented at a higher volume than the pre-ceremony music. Although
marches are popular, other beautiful classical selections such as
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and Pachabel's "Canon In D" are often selected.
The first notes of the processional music announce the arrival of the
Bride and inform the guests to stand! Because of this, processional
music should be joyful and triumphant. Wagner's "Here Comes The Bride"
is the overwhelming choice of Brides to enter their wedding ceremony
area. Brides who are marrying for the second time or more often select a
less formal musical selection.
During the ceremony, a soloist may sing or play a musical instrument
just before the actual wedding vows begin. Sometimes a reading by a
guest may substitute for music. This activity allows the Bride and Groom
time to pause, catch their breath, and more fully enjoy the moment!
The recessional music usually begins immediately after the officiant
introduces the new couple to the guests as husband and wife. Like the
processional, this music is generally joyful and triumphant. It is often
accompanied with the ringing of church bells or chimes. Mendelssohn's
"Wedding March" is the music selection chosen by most newlyweds at the
conclusion of their wedding ceremony.
1. Receiving Line vs. Bridal Party Introductions
2. Disposable Cameras
3. Assigned Seating
4. It's Time for Toasts!
5. After Meal/Before First Dance
6. First Dance
7. Last Dance
A sit down, or formal meal usually consists of three or more courses.
Guests are served by waiters or waitresses.
A cocktail buffet is often held for two to three hours in late
afternoon. Finger foods and wedding cakes might substitute for a full
course meal.
A tea reception is usually held in the early afternoon. Like its name
implies, it consists of tea sandwiches and hors d'oeuvres.
A growing trend is for newlyweds to take pictures prior to their
ceremony. This allows more time after the ceremony for visiting with
friends and relatives. Another popular trend is to have one disposable
camera, or a new roll of film, at each reception table to allow friends
to capture informal pictures.
When choosing a photographer, check samples of their previous work and
clearly understand their price and payment schedules. Also remember that
a professional wedding photographer should be an active participant in
the wedding day activities, yet not intrude or dominate the Bride and
Groom's available time.
Folklore, traditions, and the FTD have cultivated the following meanings
for flowers:Helpful Hints For Your Wedding Reception
General Advice
People have been getting married for thousands of years without
suffering from heart attacks or nervous breakdowns. Well... not very
many heart attacks or nervous breakdowns! It's only recently that
weddings have become more complicated with a plethora of new options and
contradictory information from a variety of sources. A proper attitude,
careful planning, and the right wedding professionals are the
cornerstones that will help your Wedding Day become an exhilarating
experience!
Calming Suggestions
It should suprise no one that on Wedding Day, many newlyweds are very
nervous. The following suggestions are offered as a possible remedy:
Wedding Ceremony & Reception Sites
The Ceremony
The Reception
Traditionally, newlyweds have followed their wedding ceremony with a
time consuming "receiving line." Today, the majority of Southern California
Brides
and Grooms are choosing to allow their Disc Jockey from Night Moves Mobile DJ's
to introduce the entire Bridal Party (including parents
of the newlyweds) as they first enter the banquet room. This practice
often frees up more time for fun later during dancing.
An increasing number of newlyweds are now having one disposable camera
placed on each banquet table. This practice allows audience members to
become interactive participants, and provides Brides and Grooms with
informal pictures that their professional photographer might not capture
on film.
Why do newlyweds agree to assigned seating for guests at their wedding
reception? Although this idea may sound good in theory and provides some
control over their guests, it's not always popular! Additionally, some
newlyweds and party planners sometimes spend hours and hours trying to
figure out the perfect seating arrangement only to face the ire of
disappointed adults who prefer to make their own decisions.
At some wedding receptions and other social events, a small number of
guests sometimes ignore assigned seating instructions and instead sit
next to friends or relatives whom they have not seen in years. Other
guests who have been assigned seats in the left field bleachers
sometimes ignore their seating instructions and quietly move to a
closer table occupied with people they know. This can cause problems for
some people who are unable to sit at their assigned tables because all
the chairs are occupied, and for other couples who eat alone because
everyone assigned to their table has moved to other locations! It is usually
best to
just reserve one or two tables for immediate family.
What would a wedding reception be without a sweating Best Man trying to
decide at the last minute what he is going to say during his toast to
the newlyweds? At many receptions, these remarks are followed by
additional toasts from the Maid/Matron of Honor, Parents of the Bride
and/or Groom, and sometimes by the newlyweds themselves. After the meal
(before the First Dance), additional speeches and/or live entertainment
by special guests (singers, dancers, etc.) may follow.
After the newlyweds finish their meal, they usually go table to table to visit
their guests.
Once the dancing starts, it is very difficult to get to speak with every guest,
because everybody is up moving around.
This post-meal time is also sometimes used by their professional
photographer to capture a few additional formal pictures prior to the start of
dancing
The Bride and Groom always select a slow song for their first dance.
Although customarily the bride and groom dance the entire song alone on
the dance floor, some newlyweds instruct the disc jockey to invite their parents
or
the rest of the Bridal Party to join them on the dance floor halfway through
this song.
Here in Southern California, most Brides and Grooms do not change their
clothes prior to their Last Dance. After the last dance is finished, the
reception is assumed to be over except for last minute congratulations.
Catering
At most wedding receptions, there are four types of food service
(Domino's Pizza delivery is not politically correct!):
The buffet meal allows guests to line up and select their own food. Try
to have both sides of the banquet tables available for guests to line up
to minimize time standing in line. You or your caterer may prefer to have
one table of guests escorted to the banquet tables for the convenience
of your guests. If a large number of guests are expected, consider more
than one series of banquet tables, or even "food stations" placed in
various areas of the reception room.
Photography
Videography
Before selecting a professional videographer, check references from
friends and your photographer. It is important that your professional
photographer and videographer are able to work together in harmony. Also
check with the ceremony location in advance to learn if there are any
video restrictions.
Determine in advance if the video producer you are considering to
contract will be using professional video equipment, or inexpencive cameras that are
available at department stores. Ask about the training of
the actual camera person and the video editor. Finally, inquire if they
will be using bright lighting equipment that may affect the comfort of
your guests.
Limousine
Limousines come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. In the Southern California
Area, newlyweds have a choice of stretch limos, pickup
truck limos, sporty car limos, antique and classic vehicles, horse drawn
carriages, and motorized cable cars! During prom season (April, May, and
June) limousines may be in limited supply so plan accordingly.
Wedding Cake
During the days of the Roman empire, wedding cakes were traditionally
broken over the head of the new Bride by her Groom. Guests would then
scramble for pieces of cake, and take them home for good luck. Even
though times have changed, wedding cakes do occasionally get smashed by
newlyweds into each other's faces during the cake cutting ceremony!
Wedding cakes are now available in a variety of flavors (cheesecake,
carrot, chocolate, etc.), and may have the personalities of the
newlyweds represented as a theme on the cake top. Even though simple
three-tiered cakes are quite popular, more elaborate wedding cakes that
are a true work of art with a price tag to match (up to $3.000.00!) are
sometimes preferred.
Flowers
Flowers are used to add beauty and fragrance to a wedding day. When
choosing wedding flowers, take into account the size, architecture. and
color schemes at the ceremony and reception sites. Flowers at the
ceremony should establish a theme and direct the attention of the guests
onto the Bride and Groom.
Traditionally, wedding bouquets were made of strong herbs (such as thyme
and garlic) to frighten away evil spirits, and to overcome the scent
from some people who did not bathe very often. Today, flowers carried by
the Bride and her Bridesmaids should continue the floral theme at the
wedding ceremony. Good taste and seasons play an important role in the
actual floral selections.
The Meaning of Flowers