Entertainment Spotlight: Playlist Event Music

When Beth Tucker and Chris Long were married in 2004, they wanted someone who would simply play music they chose on professional equipment, but that service didn’t exist! Like many people, they chose to create a playlist and do their own music.  Of course, they didn't simply run their MP3 player through a boom box.  They're both tech savvy and used good MP3 managing software and professional sound equipment. Soon, friends who had enjoyed Chris and Beth’s reception were asking them to provide music for their own receptions, and Playlist Event Music was born.

Their goal is to make sure you’re happy and comfortable with your wedding music. Their style is to keep it simple, high quality and dependable.  This way, they’re able to provide an excellent musical experience while keeping costs down.  This also helps them stay small and flexible.  They typically don’t need as much space as a more main-stream DJ. When I asked Chris what he liked best about being in this business, he lit up and grinned, “We’ve had some really cool clients.”

What they do:
• Play the music you and your guests request on a professional high quality sound system. (This isn't simply running your iPod through a boom box!  They have high quality redundant computers and a professional sound system.  

• Their website includes private pages for clients and guests to make requests before the event. 

• You can request anything from main-stream wedding reception music to that funky local band your best friend is in to all twelve and a half minutes of Grateful Dead’s “Fire on the Mountain”.  They trust that you know your crowd and will take direction from you.

• They’re happy to make announcements and keep things running smoothly, and they’ll do it exactly the way you request.

• They'll run the garter/bouquet toss and other games as you request them- no surprises.

What they don't do:

• They do not offer lights or smoke machine.

• They will not take over your reception

• They will not "ambush" you with wedding reception games like a bouquet or garter toss.

Their take on “Dance Party” music is very flexible: "Some crowds love the chicken dance, some hate it! The key is to know your crowd."  Chris does acknowledge that in the beginning of the evening, they can be good ice-breakers.

Advice for couples regarding reception entertainment: "Check in with your band or DJ before the event. It’s all about communication!  Never work with a DJ who doesn’t seek out your input in advance."

Specs:

Style: Low-key personality playing your favorite music.
Experience: In business since 2004
Location: Based in the Madison area, but happy to travel
Price: $200 for setup/takedown plus $100 per hour of music

Website: PlaylistEventMusic.com Check out their Reviews page!
E-Mail:  info@PlaylistEventMusic.com
Phone: 608-770-7977

I Love My Tree Skirt: A case for repurposing your wedding gown

I love my tree skirt made by
Just for You

As Christmas approaches, I have the joy of decorating my tree. My tree skirt was made from the hem of my wedding gown.

My Mother's Gown

When I got married, I wanted to wear my mother's gown. Alas, that was not to be. I'm about 6" taller and of a more "solid" build... Even adding gussets wouldn't have made her beautiful 1950 satin gown look flattering on me... 
Reminiscing about this gets me thinking about the fate of wedding gowns after the big day! So, while I'm reminiscing, I'll offer some options for what is probably the most sentimental garment you will ever wear:
• Hang it in the back of your closet...indefinitely. 

Heritage Garment
 Preservation 

This is what I did for the first eight years- seriously. I know this isn't usually considered an "official" option, but after the wedding, a bride might not want to make another wedding related decision for a while.
Pros: This is the lowest stress option. The only action it requires is putting the dress it on the hanger after your wedding. (Don't keep your dress in a dry-cleaning bag, it can mildew.) If you haven't decided what you want to do with it, this usually doesn't rule out other options!
Cons: It could get eaten by moths, stains may set in, it could get damaged, it takes up space that you might have other uses for. You probably won't be able to sell since the fashion won't be current after a year.

Lake Mills Cleaners

• Have it professionally cleaned and preserved. This is what my mother did- and it almost worked out!
Pros: Passing your wedding gown through the generations can be a beautiful, sentimental memento. Any parent would cry seeing their daughter wearing the heirloom dress on her wedding day. Having your gown professionally cleaned will remove any hidden stains that may show up with time and preserve your gown for your future daughter to wear.

Heirloom Textile Art

Cons: There's no guarantee you will have a daughter. If you do have a daughter, there's no guarantee she will want to wear your wedding gown. If she wants to wear your gown, there's no guarantee it will fit her...(harumph). 

The Patchwork Bear

• Sell it
Pros: Okay, the pros are obviou$.  You may have some visions of paying off some wedding debt, or at least making back some of what you spent on your gown. Here are some resources: Just for You in Verona, does bridal consignment. On line, look at PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, e-bay and Craigslist

Custom Apparel by
 Kay Warnke

Cons: It might not be as easy you think, and it could be a drawn-out process if your gown doesn't sell. The website, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com says about 40% of their gowns sell on their site.  If you don't have that kind of energy right after your wedding, you can sell it through a consignment shop.  Most consignment shops will only take the current fashion, and they have to take their cut which will decrease your profit!  You probably won't get quite as much for selling your gown as you hoped. 
• Donate it
Pros: You get the large gown out of the closet with minimal fuss or stress.  Someone else gets to wear it!
Cons: This isn't a good option for you if you're sentimental about your gown. Imagine going to a halloween party and seeing someone wearing your wedding gown... and they've slashed the skirt... and dyed it purple. For some of my more offbeat sisters, this might actually go in the "Pros" column, but probably not for most.

• Make or have heirloom items made from the fabric! 

Just for You

This is my favorite option! I had a tree skirt made from the hem of my gown.  It's beautiful! I hope to have other items made as I decide what I want done. "Just For You" in Verona made my beautiful tree skirt. Some items you can have made are tree skirts, ornaments, doll dresses, stuffed toys, christening gowns, hankies, stockings, decorative pillows and quilts!

Pros: You can enjoy your beautiful gown as often as you use the heirloom items. If you have more than one child, you can have several things made and they can each have something. The gown doesn't become a white elephant taking up space either in a box or hanging in your closet.

Cons: Once you start cutting up your gown, there's no going back. You can't buy it back, get it out of the box or let your daughter wear it. 

Hokey Cha-Chicken Slide: Dance Party Music!

There are few things more controversial in the world of wedding receptions than the Chicken Dance and the Macarena! Other examples include the YMCA, Hokey Pokey, Cha-Cha Slide, Electric Slide, and Limbo Rock! (Click the links to see some videos!)


Here's one opinion: from  Wedding Receptions - The Do Not Play List by Nina Callaway, "Sure, DJs love these songs. They're great for entertaining kids, and they get people on the dance floor. But there's absolutely nothing elegant, sophisticated, or hip about them..."

Photo courtesy of
 Angelic Angles

Here's what The Knot says about the Macarena "You may know how to do the dance -- but do you really want to? Besides, everyone has a few certain relatives they'd rather not see get down with that hip swivel move."

Photo courtesy of Angelic Angles

Now that we've heard the negative... why do these songs remain popular at wedding receptions and other dances? If everybody hates them, why do DJs play them?  Perhaps it's because people vote with their feet. We may not say it out loud, but most people secretly appreciate these dances.  Everyone knows the moves- and if they don't, they're easy to follow along.  It's a very effective way to liven up the dance floor! Nobody's claiming they're elegant or sophisticated- you've been elegant and sophisticated all day.  These dances are an opportunity to relax a bit and be less elegant and sophisticated.

So, in the end, it's really up to you!  You know your guests.  Do you want your guests to dance?  Are they people who are comfortable on the dance floor?

If your friends are ballroom dancers and can recognize a waltz, cha-cha, or foxtrot within the first few bars, you can probably skip the Hokey, Cha-Chicken Slide.  

Photo Courtesy of MFR Photo

If, on the other hand, your guests are regular folks who aren't particularly comfortable on the dance floor, these dances can be awesome ice breakers, and...ssshhhh!... a lot of fun!

Wedding Entertainment 101

Photo provided courtesy of Angelic Angles

I wanted to write a quick "Wedding Entertainment 101" article. Unfortunately, even a "simple" list of entertainment options quickly became waaay too unwieldy for a little introduction article. After several attempts I realized that this sort of "intro has been done by others. Why reinvent the wheel? What I want to do is write about some specific details. So, by way of Wedding Entertainment 101, I'd like to refer you to a good comprehensive article written by Lori Voth at Associated Content. Wedding Event Planning: Entertainment Options. It's got a good description of the basics of Live Music vs. DJ vs. DIY. The Knot also has a good article, Reception Music: Getting Started.

Greek Wedding Dance!

Here are some topics you can look forward to here!

• Incorporating your heritage or ethnicity into your wedding entertainment

• Pros and cons of DIY vs. hiring professionals
• ”Dance Party” style music selections — the good, the bad … you know

The Harmonious Wail

Of course, with my contra-dance background, I’m looking forward to introducing many of you to the option of hiring a caller or folk-dance instructor!

The Last Gaspe

Finally, I’m in the process of getting interviews lined up and hope to introduce you to some fabulous local entertainers to consider for your celebration!

Repost: Offbeat Bride | The dowry tradition and how it relates to today's bride

If you're wondering about financing your wedding, check out this lively debate over at Offbeat Bride, and be sure to read the comments!  The focus is on whether or not the brides parents should pay for the wedding, and all that it implies..
 Offbeat Bride | The dowry tradition and how it relates to today's bride
Before I let you go, here's my own take on the subject...
It's lovely when parents are willing and able to help finance a wedding. When a bridal couple accepts financial help, it should be in a posture of gratitude, not with an air of entitlement. Financial help should also be accepted with a clear understanding of what the expectations are.


Your wedding should fit within the framework of your your personal values. Here are some considerations that may effect how you allocate your resources.
• You may highly value staying out of debt. 

Photo courtesy of Sharp Exposure Photography

• One of your values might be your sense of community which might lead to a larger guest list (and potentially greater expense).  
• Your heritage and traditions might be an aspect of your wedding that brings you the most joy.
• You might also value having a green wedding or supporting locally owned businesses!  
• Having a fair-trade celebration might be very important to you.
You might have a really different set of sensibilities than your parents, and it will be important to communicate your plans, hopes and desires with them before they share financial stake in your wedding celebration.  The last thing you want before your wedding is conflict over how much input your parents have after they've bankrolled your wedding!


I recognize that money can be one of the more difficult topics to discuss.  We tend to have a lot of emotion wrapped up in the meaning of how we choose to spend or not spend our money. If the topic is too daunting to discuss, consider talking it over with your fiance, or getting help from your officiant, pre-marital counselor or life coach, whoever you can depend on to help you move forward with integrity and clarity. 


One final thought: Did you know that weddings tend to run significantly over budget?!? I have heard weddings generally run 30% over budget, but I'm having trouble verifying the number... A professional wedding planner can help you stay within your budget and prioritize what's important to you.  Contact Planned Spontaneity.  I can help you celebrate in a way that reflects your style and personal values within your budget.

Green Spotlight: Paolo Verde Consulting Services

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Paul Abramson "Green Paul" of Paolo Verde Consulting Services at a Dane Buy Local event.  Paul has a passion for working with event planners to reduce the waste footprint of their event!  He offers solutions for people who care enough to "walk the sustainability talk" every day.  He's written this article on "Green event plans" I'd like to share with you.  

Here's Paul:

Kermit The Frog put it best - “It’s not easy being green.”  As you plan your celebration, you are empowered to make choices that you believe in, and in the end, one of the joys of your wedding will be the memory and the impression you make on your guests and family

Marilee Karamanski, of Planned Spontaneity Event Planning and Consultation, told this story:  A wedding couple intended to keep their reception’s waste footprint small by using washable serving ware.  Using a rental service they priced rental of reusable plates and cutlery. 

Guess what? The cost was so high throwaways were the only affordable choice even though reusables truly fit their desire for a greener event!  What a disappointment. 

Solving this challenge is where Paolo Verde Event Waste Reduction Planning comes in.  When considering Green Options keep these 3 things in mind (2 out of 3 begin with “THINK” :

1)      THINK: A “green reality” requires thinking outside-the-box in addition to your clever event ideas.  To reduce waste, consider one area of your event you would consider doing differently from a glammed up, story-book wedding party.  Decline to use throw away trimmings.

2)     THINK of Budget Trades:  This is where you decrease the amount you spend in one area, so you can spend more in another area. If your love of outdoors and wildlife tops your priority list, and you want to work for a pollution-free world, you can trade the money you'd spend on on such things as rental china.  Borrow service ware from a church, and use the money you would have spent on rentals or nice disposables to hire a well-dressed person to wash borrowed dishes. 

3)     GREEN EVENTS are a new way of throwing parties.  If you seek the alternative to a wasteful gathering get specialized help.

Breaking it Down:
• Consumer society programs us to expect immediate, low-cost solutions to every need.

• Reducing waste generated at a party is a goal.  

• Getting there takes learning of what we truly can do to achieve it. 

• On average the cost of doing the “green thing” is 15-percent higher than going with more convenient, non-renewable solutions.

Info:

Company: Paolo Verde is Madison, Wisconsin’s Zero-Waste Event / Event Waste Reduction Specialist. 

Phone: 608.279.8339  

E-mail: phabramson@gmail.com

Photographer Spotlight: Illuminata Photo

Flexible, Fun & Guaranteed!  
That's Tim Mulholland's tag line for his business, Illuminata Photo. He's one of the only people I know who state outright- If you're not happy with his services, you're under no obligation to pay.  Fortunately, he hasn't had to make good on this promise yet!  I guess folks have been pretty happy with his services, and no wonder...


Tim's laid back personality and gentle photojournalistic style is refreshing and produces beautiful timeless images.  One of his favorite parts of being a wedding photographer is developing a rapport with his subjects and clients. 
His goal is to capture the wedding day in a way that supports the couple's relationship and their marriage. By this, he means that he wants his clients to be able to look through the album and remember the love and support of their families regardless of what comes their way in the future. His photographs reinforce the memories of the special, meaningful, and funny moments in the day.

Here’s a sample testimonial from Google Places

Amazing and helpful Every time that we look at our wedding album, we laugh, cry and smile. Yes, it was our wedding and we'll always have those memories, but it was Tim's beautiful, caring photographs of our day that help to keep it vivid in our minds (and hearts!). My mother can be a very difficult person (and she fancies herself a good photographer), but he got along so well with her (and gave her some great pointers) and everyone else. Tim's in a class by himself in the Madison area - beautiful, respectful, thinking about us, always a step ahead, ready. And, his work is just stunning!

Here are some specs:

Style: Tim is primarily a photojournalist, but also does the traditional formal poses that almost every bride wants!  He sets up a smattering fun editorial style shots to help people relax and have fun.  His main interest is catching everything everything in the moment, and capturing authentic emotions as things are happening.

Website:http://timmulholland.com/

Phone: 608/628-2925

E-mail: Tim@timmulholland.com

Price: Wedding packages generally range from $1000 to $3000

Professional Associations: PPA (Professional Photographers of America)

Repost: HEAD OVER HEELS: PRIORITIZING YOUR BUDGET

I love this article! Nicole Zenner is a friend and a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.  She offers some great information about keeping within your budget, and also describes how wedding planners can help you stay within your budget!  I can add that I regularly plan weddings with budgets between $10,000 and $20,000, and I always include my services within the budget.  Click below to read Nicole's article!  

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