All posts by Mike Urban

Chicago event

How to Make Your Next Chicago Event a Memorable Experience

Individuals, families, businesses, schools, and non-profits plan parties, gatherings, and fundraisers every day in The Windy City, but how do you make your next Chicago event more successful than any other? In just four steps, you can create a fabulous and unforgettable special event that Chi-Town will never forget. Read on to learn how to do it.

1. Choose the Right Chicago Event Venue

Skip the backyard barbeque or school gymnasium as your venue. Make your next Chicago event a hit with everyone by choosing the perfect location, such as the Metropolitan Club Chicago or the Hyatt Downtown Chicago. Both of these venues regularly host major events and personal celebrations, so their staff has the experience needed to help you create a memorable event, regardless of what you are celebrating. Because these venues offer many room sizes and configurations, you can rent a suitable space for your event needs.

2. Entertain Guests With a Professional DJ/MC

Nothing helps bring together the attendees of your Chicago event like a professional emcee. Hiring a professional disc jockey (DJ) provides you with more than someone to spin records. These entertainment professionals serve as event hosts and emcees, entertaining the crowd with humor and music. They also engage the crowd at your event, getting them involved in ongoing icebreakers, interactive booths, or experiences and encouraging them to take to the dance floor, creating an authentic party atmosphere.

3. Serve Food and Drink at Interactive Stations

What do we mean by an interactive food station? Eventbrite defines an interactive food station as one at which the attendees get to create their own meal instead of having a pre-plated meal served to them. Enliven your next Chicago event with a hamburger bar, an ice cream sundae bar, and a make-it-yourself coffee bar. Other ideas include a stir-fry bar, Mongolian barbeque, or you-design-it pizzas. These options and others like them transform a meal into a fun, interactive experience that encourages laughter, talking, and an exchange of ideas.

4. Provide Fun Photo Booths

Help everyone memorialize the day using social photo booths. Hosting a photo booth lets each person or family sit down for a series of photos in private. Instead of waiting for a photographer to post party pics to a website, the attendees of your next Chicago event walk away with a strip of fun photos to scan, share, and frame. Like interactive food stations, social photo booths help attendees engage with one another. These fun booths offer a way for friends old and new to goof around and create a permanent memory of the soirée.

Getting Started With Your Next Chicago Event

Instead of trying to plan your upcoming Chicago event alone, enlist the assistance of An Enchanted Evening. We offer DJ services, event lighting, and three options for photo booths. Since 1998, we have helped residents and businesses in Chicago and the surrounding communities celebrate their lives and organizations’ special moments. Let us help you do the same.

An Enchanted Evening provides more than music and disco lights. We’re specialists in entertainment and event planning. When you meet with us for a consultation, we’ll introduce you to our online planning software to help you assemble a show-stopping event in Chicago. Call us today at 847-490-1000 to make your appointment and create the plan for your next Chicago celebration.

DJ

How to Choose The Right DJ For Your Event

Hiring a DJ is one of the most affordable ways to add a fun and inviting atmosphere to your next event. Choosing the right DJ for the job may be a challenge if you do not know what to look for before selecting. Keep reading to find out what to look for and how to hire the best DJ for your budget.

How to Choose the Right DJ For Your Event

Finding a great DJ for your event does not have to be hard. You can use these tips to make the process easy and hassle-free.

Customer Ratings

Customers usually leave ratings for any major services they purchase. This is especially true of any service provider, such as a DJ. When customers have a great experience, and the DJ provides the right atmosphere and mix of music, you’ll see plenty of positive reviews posted online. You can check out the reviews on the company’s website, or you can check out one of the major review sites. Knowing what customers have to say about their experiences can help you make a decision.

Experience

A DJ’s experience says a lot about their ability to provide a good time. You want to make sure that you choose a DJ who’s had plenty of experience working at the type of event you have planned. It’s best to avoid any inexperienced DJs. Some companies specializing in DJ services have highly trained professionals who know how to create the right atmosphere and will work well with the host to make the experience just right.

Equipment They Use

It is a good idea to find out what type of equipment any prospective DJs use. DJs who use the latest equipment usually deliver the best results. Using newer equipment designed specifically for providing entertainment at events of all sizes is the best bet to avoid technical problems. Do not be afraid to inquire about which type of equipment they use. It can make a big difference in the end.

Flexibility

Before hiring a DJ, ensure they are flexible with your request. You want someone who can work with you and provide the type of music and selection that works best with your crowd. For example, you may not want to hire a DJ who insists on playing classic rock if you plan on having a class reunion for graduates of the 1950s. Likewise, you will want to make sure your DJ can play mood-setting classics if you plan to have them entertained at a wedding. It is also important to ensure they are okay with taking some requests if you think that may happen.

Find a Great DJ Today

Finding a great DJ does not have to be a big challenge. A little bit of research in advance can help you find out which options are the best. If you’re currently looking for a DJ for an upcoming event, check out An Enchanted Evening. Call us today at (847) 490-1000 to request a quote for our services. 

We have DJ’d thousands of events in the past and have professional DJs serving Chicagoland with the latest equipment to meet your needs. We pride ourselves on flexibility and superb customer service. Let us help you create the atmosphere you want and make your event memorable for years to come.

Photo Booth

4 Good Reasons To Rent a Photo Booth

You have probably heard of photo booths in casual conversation. You might have even listened to a marketing pitch or two. Still, you have yet to go so far as to rent a booth and sit it at your business or in front of a fantastic event. It would help if you considered renting one the next time a special occasion arises. These are several reasons why renting a photo booth is an excellent idea.

1. Happier Customers

The most crucial aspect of any event or entertainment business is to make customers happy. The primary way to make customers happy is to give them services and features they will enjoy while they are there. Adding a convenient photo booth to the mix of items you have in your establishment is a surefire way to put a smile on someone’s face. If you add one, you might be surprised at how many people will flock to the photo booth.

2. More Social Media Exposure

Adding a photo booth can give you more indirect exposure to your business. Many of your guests will most likely be from the social media crowd. They will be much more likely to share their experiences with friends, family members, and social media acquaintances if you add something extra, such as a photo booth. The more people share pictures and posts with your business tagged to them, the more potential clients you will gain. You can not go wrong with such masterful passive advertising. Photo booths are affordable and will not hurt your wallet to rent, so it is well worth the expense.

3. Referrals

Photo booths are trendy and engaging. Thus, they are likely to cause your business or event to be the talk of the town. You can look at them as free buzzword generators. Your guests might have unique experiences at the booth that they will tell their friends about. Those friends will tell their friends, and the next thing you know, your business will be on the map as a cool place with a photo booth. Additionally, you might get some customers who want to take photos of their passports.

4. Keep Clients Longer

Your guests will be much more engaged in the event with a photo booth in the room. Having one there can help significantly if you are charging by the hour for the event or trying to attract more people to the party.

Aside from all the benefits mentioned above, renting a photo booth can help you to generate more cash. Everyone loves more cash, right? You can think of the photo booth as an investment. You can earn more money through photo booth charges and add props to backdrops to increase your profits. It is something to consider if you want your event to be well-rounded and successful. You will want to rent a photo booth in the future once you see how advantageous having one at your event can be.

Rent a Photo Booth in Rolling Meadows, IL

Now that you know why you should rent a photo booth, you need to know where. An Enchanted Evening is an excellent option for photo booth rental. Our award-winning establishment has been around since 1998, offering premium DJ services to residents. We recently added photo booth rentals to the mix because we wanted to allow our clients to host stellar events. Contact us today to talk about pricing and options for your photo booths so clients can snapshot their lives.

photo booth services

Your Wedding Needs Fun Photo Booth Services: Here’s Why

Planning a wedding ceremony is always challenging, especially considering your entertainment budget. You want an exciting and memorable reception, one everybody will talk about for years! Have you ever considered getting photo booth services from An Enchanted Evening? This popular option takes your party to the next level and fits into most budgets with ease!

Photo Booth Services Make Chicago Weddings Legendary

The best photo booth services transform your wedding into an unforgettable experience. They capture beautiful and hilarious memories forever. However, our photo booths provide service a few steps above other Chicago-area wedding teams. High-quality? That’s our middle name! No other vendor provides the same diverse advantages, including:

  • Heavy Duty Design: Are you worried about getting one of those flimsy little photo booths you’ve probably seen at cheaper weddings? We provide a true arcade photo booth with heavy-duty metal that lasts a long time. You won’t have to worry about your booth flying away in the wind!
  • Customized Setup: Are you worried about a bulky machine taking up too much space at your event? Never fear! We provide customized setups that adapt to your needs, not vice versa. We’ll check out your venue first and set up your booth for maximum comfort.
  • Integrated Electronics: DIY photo booths might save you money in the short term but aren’t worth it in the long run. Why? A lack of integrated electronics. Our booths use pre-installed cameras, flashes, and focusing systems to provide a reliable and effective service.
  • Simple Dye Printer: Too many photo booth services use cheap ink and printers that look terrible about five seconds later. How much do you want to bet that we don’t? At An Enchanted Evening, we only use the best dye printer to provide excellent photos. Smeared ink, begone!
  • Accurate and Attractive Pics: All our photo booths use automatic focusing systems that minimize blurriness. After all, this is your big day: you and your guests deserve great service! Furthermore, we regularly inspect our lenses to minimize any potential smudges or other issues.
  • In-Booth Video Messaging: You know what’s really cool about our photo booths? We mean beyond the amazing pics you get, of course: our in-booth video messaging. Each guest can record a 30-second greeting that you can watch later. It’s a great way to keep those reception memories alive.
  • Scrapbooks of All Photos: What happens to all the photos your booth captures? Well, we give you digital file copies and a scrapbook you can use to share these memories for years to come. It’s our service to you: we want your wedding memories to last forever.

We Can Take Your Wedding to Special Places

At An Enchanted Evening, we love what we do, and it shows. Our services provide top-level quality that Chicagoland trusts. Call us at (847) 490-1000 to set up your photo booth services with our team. Not sure about your budget? Let us know what you can afford! We provide multiple adaptable options that our customers love. So, what are you waiting for, huh? Give us a ring today!

dj services

Why DJ Services are Better Than Making a Streaming Playlist

It is your big moment: you and your partner are finally tying the knot! Congratulations! We are thrilled for you! However, you are still not sure what kind of music you want. Bands seem too expensive, and you are thinking of just making a Spotify playlist! Do not make that mistake. Instead, contact our team at An Enchanted Evening to get DJ services you can trust. After all, the benefits it provides are far too huge.

How DJ Services Creates a Bumping Chicagoland Wedding

An Enchanted Evening provides the most acclaimed DJ services in Chicago for a reason: we focus on your needs. Rather than relying on your Spotify connectivity or a band demanding a huge paycheck up front, our DJ can bring down the house with fantastic music to ensure you create a memorable wedding that your guests will tall about for years. Just a few benefits include:

  • Personalized Playlist: Do you and your partner have some signature tunes you want to rock? Well, our DJ can create a playlist and spin the music you want! Yes, you can make a Spotify playlist, too, but that’s a lot of work you should not have to do on your big day.
  • Crowd Control: Okay, so hitting “Play” on your big YouTube Music playlist is efficient but unexciting. A great DJ interacts with the crowd, gets them pumped up, and changes music based on the mood. It’s about far more than simply creating a playlist.
  • More Interactive Updates: Are your wedding guests demanding the stupid “Chicken Polka” song, but you do not know where to find it? Listen up: a DJ knows all about these silly tunes and can find them quickly, providing instantaneous and interactive song suggestions.
  • Exciting Light Shows: Do you think a DJ just comes to your wedding and hooks up an MP3 player? They will not only bring music equipment to rock the house but also light shows that make the event more thrilling. DJ service like this provides a real vibe to your wedding.
  • More Affordable Music: Have you priced out bands that simply want too much money for their work? We get that. Our DJ services will provide similar musicality at a reasonable price. Not sure what music to play? Let our DJ know, and they will create a playlist you will love!

A DJ service simply makes the most sense for most weddings. We will not only create a thrilling musical experience but keep the reception’s mood just right. Just as importantly, we’ll provide lighting that sets the proper ambiance for each event, such as your first dance and other romantic moments.

Get This Party Started!

Call our team at An Enchanted Evening at (847) 490-1000 to set up an appointment to explore the available options. Are you worried about your budget? Let us know! We will find a DJ solution that you can afford. Not sure about the lighting? Our crew has got you covered! You will never have to worry when you work with us.

photo booth

Capture Every Moment With the Magic of a Photo Booth for Your Wedding

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, joy, and unforgettable moments. While professional photographers are there to capture the essence of the day, adding a photo booth is not just a source of entertainment; it’s a way to create lasting memories for both you and your guests.

Interactive Entertainment

An engaging and distinctive addition to your wedding is a photo booth. It turns into a central location where visitors can congregate, mingle, and have a great time capturing imaginative and unscripted pictures. It involves more than just taking staged photos; it also involves putting together a laid-back environment that everyone can enjoy.

Capture Candid Moments

While your professional photographer is busy capturing formal moments, a photo booth allows your guests to capture goofy and spontaneous moments. These photos often turn out to be the most cherished ones, reflecting the genuine emotions and joy of the day.

Customizable Backdrops and Props

One of the exciting aspects of having a photo booth is the opportunity to customize the experience. Choose backdrops that match your wedding theme or colors, and provide a variety of props that add a touch of whimsy and fun to the pictures. From quirky hats to oversized sunglasses, the possibilities are endless.

Instant Keepsakes

Unlike waiting for the professional photos to be edited and delivered, a photo booth provides instant prints for your guests. These prints serve as unique and personalized wedding favors that your friends and family can take home with them of the joyous celebration they were a part of.

Guestbook Alternative

Instead of a traditional guestbook, consider having a photo booth guestbook. Encourage your guests to take pictures and leave heartfelt messages next to their photos. It’s a creative way to capture memories and create a keepsake that you can cherish for years to come.

Digital Sharing and Social Media

Embrace the digital age by incorporating social media sharing options. Many modern photo booths allow guests to instantly share their pictures on social media platforms, creating a real-time feed of the celebration. This not only extends the joy to those who couldn’t attend but also creates a digital album for you to revisit.

Vendor Assistance and Setup

If you’re worried about setting up your photo booth, many photo booth rental companies offer professional assistance to set up and manage the booth during the event. This ensures a seamless experience for you and your guests, allowing everyone to focus on celebrating without any worries.

An Enchanted Evening Photo Booth

A photo booth is more than just a fun addition to your wedding day. From capturing candid moments to providing instant keepsakes, the benefits of having a photo booth are numerous. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of entertainment, creativity, and nostalgia to your wedding day, consider embracing the charm of a photo booth from An Enchanted Evening. We have three kinds of booths to choose from: the classic arcade style, a party booth that can fit up to ten people, or the newest kind, an open-air booth. Contact us today to set up your photo booth rental for your perfect Chicago wedding day, and remember that love is best remembered when surrounded by smiles and laughter captured in a frame.

first dance

How to Choose the Best First Dance Song

The first dance as a married couple is a cherished moment that symbolizes the beginning of a beautiful journey together. As you step onto the dance floor, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, the right song can enhance the magic of the moment. Selecting the perfect first dance song requires careful consideration, as it should reflect the unique essence of your relationship and set the tone for the celebration ahead.

Reflect on Your Journey

Start the process by reflecting on your journey as a couple. Think about the songs that hold special meaning for both of you—perhaps the one playing during your first date, the song that defines a shared experience, or the track that always brings a smile to your faces. These personal connections can make your first dance even more intimate and memorable.

Consider Your Style

Your first dance song should reflect your style as a couple. Whether you’re into classic ballads, contemporary hits, or something in between, choose a song that resonates with both of you. If you have different tastes, consider a compromise or find a song that seamlessly blends both of your preferences.

Match the Mood

The mood you want to convey during your first dance is crucial. Do you envision a romantic and slow dance, or are you more inclined towards a lively and upbeat performance? The tempo and lyrics of the song should align with the atmosphere you want to create. It’s all about capturing the emotions that best represent your love story.

Danceability

Consider your dancing abilities when selecting a song. If you’re not confident in your dance moves, a slower song might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you’re planning a choreographed dance, choose a song that allows for creativity and expression. Practice your dance routine beforehand to ensure it flows seamlessly with the chosen track.

Lyrics That Resonate

Pay attention to the lyrics of the song you’re considering. While some couples might prefer meaningful and sentimental lyrics, others might lean towards something more light-hearted or even humorous. Choose a song with lyrics that resonate with your relationship and convey the sentiments you wish to express on your wedding day.

Timelessness vs. Trendiness

Decide whether you want a timeless classic or a more contemporary hit. Timeless songs have enduring appeal, while trendy songs may capture the spirit of the moment but risk feeling dated in the future. Finding a balance between the two ensures your first dance song remains meaningful for years to come.

Pick Something Special for You and Your Partner

Choosing the best wedding song for your first dance is a significant decision that adds a personal touch to your celebration. Once you find your perfect song, you’ll need a great DJ to play it. At An Enchanted Evening, we’ve estimated that we’ve entertained over a million people at wedding events, so we know how to keep the celebration going. Contact us today to set up a consultation. Whatever song you choose, let it be the soundtrack to a moment you’ll treasure forever as you take that first dance as a married couple.

wedding lighting

Using Wedding Lighting to Create the Perfect Ambiance

The wedding lighting that you select for your big day is important. Not only does it light the way for you to walk down the aisle, but it also sets the mood for you and your guests on your special day. There are several ways that you can incorporate lighting to create a unique and attractive venue.

Unique Wedding Lighting Ideas

There are several styles and decoration options for wedding lighting that you can utilize for your big day.

Hang Paper Lanterns

Paper lanterns are an excellent choice for creating a soft and subtle ambiance. This type of lighting is great for both outdoor and indoor weddings. You can use paper lanterns as the primary source of light for an indoor space, creating a more relaxed and calming atmosphere. Outdoors, you can use paper lanterns for wedding lighting to define the space and provide a touch of lighting to accent the moon and stars for a more romantic feel.

Incorporate Chandeliers

Chandeliers are a great option for wedding lighting when it comes to creating a more formal and elegant party setting. Chandeliers are fancy and stunning, which can be quite jaw-dropping to see, especially when there are multiple chandelier lights throughout the venue.

Keep It Clean

If you are trying to create a more modern and minimalistic theme for your wedding, you can incorporate metal-structured lighting. Selecting fixtures that are clean and modern with a centered bulb will be the perfect addition.

Mix It Up

Always remember that there is no standard on what lighting you should have for your wedding. Lights come in all shapes, sizes, and brightnesses. Mixing up all different styles, shapes, and elements can make a big statement and truly stand out. 

Consider Your Venue

When selecting your lighting, it is important to consider the space that you are in. This can make a difference when it comes to the light that you choose. For example, if you have an outdoor tent, it may not be possible to hang a lot of big, heavy chandeliers. Instead, you could have one large fixture over your dance floor and several small lights scattered around. If you are indoors, it may be overwhelming to have a lot of bright, white lights concentrated in one space. 

If you would like to explore the different lighting options available for your big day, consider contacting our experts. We can review all of the different styles available and help you choose the perfect lighting for your event.

Contact Our Professionals in Chicago for Help

Since 1998, our team at An Enchanted Evening has performed at more than 6,000 events throughout the Chicago area. Over the past decade, we have received over a dozen industry awards, including the Knot’s Hall of Fame Award. We have also won the Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Award and The Knot’s Best of Weddings award nine times each. You can trust that we will do everything in our power to ensure you have the most magical experience ever for yourself and your guests. To get started, contact An Enchanted Evening to schedule a personal consultation to discuss the options that are available to make your event magical. 

DJ Services

Why You Should Consider DJ Services for Your Next Event

No matter what type of event you are planning, you will most likely spend a lot of time thinking about the type of entertainment you want to offer. One of the most popular options for entertainment is hiring DJ services. These professionals can help to set the mood and keep your guests entertained and engaged for hours. Whether you are hosting a corporate gathering, a birthday party, or another type of celebration, there are several reasons why this type of entertainment is something that you should consider.

Why You Should Consider DJ Services

There are several reasons why you should consider DJ services for your entertainment option at your next party or event.

A DJ Can Play Your Song Selection

DJ services ensure that you are able to craft a list of all of your favorite songs for you and your guests to listen to throughout the entire night. Whether you want to have all upbeat music, slow songs for dancing, or a mix of various different genres – the customization is all up to you. You simply select what you want to play and let the DJ handle the rest. In some cases, you can even allow guests to choose songs and make requests, which can help keep them engaged and further improve their experience. 

They Have High-Quality Equipment

DJ services often have high-quality equipment. Not having to worry about purchasing this type of equipment on your own can help reduce some of the costs for your party and some of the stress. You simply hire the services and let them worry about the rest.

They Can Help Liven Your Event

Having live entertainment is always appreciated at parties and events. DJ services can help to ensure fresh music continues to play all night long. This can help to liven up your event and get your guests up and dancing all night long. Having an experienced DJ will help to eliminate any awkward moments of silence between songs, as these individuals will know how to add fillers and get your events going in a fun and entertaining way. 

They Can Help You Create a Good Impression

Having DJ services can help you make a great first impression on your guests. DJs tend to provide high-quality and professional services. They offer endless entertainment and allow you to interact with your guests without worrying about music and entertainment. This can help to create a good impression and create memorable moments that last. 

Choosing the right DJ services does not need to be a stressful process. Instead, turn to our team at An Enchanted Evening. We have got you covered!

Get Professional DJ Services in Chicago Today

If you are considering DJ services for your next event, it is important to seek assistance from our professionals. At An Enchanted Evening, we can help you create the perfect song list that truly creates the ambiance you desire. To get started, contact our team at An Enchanted Evening by calling (847) 490-1000 to discuss your needs for DJ services and how our team can ensure they are met.

photo booth rental

Photo Booth Rental: Reasons to Rent a Photo Booth for Your Wedding

If you are searching for a way to set your wedding apart from others, a photo booth can be just what you need. Wedding planning can be stressful enough. With planning and perfecting all the small details, like the floral arrangements and finding the perfect color scheme, things can get overwhelming quickly. Photo booths are a unique party favor. Not only will your guests have a fun activity to look forward to, but they will also go home with unforgettable memories. 

Here are some reasons why you should consider a photo booth rental for your wedding.

Photos Are a Great Party Favor

Typically, wedding favors are glassware or other objects with the newlywed’s name on them. While they are beautiful, no one wants to use something with someone else’s name on it. These usually end up hidden away in the cabinets, never to be used. 

Not only are photos from a photo booth personalized, but your guests are more likely to enjoy them and keep them close for years to come. One quick click, and your guests will have a cute memento of your special night.

Photo Booths Are Entertaining

Another benefit of photo booths is that they are entertaining. Guests are allowed to be as silly as they would like knowing that there is no pressure for a perfect picture. You can include props that fit your wedding theme and even take some time out of the night to take a flick with guests. 

There are also no limits to the number of photos you can take, meaning guests can take photos with whoever they want and have something to laugh about long after the night is over. 

There Is No Wait for Your Images

Rather than waiting weeks for professional photos to come back, you and your guests can look back at the night with the images you have from the photo booth. While the photos may end up on the fridge or in a drawer, your guests will most likely keep these photos for a long time. 

With the click of a button, your guests will have pictures with the people they love, and they will have a great time doing it. 

Contact an Enchanted Evening for Photo Booth Rentals in Chicagoland

Photo booths are a fun and unique way to make your special night even better. Not only do your guests have fun taking photos with funny props, but they will also have something to cherish forever. The days of giving your guests favors that will end up in the back of a cabinet are over. Contact An Enchanted Evening to find out how you can jazz up your wedding with a photo booth rental.

If you are considering a photo booth rental for your wedding or another event, call us at An Enchanted Evening. With years of event enhancement, our team at An Enchanted Evening can help make your night special. Let us help you create the wedding of your dreams!