All posts by Mike Urban

Wedding Reception Dance Planning Checklist

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collage of pictures from epic wedding dancePlanning a big wedding dance party comes with a million decisions—and, luckily, a guide to get you the wedding reception of your dreams! This step-by-step guide can take you from the first wedding reception idea to dancing the night away with all your friends.

___Select a wedding date.

___Set a budget. (Tip: use this wedding budget worksheet.)

___Decide on a desired wedding atmosphere.

___Choose a wedding venue. (Tip: if an epic late-night dance is a priority, ask the venue planners about curfew times and volume limitations.)

___If the venue is outside, make a plan B in case of inclement weather. (Tip: if the dance is outside, make sure the venue meets your band or DJ’s electrical needs.)

___Set a timeline for the wedding reception and program (i.e. toasts, dinner, dance moments, etc.) (Tip: customize this sample wedding reception timeline and share with key vendors, such as the entertainer and photographer.)

___Choose the best wedding music entertainment: band or DJ. (Tip: When interviewing DJs, ask them these questions to weed out the sub-par DJs. A good DJ uses a custom play list that fits with the couple’s style.)

___Sign a contract with a quality band or DJ. (Tip: use these tips for navigating through the fine print.)

___Draft a venue layout with spots for the cake, interactive tables or tasting stations, and strategically-placed entertainment. (Tip: to keep the dance floor packed, plan for a beverage table or bar near the dancing.)

___Book other entertainment, such as a photobooth or one of these other fun wedding entertainment ideas.

___Plan out the logistics and location of any interactive tables or tasting stations.

___Set a wedding menu play list and coordinate important details (i.e. announcements, wedding party pronunciations, etc). (Tip: to avoid any songs that make you cringe, choose a wedding DJ who honors your ‘Do not play’ list.)

___Choose dinner & cocktail background music (Tip: if you don’t have major preferences AND trust your DJ, ask the DJ to choose songs.)

___Select songs for the traditional wedding reception dances (if included in the reception).

  • ___ Wedding party entrance music
  • ___ First dance
  • ___ Father-daughter dance
  • ___ Mother-son dance
  • ___ Bouquet & garter toss songs
  • ___ Dance songs

____Plan surprises if you want to add them to the wedding reception. (Tip: use this list of wedding reception surprises for inspiration and don’t forget to include your DJ in on the fun.)

___Purchase favors that fit with atmosphere.

___Enjoy!

22 Wow-Worthy Winter Wedding Entertainment Ideas

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wedding where they take requestsThe Chicago winter weather may be incredibly cold, but it’s also an awesome source of inspiration for a winter wedding. A winter wedding is also an indoor affair, meaning couples need to find lots of ways to keep their guests entertained! Obviously, one of the easiest ways to warm guests up is to keep them on the dance floor (hence our list of winter wedding songs!), but we’ve also included wedding entertainment ideas for times before the dance or when guests need a break.

Winter Wedding Songs

  1. “Baby it’s cold outside” Idina Metzel & Michael Buble
  2. “All I want for Christmas is you” Mariah Carey
  3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” Sam Smith
  4. “Santa Baby” Eartha Kitt
  5. “Feliz Navidad” Jose Feliciano
  6. “Let it snow” Dean Martin
  7. “I’ve got love to keep me warm” Billie Holiday
  8. “Make you feel my love” Adele
  9. “Have yourself a merry little Christmas” Sam Smith
  10. “White Christmas” Ella Fitzgerald
  11. “The Christmas Song” Michael Buble
  12. “Santa Baby” Gwen Stefani

Winter Wedding Entertainment

  1. Photo booth (With winter photo booth props, such as Santa hats, “Let it snow” frames, skis, etc.)
  2. Winter table trivia
  3. Crosswords (With clues about the couple or season)
  4. Fireworks (Check with the venue before getting fireworks or hiring a vendor)
  5. Dance floor games (Use this list of fun dance games guests want to play)
  6. Confetti (Feels like snow!-check with the venue before planning this winter wedding detail)
  7. Beer or wine tasting (Made with seasonal names)
  8. Interactive hot cocoa table
  9. Cookie decorating station
  10. Ornament-making table

17 “Must Ask” Wedding Reception Dance Questions

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Wedding planning involves an endless list of questions. It can be overwhelming—unless you remember that every decision gets you one step closer to busting a move at an epic wedding reception dance (and so do these wedding dance tips). We’ve met and talked with many engaged couples facing big decisions about their wedding reception; that’s why we’ve crafted a list that helps soon-to-be newlyweds make the decisions that puts them one step closer to an impressively-planned and memorable wedding reception dance.

If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to put the proverbial shoe on the other foot; use this list of questions to interview your wedding entertainment (DJ!) and get one dance step closer to an unforgettable wedding reception.

Bad Wedding DJ? Watch for these Signs of a Terrible DJ

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wedding day planned after meeting with DJWhen you are in the throws of wedding planning, it can be tempting to check off items on your wedding planning checklist without doing your due diligence. You just need to type in “wedding DJs in Chicago” or “wedding DJs near me,” make a few calls, and choose the cheapest wedding DJ, right?

The truth is that choosing a wedding DJ without doing a little research can leave you with some major wedding day regrets (and some crazy unhappy guests). The internet is full of stories of weird and sub-standard DJs. (And we won’t even mention the YouTube videos! Yikes.) Don’t join the ranks of couples unhappy with their wedding DJ; be wary of these signs of a less-than-stellar DJ that is a complete wedding disappointment.

No business address

It’s okay to meet a wedding DJ at a local (and convenient) coffee shop or chat online, but beware of amateur DJs that operate out of their basement. A physical place of business signifies that a wedding DJ is established and reliable; use an address as proof that the DJ has been around for awhile—and is going to show up on your big day.

No reviews or testimonials

If you want to make sure your DJ can do an excellent job at your wedding reception, look back at their past record. An easy way to do this is to check out the wedding DJ’s reviews and testimonials on social media and review sites. Look for positive reviews from other couples; a quality and experienced DJ should have stellar reviews that back up their claims.

No back-up equipment

Don’t be shy about asking if the DJ has back-up equipment for those “just in case” situations. A good wedding DJ is proud to show you that they have state-of-the-art equipment—and back-up equipment—so they can fulfill their promise of excellent service.

No contingency plan

Wedding DJs are really cool people, but people nonetheless. As such, wedding DJs can get sick, or be unavailable due to family emergencies and circumstances beyond their control. As tempting as it might be to hire a friend or a friend of a friend, be wary of a one-man show without back-up DJs available for those emergency situations. Make sure this is one of the questions you ask the DJ before you hire them—and don’t sign on the dotted line unless you are satisfied with the answer.

Lack of Questions

Just as with any other wedding vendor, ask your DJ questions before you hire them (we’ve given you a full list of questions to ask your wedding DJ here). Be cautious about DJs that don’t return the favor; a good DJ customizes their wedding play list specifically to the couple’s favorites and not-so-favorites (use these tips to craft a wedding “do not play” list). If the DJ doesn’t ask for your preferences (such as the fact they hate country music or want tunes specific to the era of your vintage wedding), search for a wedding DJ that does—and can meet and exceed your expectations.

10 Tips for Selecting the Right First Dance Song

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bride and groom at small wedding receptionA first dance with your new spouse is a special wedding reception moment; one that should be accompanied by a very special song. We’ve assisted many Chicagoland couples with planning their wedding reception—and specifically their wedding first dance. Some couples have a definite idea of what “their” song is, and others are still trying to find the right song for the occasion. If you’re in the latter category, use these tips to select the right first dance song for the perfect wedding reception.

Think back to your early dating days.

Memorable moments can be the perfect inspiration—and the song doesn’t always have to be playing at the time. Sometimes the right song can describe that moment perfectly, either in sentiment or in perfect detail (almost like they were there…).

Ask your family and friends for ideas.

If you want to pay homage to someone special, such as parents or grandparents, ask that person or persons for the song that played during their first dance with their husband or wife. It’s also okay to ask for suggestions from friends and family; it can even be fun to do a general survey and get input from your friends (just remember that it’s your wedding day and your first dance).

Find inspiration in a fav.

How much fun would it be to dance to your absolute favorite song? The right first dance song doesn’t have always have to be slow; if you want a unique first dance that’s close to your heart, opt for your absolute fav song—just make sure it’s your spouse’s new favorite too.

Listen to songs.

The simplest advice for finding the right first dance song for your big day is to just listen. Mix up your favorite tunes and listen to a random mix, both on your own and as a couple.

Make the decision together.

When making the decision for your first dance together as newlyweds, find some commonality so you can make the selection as a couple. Look for some commonality, such as a favorite movie (and movie sound track), musical, or special past time.

Decide what era song is right for your wedding atmosphere.

It’s the age-old wedding first dance debate: modern versus vintage? The answer depends on the existing wedding day details. If planning a vintage wedding, find inspiration in the decade of the wedding. Make a new hobby of listening to the classics and finding the right song that fits your love story.

Have your friends “nominate” songs.

If you want a fun way to get your guests’ input, hold a contest on your wedding website or on the RSVP cards. It’s simple: come up with your top 3 choices for first dance songs and ask your guests to vote on it. Once the votes have been calculated, make a big deal about announcing the winning song at the wedding reception.

Choose the song based on the dance.

Have a favorite dance that shows all your best moves—or a few? Show off your fancy dance moves with a specially choreographed dance or medley. To up the ante, keep your dance lessons a secret from everyone—except your DJ. Get your DJ in on the fun, and let them make a big deal about your surprise.

Keep it short and sweet.

A wedding first dance is a special moment, but don’t let the moment be too long or boring for guests. When choosing the first dance song, choose a song that is not too long (ask your DJ if you are concerned about your first dance song length). You don’t want your guests to leave because it’s taking too long to get back on the dance floor.

Ask the pros for suggestions.

Hopefully, your DJ has been there, done that. (That should be one of the reasons you hired them!) If you’re still lost on the right first dance song, don’t hesitate to ask the seasoned pro for recommendations (and ways to make it over-the-top).

5 Epic Wedding Photo Booth Musts

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wedding guests in photo booth with silly hats and funny facesA photo booth can be the source of a million funny shots or an unused wedding prop. These tips can ensure that your wedding photo booth is a big hit—and one of the guests’ fav kind of wedding entertainment.

Props

When it comes to photo booths, silly faces aren’t always enough. Supply your wedding guests with an ample supply of photo booth props. If you have a wedding theme, select props that fit with the theme. Think leis and grass skirts for a tropical wedding, feather boas and top hats for a theater theme, and clown noses and top hats for a wedding at the circus. Be creative and have fun choosing the best wedding photo booth props.

Frame

If you want guests to mark the special occasion, provide a frame with the wedding name (i.e. Smith Wedding, Doe-Smith Wedding) and/or the date and social media hashtags. If a frame isn’t your first choice, instead opt for a chalkboard (perfect for a school teacher wedding) or a rustic sign.

Location

Don’t let your photo booth become a forgotten wedding entertainment prop. Position the photo booth in a convenient location that guests can easily reach (without too much direction). The ideal location for a photo booth should be near the dance floor and bar—easily accessible for a fun shot in between wedding dances.

Space

Not all photo booths are created equal. Do you want group shots? Smaller, personalized shots? Old-fashioned printed professional shots? Weigh your options carefully as you decide on the right photo booth rental. For a less-stress option, choose a DJ that offers a photo booth rental as part of a wedding entertainment package.

Reliability

To get every shot (and the best pics) possible, make sure you have a reliable (and well-built to avoid a photo booth collapse!) photo booth that won’t break down. Unfortunately, a do-it-yourself photo booth is not always the most reliable equipment—and doesn’t come with a back-up when it does shut down. For those reasons, research wedding photo booth rentals carefully; rent a wedding photo booth that comes with a back-up in case of problems and the pros with expertise to get awesome wedding reception shots.

7 Preps for an Awesome Wedding Dance

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wedding guests dancing at great wedding reception after you gave all your information to the DJTo steal an old expression, awesomely over-the-top wedding dances are not born, they’re made. We admit to taking some liberties with that saying (pretty sure “awesomely over-the-top” was not part of the original saying), but you get the gist: it takes some thought and prep to plan a memorable night that your friends are talking about for months (and even years) to come. Everyone’s been to a dance; it’s the small and unique touches that set a wedding dance apart from the rest.

Take dance lessons.

You choose the dance (i.e. first dance, father-daughter, mother-son, etc.), then up the ante with a specific dance selected and choreographed for the occasion. Think carefully about song selection; you don’t want your big dance to turn from a special to awkward performance (your DJ can recommend and make helpful suggestions that put it over-the-top). For maximum impact, keep the dance a secret until you start busting a move.

Hire the ultimate entertainers.

An incredible wedding reception needs an incredible leader to plan and lead the evening. Choose the right emcee carefully; the right entertainment (DJ or band) has the experience and expertise to keep the dance floor packed and coordinate special moments with other vendors (like your photographer or a surprise guest). The right band or DJ can make sure you get an incredible shot of your first dance, make recommendations for an unforgettable evening, and use your input to deliver a unique reception.

Decide whether to have a cash bar.

An open or a cash bar is one of the fundamental decisions a couple has to make; there are no wrong decisions, as the right decision depends on the budget and reception tone. Whatever decision is made, for a packed dance floor, make sure the beverages are located close to the dance floor. Your guests’ll appreciate the location as they grab a cool one before they head back to the dance floor.

Make sure there is a large enough dance floor.

This is a prep that needs to happen fairly early in the wedding planning process. As you tour the wedding venue, ask about the guest capacity of the overall venue and, specifically, the dance floor. Just like the Goldilocks fairy tale, the right dance floor isn’t too big (it’ll appear empty) or too small (nobody wants to be jostled around).

Tackle difficult wedding dance decisions.

Sometimes the father-daughter or mother-son dance is not always as clear cut as it seems, especially when your family doesn’t fit the traditional mold. Unfortunately, there is no right guideline for these situations; the right decision depends on the situation. Whatever is right, make sure that everyone is involved is aware of the decision prior to the wedding reception.

Make a list of must and must nots.

Nobody wants to hear songs that elicit the “nails on a chalkboard” reaction, and everyone wants to groove to their favorite tunes. Before the wedding reception, make a list of “do play” and “do not play” songs (use these tips to craft an awesome reception song list) for the wedding entertainer (be wary of a wedding DJ that doesn’t ask for the lists).

Think about surprises.

The best surprises take preparation. Decide what the right surprise for the occasion is (use this list of wedding reception surprises) and make the appropriate steps to make it happen. Make sure the emcee for the evening is on the surprise so they can make a big splash and coordinate the event with other vendors.

7 Tips for Packing Your Wedding Dance Floor

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shot of people dancing at epic wedding receptionA packed dance floor at the wedding reception is every bride and groom’s dream. We’ve all heard the stories of the brides and grooms having a fit about an empty dance floor at their wedding reception. Don’t join the league of upset newlywed stories. Use these tips that create the right atmosphere and create a packed dance floor your guests’ll rave about (when they decide to take a break!).

Give them a good space to cut a rug.

As much fun as a packed dance floor is, your guests don’t want to be competing for space. They also don’t want to get jostled or spilled on because everyone on the dance floor is cramped. When touring wedding venues, ask to see the dance space. Verify that it’s big enough for your guest list (but small enough that it doesn’t look empty!) so they feel comfortable enough to get their groove on.

Keep your guests close.

If you want to keep your guests on the dance floor, ensure that the bar is close to the dance floor. You don’t want your guests to wander off and empty the floor; give them easy access to their favorite beverages so they can get back to the action (and the fun!).

Limit the “interruptions.”

Nothing can make a dance floor empty faster than an awkward song or a break in the action. Try to limit those “fun kills” as much as possible. Hire a professional that has experience and can keep the fun going—and going all night long (if you choose a DJ that doesn’t limit their hours!).

Involve your guests in the dance.

If you want to make your guests want to dance, make them a part of the wedding night. Ask for their song requests on your wedding invites and via the wedding website. Don’t worry you don’t have to honor all their requests—especially if you get some strange song requests.

Limit your vetoes.

It’s normal to have a “do not play” list (use these tips to compile the list), but it’s a real downer to have a huge list that eliminates all your guests’ favorites. As much as you may hate a particular genre or an old favorite, keep your list to a minimum. For other suggestions for guest favorites, ask your DJ (and listen to their recommendations, you hired them for a reason!).

Fuel your guests.

Want to keep your guests on the dance floor? Give them fuel (other than just an open bar!) that keeps them going. Talk to your caterer about providing a late night course that your guests’ll appreciate, such as sliders, tacos, or other delicious finger foods.

Choose the right pro for the reception.

A stage presence is vital to keeping guests on the dance floor. Unfortunately, a good song list isn’t a good substitute for an experienced DJ or band. If you want a good dance party, be selective about your DJ. Browse social media sites, websites, and online reviews for the best candidates; schedule a meeting with them to get more information and ask the right questions. Be wary of any DJs that don’t have a meeting place or can provide references; these DJs often don’t have the back-up equipment (or staff) to follow through in case of an emergency.

Background Dinner Music: Tips that Make Your Dinner a Big Hit

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wedding reception with background dinner musicA wedding dinner is only about the food, right? Not quite. Use these tips and ideas for background dinner music to make your dinner a taste of the wedding dance that’s to come.

Be conscientious about the volume.

Your cocktail hour and dinner are supposed to be a time for mingling. Be conscientious of that goal when setting the volume for wedding dinner music; remember wedding dinner music is background music (or hire a DJ who knows that). Background music should be set at an appropriate volume so guests can mingle while still enjoying the atmosphere of fine dining.

Fill the play list full of “non-dance” songs.

Have favorite songs that won’t keep your guests on the dance floor? Add them to the background music list (be wary if your DJ doesn’t ask for your preferences). Save your favorite dance songs for the dance floor (or if it doesn’t matter, choose an experienced DJ who can set the perfect list). Some non-dance songs other couples have chosen include: Foo Fighters’ “Everlong,” Michael Buble songs, or selected Taylor Swift hits.

Background dinner music can play a significant role in creating atmosphere.

Wedding atmosphere can be created with coordinated wedding details—including background dinner music. Heavy metal songs (no matter how much you love them) can feel disjointed at an elegant rustic wedding reception. On the other hand, a selection of classical jazz can be the perfect complement to a vintage reception at a historical jazz lounge.

Take requests.

A really unique way to include your guests in the night, is to take requests. Add a request line to invitations; if a song isn’t right for the dance floor (or you don’t want it played during the dance), add it to the wedding background dinner music list.

Don’t assume you can’t afford a DJ for the wedding dinner.

It’s a common wedding planning mistake: assuming that you can’t afford a vendor without even requesting a quote. The truth is that many “extras” are included in a wedding DJ, including background dinner music. Other “extras” that could be included are lighting and photo booth rental.

Start your wedding dance off with a bang.

When it’s time to hit the dance floor, mark it with something big. Use a surprise entrance (or one of these other wedding surprises) or a favorite wedding dance tune to drive your guests to the dance floor. Don’t stop there; keep the right tunes going (the right DJ can make that happen) to make the entire night an event to remember.

Fun Ways to Capture Memories at Your Wedding Reception

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newlyweds celebrating and getting the perfect wedding memoryFrom the sweet to the super funny, there are a ton of little moments that make a wedding day unforgettable. We’ve been honored to be part of many of those moments, and have a few ideas on how to capture the hilarious, annoying, awkward, and entertaining parts of your wedding so you can live them over again and again.

Photos

A photographer is a must have wedding vendor. Screen potential wedding photographers carefully. Look for a photographer that can provide favorable references, is experienced, has a good business history, and is responsive. For the best results (and memories you can cherish for years), hire another wedding vendor that can play a big part in getting those ‘must have’ wedding shots: your DJ. An experienced wedding DJ not only keeps guests on the dance floors, but can also coordinate the wedding dance with the photographer. This step ensures that you not only have an unforgettable dance, but also that you get those special shots that capture those special wedding reception moments.

Social Media

Most of your guests are on social media already. This is your chance to use social media to get their fantastic photos and videos that you can keep and cherish. When coming up with hashtags, be creative and vocal. Craft signs and place them strategically throughout the venue. Ask your DJ to announce the hashtag and social media information at the reception so your guests aware and you can get their photos and images from the evening.

Photo Booths & Cameras

Another way to get your guests’ best moments of the evening is to include a photo booth or cameras in your wedding reception. Include a high-quality photo booth in your entertainment line-up (ask your DJ if a photo booth can be included as part of the entertainment package). Make sure you have access to the images that are produced; photo booth pictures can be a fun gift that you can give back to your guest. To avoid unnecessary headaches, select a quality booth so you don’t have to worry about any breakdowns on the night of your wedding.

For an “old school” approach, add cameras to your wedding reception tables and give your guests the chance to capture their favorite moments. This approach does come with a warning, though; many a couple has spent a lot of money to get photos developed of their friends’ awkward poses.

Requests

Some of the best moments from the night can stem from a simple song request. Make it happen by adding a line for requests on your wedding invite, posting signs with a way for guests to post their requests on social media, or use one of these other ways. (Make sure you hire a DJ who can honor those requests.) Your guests’ll appreciate the chance to dance to their favorite song, and you’ll appreciate the moments that come from the requests.

Frames & Tip Jars

For a special keepsake that you can cherish for years to come, put out a frame matte or a board that your guests can sign. If you want smaller keepsakes, give your guests a special tip jar or book where they can leave their favorite pieces of advice for a happy marriage. Use these tips in a scrapbook or a special piece of artwork that you can use to take you back to that special night.