All posts by Mike Urban

25+ Hot Summer Wedding Reception Ideas

July 18, 2018planning a summer wedding, summer wedding chicago il, summer wedding planningMike Urban

It’s easy to see why so many couples choose summer as the ideal time for a wedding. After all, the weather is great and there are a ton of indoor and outdoor venues to choose from (here’s a list of the hottest Chicago wedding venues). From there, it’s time to look for inspiration for the details that can make your summer wedding as hot as the temperatures; we’ve put together a few ideas (heavy on the music, our personal favorite) that can make your summer wedding unforgettable. (Contact your favorite vendors who can turn your vision and customized playlist into reality.)

Cuisine

Popcorn bar
Food truck (For your main course or for a late night fuel that’ll keep them dancing)
Ice cream sundae bar (or popsicles!)
Wine or beer tasting
Serve a special signature drink

Music

“Walking on Sunshine” Katrina & The Waves
“Summer Nights” from the movie Grease
“Summer Wind” Frank Sinatra
“I Can See Clearly Now” Johnny Nash
“Wipeout” The Surfaris
“Summer Love” Justin Timberlake
“Summer of ‘69” Bryan Adams
“California Dreamin’” The Mamas & The Papas
“Walkin’ on Sunshine” Katrina and the Waves
“Margaritaville” Jimmy Buffet

Décor

Name in lights (perfect for a summer night-talk to your DJ to see if they have a package deal)
String or twinkle lights
Floral centerpieces
Mason jars (for drinking and décor)
Succulents
Potted plants
Cut flowers

Entertainment

Photo booth (Choose an extra large photobooth for awesome family and group photos)
Yard games
Summer trivia cards
Fireworks (Check with the venue before you plan on fireworks)
Face painting
Dance floor games

8 Ways to Entertain the Kids at Your Wedding Reception

June 27, 2018wedding dances for kids, wedding dj tips chicago il, wedding reception kid entertainmentMike Urban

You’ve invited kids to your wedding. Now your wedding is a family event that everyone’s looking forward to! Why not plan wedding reception entertainment that meets their expectations?

Adding children entertainment to a wedding reception is a win-win for everyone (and not that hard, especially when you hire quality wedding entertainment!). Not only does it keep the kids busy, but it also puts their parents and grandparents at ease so they can relax and have fun.

Photo booth

Kids’ll love picking out fun props for their photos; their parents’ll love sharing the fun photos! If you know kids are going to be sifting through the props, leave out the adult-only items (ideas for photo booth props here). Make sure you rent a reliable and quality unit, then get ready to view some fun (and silly) kid photos.

Coloring fun

Coloring pages are a classic kid entertainment that’ll keep them busy and entertained. During the wedding dinner, put out place mats that they can color and customize. During the dance, turn one of the tables into a coloring table with coloring and activity sheets.

Dancing

There’s a reason why dancing is the traditional wedding reception activity: guests of all ages enjoy it and almost everyone likes to “cut a rug” from time to time. When hosting a family-friendly dance, talk to your DJ about songs that suit all ages and ways to entertain everyone in the family.

Bubbles

A bucket of bubbles is a huge draw for your youngest guests—and even a cool way for older kids to have fun! If your wedding reception is inside, make sure you ask your wedding venue if it’s okay to blow the bubbles inside. To include kids in your reception, have them blow bubbles before and during the wedding party entrance! (Don’t forget to tell your DJ about your plan, he or she can make the announcement…and make it more fun.)

Yard games

Bowling, ring toss, mini golf…yard games are a great way for kids to have fun during breaks from the dance floor. Even if you don’t have an outdoor space for yard games, many of these games can be played inside (take steps to make sure the venue is not damaged).

Legos/Bricks

If it works with your table décor, put out Legos on the table (coordinate with your floors for fun) for kids to play with during dinner. For a larger statement, leave a stack of cardboard bricks in the corner or hallway for kids to play with after dinner.

Table games

Table trivia is a big hit with adults. To include younger guests, simplify the table games so they can take part in the fun. Come up with simpler crossword puzzles, word games, and trivia cards.

Kid Room

The best form of entertainment at your wedding can be one or all of the options listed above. If there is space in the venue, designate a room as the “kid room,” a space for kid entertainment and games. For an added bonus for parents, hire professional help to keep an eye on the kids so everyone can enjoy your wedding reception.

Ways to Cool Down Your Summer Wedding

June 14, 2018cool down summer wedding reception, hot summer wedding, summer wedding receptionMike Urban

We all have stories of a summer wedding that could be described as a “sauna,” “heat box,” or “the hottest wedding ever.” Don’t let your wedding become another story; instead use these tips to make your summer wedding a cool experience (for all the right reasons!)

Choose lighter clothing for your wedding party.

Don’t make your bridesmaids and groomsmen regret being a part of your big day. When deciding on attire, choose dresses and tuxes made with lighter fabrics. To keep them cool (especially when on the dance floor!), give your attendants flip flops and misters for the wedding dinner and dance.

Schedule accordingly.

The hottest part (usually around noon and afternoon) of a summer day can feel unbearable. Do your best to give your guests a reprieve; schedule your wedding so they are not out in the hot sun when the temperatures are on the rise. Plan accordingly when setting up outdoor ceremonies, dances, and photographs.

Pass out hand fans as favors.

If you are planning an outdoor ceremony or a ceremony in a venue without air conditioning, pass out hand fans that match with the décor. Not only do the fans cool down guests, they’ll look great in wedding photos.

Two words: air conditioning.

When searching for wedding venues for a summer wedding, add another item to the checklist: air conditioning. Your guests’ll (and your DJ!) appreciate your efforts.

Fans, fans, fans.

If your wedding venue doesn’t have air conditioning, ask your venue about ventilation and renting fans for the occasion. Position the fans around the venue accordingly, and communicate with vendors about any fans they might need (for equipment, food, etc.)

Hydrate.

Don’t let your wedding become memorable for all the wrong reasons. You don’t want your wedding reception to be known as the night when everyone got sick or because an ambulance had to be called for heat-related illness. Pass out water bottles as a favor and position water stations throughout the reception so everyone can stay healthy and on the dance floor.

Mist your guests.

For the ultimate cool down station, bring in misters for the occasion IF the wedding venue allows. Make sure the misters are positioned so no lighting or equipment is ruined by the moisture. Your guests’ll love the chance to take a dip in between dances.

Provide other (cooler) entertainment.

When the weather is hot, give your guests other ways to entertain themselves (besides dancing) so they can take a break when it’s too hot on the dance floor. Provide yard games at an outdoor wedding, or a photo booth where guests can cool down, relax, and make memories they’ll cherish for years to come.

7 Tips for Less-Stress Wedding Planning

June 1, 2018de-stress wedding planning, wedding dj tips chicago il, wedding planningMike Urban

‘Stress’ and ‘wedding planning’ should not go hand in hand—and yet somehow it always seems to go that way. With a million details to coordinate and a budget to balance, wedding planning can start to feel like work—stressful work! Your wedding day—and the time leading up to it—should be an enjoyable experience. It can be IF you take these tips for less stressful wedding planning.

Be organized.

Organizing and using a wedding planning checklist is more than an option; it’s a necessity for low-stress wedding planning. Create a binder (or electronic file) where you can easily find the names of your wedding vendors, such as your DJ, caterer, baker, and venue. Use a wedding planning checklist to track your progress. Work ahead on your wedding checklist as much as possible so you can feel on top of things and ready for the next step.

Screen your vendors carefully.

Quality vendors equates to quality execution. Choose your wedding vendors carefully; don’t hire a DJ who raises red flags—even if they are the friend of a friend of a friend. Ask your vendors questions to weed out the sub-par and read over the contract fine print carefully to ensure you get quality service on your big day.

Lean on the experts.

Hopefully, you’ve hired a team of pros because they know their stuff. Lean on their expertise and use it. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know. What do you recommend?” Contact them for ideas and to coordinate all the details; remember that the lines of communication need to flow both ways. Make sure you leave every meeting or contact with a clear list of deadlines and expectations.

Take a break.

Step away from wedding planning every once in a while—and not just half-heartedly, but step away physically and mentally. Go on a road trip. Head to the spa with friends. Go hiking. Attend a concert with friends.

Make it a team effort.

Just like you lean on your vendors for recommendation, lean on trusted friends and family members for assistance. Ask your fiancé and trusted friends and family to help with certain wedding planning tasks. If your wedding planning task needs to be done by a certain deadline, be clear about when you need it completed.

Don’t take on more DIY than you can handle.

Too many “I can do that” can add up to an incredibly stressful experience—even when you’re incredibly capable! (We won’t even mention DIY fails.) Be realistic about the amount of time you have available for do-it-yourself projects, especially when you have to make many of them. Putting together a DIY play list for the reception seems easy UNTIL you’re up night after night after night trying to get the perfect play list ready. Decorating cupcakes may appear to be easy and simple until the frosting isn’t coming out right or you’re pressed for time. Be smart with your time and stress level; even if it seems easy, you only have so much time to get it done before your big day.

Take a break.

Did we mention taking a break from all the crazy of wedding planning? It’s okay to step away every now and then. Head up north to the cabin. Take a jog. Go swimming. Head to the gym. Take in a movie. A short break can make you feel refreshed, less stressed, and ready to take on the next step of wedding planning.

Tips for an Incredible Parent-Child Wedding Song & Dance

May 18, 2018father daughter dance ideas, father daughter dance wedding songs, mother son dance ideas, mother son dance wedding songsMike Urban

A mother-son or father-daughter wedding dance is one of the sweetest moments of any wedding reception. It can also be an awkward moment for your reception guests. Or the end of a dance floor for the rest of the wedding reception. Your mother-son or father-daughter wedding dance can be whatever you want it to be—and it doesn’t have to fit the traditional mold. Your special moment can be as unique as you want it (especially if you take these tips!).

Choose a song that fits your (unique) relationship.

Don’t just take a one-song-fits-all approach to choosing the right song. After all, your relationship with your mother or father is unique. Why shouldn’t your song be? If you’re completely lost on what song is the right one, don’t hesitate to ask your DJ for a list of good songs he or she would recommend for the occasion (find a list of mother-son dance songs or father-daughter wedding song ideas here). Go through the list and choose the perfect song that fits your unique relationship.

Avoid any song that offends.

In your endeavor to choose a unique song for your mother-son or father-daughter wedding dance, don’t go overboard and choose a song that’s awkward or offensive. Avoid songs that revolves around passion, is filled with curse words (especially at a wedding reception with kids) or anything else that can make your guests shuffle away in an embarrassed silence. If you feel that you can’t make a statement with the song, look for other ways to make your dance with your parent unique.

Be memorable.

If you want to make your father-daughter or mother-son wedding dance different, give your guests the unexpected. Coordinate a special surprise during your special dance with your parent, such as a surprise celebrity or guest appearance. Have a flash mob join you on the dance floor. Do something special with a confetti drop or cool lighting; whatever surprise you have planned, make sure you let your mom or dad know (or don’t to get a genuinely shocked moment on film!).

Choreograph your dance for a fun memory.

Sometimes a father or mother wants a flashy dance routine; others want to experience the dance together sweetly and quietly. Depending on you and your parent’s relationship, a choreographed dance can be a fun way to make your first dance something your guests talk about for years after the big day. If you decide to go this route, avoid awkward pieces (see above advice) and practice, practice, practice.

Lean on the pros.

You hired your DJ for a reason. They’re (hopefully) experienced and have seen a lot of father-daughter and mother-son wedding dances, yet still have ideas that can help you make your reception uniquely you. (If your DJ doesn’t hold meetings and ask for your input, contact a quality DJ that does.) Ask for their advice and listen to it. Your wedding reception’ll be a better occasion because of it.

35 FUN Wedding Reception Ideas Your Guests’ll Always Remember

April 25, 2018ways to have fun at wedding, wedding reception dance ideas, wedding reception fun ideas, wedding reception ideasMike Urban

“Do you remember that cool game we played at such-and-such’s wedding reception?” “That night was so much fun!” “Seriously, we didn’t want to leave the reception.” Every couple wants to hear quotes like this from your guests (either in-person or on social media-does it matter?) but it can be hard to sift through all the lists of awesome wedding reception ideas. That’s why we’ve compiled a full list of fun wedding reception ideas (or you can ask us for reception entertainment ideas) that your guests’ll rave about long after you’ve gotten back from your honeymoon.

Wedding Games

I Spy
Mad libs
Table Trivia
Wedding advice games
Shoe Game
Dance Freeze
Limbo
Hangman
Wedding crosswords

Off Dance-Floor Entertainment

Photo booth (with fun photo booth props)
Indoor bowling
Ring toss
Corn hole
Pool table
Chess board
Sparklers & fireworks (ask your venue if they are allowed or if a permit is needed)
Caricature artist
Interactive food station
Kid-friendly coloring station
Face painter
Photo stand-ins
Offer fun rides (i.e. carriage, wagon, boat, etc.)
Slideshows or photo walls of the couple
Fun late-night course (fuel to keep guests on the dance floor!)

Dance Floor Surprises

Fun newlywed entrance (find ideas for fun wedding reception arrivals here)
Flash mob
Celebrity arrival (i.e. famous artist, sports star, sports mascot, etc.)
Surprise family or friend entrance
Dance lessons
Confetti or balloon drop
Choreographed first dance
Cool lighting
Play song requests from the RSVP cards
Wedding attendants choreographed dance
Entertainer show (i.e. acrobats, comedian, magician, etc.)

Easy-to-Avoid Wedding Music Mistakes to Dodge

April 12, 2018wedding music tips, wedding reception music IL, wedding reception music mistakesMike Urban

Wedding music is an expected part of every wedding reception, but it’s also a part of a wedding that can make or break your wedding reception. If you don’t want to stare at an empty dance floor, avoid these wedding music mistakes that get made by couples way too often.

Choosing the cheapest option

Don’t automatically assume that you can’t afford a band or DJ—and don’t assume that all wedding entertainers are created equal. Contact wedding DJs and bands to evaluate your options. Meet with the entertainers that fit your budget (and look for these red flags so you can rule out the substandard wedding DJs) and look for signs that they are the ‘one.’ Screen your vendors so you can choose an experienced entertainer with excellent equipment and a contingency plan in case of emergencies (for DJs, that goes for the DJ and the equipment in case of breakdown).

Drafting a LONG ‘Do Not Play’ List

We totally get that you hate country music or those stereotypical wedding songs that get played at every wedding. But some of your guests do enjoy those songs. Don’t let your personal biases get in the way of your guests’ enjoyment. When drafting a ‘do not play’ list for your DJ (and don’t hire a DJ that doesn’t request one), make sure that you aren’t tying your DJ’s hands by giving them TOO long of a list.

In the same way, keep your guests in mind as you draft your must-play list. As much as you love grunge, your guests aren’t going to be crazy about dancing to it all night long. This may be your wedding day, but don’t forget to keep those celebrating with you in mind as you plan your wedding.

Not listening to the experts

You hired your wedding DJ (or you should have hired a wedding DJ) for their experience. Use it. Lean on it. Ask your wedding DJ for their recommendations for dance floor games (if you’re interested), must-play songs, and wedding surprises as you plan (and keep them in the loop as plans change). Be wary of ANY wedding DJs who can’t share their experience because they don’t have any (and look for these other warning signs of a bad wedding DJ so you can make sure you hire the best).

Loud dinner music

Even if you have a full dinner program planned, dinner music is a necessity before and during your wedding supper. If you hire a wedding DJ, they can take care of dinner music (look for wedding DJ who offers dinner music as part of the package) at the appropriate volume. For those couples who want to tackle the do-it-yourself option, be conscientious that the music (and all videos and slideshows) are at an appropriate volume so you don’t drown out the socializing.

Not checking into venue curfews and permits

Some wedding venues have curfews or volume limitations; don’t find out about them on your big day. Talk to staff at your wedding venue about curfew times, permits that need to be secured, or any limitations that your wedding DJ or band should know about.

Choosing an awkward first dance song

Couples love to be different, especially when it comes to their first dance (we’ve even detailed ideas for a memorable first dance here). Make sure that your desire to be different doesn’t turn into an awkward moment for you and your guests. Choosing a first dance song that you shared with a previous ex or is inappropriate for a wedding can make your wedding memorable for all the wrong reasons.

What should I bring to my meeting with my wedding DJ?

March 28, 2018meeting with wedding DJ, questions to ask DJ, wedding DJ meetingMike Urban

A meeting with your wedding DJ is an important part of wedding planning. Even if you’re insanely busy, don’t pass up on the opportunity; this is your chance to connect with the DJ and discuss key details for your big day.

Remember that a connection is a two-way street (just like marriage!). Your DJ can demonstrate their expertise and show you their equipment (be wary of a DJ who doesn’t want to meet or has a location to meet). You can give and get information necessary for planning a phenomenal wedding reception.

If you’re meeting with a DJ, hopefully you’ve already asked (via phone or e-mail) if your wedding date is available. The next step is to pass on basic venue information (name & address) and a schedule for your wedding day. Your schedule may not be finalized; give your DJ your current plan (and ask for any input) so they can meet your needs (i.e. dinner music, reception entertainment, photo booth, etc.). Contact your DJ with any updates if the schedule is changed as you plan your wedding day. If your venue has any noise limitations or curfews, let your DJ now so you don’t both end up in hot water.

A meeting with a DJ is a give-and-take of logistical information. Ask for a copy of the DJ’s contract (and not just the copy you sign) and for details of their logistical specifics. Find out what the DJ’s plan is in case of equipment breakdown, family illness, or an emergency. Make sure you get the exact details of their contingency plan in writing; an abstract plan is not enough if you have issues on your wedding day. You should be concerned if your DJ is hesitant to answer or doesn’t have a back-up plan (and contact a DJ who does have a solid contingency plan).

Nail down other logistics with your DJ. Ask them these questions:

“What is standard attire for your DJ?”
“What time do you arrive?”
“Do you offer any other services (lighting, photo booth, etc.)?”
“Can you do….” (Ask this question if you have a really special request)
“How much of a deposit is required and when will the balance be due?”
“Do you charge overtime fees or a travel fee? What is the total cost?”
“What is your cancellation policy?”
“Do you carry Insurance and can you provide proof of Insurance?”
“What kind of electrical needs does your equipment require?” (for an outdoor wedding)
“Is dinner music included in our package?”
“When do you need information from me?”
“Do you have a wedding DJ checklist that I can write my favorite songs and songs I do not want played at my reception?”
“Will the DJ act as Master of Ceremonies (MC)?”
“How can we contact you?”

If the wedding DJ is the “one,” make sure you are clear on any deadlines for paperwork and payments. Schedule future meetings to ensure that you can finalize all the wedding reception details before your big day.

Tips for a Memorable Wedding First Dance

March 14, 2018wedding first dance, wedding first dance ideas, wedding reception dance ideasMike Urban

There are a million moments to remember on your first day; that special moment dancing with your new husband or wife is definitely one of them—or can be if you use these tips.

Be “theme-y”

We know the term makes many couples cringe at the mere thought; however, if you’re planning a wedding with a common theme (i.e. nautical, country, seasonal), a song that fits with all the other details can take your wedding to another level. We’ve given you a few song ideas for your theme in a recent post; it’s up to you to choose the song that’s special to you and your wedding atmosphere.

Make it special

As tempting as it can be to choose a random song off of one of those first wedding dance lists, choose a song that’s a little closer to your heart. Your first song can be a song that was playing in the background at your first date, when you became engaged, or on a special night when you knew he or she was the one. If you’re still drawing a blank, or you and your spouse-to-be just don’t dance, ask your parents or grandparents for their first dance songs.

Ask for recommendations

A romantic love song or a choreographed dance. We’ve been part of thousands of wedding receptions. Lean on our experience. Use it. Ask your DJ for ideas for recommendations for a ideas for memorable first dance songs or choreographed routines.

Avoid the awkward

There is a fine line between awkward and different. Make sure when you choose your wedding first dance song—and choreographed dance—doesn’t leave your guests with an awkward feeling. Dance songs about wishing your current partner was your ex or a dance that leaves your guest with a strange twinge can make your first dance memorable—for all the wrong reasons.

Get your attendants in on the act

Want to make a big impression on your guests? Ask your attendants to join you as part of your first dance. Start out the dance with just the two of you, then pull your attendants in for an over-the-top surprise choreographed dance.

Practice, practice, practice

If you chose a choreographed dance for your first wedding dance, don’t leave the night to chance. Add a regular practice schedule to your calendar—including full dress rehearsals. As the wedding reception draws near, practice your steps in your wedding shoes and attire (especially if the dress has a wedding train!). Don’t forget to include your DJ in on your plans; he or she may have suggestions on ways to make your first dance even more memorable.

Wedding Music Checklist: What do I need?

March 1, 2018wedding play list, wedding playlist, wedding reception music, wedding reception playlist, wedding reception songsMike Urban

Once you’ve finalized all the big details, it’s time to move on to planning the fun stuff: wedding music and entertainment. We’ve got a little bit of experience in that area (maybe a bit more…like 6,000+ weddings), so we put together a step-by-step checklist that can help you plan the perfect wedding music and entertainment for your big day.

What music do I need for my wedding?

In a traditional wedding, your wedding music typically follows this format:

Ceremony

___ Prelude

___ Music while parents are seated

___ Processional music for attendants

___ Processional music for bride

___ Recessional

Reception

___ Dinner & cocktail background music

___ Wedding party entrance music

___ First dance

___ Father-daughter dance

___ Mother-son dance

___ Bouquet & garter toss songs

___ Dance songs

How do I choose the right music for my wedding?

Your exact wedding playlist depends on the wedding theme or atmosphere you’re planning. The playlist for a vintage wedding with a Roaring 20’s theme is going to be very different than a rustic country wedding. Choosing the right wedding music can be as complicated as planning and executing a do-it-yourself option or as easy as choosing and trusting the right wedding entertainers.

Commonly, the latter option is split between two wedding entertainers: band and wedding DJ. Bands tend to be more expensive but can add to the atmosphere with a unique wedding theme. Wedding DJs are usually more affordable and can craft a playlist unique to your musical tastes (if they don’t, be careful and look for these other signs of a substandard DJ).

Whatever option you choose, understand that your wedding reception is not an isolated event; it’s part of your whole wedding. Choose music that fits with your wedding theme, or contact a DJ or band and give them all the details as you plan (for a seamless day, use a DJ for your ceremony and reception). A high-quality wedding entertainer can give meld the right wedding songs into a playlist that fits your special day—and makes your guests want to stay on the dance floor.