Top 12 Trends of 2012

With the new year in and recession now stabilized, what can we expect for trends this 2012 season? Some trends were close to the same as last year, but new ones took off in high fashion. Here are the top 12 Trends of 2012:

12) Food Trucks – Welcome to the ole pueblo. Nobody has more food trucks on every road than Tucson. Sonoran hotdog stands to Bar-B-Que trucks is the newest trend to feed the palates of your guests, according to OneWed.com .

11)Muti-dress personality - Kim Kardashian wore three. Kate Middleton wore two. I’ve personally seen brides have two or more dresses throughout the wedding. One formal and another cocktail or more dance friendly. Who said you had to wear the princess dress all night?

10)After Parties – Your family would love to party until 1am. However, you may want to leave a way out for the older crowd that just can’t party like they used too. Plus, the younger generation will LOVE this hip new trend. Simply have a plan to meet at your favorite party spot or chose a different location at the venue where die hards can go until the sun comes up!

9)Food Stations – Last year Family style was hip and new over buffet or plated dinners. How about having stations with different ethic foods? Your caterer will provide you with a tasting on the great choices AND it brings out the best in their culinary talents!

8)Not your same ole Bridesmaids – Maid & Matron of Honors are now given the freedom to dress different then the bridesmaids setting them apart in style. Also I’ve seen the whole bridesmaids in different dresses each. Of course they all had the same color scheme. But it is a trend fast moving.

7)Precious colors – Darker colors were in last year. This year Gold and Silver are the thing. Some even incorporate both. Well if you can’t have actual Gold and Silver throughout maybe you can have your table skirts blinged.

6)The Godfather of Sodas – Italian sodas are showing up more and more at weddings. Some venues even offer them in their packages. Choose from buttered popcorn to raspberry delight.Whatever you thirst for this is a cool trend.

5)All in one – Brides and Grooms are looking more for that place where they can have it all. Get married in one spot, cocktail in another and finally end up in another. This is a great way to not worry about traveling between spots. It’s also a great way to change a theme from elegant to formal to party.

4)Wonka would be proud – Candy bars are coming in strong for 2012 and it’s easier than ever to get candy in your colors too! Guests will love the sweet & sour delight to take as a party gift.

3)Photobooths – Photographers, DJs and even venues are offering this candid option. Most have props and custom backgrounds to add to this wacky fun. It’s a great way to help loosen up your guests with a little shot of fun.

2) Lights…It’s showtime! - Specialty lighting has exploded on the scene. Monograms with the Bride and Groom’s name on the dance floor, Uplights tailored to the color scheme and Spots on the cake or centerpieces can add that perfect wow to the wedding. Prices are even more wow now that fixtures are readily available.

Drum roll please…….and the number one trend of 2012 is….

1) Out with the old - Traditions are disappearing more and more with every year. No more embarrassing garter removal with the family sitting in the front row. No more spotlighting your Aunt Jane that is STILL not married with the bouquet toss. Directors, Coordinators are coming up with new traditions to replace these yet still keeping the integrity of the wedding.

Now you have it. 12 Trends to add flavor to your wedding. Of course they are not all for everyone. So choose the ones that best fit your style and personality. Last, call me at 520-572-6262 for ways you can incorporate these and other ideas. CE Entertainment is not just a DJ. We are your Director and host.

Directors, DJ, Emcee’s Are Like Doctors

As someone that spent a lot of time in the hospital in my younger years, I can truly appreciate what doctors and nurses do. They have little leeway for error. In some instances it can be fatal if they make a mistake.
So today I was reminded that what I do for a wedding is like a doctor does for life. You only get one shot.
I recently became a Jr. Associate for Legal Shield (formerly Prepaid Legal services). This Saturday is a major training conference. My mentor reminded me to go this weekend. I reminded him that I work weekends. He then let me know I need to find a way to come as it would be detrimental to my business as an Associate. That got me thinking…I CAN’T! This is not a 9-5 job in which I can call in sick or want to take a day off when I don’t feel like coming in. People are counting on me being there and giving them one of the best nights of their lives! In 11 years I have never missed a wedding and (knock on wood) never will.
We only get one shot. One chance to get it perfect. Now I’m not saying if we don’t the bride and groom dies, but it will have a major impact on their lives.
I’m also reminded of a couple I met at a wedding, that hired a shady DJ for their wedding and it was a disaster. He played all the wrong songs. The bride and groom did not enjoy this most memorable day and it obviously affected them as I could see in their eyes when they told me about it.
Just as you want the best doctor looking after you, you should want the best Director, DJ & Emcee performing your wedding. Don’t settle for the venue’s in house services or the cheapest choice. Look for value. Shop. Make the best decisions for you and your big day.
Now go and have the best wedding ever.

“The times they are a changin’”

I remember growing up, waiting for my dad to get home from the factory to give em hugs. Mom would have supper right at 6pm. Even our springer spaniel wouldn’t be late. My older brothers, sister and I HAD to get our daily chores done.

Today the factories are almost gone, 6pm dinner sometimes becomes whatever your want and eat at the couch as both mom and dad have to work 12hours just to make ends meet. Chores…what are kid chores. Mom and Dad (if they are still together) are to tired to argue to get their chores done.

Bob Dylan sang “The times they are are a changin’”. Boy was he right. Today hardly anything is made in America. We love anything under $10 dollars AND the Dollar store. Customer service is almost a thing of the past. My wife told me the other day she would pay extra for the gas station that pumped your gas. Remember that!

I’m guilty. I fall in this trap, but now my kids are getting older and I want to teach them the values of life. It’s hard when a VMA winner comes on TV and drops the F-Bomb and Sh@#T every other word and says, “Kids you can be any F-in thing you want to be”. Really? Anything? Like a foul mouth rap star that will be broke in 10 years, resulting to a life of crime after wards? Gee where can I sign up!

My dad taught me to hold the door. To never swear in front of a lady. (Ok, I slip on that sometimes) Your name is all you have. Work hard and take care of your family. Do what is fair. There are so many lessons in each of these. The schools can teach them math, grammar, history, but I want to teach them something better than that…How to live.

I’m not perfect in anyway, but I try to do what is fair and live my life by example. My business is a passion for giving couples a great start on their new lives together. We as Americans need to get back to the basics. Remember, nothing in this world is about you. Everythought and action should be how can I help someone. You will be the happiest person and you just might change the times back to the “good ole days” and that is not a bad thing.

The Wedding industry embraces a Network that connects wedding vendors for the common purpose of increasing professionalism while continuing to build  and grow their own businesses through sharing and learning.

Tucson Wedding Network was first created by Michael McCune of Weddings of Distinction who brought on Networking guru Marc Summersett of CE Entertainment to bring the Tucson Wedding Community together to not only help Tucson Wedding Vendors to build their businesses, but to elevate quality.

Area vendors will benefit from the vast seminar and mixers that Tucson Wedding Network will provide.

Michael’s talent in Computer graphics, technology and exceptional DJ/MC Directional services will only help make Tucson THE place to have a perfect wedding.

Marc’s talent in Networking, Presentation, Leadership and exceptional DJ/MC Directional services has helped make this Network to grow to over 115 members so far.

Tucson Wedding Network is officially kicking off with a social mixer. August 15th, 2011 El Charro Cafe  on 6310 E. Broadway Blvd. from 6pm to 8pm (although may go longer). Special thanks to Candace Flores Carrillo for setting up the venue for this great beginning.

What does this mean for you the client? Better higher quality service and so much more! Plans are in the works to unleash Tucson Wedding Services for you, the valued client, to search industry greats and so much more!

For more information on TWN or TWS, please contact Mike or Marc. Until next time, have the best wedding ever!

 

Genuine appreciation and thanks goes a long way.

I was always taught to appreciate what you have and to respect others. Nothing holds more to this than your wedding vendors.

I recently met up with a great wedding coordinator, Anne Bryan of Creative Events LLC. We were talking about an upcoming wedding and how we really liked our client because they appreciated us and respected us and our expertise. Thus we were excited to give them the best wedding ever.

Let me tell you what this will do for your event. When you let your vendors do their magic and you appreciate them they will be so relaxed and easily approachable to give you their all. Just think about it. If you are hard to please or demanding your vendors may back off so they don’t disappoint you. I’m not saying you should take every advice we present. There is a polite and appreciative way to let them know it isn’t for you. Now if you are engaging and appreciative then we will do our magic. We are open and more willing to work.

Which brings me to a secret.  Shhhhhhhhh. (wisper) I’ve know vendors to throw in services that they normally charge for, if the client is the kind that is easy to work with or thankful. Shhhhhh. Don’t tell anyone. (normal voice) This shouldn’t be a secret. It actually makes sense. I use the respect & appreciative approach wherever I go. A restaurant, the grocery store or wherever. I use names if they have a name tag. I ask them how they are. You’d be surprised the response you get. I don’t do this to get free stuff, but I just want them to have a great experience with me. It’s just who I am.

So the next time you are working with your vendors or out on the town. Treat others with genuine respect and appreciation. Then watch the magic flow.

 

“That’s how we always do it.”

“Well that’s how we always do it!” says the caterer to me at a wedding.  Uggg! Those words alone bring me to a boil.

However, I kept my cool and replied back, “I’m sure you do and it probably works for a typical wedding, however this is Paula and Drew’s wedding and this is how they want their perfect night to go. So if you could do me a favor and help me in making it special for them I know they would love it.”

By the end of the night, I had given that caterer my card as his niece is getting married next year. (smile)

We as vendors provide services many times and it is easy to do the same thing over and over again. What we need to do is ask what do they want. Maybe they have a vision, a dream. If not, no problem you can guide them on what usually works best.

The caterer learned a valuable lesson that day. He not only learned that not allweddings are created equal, but that he too can be different. That might just have set his business apart in a great way.

I dare you to be different. I dare you to ask your clients what they want. I double dog dare you!

Can I have extra pickels?

Customer service is the key to any businesses success. It can elevate or close any business. Recently I had a friend go to her favorite Sub shop and ask for extra pickles. They originally put three pickles on a six inch sub. Naturally she asked for more. They put three more…seriously!

I’ve noticed over the past few years how businesses have gotten away from good customer service. Especially in my profession, DJ service. If you notice the word “service” is in the profession. Now I don’t wait for my clients to ask if they can have more pickles (analogy). I find out if they like pickles, then I ask how much they want from the start. That’s just good business.

We are to blame. We go to Wal-Mart because we don’t want to drive around. We pump our own gas. We go to fast food restaurants because we don’t have time to be waited on or money. We settle for cheap just to save a buck! (guilty)

When did we, as customers, lay down and just take shady service. Airlines are the worst! Charging for luggage and every other little thing. That’s like putting a credit card swipe in your car to use your air conditioning or radio! Absurd!

Does it really cost the Sub shop that much more to add a few pickles? Would it kill my industry to ask clients what they want in a DJ service and provide it? Next time you are shopping for anything, notice the customer service, items, and/or price. Are you being treated like a valued customer? If not, say “WE WANT EXTRA PICKLES!”

10 ways to Qualifying your DJ/MC Entertainer for your wedding.

When I recently read an article on “10 ways to know your DJ is a dud”, I noticed the writer should have said “10 ways to know your DJ is a dud during the wedding”. This helps you how? All this does is let you know how bad a DJ can be. The writer plays on the fear factor. You have enough to worry about. So I come up with 10 ways to qualifying your DJ/MC Entertainer for your wedding. (Notice I said DJ/MC Entertainer and Wedding)

1. If they don’t have a website…move on! www.CEentertainment.com

In today’s day and age every serious business should have a website. Associations such as The American DJ Association offer free websites and hosting. Also, it only costs about $150 to start a landing page at least.

2. How does their marketing material look?

Does the pictures show a bunch of college students with drinks partying? If so, I don’t think they are the ones that are perfect for a wedding. Also do they use a home printer or is it professionally printed. Vista Print offers affordable  printing. However, spend a few extra to have a professional stationary expert design one for you. Just as you are an expert at your field so are they.

3. Do they use social media?

Although social media is considered fairly new. It’s a great qualifier. Do they have a Facebook business page? What’s on it?  How about LinkedIn or Twitter? LinkedIn is for business professionals so why not qualify that they are business professionals? Twitter is not quite important but their tweets will tell you something of who they are. Do they tweet about themselves all the time or do they tweet and offer help? Facebook is the biggie. You can learn a lot about a business through their business page. Do they have photos of the set-up, venue’s, people dancing. etc.?

4. How many refer them?

Referrals from past clients or vendors go a long way. But make sure the referral is not due to the fact they the person referring gets paid or makes money off of it. How current are the testimonials on their web page or marketing material? Ask the person why they refer them.

5. Are they affiliated with any Associations or Groups?

The American DJ Association and National Association of Mobile Entertainers are great Associations for DJ/MC entertainers and consumers. Also BNI, Chamber of Commerce, Wedding Associations, even Toastmasters is great!

6. What does their resume look like?

Resume? Sure! You are hiring someone are you not? How many years have they been doing this. What does their background look like?

7. Do they have any awards?

Although I find this hard to tell if this is real or not. However most wedding web sites have “Best of” or “preferred”. It’s a start.

8. Are the licensed and insured?

A business license shows they are serious about their business and it isn’t just a hobby. Insured, I feel is important. Why? Well if they are sued (and we are a sue happy world) they will still be in business. So if you hired them, they get sued to the point of going out of business, you are stuck scrambling for another DJ.

9. What do they specialize in?

Certainly you don’t want a club DJ doing your wedding. (Unless you are into that sort of wedding.) Chances are a DJ/MC that does mostly weddings do it often and can be the most help. Thus giving you what you want.

10. Last, What kind of equipment do they use?

I know you don’t know the first thing about equipment or if it is professional or not. I ask you this. Would you hire someone that uses an ipod and and home stereo to power such an important day? I say, no. Why? Home stereos are not made for the everyday rigors of DJing. Also, would you hire a carpenter that has a hand saw to build a beautiful house. Professional equipment give the DJ/MC power to deliver a great show.

Now, all of these do not guarantee a great show, but chances are you will have a good one. Remember after qualifying set-up and interview and make sure they are right for you. Never base a DJ/MC Entertainer on price. This is the number one mistake people hire bad DJ/MC entertianers. For more information on hiring the perfect entertainer please contact Marc at 877-672-6262. Until then, have a great wedding!

Looks aren’t everything.

One thing I’ve learned over the past 10 years is that you can have the most beautiful flowers, decorations, set-up and design, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t understand what your day is about.

I had a wedding that they obviously spent a lot of money on making it the most beautiful wedding it could be. They hired me to secure that investment. I told them if they didn’t participate in their wedding, hardly anyone would. They said “no problem”. They danced whenever they could. They let me personalize it wherever and whenever I could. Thus the wedding was one to talk about for years.

Now, I had another one same situation. This time they left out key information. The families didn’t get along. Also some guests were not invited to the dinner, but were invited to the dancing, because of cost reasons. On top of things the bridal party and friends had sprung on the Bride, they  hired a band and special singer. Now, I have worked with many bands in the past. No problem there, but all with time to plan out the details when each of us go on and what songs we are transitioning with etc. Needless to say, it was not a great wedding at all. Thousands of dollars wasted.

If you noticed, I talked about what made it a hit and what didn’t. Participation=hit. Controversy=disaster. I still remember Deb McCoy, a well renowned Consultant, telling my listeners for WedPod Radio, “Sorry to say, It’s not about you brides”. Really? Yes really! It is the first party you are hosting as a couple. When you host a party you make the guest comfortable. You entertain them. Obviously, there are times it has to be about the bride & groom, but you get the message.

Also don’t forget to tell your entertainer, DJ/MC everything. Family fueds, a boisterous cousin, whatever it may be. These all play a factor and if they are known ahead of time they can be dealt with.

Don’t get discouraged if you have some of these problems. A great entertainer, DJ/MC can help you create the wedding you will be soaringly happy about. But remember to participate and let your guest participate in your wedding and you will have a great one.

Up-lighting & Monograms

Up-Lighting has burst into weddings and other events. For years we’ve had to look at those ugly,  stained, brown dividers in banquet halls. Not anymore. This affordable option can now turn a ordinary room into an extraordinary room.

For those that do not know what I’m talking about, I will explain. Up-Lighting is just that, Up…Lights. It’s a light that is placed on the floor to shine up.

There are two types of Up-Lighting. Conventional or Can Lighting (That is regular 90 watt bulbs). Conventional has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are you can create more colors with Conventional . Color Gels are placed on Cans to create that color. Also the price is way cheaper. The disadvantages are that it uses more power than a non conventional (usually 1 Amp per light). Non conventional lighting or LED is the new wave of technology. The Advantages are they use very little power. They also can be programed to change colors. The disadvantages are LED’s come in Red, Blue, Green and if you pay more money for your lights Amber. So you see you can only create so many colors.

I use Conventional only because I can create the exact color of my weddings. Also, I able to keep it affordable for my clients. The shock and awe factor is priceless. Those that have had this option were not sorry. Guests raved about it.

Next we dive into Monograms:

Monograms are a projected image of pretty much whatever you want. In the above picture it was the Bride and Grooms pet names surrounded by a heart.

This can be shown on the ceiling (such as above), floors or walls. It doesn’t necessary have to be words. Monograms are also used as floor washes.

Floor washes are design patterns that can also be with a color gel to add that special touch. Monograms are a great option to really bring out that elegance in a wedding or event.

Other Lighting options are Pin-Spotting. This is used to showcase or shine on a particular item. Cakes can be illuminated as well as floral arrangements to bring out their beauty.

As you can see there are a lot of options to choose from and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. The affordability of this and what it can do to your wedding is priceless. Contact me today for my newsletter explaining more about this great option.