Wednesday, July 11, 2012
A few weeks ago, I spoke with Sarah of Regalo Design. She mentioned the important role that a DJ plays in a wedding reception. Without the DJ, there is no flow for the evening, no announcer, and no one to choose just the right song to keep your family and friends on the dance floor. In fact, Sarah once experienced a DJ that literally said "I can't read" when she handed him the bridal party list of names to announce. Wow!
A professional, experienced DJ can make or break your reception, which got us thinking about the wedding of Charity and Brett that Brent of Cosmo Creations shared with us. Brent mentioned that Charity and Brett gave him full control of their wedding; they trusted Brent to make sure their wedding reception was fun and lively and let him take the lead on their wedding playlist. Imagine the difference between a reception with no DJ or a less skilled DJ versus a wedding with a quality DJ that is given creative freedom and can gauge the guests and ambiance.
Keep reading to learn how Cosmo Creations works with couples and his experience with Charity and Brett's wedding.
What role does a quality DJ play?
I think I speak for all of us at Cosmo Creations when I say that the best part about being the disc jockey at a wedding reception is being able to create a relaxing atmosphere for a couple of hours, allowing the bride and groom to mingle with old friends and family and/or stay on the dance floor from beginning to end! It’s easy to tell when someone is enjoying their self, and that’s what we’re looking for. Our “not so over the top” approach seems to work for our budget friendly brides and also our brides on a bigger budget.
Does it help when a couple give you more freedom over the reception playlist?
Yes, after the couple decides on the “mood” of their wedding reception, the music selection becomes critical. Too often a couple gets wrapped up in trying to please their close friends and forget that they will have a lot of older wedding guests to entertain too (family, co-workers, friends of the family). If we look out at the crowd and the average guest’s age is 45 to 50 and the "must play" songs from the couple are all newer Top 40 songs, chances are we need to open the dance floor with something that will ease the crowd into the Top 40 selections. Depending on the guest, this transition could take several songs, but the goal should be for everyone to have a great time.
When a bride does allow you to choose all or almost all of her music, how do you decide on what to play? Do you go off of her personality? Do you quiz her on some of her favorite songs? Or do you just pick what's popular?
When meeting with brides we sometimes hear that they want everyone to dance and have a great time, yet their "must play" song list is composed of more somber or obscure selections. Our responsibility as disc jockeys and emcees should be to read the crowd’s reaction and keep the momentum going on the dance floor. Normally we can play 15 songs per hour, so at a 4 hour wedding reception you would only expect to hear about 60 songs. That being said, we feel it’s best when the couple give us a list of all the traditional dances and event songs (like bridal party introduction, cake cutting, etc.) and 5 to 10 must play songs. A "do not play" list is helpful too, especially if either the bride or groom are opposed to certain songs that are very popular or have been over played at wedding in the past. Providing a do not play list will take the guess work out for the disc jockey (all your friends may realize that you hate “Call Me Maybe” but to the DJ it’s still #1 on the charts).
So I guess that Charity and Brett were a dream couple because they valued your expertise and let you lead on the music selection.
Charity was amazing to work with! It was important to her that everyone dance and have a great time during the reception, so we were on the same page from the beginning.
What did Charity have to say about Brent?
"He was great to work with- always available, night and day, to answer questions, help with various requests, etc. The music at the reception was a hit. The playlist was great and he kept the party going. Brent was great and we are super happy we chose to work with them." -Charity
If you're interested in having a party that all of your guests will enjoy, then make sure you contact Brent at Cosmo Creations and let him know that you heard of him on AshleysBrideGuide.com! Or to see more photos of the dance party, check out Justin's blog.
Many thanks to Justin Wright Photography and Jake Morgan for the video.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: DJ, Band, Lighting + Transportation
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Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I'd like to share questions that we've received from ABG readers like you, on a variety of topics. From rehearsal dinner food to finding a DJ, I hope our advice helps you too. And if you have questions of your own, email us via this link.
Photos: Dove Sweets
Question from Nashville vendor:
Hey Ashley! Thought you might be able to help... I have a client wanting to do boudoir photos - she is is super sweet girl and want to set her up with someone who would be very tasteful and make her comfortable and have fun.
Any thoughts?
I have already seen these sites:
jxcreative.com/portfolio/boudoir + smittenboudoir.com + brookekellyphotography.com + dovesweets.com
I would so appreciate your advice! Thanks, Sara
Answer from Ashley of AshleysBrideGuide.com (ABG):
Hey Sara!
I am only familiar with Dove. They do great work. Unfortunately, I don't know the others. I know that the gals at The Photographix do boudoir as does Bombshell Creative. I know them both. Tell any of them that I sent you.
Question from Nashville bride:
HI there! I'm a huge fan of your blog. I'm from Nashville originally, but now live in NYC. My wedding is going to be in Nashville in June and your website has given me so many great resources! So a huge thank you! I have a question that I can't seem to find the answer to and I thought you guys might have an idea. I'm looking to hire someone the night before my wedding to simply grill hamburgers and such. I don't want to ask family or friends as I want them to enjoy the celebration. Do you know of anyone who might offer such a service? Any tips would be appreciated! Thanks so much! ~Kate
Answer from Ashley of ABG:
Hi Kate! Glad our blog has been helpful. We love hearing from brides and learning how they are using our site during their planning. I do hope your planning is going well.
Off the top of my head, here are a few suggestions:
1) Explore a wedding caterer
2) Consider a food truck - like Mere Bulles or hossburgers.com
3) Hire a private chef. You can start by reaching out to a few caterers that you've considered or even local restaurants that you love. They may have chef that offers private service.
Here's a response from our Twitter friend Lindsey, lead planner of Dandylion Events, who is always willing to help us with questions from brides! As you see, she recommends Backyard Burgers.
Question from Nashville bride:
I am newly engaged and trying to navigate through the options of choosing a wedding gown. What is a trunk show and what is a sample sale? I'm trying to decide on what is the best option of getting a nice dress but not paying full retail price, since I am on a tight budget. Is there a certain season for sample or trunk sales? Looking through previous posts it seemed like a lot of sample sales were right before the holidays. Please help!
Answer from Tabitha of ABG:
A trunk show is usually held by a bridal boutique showcasing a designer they carry. For example, The White Room will have trunk shows for their designers (Maggie Sottero, Pronovias, etc.). What happens is the designer's or company's rep brings their latest line and their popular styles to the store for the day or a couple of days. You can make appointments with the boutiques to try the gowns on to find your gown. Typically the designers will offer a discount or a special of some sort if you purchase that day. There are also trunk shows for bridesmaids lines so be on the look out for those. A sample sale is when you purchase a sample gown that the store has had on their racks. Those will probably require cleaning and fixing - here's a post about it: Is A Sample Sale Right For You?
Sample sales are great because the gowns have been marked down. However, they've been tried on and worn and dragged around so they may or may not be in the best shape. The link I just included will give you the options you have if you decide to go that route.
Visit boutiques' sites and blogs, they usually post the sample sales they have and if you follow them on Twitter or Facebook they're great about announcing their trunk shows as well. All the best and congratulations on your engagement!
Here's a list of some sample sales from last year. We can't promise they will be the same this year but you can contact the salons and find out if they have set dates for 2012.
Left: Vera Wang Fall 2011 collection from VeraWang.com. Right: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011 gown from Oscardelarenta.com
Question from Nashville bride:
I am researching DJs in Nashville and it seems like everyone is around the same price. I'm not familiar with DJ services in town, so I wanted to check to see if you have any first-hand experience with some that you could recommend? Thank you so much!
Ashley of ABG:
Personally, I've attended events by Kelly of Party Patrol and Spangler Entertainment. Both were a lot of fun. I've heard nothing but good things about Cosmo Creations. Hope that helps! You can't go wrong with any of them.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Cakes & Food, DJ, Band, Lighting + Transportation
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Monday, April 2, 2012
We have had such a great experience with knowing and working with very knowledgable vendors, the best part is that we can take their knowledge and share it with you! We love keeping brides informed! So we went to Brent Cantrell of Cosmo Creations and asked him what questions brides should ask a DJ before booking them, and what questions he is commonly asked.
Stay informed and read on to find out what you should expect and know about your wedding DJ!
Photo by K.G. Photography
Top 3 questions you should ask your potential wedding DJ:
1. Do you have liability insurance?
2. Do you have professional equipment and back-up equipment (and a back-up DJ)?
3. Will you be my DJ on the day of my wedding or will I get someone else?
Photos by David & Tammy Wedding Photographers
What are brides' most frequently asked questions when they contact Cosmo Creations?
"Have you ever DJed a wedding before?"
Great question! Some disc jockeys (DJs) specialize in school events, car shows, proms, fraternity formals, etc. Make sure they have several weddings in their mix of events.
"What would you say your style is on the microphone?"
You need to communicate your expectations with your potential DJ. Asking “What style DJ are you?” is a great way to find out if you’re talking to someone that’s going to be over-the-top or laid back. And depending on the type of wedding you are planning, that can make a huge difference.
A good DJ will result in everyone on the dance floor having a good time. Photos by Evan Baines Photography
"Where can I find reference and reviews on your company?"
Anyone can brag on themselves. You need to hear from past brides and other wedding vendors before you make your final decision.
"Do you belong to any disc jockey associations or networks?"
Disc jockey networking is a great way for DJs to stay on top of the latest wedding trends, newest technology, and also learn from each others personal successes and mistakes in the wedding entertainment industry. Check out http://www.TNDJN.com.
"Do you offer a contract?"
In Middle Tennessee you never know what the most popular wedding date will be, so lock in a contract with your wedding vendors ASAP. Also, if you’re using a family member or “friend of a friend” make sure you have them sign a contract too (You want the person in charge of your wedding music to feel obligated to be at your wedding).
A DJ is also your emcee and will introduce the bridal party! Photos by Zach and Jody - Gray Photography
ABG Notes: Make sure to ask your DJ if they offer additional services, such as lighting. And you might be surprised! Cosmo Creations now offers some lighting options and a photo booth! (One service provider for multiple services can sometimes save you time and/or money.)
Photo from the Cosmo Creations Photo Booth - their photo booth shots are so clear!
Make sure to mention ABG when you call and check out Cosmo Creations!
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: DJ, Band, Lighting + Transportation, Reception Entertainment, Photo Booths
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Monday, January 2, 2012
Cosmo Creations is a premier DJ service that has served brides from Cookeville to Nashville for 10 years. 2011 brought exciting new additions to their company that will benefit Greater-Nashville brides. They have expanded their service offerings, added a new location, and will showcase their new products at an upcoming bridal show. Keep reading for all the details.
Brent Cantrell, who started Cosmo Creations, and the rest of the team care deeply about what the bride and groom want and envision for their wedding. This is so important, that they decided it was essential to have a place to meet with clients in an intimate setting to get the feel for what is needed to make their client's day perfect.
New Location
Cookeville couples - DJ's Brent Cantrell and Josh Rose are both Cookeville residents and local business is very important to them since the area has helped shape the business into what it is today. They will have an open house at the new location from 4 pm to 8 pm, Thursday, January 19. If you are a Cookeville area bride or wedding pro, you should go check out their new office at 135A Pigeon Rd, Cookeville, TN.
Nashville couples - The Cosmo Creations crew has and will continue to meet their Nashville brides at StudioWed Nashville.
New Services
Cosmo Creations has a number of incredible services that they offer to couples on their big days. They have packages for every event at every budget. Music can be provided with or without an emcee, and ceremony music with a lapel microphone for the officiant is also available. They have the latest technology in lighting and video projectors available for rent. Music videos showcased through the projectors and on flat panel TVs have been a big hit at weddings.
If you want a more interactive affair, karaoke is available and always a fun idea. They include over 1,000 karaoke songs, two microphones, and a television monitor. The DJ's at Cosmo Creations make it their mission to read what style music the guests would enjoy listening to and they never disappoint.
In addition to all of those features, Cosmo Creations has added another exciting element to their arsenal - the photo booth! With Cosmo Creations, you can customize photo strips and take an unlimited number of high-quality photographs in color and/or black and white. Attendants are present to assist and ensure the host gets a copy of each photo taken in the booth. Instead of a traditional guest book, brides can opt for a scrapbook of these images that guests can then sign. They provide props to add to the fun along with online galleries for the digital copies of all of the images. Check out their Facebook page to see online galleries of the photo booth and past events.
To check out Cosmo Creations/Cookeville Photo Booth in person, visit the Cookeville Bridal Show from 1pm to 5pm, Sunday, January 15, 2012 . They will have their photo booth set up, so drop by to try it out and register to win a FREE photo booth rental!
If you would like to learn more about Cosmo Creations and to see a more detailed list of their packages, please visit their website. You can also call 931-265-2934 or email Brent at CosmoCreationsDJ {at} gmail {dot} com to schedule a meeting.
We congratulate Cosmo Creations!
All images courtesy of Cosmo Creations.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Bridal Shows & Events, Contests, Giveaways, Specials, DJ, Band, Lighting + Transportation
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Friday, August 26, 2011
Tabitha, Horace (our guest groom) and I are back with our final recap of the Perfect Wedding Guide bridal show. Overall, we loved the show! Loews Vanderbilt made a great location; the vendors were super nice; the show was well operated and there was lots of creativity. We had a great day and met lots of great new wedding vendors and were happy to see many of our wonderful website sponsors.
While we could'nt cover all of the show's wedding service providers, we'll cover a few of our remaining favorites today - from photography and photo booths to music and unique services.
First up, the photo booths...
Ace Photo Booth's video photo booth
A Video Photo Booth - Ace Photobooths
acephotobooth.com
Tabitha: It was almost more fun watching the people in the photo booths as it can be to get in one. Everyone seemed really pleased with their pictures. My favorite was when the two girls (pictured above) both showed their ring fingers to the camera. Alas, my amateur photography skills didn't capture it properly!
Ashley: Yeah, I'd agree. I think photo booths are a great addition to a wedding reception and this one takes video! So, not only are you entertained taking pics but you share the fun by watching your friends inside! As the bride and groom, you get to watch everyone's shenigans over and over and enjoy their personal messages, recorded especially for you.
Horace: I enjoyed all of the photo booths; they varied to give you a better plan to pick the best one. The jury is still out.
A Mini Photo Booth - Nashville Photo Booths by Snyder Entertainment
nashvillephotobooths.com
Tabitha: Snyder Entertainment's photo booth was a little less bulky which makes it easier to fit larger groups of people in the picture. It seemed to appeal to lots of brides who stopped and chatted with them.
Ashley: Brian of Snyder is such a great guy and I love that his booths offer couples a scaled down version of some of the larger booths. As you can see, it could fit just about anywhere.
Wedding Photography - The Collection
thephotographycollection.com
Tabitha: Always a pleasure to see these ladies. You can't miss their booth, it's set up like a cozy living room in which you can view their good work and chat with them. Very inviting, very personable, just like their photographers.
Ashley: The booth was like a mini-studio that spoke well for the company - vibrant colors, great eye for details, and super cool team of approachable, customer-service focused, fun photographers. You can tell a lot about a company based on their presentation; always trust the initial impression. The Collection was inviting and warm - just like their team of photographers. And, their wedding photography is outstanding.
L - R: Jessica, Erin & Sarah of The Collection (Thanks for the picture ladies!)
Wedding Photography - Roland's Photography
weddingsbyroland.com
Ashley: I really like this couple! They love what they do and it shows.
Horace (groom's perspective): They were quite helpful and had a great collection of their work. They really know how to capture the moment.
Tabitha: Roland and his wife were super friendly, I really liked the tile photo frame (pictured) and thought that was a cool way to have your picture on your wall. I wonder if you could make that part of your backsplash in your kitchen?
Roland's debuted the above framed work where images are printed on tile rather than paper.
Wedding Photography - Scoobie Photographic Images
scoobiephoto.com
Tabitha: I was impressed by their guarantee that couples get online viewing of their finished wedding images in just 7 days. They also make discs to give to parents of the couples so no more annoying "Can you email me that picture with you standing here with your dad again?" from either parent!
Ashley: Ditto. I think what Scoobie Photographic offers is truly rare. His turnaround time is unheard of. He also offers a traditional style of photography which parents and classic brides love!
Pretty Stationery - Designs In Paper
designsinpaper.com
Tabitha: It was so simple, but I really liked the "mom" tealight holder. That'd be a great place holder at the head table. You could even have one that says "Just Married" or "Mr" and "Mrs" for the bride and groom. Possibilities = Endless!
Ashley: This booth was so popular that I could barely get in it! But, I've worked with Designs in Paper for years and know that they can do ANYTHING with paper - from paper bouquets to buttons to one of a kind wedding invitations.
Funkalicious - Party Patrol
partypatrolonline.com
Tabitha: I wish DJ Kelly was able to break out some funky tunes to get the party started but it just wasn't that kind of show I guess. One thing's for sure, he was really cool and friendly, two things I'd like from my DJ.
Ashley: I was shocked to see Kelly so laid back. Normally, he is in party mode, as you can see on my funny video from a previous show here. If you need a wedding DJ, he brings the party!
Definitely Dapper - Street Tuxedo
streettuxedo.com
Tabitha: It seems like each time I see Street Tuxedo's booth at a bridal show, they've added more colors to their rainbow of swatches. The guys who modeled their tuxes were certainly very sharp-dressed men! Hopefully that encouraged the brides at the show to use Street Tuxedo for their grooms.
Ashley: Street Tuxedo gives Nashville grooms swag! Their team keeps a pulse on the latest in grooms fashion. I believe in supporting local businesses and love that Street Tuxedo is a Nashville-based, family-owned and operated business. When you go into the store, you will meet someone from the Street family. As such, they value each customer. Their inventory is also local so they can quickly get what you need.
Horace ( groom's perspective): They had a nice selection of tuxes with the wide variety of tie designs.
Great Idea - Music City Sitters
nashvilleweddingsitters.com
Tabitha: Why didn't I think of this? What a great idea. They provide games, toys and entertain your guests' children so everyone has a wonderful time at your wedding and no one has to leave because of a cranky child. Brilliant.
The Groom's Perspective
Horace's take on other wedding vendors at the bridal show:
Olia Zavozina: The wedding dresses were eye catching and definitely got a response out of the attendees.
Catch Light Cinema: I was really impessed with how the company makes you the star of your wedding day.
Tuxedo Avenue: Tuxedo options for the groom were limited but they seemed eager to accommadate.
(Message for wedding pros + show producers: Horace would have liked to have seen more vendors in these categories: spa, transportation, favor vendors, fitness, lighting vendors.)
Be sure to read our recap of our favorite of the show's wedding planners, designers and florists and wedding cakes and catering.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos , DJ, Band, Lighting + Transportation, Unique Wedding Ideas, Wedding Resources
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