Archive for February, 2009

Most Requested Songs

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

One of the more common questions I get from people when I consult with them about music selection is what song do you suggest I play for (insert event) at my reception.

While I am more than happy to provide you with some ideas I have from parties I have done over the past few years, in this post I am going to leave it up to the experts: other brides and grooms to share their ideas with you.

One of the new features on my web site is the Most Requested Songs page, where you can find out what the Top 200 most requested songs at parties are along with the Top 100 songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today.  This list also provides the Top 100 songs for special dances at your wedding, the cake cutting, bouquet toss and more. 

The best part about this list is that it is generated by other brides and grooms (and if you become a client of mine you will be able to contribute your song ideas to these lists too).  Everytime a bride and groom adds a song to their online planner it automatically counts towards the respective Top 100 category.  You get real time information from real brides/grooms who are in the same situation as you. 

Click here to see what is hot right now…   Good luck and happy listening!  KTPG

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What To Do With The Kids??

Sunday, February 8th, 2009

One of the hardest decisions for some people to make when it comes to wedding planning isn’t about what to have everyone wear or what have on the menu but what to do with the kids.

Some people want an adult only reception, we have entertained at some where the only kids are the ones in the wedding party and then there are some that are full out kid fests. Each one brings it own unqiue characteristics:

Adult Reception: Parents, friends and family can cut loose and have fun but often leads to parents wondering if their child is ok, safe, having fun, with the babysitter.

Kids In Wedding: most weddings we have played at the kids get introduced, get dinner, some pictures and then sent off with other relatives leaving early.

Kids Fest: I label this “kids fest” as most weddings we do with a lot of children, the kids are everywhere. Parents tend to let their children have fun by letting then run all over the banquet hall or on the dance floor when other adults are dancing. At first this appears to be fun and acceptable until a child is heard crying or screaming because they get bumped by the knee or leg of an adult who is having fun. Often dance floors will clear because nobody wants to be the next person to accidently run into a child who is out of control. (Editors Note: many parents are seen by enjoying a beverage, trying to ignore the fact their kids are on the floor causing trouble. Would you rather have to watch the kids or try to have some fun?)

An alternative:  See if your reception hall or venue provides child services or has a room where the kids can play and a babysitter can entertain the children.  Better yet, see if you can get a daycare provider to open their doors after hours or furinsh a ”play room” for a nominal fee.   This way the kids are all together with a professional who has many activities to keep them entertained.

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17 Tips For A Great Reception

Monday, February 2nd, 2009

I found this video from Dan Nichols on YouTube.  These are some great ideas. Some are common sense, others are brilliant ideas. Take the 10 minutes to watch and improve your event!

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New York Mills F.D. Installation Banquet

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

Well things are back into full swing for 2009. After enjoying a weekend off for gigging, it was off to Twin Ponds in New York Mills for their annual fire department installation banquet.

Close to 120 people attended the 5 hour event including many politicans and local community figures.   After a social hour, fabulous dinner, and some awards, it was time to party and dance.   This was a different crowd than years past as many left after they ate dinner and had dessert.  We still hit them with some party tunes and plenty of requests. 

The night did have the resurrection of one of favorite unofficial rules:  “If you request it, dance to it”.   It is amazing how many times someone will ask to have a song played, saying they will dance to it, or their friends/spouse will dance to it, only to have them not come out to the dance floor.  I just laugh and go about my business of DJ-ing, but it is funny how often the old unofficial rule comes into play.

With over 700 calls per year, it amazes me how many guys made it to 200, 300 or even 500 fire calls per year.  All I can say is thank you for what you do!

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