Modern Wedding trends are today’s choice at most weddings.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING FEEL FRESH AND NEW
Lately, the traditions involved in Wedding Receptions are changing to meet the demands of a new generation. They are no longer the boring slow-dance packed night with cake-cutting and garter toss as the main attractions. They are morphing into more elaborate customized events with lots of energy and surprises to mirror the bride and groom’s character.
If you want to host a wedding reception that screams you, consider this top 10 list:
1. Show up in style
If the wedding ceremony and reception take place at different venues, providing guests with transportation that meets the feel you want for the party. A limo, or crazy hummer ride can set the tone. Recently, I did a wedding reception in Fonda, NY, a big parachuting town, in an old airplane hanger that was decked out in a German/Swiss theme. I played polkas and yodel music to start, while they served beer a brauts for the cocktail hour. When it came time for the introductions of the bridal party, I hit the Mission Impossible theme and had everyone look up in the air. People marveled at the party parachuting down to join the festivities.
2. Wedding Cup Cakes:
While you may absolutely love the idea of a classy cream cheese carrot cake, Uncle Charlie may absolutely HATE IT. That doesn’t mean you have to be unselfish and not have carrot cake, it only means you have to think outside of the box. In this case, why not try WEDDING CUPCAKES. You tier up a wedding cake display with many different types of cup cakes, in displayed in the shape of a traditional wedding cake. Everyone, including you and Uncle Charlie is now happy.
3. The First Dance:
Many bride and grooms have dropped the 100% serious tone to the first dance, opting for 50% slow and 50% ridiculous. Rascal Flatts “My Wish” plays just past the first chorus, when Sir Mix A Lot belts out his love for big butts. This is quickly becoming more regular than not, with the added touch of elaborate choreographed moves.
4. Video Game Time
Believe it or not, interactive video game competitions are a new trend. Having a later hour set aside for popular competitions like Guitar Hero or Rock Band is a smart and hip way to add another memorable element of fun to your wedding reception. I have seen digital projectors come into play at night-time tent weddings on the ceiling where a massive screen is created for the game play to unfold.
5. SAY CHEESE! Wedding Photo booths:
Guests will love to jump in and snap silly photos, for great additions to your wedding photo album. Have you seen this yet? Wedding photo booths are quickly becoming a new tradition at modern wedding receptions. It also helps to pass the time when the photographer runs late and the people are waiting t=for the grand entrance of the wedding party.
This little guy had an evil sweet tooth.
6. Funky Snack Attack:
Candy tables, ice cream bars, your favorite trail mix… There are no rules to what you can serve anymore. If you think the snack is cheap, but something everyone will appreciate, you can use a variety of containers (think martini glasses) to add that special decorative touch. On the Fourth of July, 2009, I did a great Pakistani-American Wedding, where all kinds of great Pakistani curry-laden dishes where set in tandem next to the groom’s favorite American chow, you guess it, PIZZA. The pizza was served on elegant silver platters under a heat light, like a prime rib carving roast!
7. Karaoke Hour
Want fun! Add karaoke! This can be really awesome in the right party, but be careful. Place this activity late, if not last, in the event and limit people’s participation, or else it could be come a karaoke concert!)
8. Digital Slide Show Projection
Collect up as many pictures that you can of the bride and groom growing up, then add shots of them together now. (You can go right to Walmart with the old shots and scan them to disc for a couple of bucks!) Next, with the wonders of modern technology, a power point slide show can then be created with ease. The power point can run continuously while the guests eat, or can play once as a scheduled activity set to music. Maybe you even know someone who can work photoshop, to make you a funny one like this slideshow for Ben and Joanna, who by the way got married at an aquarium!
Select a Las Vegas Wedding Theme and WIN!
9. Reception Themes
A themed wedding reception is a great way to let your personalities shine. I have done weddings with many different themes including Heavy Metal, Hawaiian luau, Ethnic-specific, and even Vegas.
10. Hey, Mister DJ!
Great bands rock, but are sometimes limited to only a few sounds that may not be everyone’s cup of tea. A good DJ, however, can be like the weather in New England and change on an instant. At most wedding receptions, your DJ is the life of the party and can shuffle requests and the wishes of the bride & groom to keep EVERYONE happy. I happen to know a real good one, if you are looking! (http://www.kennycasanova.com)
Old Daley Inn – Outside & Inside Wedding Location – In Averill Park NYOld Daley Inn aka the Crooked Lake House of Averill Park NY – Weddin DJ review
WEDDING DJ REVIEW OF A GREAT VENUE IN AVERILL PARK NY
If you are looking for a beautiful location only 15 minutes away from Albany, NY, the Old Daley Inn’s Crooked Lake House Wedding in Averill Park NY may be right for you. Having provided disc jockey services here on a number of occasions, we would love to DJ your special day at this venue.
This all-inclusive venue provides outside locations for ceremony, as well as inside. It has two pianos, a full bar like you would see at your favorite tavern, and a rustic feel that is very popular in the wedding industry today.
CEREMONY – With the crystal clear Crooked Lake acting as a beautiful backdrop, you can have your ceremony outside overlooking the water, or inside in a rustic ballroom with a stone fireplace and gorgeous piano.
Beautiful Ceremony Hall
Old Daley Inn – Ceremony Hall
Old Daley Inn – Ceremony Hall
Old Daley Inn – Crooked Lake Wedding Reception Hall Averill Park NY
COCKTAIL HOUR – With a complete old-fashioned bar, you can belly up to the bartender for your favorite drink requests, or sit on comfy couches, by another fireplace, overlooking the water.
Cocktail Hour Room
Old Daley Inn -Cocktail Room
Old Daley Inn -Cocktail Room – Crooked Lake – Averill Park NY DJ
Old Daley Inn – Outside Wedding- Crooked Lake House – Averill Park NY DJ
MULTIPLE ROOMS – The Old Daley Inn has a number of different ready rooms for all your needs, with great hardwood flooring.
Old Daley Inn – Reception Hall – Crooked Lake House – Averill Park NY DJ
Old Daley Inn – Outside Wedding- Crooked Lake House – Averill Park NY DJ
Old Daley Inn – Outside Wedding- Crooked Lake House – Averill Park NY DJ
Old Daley Inn – Crooked Lake Wedding Reception Hall Averill Park NY
RECEPTION HALL – Tiered reception hall with an elevated platform for the head table. Perfect for fine dining and dancing.
Reception Hall
Old Daley Inn – Reception Hall – Crooked Lake House – Averill Park NY DJ
Old Daley Inn – Reception Hall – Crooked Lake House – Averill Park NY DJ
Old Daley Inn – Reception Hall – Crooked Lake House – Averill Park NY DJ
OVERALL RATING – We love this hall. I totally recommend it. The staff offers great support which additionally helps make this a great potential place for your special day.
Every bride-to-be has dreamed about getting married practically since they were little girls. Some brides remember drawing themselves with veils in crayon in preschool. Others remember practicing a new surname on the back of a a high school notebook.. No matter how you cut the wedding cake, every bride-to-be wants their wedding to be considered happy, special, and sometimes “THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE.” However, the reality is …dreams do not always unfold into reality. So, what exactly can a bride do to help her happy visions actually come to life?
The Perfect Wedding
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
A wedding reception is like a research paper. To make for a great one, research has to be done. But before you do any research, you need to focus on finding the right questions, before you can try to find answers. First off, the bride and groom should identify “The Big Question” and then decide on a thesis (an answer) they are both comfortable with.
THE REAL QUESTION IS…
The only real way to be happy with your reception is if all the people around you are happy. The big question, therefore, then should not be “What do I want?” but rather, “What do I want for my guests?”
By formulating this question every time you plan an aspect of your party, you are planning from the guests’ perspective. Planning using the “Big Question” instead of something more selfish and meaningful to only you, will spawn a number of sub-questions that go along with it like, “what do I want my guests to say when they sit down?” and also, “what do I want my guests to say when they walk out the door?”
WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?
Demographics is everything. Thinking about who is going to be there before you actually plan, will make your reception “the best wedding of all time.” Different people like different things and you have to have a happy medium of what they will like and what you will like too.
BEING A GOOD WEDDING HOST MEANS BEING UNSELFISH –
Realizing that you are trying to accommodate all of your guests’ wishes from a great wedding reception is only the first step. Next, you have to do your research. Your homework is to find what really makes you happy, and also makes every guest attending happy as well. Because wedding receptions happen everywhere everyday, it is safe to say thousands of reception options have been created and your answers are out there. You just have to find them. Using this planning philosophy can work in every area including food, entertainment, music and even the overall look & layout of the decor.
Fun With Design
THINK OF EVERYONE AT YOUR RECEPTION –
Don’t force eating restrictions on your guest. It causes friction.
Let’s apply this unselfish planning thinking from the guests’ perspective to one particular aspect of the reception: The Cake. While you may absolutely love the idea of a classy cream cheese carrot cake, Uncle Charlie may absolutely HATE IT. That doesn’t mean you have to be unselfish and not have carrot cake, it only means you have to think outside of the box. What would my guests like to see in a cake? How can I make everyone happy? In this case, why not TRY WEDDING CUPCAKES. Have you heard of this? You tier up a wedding cake display with many different types of cup cakes, in displayed in the shape of a traditional wedding cake. Everyone, including you and Uncle Charlie is now happy.
Same goes for the seating. Putting older folks close to the DJ is usually a bad idea!
As a wedding DJ specialist in Upstate New York, I tell my clients that if you really want to have your guests look back at attending “the best wedding ever,” keep them in mind as much as yourself. Happiness breeds happiness. Playing your favorite songs is important and fine, but remember to always involve some of your guests’ favorite songs as well-even when they might not involve the same types of musical tastes.
Find the happy medium, it is out there.
CAKE
Speaking of the cake… Here is something else to think about: Try to make the cake as late as possible as this is often a point of exit for many guests. No matter what anyone says, dessert feels like the end and if your reluctant party-goer guests get this feeling, they may leave early!
If you are looking for a fun affordable disc jockey with knowledge of new music as well as the classic hits that everybody loves, we are the DJs for you. Our local Wynantskill office serves customers from down in Center Brunswick, Walmart shoppers on Hoosick Road & New York State Route 7, Eagle Mills by the fire station, over on Route 2, North Greenbush, Haynersville / Haynerville, the old Cooksborough neighborhood in lovely downtown Pittstown, over in Poestenkill, and all over Troy all the time.
“If you are a resident of Wynantskill NY looking for a Wedding DJ, Graduation Party DJ, or Backyard BBQ, and you love Jack’s Drive-in or Villa Valenti Pub, then we are probably the local match for you.”
WEDDING & PARTY DJ SPECIALIST
As a wedding and party specialist, DJ Kenny Casanova and TheDJservice.com brings Wynantskill, New York:
•Completely Ridiculous & Huge Track Listing Library
•Music Video Package – The Best in Latham NY
•Professional Gear, state-of-the-art
•New Digital Slideshow Projection
•DJ/MC experience since 1996
DJ Kenny Casanova, slightly insane, but always the main Latham NY Wedding DJ
•Voted Capital Region #1 Karaoke DJ
•Radio Personality & DJ Experience
•Prowrestling Ring Announcer Experience: WWF / WWE
•Sports Broadcasting Experience
•Karaoke & with big big big track library
•Huge Laser Show – Great for Sweet 16 parties & modern weddings!
•”The DJ Cam” Professional Photography
•Interactive events, dances, & nifty activities
•Very affordable prices!!!
CONTACT: Drop us a line at 518-506-3305, or email us at ken@thedjservice.com . Providing affordable fun, DJ experience, and jammin’ music for your special occasion in or around Wynantskill, NY!
POINTS NEAR WYNANTSKILL WE HAVE BROUGHT THE FUN TO INCLUDE: Center Brunswick, Hoosick Road & New York State Route 7, Haynersville / Haynerville, the old Cooksborough neighborhood in Pittstown, Troy and Bennington, Tamarac / Tamarack, Platestown, Eagle Mills, Boyntonville, Millville, Poestenkill Creek, New York State Route 2, Grafton, Williamstown, Cropseyville, New York State Route 351, Quackenkill Creek, East Brunswick (aka Rock Hollow,) Clum’s Corners, Averill Park, West Sand Lake.
(518) 506-3305. Affordable wedding DJ / Mobile disc jockey in Waterford, NY with a complete library of new music & classics. Also – Digital Photography & Lights!
If your Waterford wedding is set to take place at not too far away from, Goat Island, Northside, Peebles Island State Park, Prospect Hill, State Canal Park or Sugarloaf Pond, give us a call! If you are in Waterford New York and need a DJ to play a great mix of all the latest music and all the greatest classics look no more!
As a local wedding reception and wedding ceremony specialist with tons of experience in the industry, DJ Kenny Casanova and TheDJservice.com brings Waterford, New York a great mobile DJ service including:
•200,000 song library
•Wedding Ceremony Services, when at same location
•Music Video Package – The Best in Waterford NY
DJ Kenny Casanova, slightly insane, but always the main Waterford NY Wedding DJ
•Professional Gear Bose L1 Stick & Peavey
•Digital Slideshow Projection
•DJ/MC experience since 1996
•Voted Capital Region #1 Karaoke DJ
•Radio Personality Experience
•Ring Announcer Experience: WWF / WWE
•Sports Broadcasting Experience
•Karaoke & with huge track library
•Huge Laser Show – Great for Sweet 16 parties, and modern weddings!
•Professional Photography “The DJ Cam”
•Interactive events, dances, & activities
•Very affordable prices!!!
VOTED THE #1 CHOICE FOR FUN WEDDING DJs IN WATERFORD NEW YORK
Drop us a line at 518-506-3305, or email us at ken@thedjservice.com. Providing affordable fun, experience, and great music for your special occasion in or around Waterford, NY!
The French-Canadian Trough Dance by Albany NY DJ Kenny Casanova
In an earlier article, I discussed how the tradition of the French-Canadian Ugly sock dance (click here to read) was making a comeback and beginning to flourish once again, throughout Ontario Canada and other French-speaking parts of the country.
Subsequently, this odd sock dance tradition that punishes single siblings for not already being married has bled some into the states. Today, brides and grooms in the Capital Region and specifically Albany and Saratoga Springs, NY who come from our northern neighbors have been working the custom into their wedding planning. Now, another odd Canadian tradition related to the Ugly Wedding Sock Dance is making its way into our wedding halls. This one is called “The Hog Trough Dance.”
The overall philosophy behind The Trough Dance is still the same as the Sock Dance; to punish an unmarried older sibling at a younger sibling’s wedding reception by making them dance in a ridiculous manner for not being married yet. Hoever in the Hog Trough Dance, the sibling dances barefoot in a pig trough or a wash basin, sometimes full of liquid. The idea is that if you are older and still not married, you need to be thrown into the spotlight and peer pressured into tying the knot soon, to avoid the public ridicule at your next brother or sister’s wedding. Because you are not already married, you are indangering the passing down of the family name, and this is punishable by mud.
The French-Canadian Trough DanceFrom my research, I found Ethnologist Jean-Claude Dupont of New Brunswick , showing the earliest written description of the trough dance. He said that, “a musician would play a tune and the single sister had to dance in the muddy pig trough, which had been brought inside special for the event.”
Dupont went on to explain that if the sibling were a male, things would be even worse in a French-Canadian Hog Trough Dance. When it was a bachelor who was being punished for not marrying before his younger sibling, “the brother would actually be made to eat out of the same trough!”
The tradition also sometimes involved dancing in and around a trough filled with food that would be sampled after the dance. Sometimes, a variation with a basin filled with alcohol, a mixture of beer, and hard liquor that the dancer must also drink after the dance.
Hopefully it is just mud.I have learned that updated variations to this tradition that has evolved some in recent years. Early on, legitimate dirty old troughs pulled right off the farm complete with mud, steaming fresh pig droppings (or worse) were in fact used for the dance, in the most extreme cruel and unusual forms of this wedding torture tradition.
You can bet that feet covered in pig droppings would have left some really lasting impressions on guests sitting near the dancer’s piggies after the festivities. This is all the reason more to make sure that you are married before your younger sister.
However, in today’s more politically correct version of The Dreaded French-Canadian Trough Dance, we see a more forgiving version. People spend a lot of money on clothing on the big special day, and not many people will want to cooperate in such a dance knowing that they will get ridiculously dirty. Another issue, is many halls do not want confetti getting around, let alone pig $#!t, so you can imagine what their responses may be to this type of custom.
With the loosening of family constraints, we now see relatives pushing victims into the Trough Dance in a clean trough purchased just for the occasion.
