Remember something borrowed and something blue? At first we only saw hints of one color on a bride. A little color maybe in the hair… A blast of color in jewelry… These accents made a nice touch, while still allowing the bride to wear her traditional white, at a traditional white wedding. However, many different colors have been creeping into the scene more and more, with all the new brights and eccentric patterns just as we see in today’s fashion trends. Just as we see people breaking the norm at many receptions, today’s bride who wishes to buck tradition is throwing the color rules out the window.
Just as brides and grooms are breaking it down on the wedding dance floor in the middle of a slow song all over the internet, today’s independent woman is no longer a follower. She is no longer silent. She doesn’t want to go along with the crowd. She wants to be different. She wants to make her day memorable. Today’s daring bride wears what she wants to wear, and sets a trend.
Out of Albany, NY, but willing to travel, I was the Disc Jockey for a recent wedding in Rochester, NY. At this particular wedding, I was pleasantly shocked to see that each bridesmaid had a different pastel color on, as I was calling the introductions over some Black Eyed Peas. The dresses were, in fact, the same cut and style and matched the vest on each of their individual escorts, but none of the dresses were the same color. White at this one was reserved for the bride, however, I am seeing brides dropping this tradition more and more!
What Will Everyone Think? I read that historically, white wedding dresses weren’t the norm until after Queen Victoria wore a white dress for her wedding. Okay, I am just the DJ, and not any sort of fashion plate, but I can tell you this. Not all brides are following the Queen anymore! Brides who are choosing colored gowns, are doing so for many other different reasons.
Quite often, in a world that sees second marriages as commonplace, for today’s bride who wants color but doesn’t want to be too obvious, I have been seeing washed out and faint colors on the dance floor, mixed into in their traditional white dresses. I have also seen very faint colors, it almost still looks white; almost as if someone washed a bright colored sock in with the gown.
Wedding dresses in the palest of pink or the lightest of blue add color, but aren’t looked at as inappropriate and don’t make the groom look as if he is marrying Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
One denominator for color choice has often been selection to match the season. Spring brides are choosing pale pastels, while those marrying in the summer choose deeper shades of similar colors. Those getting married in autumn are choosing yellows, golds and even shades orange, like my friend Pete, who recently got married on Halloween 2009, which fell on a Saturday.
However, from what I hear, it is the daring trend-setting winter bride who often chooses to make the boldest statement. Last winter, I had a bride in a bright red dress, with a red veil to match. (And yes, she looked like she raided Lady Gaga’s VMA closet.
My opinion on this? The wedding is all about the bride. I think the bride looks beautiful with whatever she chooses to wear, as long as she feels good in it and wears it front of a DJ at the reception, rather than a band!
I recently did one of the most research-involved DJ gigs to date; a 50th Italian Wedding Anniversary, NO ENGLISH, with all Italian music straight from Italy!
Italian music has long been the staple of weddings in that culture. The vow-renewing bride and groom at this renewal were great people and I really wanted to give them what they wanted. I had a heck of a time, however, finding all the traditional Italian favorites song by the original artists, but I did it, four hours of Funiculi Funicula fun!
Albany NY Anniversary DJ
THE MEETING – When I met with them originally, I was under the impression that Italian-American artists would be great for this event. I pictured lots of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Andrea Bocelli, and my personal favorite, Louis Prima! However, I was told by a charming old Italian woman in broken English that, in so many words, “Prima is a hack and a poor imitation to the original.” The problem was, she didn’t know who the original artist was, who sang say, “Zooma Zooma / Cella Luna Mezzo Mare,” which Prima called “Angelina”.
It took many phone calls and visits to the library to learn that I really wanted Mario Lanza, Lou Monte and Al Bano, for example. However, in the end, everyone had such a great time… and the food… Mama Mia!
In talking with the Italian couple, I learned a lot of things. I thought these three points would be an interesting quick read on those of you planning or interested in old Italian Wedding Traditions:
THE ITALIAN MONEY DANCE – The money dance is still very common at Italian weddings and today the money is most often placed in a satin bag carried by the bride. It has crossed over to the mainstream internationally at weddings around the world, known as “The Dollar Dance”.
MAY & AUGUST RESTRICTIONS – Many years ago, devout Italians avoided getting hitched during the months of May and August. The reasons could be deemed superstitious, but practiced, none-the-less. The month of May was reserved for the veneration of the Virgin Mary, and August was thought to invite bad luck and sickness.
MASSIVE FOOD SPREADS – eating large quantities of food was said to ensure fertility and thus always played a large part in traditional Italian weddings. They idea was to encourage large families, not necessarily large waistlines.
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)
Do you really want to win big at your wedding? How about choosing a Vegas Theme?!Not too log ago, I was the disc jockey for a great wedding reception at The Western Turnpike Golf Club that had a “Las Vegas Night theme.”
SELECT A THEME AND SUCCEED
First off, never be afraid to select a theme for your wedding. All of the best weddings I have ever been to and really remember are the ones that had themes to them. And when you assign a theme, everything plans itself!
At this particular theme wedding, I asked the bride why they “decided to go Vegas.” The bride said that selecting and creating the details of theme was the only way she could get the groom to buy into having a hand in the time involved in wedding planning. In the end, she said her decision was the right one. By the end of the night, the guests had a blast and it was a very different and memorable party for all.
Thinking of planning something similar? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Here are some ideas that they used, as well as a few others I have seen…
Vegas Theme Wedding Invitations
INVITE FOR THE NIGHT
So if you have chosen a Las Vegas Theme for your wedding, you need to project this rightfrom the start to your guests.
For invitations that scream Las Vegas, attach the actual invitation to a playing deck of cards, poker chips, or dice. If you are really creative, a custom caricature, kind of like the walls at Delmonico’s Steakhouse on Central Ave might be fun. Portrait the bride and groom as casino dealers or mafia, or a lounge singer and a showgirl. The couple could also be the King of Diamonds or the Queen of Spades on the face of a playing card!
You can even mock up an Elvis Impersonator marrying you in some cheesy Las Vegas-style hotel!
Vegas Theme Wedding Idea – Get a real slot machine!
ROLL IN THE GAMES
Once you are ready and have a game plan, the creation of a decoration stockpile must begin!
Can you get a slot machine for the night? Can you create an awesome roulette wheel with crazy demands fom the bride and groom on it to let your friends spin?
You really want to create a feel. You want your guests to swallow the atmoshere the moment they step in the room.
The shuffling of the cards. The rolling of the dice. Drinks being served by showgirls. Real black jack tables just for fun.
Aside from the obvious lounge lizard music like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louis Prima and other Italian American oldies, decor will totally be your key to winning it big with your wedding.
The visual plays an enormous role part in getting over the theme and in this case, you don’t have to spend a lot to get that sweet cheesy Vegas feel.
SIMPLE ATTENTION TO FINE DETAIL
Hire actor / personailites!
If you really want to sell the idea to your guests, don’t skimp on the easy stuff. Buy a bunch of playing cards and poker chips from the dollar store. BUT BUY A TON OF THEM!At the reception I did at The Clubhouse, the bride and groom scattered thousands of loose cards and chips everywhere around table centerpieces, by the guest book, on the gift table and on pretty much any flat surface available.Here is another idea… hire an Elvis impersonator, a showgirl, or a Chipendale to pretend to be guests! They can walk around and entertain during dinner. Maybe they could also take pictures with your guest in a photobooth, or magnet shoot.
CENTERPIECES
Vegas Centerpiece
The great thing about a Las Vegas Theme is you can really choose from a variety of ideas to get the theme over; music, gambling, showtunes, and even food. Whatever you choose for your centerpiece, I wouldn’t go with the traditional flower arrangement. Maybe something camppy like one of those Leg Lamps in A Christmas Story would be good. Why? What’s the signifigance? I don’t know!Even a gift basket of casino like game stuff would be a great decoration for your table. It also can make for a great pastime while the guests wait for the big introduction!
No matter whatever casino-related centerpiece you may choose to dream up, one idea can be to have a special colored poker chip taped underneath one chair at each table to signify who gets to bring the masterpiece home.
Have Your Guests Dress THe Part
DRESS TO IMPRESS
Think RAT PACK! Many black felt gangster hats and jeweled tiaras are also a must to keep in hand! Maybe even get a Money Boa for the bride. Another idea is to put a bunch of cheap black sunglasses on the tables. Because a number of people will be wearing tuxedos, a lot of the pictures will end up having that monkey suit and sun glasses combination that The Rat Pack made famous.
GO BIG OR GO HOME
Vegas Wedding Theme Decorations
Another great idea I have seen is to make massive eight-foot cardboard cut-outs of playing card suits and put them in the corners of the room. The diamonds and clubs and spades were all made out of painted cardboard with a cross section in the back of each to help them stand. The heart was right near the head table. Each fixture was outlined and finished in glowing white Christmas lights.You can also secure two refridgerator appliance boxes, wrap them in white paper, and paint black dots on them. The bride and groom at this wedding created a gigantic pair of dice that sat off to the right of my DJ set up. It was great!
This couple also opted for a massive candy buffet table. The colors really got over the feel of the party and there were loads of packets of bogus bills and dice beads mixed throughout to keep them in the Vegas mindset! During the open dance time, it was funny to see guests throwing the money around and “make it rain in the club” to various hip hop songs, afer dinner.
The decorations really turned the hall into the Vegas strip! Aside from the playing card suits, they hung slot machine backdrops and a big Las Welcome to Vegas sign on the wall.
Okay. Now that I have this, I don’t know what to write. My other site is TheDJservice.com, but it is more informative, and not writing intensive.
Well….. As your favorite Capital District DJ specializing in weddings and parties, I am now giving you a little bit more, here at TheDJService.com/blog – or – DJKennyCasanova.com. Here, in this super slick blog, I will give you my insider opinion on local party trends, Capital District happenings, music, and the world at large.
It’s lengthy, it’s fresh and it’s cougar-friendly, too.
Tell your brother, tell your mother and tell your friends to check out my new blog, yo. If you read it, you will love it.
