Archive for the ‘Vendors’Category

DJ #Fail

 

Unfortunately, I find myself revisiting topic of hiring professionals. In what is indisputably the craziest wedding DJ disaster (aka DJ #Fail) I have ever experienced, I must tell you about “DJ C”.

(Names and places are not important, the point of the post is: this really happened!)

“DJ C” started out with a fair amount of promise. I learned that he was hired by the Father of the Bride on a recommendation. On the wedding day, “DJ C” arrived on time, nicely dressed, with decent equipment. So far, so good.

Unbeknownst to us, the dj/mc started drinking before the guests even entered the dinner reception. He must have gotten a beer (or two) from the cash bar at the cocktail reception. By the time we were ready to introduce the wedding party into the reception, we began to sense that the “DJ C” was a little ‘off’. Only a short while later the bartender came to us and mentioned that the dj/mc had already purchased four drinks. We had no choice – “DJ C” was cut-off immediately – and we were only an hour or so into the reception! Drunk DJ

*I must stop momentarily to point out that I do not condone vendors drinking, nor do the establishments I work with. However, when we are dealing with a vendor we have never met before, we are typically not aware of their relationship with the client (friend, co-worker, etc.) – so we keep a watchful eye on them.

“DJ C” continued to act oddly, and in my opinion obnoxiously; the music was a bit too loud and I was incredibly annoyed that he kept repeating his own name (“I’m DJ C…!“), but we focused on managing the flow of the reception and keeping everything on track. We made it through parent dances and cake cutting, then said our farewells for the evening. All the formalities were complete, and the guests were dancing up a storm – exit the coordinators.

The next day:

Apparently, a few wedding guests* were buying and slipping the DJ/mc drinks and he got more intoxicated. Mother of the Bride told us how “DJ C” with microphone in hand, announced a special message to the groom: “Congratulations on marrying a nice piece of ass!” Further… three wedding guests* were actually friends of the DJ (aka crashers) – they flew under the radar due to open seating, and everyone just assumed they were invited by the other family. Last but not least, he kept trying to end the reception early.

So… to recap: DJ/mc came by way of a recommendation (not from a preferred vendor list offered by venue or coordinators), drank continuously during his shift (a no-no), brought his posse (who does that?), acted unprofessionally and made inappropriate comments, and tried to shortchange his clients by ending their evening early.

How much for a DJ?

This story gives me an opportunity to share a very informative article with you:

In the article “How Much Should Your Wedding DJ Cost?“, author Stacy Tamaki shares timeless tips on selecting a quality DJ/mc.
She also lists a number of mis-steps, including  a few I have witnessed over the years,  such as:  incorrectly pronouncing the bride or groom’s name during the introductions, dressing or acting inappropriately, hitting on guests, drinking on the job, using inappropriate language or using inappropriate humor.

Continue reading weditorial for universal tips on hiring qualified professionals and planning a sensational, emotional and unforgettable wedding!

Where NOT to Skimp: Key Wedding Elements

wedding rings

3 Wedding Things You Don’t Want to Skimp On

(Me:) What?  Only three things?  So unfair: I’m a wedding planner! – we know that EVERYTHING is important!   But, if you insist… I suppose I could narrow a few dozen things down to a few key elements.   And, it would take barely a breath for me me to rattle off a list; however, I’d prefer to share some ideas and experiences instead – because as we like to say: no two weddings are alike.

DIY wedding flowers

http://weddingfavorsunlimited.net

As founder and primary planner for my company, I have experienced hundreds of weddings and worked with such a wide array of couples that it’s difficult to even cast a client profile.   Nonetheless, I have noticed a few commonalities that I can share:

DIY Wedding (Type 1): Couples who have a very strict or tight budget need to watch expenses and will certainly benefit from help of a planner to advise them early on.  Of course you can save money by doing some things yourself, just be realistic about what is possible and what will send you over-the-edge.  I encourage these couples to invest in a seasoned planner / coordinator that can advise them and assist them the day of the wedding.  Don’t skimp on the venue, because food and built-in amenities (linens, interior space for contingency, staff, etc.) have tremendous value, and can make or break the entire day.  Don’t skimp on the photography because things such as limited hours (partial coverage), inexperience – which often times translates into timing issues on the wedding day, and inadequate or poor quality images & editing are not worth the expense.  Summary: Hire a planner to help you and for advice making wise budget decisions; secure a good venue to accommodate your guests comfortably and provide most necessities; hire the best qualified photographer you can afford.

An investment in experience is far wiser than savings gambled on inexperience.

Young & Fabulous (Type 2): Couples who enjoy the luxury of a larger budget have countless options and rarely skimp on anything.  They are able to plan an event with all the trimmings – spectacular décor, an amazing venue, the elaborate wedding cake, etc. However, even these couples eventually reach a point where they need to rein in costs.  For them, my advice is:  Be the best hosts you can be.  Don’t skimp on your bridal party – offer to pay for their accommodations, hair and make-up, and offset the costs of their attire.   Don’t skimp in any area that jeopardizes your guests’ comfort – anticipate their experience and make sure they are not too hot or too cold, or too far from one place to another.  Lastly, don’t skimp on taking care of your vendors – that’s an investment that will pay off in spades!   Summary:  If you have the money, invest it throughout.  The level of style and grace should be perfectly matched, and result in a great experience for all.    second wedding-beach wedding

Second Weddings and Blended Families (Type 3):  Almost without exception our second wedding clients are at least in their mid-thirties and beyond.  They are less inclined to host over-the-top events, or invest a lot in décor, and the guest lists tend to be less than one hundred.  Their priorities often center on quality, and we encourage them to splurge on Food and Beverage, Photography and/or Videography, Entertainment (wanting guests of all ages to have fun).   Summary: Set the tone for the wedding with a less traditional venue where guests can enjoy quality time and a lovely meal together; hire a great photographer to capture all the fun and memories; add an interactive element or unique entertainment to keep everyone amused and in the moment.

(c) 2012 E. Delgardio

Private Residence | New Years Eve + Wedding

Photos from an intimate New Year’s Eve Wedding celebration – December 2011

Photos courtesy of Errol Colon
Private residence wedding and party by A Flair for Affairs

I can’t tell you how excited I was to receive a call about a New Year’s Eve wedding! Especially upon hearing this couple’s unique love story and the special circumstances of their nuptials (and I will honor my promise to respect their privacy). I worked with them to bring together all the elements of an exceptionally memorable New Years Eve wedding.

Elegant poolside reception by A Flair for Affairs

New Years Eve wedding cake and floral bouquet with pewter ribbon

The couple exchanged vows in the grand entrance hall of their home with their closest family and friends in attendance. Following the ceremony, guests toasted the couple with Dom Perignon. A custom menu of mostly vegetarian hors d’oeuvres and small plates were passed by Puff n Stuff, and guests ate, mingled, and danced until the New Years Eve countdown began.
outdoor patio wedding reception by A Flair for Affairs | errol colon photography

Pool patio decor lighting for house party

New Years Eve fireworks over lake

The weather could not have been more perfect for such a grand fête! Guests were led out onto the client’s private dock to view the fireworks over the lake. They cheered and sipped champagne and asked if they could do it all again next year… (Exactly what we like to hear!)

Photography | Errol Colon Photographers
Catering | Puff n’ Stuff
Floral | Raining Roses
DJ Music | Junction 88
Cake | The Sugar Suite

Mexican Destination Wedding in Orlando

Photos from Holly & Jesus’  wedding at Isleworth Country Club – February 2011.

Orlando-based newlyweds Holly and Jesus tied the knot at Isleworth Country Club in February. Their memorable celebration included many festive Mexican and Latin touches, designed to give their families and friends the feeling of an authentic fiesta.

colorful mexican-themed wedding at Isleworth Club

An array of Mexican and Latin touches made this celebration memorable…

Their wedding began with an outdoor ceremony, followed by a delightful cocktail reception where guests enjoyed Sangria and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Then, guests entered the ballroom to the music of a Spanish guitar, and were seated at tables named for Mexican cities.

isleworth wedding

isleworth country club out door wedding

isleworth wedding flamenco dancers

Live entertainment included flamenco guitar music and dancers. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal plus a themed dessert bar featuring churros and tres leches, and everyone danced and partied into the night with music by Solis Productions.

isleworth wedding couple - a flair for affairs

bubble exit at isleworth club wedding orlando

Cake by Isleworth Country Club
Floral and bouquets by Distinctive Creations by Cheryl
Invitations and Programs by A Flair for Affairs

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06 2011
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