Hi All,
It is my goal to assure I have all the details I need for each and every event.  They are all so different, and each requires the attention to detail that I demand of myself. You deserve that!!  So, I’d like to ask that if we have not already discussed the final details for your events, that we do so at your earliest opportunity.  If you could please call me directly at 203-238-4895 to schedule our time to talk either in person, or on the phone, it will only help your event. 

What formalities are brides and grooms doing? And, how often?
I’ll give you the “inside scoop” on what other brides couples are doing at their events.  This way, you can gauge where you may want to be with your event. These are my observations from 1000’s of weddings I have been a part of.
 
Average sized wedding: Between 100 to 175 guests.

Ceremony performed at reception location: The past 10 years have seen a drastic rise in the ceremony actually performed at a reception location. I’d say, 8 out of 10 of my weddings, now include the ceremony as well.

Cocktail Music:  I’ve seen a swing to a more unique cocktail hour.  Meaning, “less jazz”.  Maybe a more Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet.  More vocal type music.

Introduction of the wedding party: I’ve seen less of a formal style here.  I’ve used simply the “first names” of the wedding party.  I’m almost never announcing the “titles” of the wedding party anymore.  What I mean is… Brides are not asking for me to say, “next, please welcome cousin of the bride, Mary”.  Or, “friend of the groom, Bob”.
 
Grandparents Introductions: I’d say 8 out of 10 brides are asking me to simply introduce the grandparents at their tables as opposed to being introduced and walked in at the front door.

First Dance: 7 out of 10 brides are asking me to have the bride and groom dance their first dance alone.  Meaning, no wedding party. 9 out of 10 are performed BEFORE dinner.

Dinner:  9 out of 10 weddings are a “sit down” dinner.

Feeding the vendors: 8 out of 10 brides feed the DJ and Photographer.
 
Tipping the vendors: 4 out of 5 brides tip their DJ or Photographer.  Or both.

Cutting the cake: Mostly jazzy type stuff is used for music.  I have played “the bride cuts the cake maybe ONCE in the past 100 weddings.

Bouquet toss: 2 out of 5 brides are doing this.
 
Garter removal: 1 out of 10 brides are doing this.  Although, 5 out of 5 grooms WANT to do this.

Dollar dance: Almost non-existent in CT.  This is performed maybe once out of 150 weddings.

Anniversary Dance: This is performed about 2 out of 10 weddings. 1 out of 10 of the brides provide a gift to the longest married couple
 
Grooms apparel: Most grooms are wearing a “long tie” with their tux.  4 out of 10 are wearing a “bow tie”.  I haven’t seen a “cummerbund” in probably 10 years.

Restroom Items: 3 out of 10 brides are placing baskets in the restrooms for their guests, that contain gum, mints, sewing kits, shout wipes, etc…
 
Customized drinks: 2 out of 10 brides are having the reception location serve a “special” drink named after the bride and groom.  A very POPULAR cocktail is the Raspberry Vodka, Sprite, and a splash of cranberry juice.  Then, it is simply called the “ Bob and Mary Surprise”.  Or, something to that effect.
 
Centerpiece Giveaway: Almost every bride that has purchased centerpieces for the tables has asked me to do something fun to give them away.
 
Line Dances: 9 out of 10 brides are forbidding me to play them, perform them, or otherwise include them in their events. 1 out of every 3 guests that walks up to me at a wedding, requests a line dance and is disappointed or otherwise angered by being told that it is the brides wishes that they not be played.
 
 What starts the dancing? Believe it or not…. 9 out of 10 weddings, it’s a SLOW song that fills the dance floor right after dinner.
 
Brides and grooms dancing.  8 out of 10 brides dance more than one dance at their wedding. 4 out of 10 grooms dance more than one dance.
 
Obscure songs: 5 out of 5 guests that request an obscure song at a wedding NEVER dance to it.  They sort of sneak back into the tables.  The song is quickly faded out.
 
Last Song of the night.  Only 2 brides have personally picked this song out BEFORE the wedding in the past year.  ​

Hi All,
Choosing the right DJ for you can be scary.  Here's a handy chart you can use to compare companies you are considering. There are more factors than what's listed, but this will give you a good comparison in order to make the smartest and safest choice.  Enjoy. 

https://bit.ly/2S8WNRZ 

Hi All,
I just wanted to update you on some of our newer purchases and upgrades.  I do this so that my events can be the best they can be.


Dance Floor Wash Lighting

I've updated our "wash" lighting.  This is lighting that is on the dance floor.  It casts colors downwards (as opposed to shapes) on the dance floor to give life and fun to it.  It does a nice "fill" of lighting so as to "not" give the dance floor a club like feel. It's a very nice effect.  It's included in some packages, but not all. This is different from "uplighting" which is fixtures places along the walls in the venue and casing light upwards. Here's a link to it: https://www.chauvetdj.com/products/4bar-lt-usb/


New Dance Floor Moving Light

We've also added a new fixture.  It's called the American DJ Mini Dekker.  This is a spectacular effect.  It really fills a room, and helps with the dancing.  (Not currently included in every package but could be added if wanted). Here's a video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVdXlT4Tggo


New Wireless Microphones
Recent FCC laws have essentially made 1000's of DJ microphones useless.  The FCC auctioned off a bandwidth that many DJ microphones use.  Using a microphone in this bandwidth could cause interference at an event.  Imagine a TV station broadcasting in your event.  Or, loud static.  Well NO WORRIES because I have invested in brand new microphones on a completely different frequency).  This assures me that your speeches, announcements and other microphone use will be as safe and professional as possible.  No wireless microphone signal is ever 100% perfect.  But, we are as close as humanly possible to perfection. These microphones are now included in every package we offer.

New wireless speaker transmitters and receivers.
We can now safely broadcast music and announcements from our DJ booth to speakers located in different parts of your facility.  Including outside and even different floors.  This is an amazing investment and it assures that I can keep everyone involved in your event regardless where they are in the venue.  (depending on venue logistics, if there are other events taking place within your venue, and sound ordinances outside your venue).  We can control the volume and direction of these additional speakers as needed.  (This option is not currently included in all our packages).  But could be added if needed. Here's a video of me demo'ing them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ74fppDdf0&t=370s

I invest a lot of time researching the best options for my clients.  It takes a substantial investment that I feel will only enhance my events and allow me to continue to be one of the most requested DJ's in CT.  I love what I do and I love that all of you have trusted me to make your events awesome.

Have a great day!

Harry
 PS: I just wanted to remind you all that I'm slowly converting our timelines and wedding paperwork to Google Docs.  I'll be sending out your personalized link as soon as your event is created.  This way, its easier for you and I to plan your wedding as opposed to logging in with a password into your accounts on my website.  If you already have a Google Doc created by me, but have lost your link, just write me back and I will re-send it.

​

(kind respects to Robin Cheung - Brides Rally for writing credit, as well as The Smile Lounge!)


According to The Knot, adding a photo booth to a wedding reception is one of 10 ways to add a “wow factor” to the event.  Photo booths are the latest phenomenon at weddings and for a good reason: they are an unexpected, fun and unique concept that spice up your reception.  So, among the plethora of photo booth vendors in the marketplace, how do you ensure that you are picking the right one?  Here, we have listed the top 5 things that you must look out for before hiring your photo booth company.


1. Know the product/service well. This may be an obvious one, but not all photo booths are the same.  Here are the top features you should pay attention to:

• Appearance:  Your photo booth should be stylish and inviting enough to lure your guests in.  The successful photo booth will set the right vibe at your reception and compliment your wedding.  Check!!  Have you seen our booth? It's Gorgeous!!!
• Functionality: Make sure that they offer black-and-white options and have an easy push button option.
• Print quality:  You should ask to see prints to check the picture and paper quality. Check!!  We use studio-grade professional dye sublimation printers.  (google it, I know, it's a weird word...)
• Size: There are two aspects of size that you need to reconsider.  First, does the photo booth fit in the space allocated?  Second, how many people can the photo booth accommodate?  Many photo booths will claim high capacity but it is best that you inspect the booth yourself.Check!!  We offer 3 setups to suit your needs - an elegant 8' ft x 8 ft lounge with beautiful white curves to compliment any decor, a stand-alone pod, or a red-carpet style with backdrop. We've had from 1 to 13 people in there!  It's all about the placement.
• Customization: The company should be able to customize the booth décor to fit your wedding theme as well as provide template choices for your photo strips. Check!!  We customize everything - from the photo layouts, to the props; plus we can add custom graphics to our kiosk to suit any branding requirements.
• Test it: If possible, we highly recommend that you experience the photo booth yourself.  There are many benefits to this: not only can you check on its ease of use and photo strip printing speed but you also get a better visualization of how it will fit in your reception.  Check!!  Visit us in our office, or come to an event to see us in action!!
  ​
  

2. Shop around and compare notes.  Do your research online, attend bridal fairs, or talk to friends who have rented a photo booth at their wedding.  Please check our references!!  There is a large number of photo booths vendors who offer varying prices and packages.  Be wary that some vendors may offer a very attractive price for a basic service while charging you for standard options such as props, prints, online gallery, on-site attendants, etc.  All of our packages are inclusive.  It is important to make sure that you will have a host attend the photo booth in case any technical glitches pop up on your big day.   The more informed you are, the better decision you will make in the end. 


3. Get to know the company.  Speak with the vendor on the phone and if possible, meet with him/her.  It is critical that you feel comfortable working with the vendor and know that he/she is reliable, professional, honest and able to provide you with excellent customer service on your big day.  If possible, it is also a good idea to meet with the host who will be serving you on your wedding day.  You want someone who is easy going, fun and outgoing and able to make your guests feel comfortable.   As the owner, I am at 90% of my events.  I invite you to call me directly (203) 238-4895


4. Check out their reviews or ask for references.  Yes!!  Please ask for our references!!!  Our clients love us, and so will you.  Since the photo booth concept is fairly new, there are many new photo booth rental companies that popped up recently and some of them have very limited experience.  Although they may offer extremely low rates, they may provide subpar service and quality.  It is critical that you look for reviews online or/and ask for references to ensure proven track of reliability and service.  The more detailed the reviews are, the more genuine the customer feels about the vendor. 


5. Ask about backup plans.  The unexpected unfortunately happens sometimes.  You should inquire about backup equipment in case of technical failure.  We bring backup gear to your event  The key here is to figure out how vendors have dealt with stressful situations in the past.

Why is it important for people to hire experts to handle the things that they either don’t have time for or don’t understand?

• To accelerate the time it takes to transform your vision into reality
• Leverage experts’ education, experience and contacts
• Saves you time – experts have 10,000 hours invested in their expertise
• Saves you money – experts continually invest in educating themselves
• The BIG reason most people don’t consider is – hiring an expert saves your reputation – experts try many ways to accomplish their goals, they experience many failures in the process so you can save your reputation by learning from their mistakes and successes!

It seems like more and more self-proclaimed experts are popping up every day on the web. What should you be looking for in an expert? Here are “do’s and “don’ts” when hiring an expert:
Do’s
1. Review their history
2. Testimonials from previous clients
3. Education – do they stay current in their area of expertise?
4. Organizations they belong to and their roles in those organizations – do they take leadership roles or admin roles, how involved are they? Are they over extended?
5. Blogs, Articles, and Social Sharing they have written
6. Watch their videos
7. Their frequently asked questions
8. Their Photo gallery – who do they know?
9. Do they collaborate with other experts - create solutions
10. Interact with the expert before hiring them

• Engage with them via their blogs and social media
• Converse on an online chat, phone, or email
• Skype video call
• Face to face interview
• Check their references
• Interview candidate – explain what you want to accomplish, give a dead line and ask them to explain to you what they understand your needs to be
• Ask for a written proposal
• Payments in increments – when accomplish milestones
• Engage and review regularly – 30 days, 90 days, etc. depending on project/event

Don’t
1. Hire your brother-in-law
2. Many people tell others their idea and they say great – I’ll help you – well if you both don’t have any experience it will take a long time to implement
3. Get discouraged
4. When you tell others your ideas many small thinkers will laugh at you and tell you that you are crazy – many people give up before they get started
5. Ever give up – remember it’s not how many ideas you start to implement – it is how many you finish that count!
You can’t always be an expert, you can’t always know an expert but you can always hire an expert.

Content from: http://blog.mavenlink.com/why-hire-an-expert
Joanne Weiland

An outdoor wedding ceremony could be one of the most beautiful and romantic experiences for couples and guests alike.  When all the stars align and everything is perfect it can be magical.  As with any outdoor activity, mother nature tends to want to get involved. Sometimes for the good.  Sometimes not for the good.  You need to be as prepared as possible for the various scenarios that can interfere with your vision of the perfect outdoor ceremony.  Below is a list of scenarios I have seen after more than 20 years of providing outdoor wedding ceremony coordination.  The list is simply to make you aware of situations that you may not have considered that can adversely affect your outdoor ceremony.  It is my intention that if you are aware of these items that you can prepare to help minimize or avoid them. Or, come up with an alternate location or plan. Perhaps even having your ceremony indoors where most everything is controlled. I don’t want you to be disappointed. You deserve a magical day.

Here are the things to be aware of and to prepare for. 

-Excessive heat. (risk of heat stroke)
-Excessive sun blinding guests or your officiate
-Excessive cold (guests are too cold to even pay attention)
-Excessive wind (guests unable to hear ceremony)
-Not enough chairs for guests
-Pine needles falling on guests and wedding party
-Pine needles and bird droppings on chairs.
-Bird droppings on people and in the area.
-Water puddling in areas where the guests are seated or wedding party is standing.
-Duck, dog and geese excrement on the grass.
-Ant infestations where wedding party is standing or guests are sitting.
-Flying gnats and mosquitoes
-Bees (and bee allergies)
-Rain
-Danger of lighting strikes from up to 5 miles away
-Dew
-Mist
-Excessive humidity ruining hair and makeup
-Uneven terrain/unsteady chairs possible injury to guests
-Mud on shoes/cloths of wedding party and guests
-Heels getting stuck in lawn
-Dirt on clothing/shoes
-Traffic or street noise
-Bystanders wandering onto the ceremony
-No electricity for lighting or entertainers
-No shade for live entertainers or DJ to use or see their equipment
-No cold drinks for guests
-Not enough lighting (if a dusk ceremony)
-Sunset happening during ceremony (guests in dark)
-Sound ordinances
-Required permits
-No venue staff to guide guests
-No venue staff to coordinate the wedding party and the ceremony start time.

Your guests may never admit how uncomfortable one or more of these things were during your ceremony. Please believe that.  Hopefully this list will point out some of the obstacles to a perfect wedding and help you think of ways to prevent them. You deserve everything to be perfect!

If you have already had an outdoor ceremony, or have been a guest at one, please feel free to add your advice in the comments!!  

Wedding Wire & The Knot Review!

5.0/5.0

• Quality of Service: 5.0


• Responsiveness: 5.0


• Professionalism: 5.0


• Value: 5.0


• Flexibility: 5.0

Miranda said... 
My husband and I hired Harry for our 8/1/15 wedding (DJ and Photo Booth), and it was one of the best wedding decisions we made! From the beginning, Harry was very professional and informative. His prices were not overly expensive and he was quick to respond to our many emails, phone calls, and questions! He understood exactly what we wanted, what type of crowd we would be hosting, and was spot on with all of his decisions. We had a mixed age group but he was able to find music that got everyone up and dancing...we have been told months later that people had a fantastic time thanks to the great selection of music! The photo booth was a HIT with our guests! They loved the open feel and were using it all night long. We love looking back on all of the pictures, even months later. The night of, he was constantly available and made sure everything ran smoothly. Our venue was extremely late in putting out dinner (like over an hour), which backtracked our dances and order of events. Harry made it so not one single guest noticed!! Instead of having people sit and wait at their tables, he got people out onto the dance floor, opened up the photo booth early for us, and made an extremely stressful situation much more manageable. Harry is a fantastic professional who will just get the job done without stressing the bride or groom. He then was able to fit in everything else we wanted (cake cutting, parent dances) into a new time schedule that didn't feel rushed or awkward. Don't look any further- we could write about his praises forever. You truly get more than a DJ when booking Harry, you get piece of mind. I don't know what we would have done without Harry and we will never be able to thank him enough for saving our wedding night!
Wedding: 08/01/2015
Services Used: DJ, Event Rentals & Photobooths
Reviewed On: 04/22/2016

Meriden’s Own Harry Gambardella, Owner of HG Entertainment (Disc Jockey Service) Wins a WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award® 2016

                    Meriden, Connecticut – January 14, 2016 – WeddingWire, the leading global online wedding marketplace, named HG Entertainment as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® 2016 for Disc Jockey & Photo Booth Entertainment in Connecticut!
                   
                    The WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® 2016 recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. The esteemed awards are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding florists, based on their professional achievements from the previous year.
                    
                    While many industry award winners are selected by the host organization, the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with HG Entertainment.  Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.
                   
                    “We are thrilled to celebrate such a high-caliber, committed group of professionals for the Couples’ Choice Awards’® eighth year,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “We are proud to continue to serve as the industry leader, with over 2.5 million consumer and peer reviews, and feature award-winning merchants such as HG Entertainment who understands the impact reviews have on their successful businesses.”
                   
                    As a Couples’ Choice Awards® winner, HG Entertainment is highlighted within the WeddingWire Network, which is comprised of more than 400,000 wedding professionals globally.
                   
                    HG Entertainment is proud to be one of the top Disc Jockey’s in Connecticut in the WeddingWire Network. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. We value all of our clients and truly appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® 2016.
                    
                    For more information about HG Entertainment, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/hg-entertainment-dj-uplighting-photo-booth-fun-meriden/60c456183c42c101.html.
                   
                    To learn more about the Couples’ Choice Awards®, please visit www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards.
                   
                    About WeddingWire, Inc.
                    WeddingWire, Inc. is the leading global online marketplace connecting consumers with event and creative professionals. Operating within a $200 billion industry, WeddingWire, Inc. hosts 10 million monthly unique users across its mobile and web platforms. Consumers are able to read over 2.5 million vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a database of over 400,000 businesses. Globally, it provides these businesses the technology they need to serve their clients through advertising, marketing and business management tools such as websites, payment processing, invoicing and contracts. Founded in 2007, the WeddingWire portfolio of sites serves couples and businesses across 14 countries in North America, Latin America and Europe, making it the worldwide leader in weddings with brands including Bodas.net, Casamentos.com.br, Matrimonio.com and more. The company employs more than 650 and maintains global headquarters in Washington, DC and international headquarters in Barcelona, Spain.