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 couples doing? And, how often?
I’ll give you the “inside scoop” on what other 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 couples 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 couples are asking me to have 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 couples feed the DJ and Photographer.
Tipping the vendors: 4 out of 5 couples 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 couples are doing this.
Garter removal: 1 out of 10 couples 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. 6 out of 10 of the couples 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” that is making a huge comeback. I haven’t seen a “cummerbund” in probably 10 years.
Restroom Items: 3 out of 10 couples are placing baskets in the restrooms for their guests, that contain gum, mints, sewing kits, shout wipes, etc…
Customized drinks: 2 out of 10 couples are having the reception location serve a “special” drink named after the couple. 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 couple that has purchased centerpieces for the tables has asked me to do something fun to give them away.
Line Dances: 9 out of 10 couples 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.
Wedding Couple Dancing. 8 out of 10 couples 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 couples have personally picked this song out BEFORE the wedding in the past year.