Here are some helpful tips for having an outstanding reception!  (We'll talk a LOT more about these as we really get into the planning of your Celebration of Love!)

• Always remember that this is YOUR Celebration of Love.  Not your Mom's, not your Maid of Honor's, not ANYONE else's.  It is yours, so don't hesitate to let your Wedding Pros know what you want for YOUR day..  And keep in mind, that while it's vital to give your professionals an idea of what's important to you, listen to their advice and input, and most of all, trust them to do what they love!

• Try not to seat any guests who are "noise-sensitive," (grandparents, etc.) within 25 feet of the DJ set-up area. With just a little attention to this detail, few of your guests will have any reason to complain or be annoyed because of a perceived loud presentation!

• I never eat while I am working (although my assistant likely won't turn down a good meal!)  However, keep in mind that your photographer and videographer started their work well before the ceremony, and therefore should be fed. Please remind the banquet facility to serve dinner for the photographer and videographer immediately after the head table and parent's tables.  If your professionals are fed last, they'll only be starting their dinner when your guests are ready to dance!

• If you are going to greet your guests at their tables, make sure to start going table to table during dinner (between courses, etc.) This will allow you more time to dance and enjoy your special day.

• "Where the newly-Wedded Couple goes, so go the guests." When guests don't see the couple enjoying the Celebration, they may be inclined to leave.

• Plan to have the parent dances at the end of dinner, or even right after your First Dance. This ensures that everyone is still wearing their tie, that hair is till in place and the photographs will be AMAZING!

• Danceable music is what's going to ensure that your guests have the best time, so keep this in mind when making requests of your DJ.  'Mid-tempo' music (e.g.. Dave Matthews, Phish, Pink Floyd, etc.) may sound great in your car or by the campfire, however, it is not necessarily "danceable".  One thing that works well is to allow me to develop a list of "less danceable" requests which can be worked into the dinner/cocktail hour. This way, you get to hear all the music you want, and keep the dance floor full.

• Remember that you're inviting guests of all ages. If you want all of your guests to enjoy the reception, allow the DJ to play music for everyone.

• Lastly, it's important to remember this is YOUR day....  Relax, sit back and have a good time!  Let your other Pros and me do the worrying; it's what we're good at!