Covid-19. Pandemic. Cancellations. No gatherings over 50.
It's been an absolutely crazy couple of weeks in the events and weddings industry. Never before have we seen this type of thing in the industry. The longer this goes, the more difficult it will make it once we get back to "normal".
If you've had to postpone your wedding in the Edmonton area, and will want to reschedule to a later date, including next year, venues are going to be FULL.
It's kind of a unique situation, but it gives us a chance to change up how we do weddings in Alberta, as well.
On an almost annual basis, we head to wedding/dj conventions in the USA. We get the chance to talk to, listen to, and learn from some huge wedding industry professionals there. One thing has always stood out for me, from a number of regions in the States...the length of their weddings.
Here, a wedding is an all-day thing. Ceremony at 1 or 2 PM, a 2-3 hour break, then a reception starting at 5PM, and typically lasting until 1AM. That's an always fun, but exhausting, 12 hour day from start to finish...and that doesn't even include the hair & makeup, etc, etc, etc necessary to put such an event together.
So, we could try shorter weddings! And, have two per venue, per day. Think about it! Your wedding ceremony is at 11am, feed people lunch/brunch at Noon. Toasts happen from 12:30-1 until 1:30-2, and you dance until 5PM. The next wedding, in the same spot, starts at 6-7PM for the ceremony, dinner at 7-8PM, and dancing until Midnight-1AM. Now, you've packed a whole lot of party into a shorter span, giving you (depending on which wedding you have, the early or later) a couple of things:
1. More time to enjoy each other as a couple on your big day.
2. More time to prep yourselves for the event (which, really, is all about joining together!)
3. More of a chance to get the date you REALLY want to get married on.
4. A different type of meal experience (it doesn't always have to be traditional dinner!)
5. Even more of a chance to visit with friends or family that have come from far away to celebrate with you, without the rush of a whirlwind wedding day getting in your path.
This is how it's done in many regions of the US. Maybe it's time we pick up on that tradition and start working it into our area. It would certainly help people get the venues they want, on the days they want, have a great, memorable party, and something awesome to remember for the rest of your lives together.
Give it some thought. I, personally, think it would be a great way to celebrate your love and devotion!
Friday, March 27, 2020
Monday, February 25, 2013
New Locations!
Some new Edmonton Wedding Venues that we'll be working closely with over the next number of years...teaming up to make our clients' dreams come true!
The Art Gallery of Alberta. Located downtown, this beautiful venue is available for weddings of up to 220. The catering by Zinc is fantastic, the downtown location is about as central as you can get. As an added bonus, galleries are open to your wedding guests to view the works in between events. This venue will take great care in helping you plan your big day! And we're happy to be working alongside them!
More to follow in the coming weeks! Stay tuned!
The Edmonton Wedding DJ is here to help your planning process easier. There's truly 3 things people will remember about your wedding. The ceremony, the meal, and the entertainment. We will sit down and discuss exactly what you're looking for, when it comes to the entertainment portion of the evening. No email forms here. Let's sit together and talk about your dream reception, and how we can help make that happen!
Things to think about:
First dance (obviously!) :)
Second dance (parents, usually)
Third dance? Some do, some don't.
Cake Cutting
Grand Entrance
Bouquet
Garter
Last Dance?
We'll talk about the Wedding DJ Checklist in future columns, too. Things all brides and grooms need to be on the lookout for.
That's it, today! Go make it a fantastic one!
Edmonton Wedding DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
The Art Gallery of Alberta. Located downtown, this beautiful venue is available for weddings of up to 220. The catering by Zinc is fantastic, the downtown location is about as central as you can get. As an added bonus, galleries are open to your wedding guests to view the works in between events. This venue will take great care in helping you plan your big day! And we're happy to be working alongside them!
More to follow in the coming weeks! Stay tuned!
The Edmonton Wedding DJ is here to help your planning process easier. There's truly 3 things people will remember about your wedding. The ceremony, the meal, and the entertainment. We will sit down and discuss exactly what you're looking for, when it comes to the entertainment portion of the evening. No email forms here. Let's sit together and talk about your dream reception, and how we can help make that happen!
Things to think about:
First dance (obviously!) :)
Second dance (parents, usually)
Third dance? Some do, some don't.
Cake Cutting
Grand Entrance
Bouquet
Garter
Last Dance?
We'll talk about the Wedding DJ Checklist in future columns, too. Things all brides and grooms need to be on the lookout for.
That's it, today! Go make it a fantastic one!
Edmonton Wedding DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Inexcusable!!
Wow. Just wow. I looked at the date of my last blog post - it was in 2011. It's now 2013. Well, granted, 2012 was a busy year, but I should still be out there blogging once in a while!
Well, an update. We took part in our very first bridal show, Bridal Fantasy, at the end of last month. It was a fantastic experience!!! So many brides, so many vendors. The funny thing about shows like that is how so many DJ companies go so big that it's out of the realm of what ANY wedding would do. They try to impress the brides with their "mine is bigger, so I must be better" displays.
Plain and simple truth is this: Bigger is not necessarily better. Imagine this. You book your wedding with a huge company that has this massive display. You are now a number in their queue. When a company sends out 35 DJs on any given weekend, what are the chances of mistakes? What are the chances that you get an undertrained, overhyped, dress-like-a-butthead-don't-know-wedding-songs-at-all kind of DJ? Is that what you, as a bride, want? Do you want your family to be completely ignored by the entertainer? It could happen! I've heard stories about certain companies out there, but I'm not here to slag other companies, so no names will be mentioned.
You want your Wedding DJ in Edmonton to have a number of things. First, professionalism. Will they dress like a wedding guest is expected to dress, or will they be wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with their hat on sideways? Second, experience and training. How many weddings have they performed? Have they gotten good reviews from those brides and grooms? If they are relatively new, what type of training have they received? Third, personality. Will they be fun? If we want a more interactive DJ, can they perform? Or will they just stand behind the table and be a button-pusher?
Just remember, bigger in the shows doesn't necessarily mean better. They can be "all hat, no cattle" to use an appropriate Alberta term. :)
Don't forget to check out their licensing and insurance, as well. These are important things in the industry. Are they actually allowed to play the music publically? (AVLA) What happens if a speaker falls on someone? (liability insurance)
Always ask questions and do your homework. Members of the Alberta Association of Mobile Entertainers all have higher standards, licensing and insurance by their bylaws. Companies you can trust.
Have a fantastic Edmonton wedding season!!! Talk to you sooner, rather than later. :)
Tarcy Schindelka
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Advanced DJ Services
booking@advanceddj.ca
Well, an update. We took part in our very first bridal show, Bridal Fantasy, at the end of last month. It was a fantastic experience!!! So many brides, so many vendors. The funny thing about shows like that is how so many DJ companies go so big that it's out of the realm of what ANY wedding would do. They try to impress the brides with their "mine is bigger, so I must be better" displays.
Plain and simple truth is this: Bigger is not necessarily better. Imagine this. You book your wedding with a huge company that has this massive display. You are now a number in their queue. When a company sends out 35 DJs on any given weekend, what are the chances of mistakes? What are the chances that you get an undertrained, overhyped, dress-like-a-butthead-don't-know-wedding-songs-at-all kind of DJ? Is that what you, as a bride, want? Do you want your family to be completely ignored by the entertainer? It could happen! I've heard stories about certain companies out there, but I'm not here to slag other companies, so no names will be mentioned.
You want your Wedding DJ in Edmonton to have a number of things. First, professionalism. Will they dress like a wedding guest is expected to dress, or will they be wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with their hat on sideways? Second, experience and training. How many weddings have they performed? Have they gotten good reviews from those brides and grooms? If they are relatively new, what type of training have they received? Third, personality. Will they be fun? If we want a more interactive DJ, can they perform? Or will they just stand behind the table and be a button-pusher?
Just remember, bigger in the shows doesn't necessarily mean better. They can be "all hat, no cattle" to use an appropriate Alberta term. :)
Don't forget to check out their licensing and insurance, as well. These are important things in the industry. Are they actually allowed to play the music publically? (AVLA) What happens if a speaker falls on someone? (liability insurance)
Always ask questions and do your homework. Members of the Alberta Association of Mobile Entertainers all have higher standards, licensing and insurance by their bylaws. Companies you can trust.
Have a fantastic Edmonton wedding season!!! Talk to you sooner, rather than later. :)
Tarcy Schindelka
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Advanced DJ Services
booking@advanceddj.ca
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Let the Corporate Christmas Parties Begin!
Well, it'll be a busy next few months for the Edmonton Wedding DJ, as corporate christmas parties are now in full swing, as companies start celebrating the holiday season.
Starting this weekend, we're going to be visiting some of our favourite venues, including the Edmonton Petroleum Club. Personally, I'll be headed out to Athabasca for their Health Center's Christmas party. Anthony will be working alongside Creative Door Services for another year of fantastic fun with that group!
We'll keep you updated over the next little while as to some of our favourite places, and some great parties! Looking forward to doing the limbo with the health workers in Athabasca this Saturday night!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone!
Tarcy
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Corporate Christmas Party DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
Starting this weekend, we're going to be visiting some of our favourite venues, including the Edmonton Petroleum Club. Personally, I'll be headed out to Athabasca for their Health Center's Christmas party. Anthony will be working alongside Creative Door Services for another year of fantastic fun with that group!
We'll keep you updated over the next little while as to some of our favourite places, and some great parties! Looking forward to doing the limbo with the health workers in Athabasca this Saturday night!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone!
Tarcy
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Corporate Christmas Party DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Looks like Wedding Season is winding down!
And what a wedding season it was! The Edmonton Wedding DJ has been flying from venue to venue, and wedding to wedding since May. Every single weekend was taken up by at least one, sometimes 2,3 and 4 weddings!
I took a lot of notice this summer, and felt the need to put it in the blog (now that I finally have a few minutes to sit down and put in another entry) about your MC.
Sometimes, people don't realize the importance of the MC. When you see as many weddings as I do, you learn about what positions are the most important. MC is one of them. The person you choose to be your Master of Ceremonies is the person that will set the tone for the entire reception. They control the flow of the evening, and keep the guests interested in what is happening, from cocktails through dinner to the final toast of the evening.
A bad MC usually results in a sub-par party, regardless of how good the DJ is. A good or great MC usually results in more upbeat guests, who haven't spent a couple of hours sitting in their chairs getting bored, and not knowing what was coming up next! This type of crowd is usually more open to having fun and dancing through the night.
A good example (obviously I'm not going to use names)...one wedding I was at, the MC had no idea of the couple's timeline for the evening, and we went BIG stretches without hearing anything from anyone. I could see the crowd getting restless and bored, and as soon as supper and the toasts were over, before the music even started, 3/4 of the crowd left. I had about 30 people to play to the rest of the night...and they weren't dancers. With such a small crowd, and these people wanted to drink and socialize, no matter what I did as the DJ, no matter what type of music was played, the party was over before it started. I was packed up and home by midnight that night...something I'm not a big fan of!
I love to have fun with the people! I love to dance along with them! I love to poke a little fun at the drunk guy who doesn't know his left foot from his right, but dang, he sure tries hard and has one heck of a good time! On a couple of occasions this summer, that wasn't happening, and I saw it occurring because of a substandard MC.
So, a couple of tips -
1. Find someone who is comfortable in front of a crowd. Then nerves and stage fright won't be the first thing your guests see.
2. Talk to your MC, have the evening planned out via a timeline, so they're not running up to you, the bride and groom, wondering what's next.
3. Make sure the MC and DJ connect, so everyone knows the flow of the Grand Entrance and anything else that's happening before the dance, especially if the MC is using the DJ's microphone to make the announcements!
4. Don't let your MC drink more than a drink or two, at least until his duties are complete - then he/she can let loose. A slobbering drunk who lets the odd swear out in front of your Grandma and your cousins 4 year old can be disastrous!
5. If you're still not sure, find a coach for your MC the investment will be worthwhile.
On that note, we at Advanced DJ Services offer a couple of things to make your life easier...we can be your MC for the evening, in good taste and good humour! We'll keep the night flowing, right into the dance portion of the evening. If you'd like to go with someone closer to you as a couple, that's great! We can coach them for an hour or two, to ensure they'll be ready to rock come your big night.
For some reason, I feel like I'm leaving something out...but I'm sure it'll come up in a later blog post! If you have any questions about your wedding planning, please give us a call, we're glad to help!
That's it for now!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
I took a lot of notice this summer, and felt the need to put it in the blog (now that I finally have a few minutes to sit down and put in another entry) about your MC.
Sometimes, people don't realize the importance of the MC. When you see as many weddings as I do, you learn about what positions are the most important. MC is one of them. The person you choose to be your Master of Ceremonies is the person that will set the tone for the entire reception. They control the flow of the evening, and keep the guests interested in what is happening, from cocktails through dinner to the final toast of the evening.
A bad MC usually results in a sub-par party, regardless of how good the DJ is. A good or great MC usually results in more upbeat guests, who haven't spent a couple of hours sitting in their chairs getting bored, and not knowing what was coming up next! This type of crowd is usually more open to having fun and dancing through the night.
A good example (obviously I'm not going to use names)...one wedding I was at, the MC had no idea of the couple's timeline for the evening, and we went BIG stretches without hearing anything from anyone. I could see the crowd getting restless and bored, and as soon as supper and the toasts were over, before the music even started, 3/4 of the crowd left. I had about 30 people to play to the rest of the night...and they weren't dancers. With such a small crowd, and these people wanted to drink and socialize, no matter what I did as the DJ, no matter what type of music was played, the party was over before it started. I was packed up and home by midnight that night...something I'm not a big fan of!
I love to have fun with the people! I love to dance along with them! I love to poke a little fun at the drunk guy who doesn't know his left foot from his right, but dang, he sure tries hard and has one heck of a good time! On a couple of occasions this summer, that wasn't happening, and I saw it occurring because of a substandard MC.
So, a couple of tips -
1. Find someone who is comfortable in front of a crowd. Then nerves and stage fright won't be the first thing your guests see.
2. Talk to your MC, have the evening planned out via a timeline, so they're not running up to you, the bride and groom, wondering what's next.
3. Make sure the MC and DJ connect, so everyone knows the flow of the Grand Entrance and anything else that's happening before the dance, especially if the MC is using the DJ's microphone to make the announcements!
4. Don't let your MC drink more than a drink or two, at least until his duties are complete - then he/she can let loose. A slobbering drunk who lets the odd swear out in front of your Grandma and your cousins 4 year old can be disastrous!
5. If you're still not sure, find a coach for your MC the investment will be worthwhile.
On that note, we at Advanced DJ Services offer a couple of things to make your life easier...we can be your MC for the evening, in good taste and good humour! We'll keep the night flowing, right into the dance portion of the evening. If you'd like to go with someone closer to you as a couple, that's great! We can coach them for an hour or two, to ensure they'll be ready to rock come your big night.
For some reason, I feel like I'm leaving something out...but I'm sure it'll come up in a later blog post! If you have any questions about your wedding planning, please give us a call, we're glad to help!
That's it for now!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
Monday, March 21, 2011
Welcome Back to the world!
It's been a long while since I've put anything down on the Edmonton Wedding DJ Blog. Mostly because it's been really busy during the "slowest months of the year". I've been focusing on a lot of things, like marketing materials and sales...all that boring business stuff.
We've been booking weddings like crazy, along with several corporate Christmas parties. If the trends continue, we'll have a pretty darn good year, and should be able to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads.
I've been reading a book by one of the DJ Industry's influential people, Larry Williams. It's called "Mind Your Own Business", a book of ethical standards for DJ's. Hmmm, ethical. There's a lot of people out there who aren't.
To me, ethical starts with our interactions with the customers. Always treat every single one of them as it's an honour to be chosen to be a part of their event. Listen to what they want and envision out of that event. Then, promise what you can do. The most important part of the step - MAKE IT HAPPEN. Now, that doesn't mean that we can't have an off night, everyone does once in a while (and I despise it if it happens), but if we truly did everything we could to make sure the crowd had a good time, then we can't hang our heads.
Beyond your direct interactions with the customers, how about "unseen" things? Like using a music subscription. Customers don't really care where the music comes from, but being an ethical person, I do. The artists that put out the music for our enjoyment should be paid accordingly when we add their songs to our library. So, a legal, licensed music subscription is the direction I take. They provide 99% of what you hear on the radio, too. With radio edits, so we can play to school-aged crowds, too, without upsetting parents or teachers. No illegally downloaded music here.
Next up, Association memberships. Associations usually mean a company is taking what they do seriously. They also usually mean certain standards must be upheld, as customers can complain to associations a business is part of....our memberships in the Alberta Association of Mobile Entertainers, as well as Edmonton Tourism (and soon to be a few more) hopefully show a little bit of our commitment to excellence for our customers. At least, I hope so. It's how I see it, anyway.
Insurance. What if something tragic happens? Who will be held responsible? The Bride and Groom? Well, if a DJ doesn't have insurance, it could happen. You never know what direction lawyers will take. It's good to ask if a company is carrying liability insurance, just in case.
But, most of all, it's going out and not being a _____________ (insert name here) when on performance. Do as discussed with the clients. Have as much of their music as possible. Don't tell inappropriate jokes. Don't play cheesy games if they don't want them. Don't solicit tips (if you're good enough, you'll get 'em). Don't drink. Stay the heck off your phone during the dance. This is the part people see.
It's been a long time since I've blogged, hopefully, it's not too long before it happens again!
Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
780-235-3866
We've been booking weddings like crazy, along with several corporate Christmas parties. If the trends continue, we'll have a pretty darn good year, and should be able to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads.
I've been reading a book by one of the DJ Industry's influential people, Larry Williams. It's called "Mind Your Own Business", a book of ethical standards for DJ's. Hmmm, ethical. There's a lot of people out there who aren't.
To me, ethical starts with our interactions with the customers. Always treat every single one of them as it's an honour to be chosen to be a part of their event. Listen to what they want and envision out of that event. Then, promise what you can do. The most important part of the step - MAKE IT HAPPEN. Now, that doesn't mean that we can't have an off night, everyone does once in a while (and I despise it if it happens), but if we truly did everything we could to make sure the crowd had a good time, then we can't hang our heads.
Beyond your direct interactions with the customers, how about "unseen" things? Like using a music subscription. Customers don't really care where the music comes from, but being an ethical person, I do. The artists that put out the music for our enjoyment should be paid accordingly when we add their songs to our library. So, a legal, licensed music subscription is the direction I take. They provide 99% of what you hear on the radio, too. With radio edits, so we can play to school-aged crowds, too, without upsetting parents or teachers. No illegally downloaded music here.
Next up, Association memberships. Associations usually mean a company is taking what they do seriously. They also usually mean certain standards must be upheld, as customers can complain to associations a business is part of....our memberships in the Alberta Association of Mobile Entertainers, as well as Edmonton Tourism (and soon to be a few more) hopefully show a little bit of our commitment to excellence for our customers. At least, I hope so. It's how I see it, anyway.
Insurance. What if something tragic happens? Who will be held responsible? The Bride and Groom? Well, if a DJ doesn't have insurance, it could happen. You never know what direction lawyers will take. It's good to ask if a company is carrying liability insurance, just in case.
But, most of all, it's going out and not being a _____________ (insert name here) when on performance. Do as discussed with the clients. Have as much of their music as possible. Don't tell inappropriate jokes. Don't play cheesy games if they don't want them. Don't solicit tips (if you're good enough, you'll get 'em). Don't drink. Stay the heck off your phone during the dance. This is the part people see.
It's been a long time since I've blogged, hopefully, it's not too long before it happens again!
Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
780-235-3866
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack!
Well, it's been a while since I've put anything down on this page, mostly due to my foray to Las Vegas last week.
Lots has happened since then, and I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to put down here. So much was talked about in Las Vegas, it's hard to put it all into one space...so, I probably won't, I'll just throw things out there that I learned over the next little while.
First off, one thing that really stuck with me was a presentation called "Peak Performance". Its basic premise (without looking at my notes) was to put forth an extra effort with each and every thing you do. It was likened to water - at 97 degrees, it's very hot. At 98 degrees, it boils. It takes one degree. If we all put forth that one extra degree every time we meet with someone, we can improve not only our businesses, but the Edmonton Wedding DJ market. It's something we try to do with every client, but seeing the presentation put forth from another perspective and with different wording, reiterates how important it is.
Lots of other stuff...I will share as time rolls on.
A big thanks to Mrs. Edmonton Wedding DJ for giving me the most stressful shopping trip possible, without even being there. At least, in the end, I picked out a purse she likes. :)
Stayed at the Stratosphere...for anyone planning a honeymoon in Vegas, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a little too separated from the action. Nice hotel, with a REALLY small bathroom. I think next time I go, it'll be at the Mirage or something around that incredibly busy strip area.
I had fun one night. Made for a rougher morning the next morning. In the end, though, I was there to learn, so I behaved. We'll see what happens next year. :) I do plan on being back...to bring back more and more expertise for our customers.
That's it for now!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
Lots has happened since then, and I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to put down here. So much was talked about in Las Vegas, it's hard to put it all into one space...so, I probably won't, I'll just throw things out there that I learned over the next little while.
First off, one thing that really stuck with me was a presentation called "Peak Performance". Its basic premise (without looking at my notes) was to put forth an extra effort with each and every thing you do. It was likened to water - at 97 degrees, it's very hot. At 98 degrees, it boils. It takes one degree. If we all put forth that one extra degree every time we meet with someone, we can improve not only our businesses, but the Edmonton Wedding DJ market. It's something we try to do with every client, but seeing the presentation put forth from another perspective and with different wording, reiterates how important it is.
Lots of other stuff...I will share as time rolls on.
A big thanks to Mrs. Edmonton Wedding DJ for giving me the most stressful shopping trip possible, without even being there. At least, in the end, I picked out a purse she likes. :)
Stayed at the Stratosphere...for anyone planning a honeymoon in Vegas, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a little too separated from the action. Nice hotel, with a REALLY small bathroom. I think next time I go, it'll be at the Mirage or something around that incredibly busy strip area.
I had fun one night. Made for a rougher morning the next morning. In the end, though, I was there to learn, so I behaved. We'll see what happens next year. :) I do plan on being back...to bring back more and more expertise for our customers.
That's it for now!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
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