Friday, September 25, 2009

Party Entertainment Ideas

Party Entertainment can come in many forms and is the best way to keep guests involved in your party. You don't want them to become bored, leave the party early, even have bad memories of the party afterwards. Games and music are the two most popular forms of party entertainment and depending on the ages and types of guests you have, these will vary.

If you are throwing a children’s party, the traditional games like 'Red Light, Green Light' or 'Simon Says,' are family-friendly and can be paired with more active games such as a bounce houses or a game of touch football. If your party has just adults, board games, or card games are always an easy way to get people involved.

Music is a great form of party entertainment—and can be upbeat and energizing or a subtle relaxing background. You can definitely set the moods of your guests depending on what kind of music you play and when. If you want to get the party going, play something with a strong beat and quick tempo. Remember to always play music that’s appropriate to the audience—children’s songs are best for kids parties, but not for adult parties, corporate events are different than house parties. When in doubt about the appropriateness of a song, check the lyrics beforehand.

Probably the best entertainment idea is to hire a DJ, who can make the decisions on the best songs to play and when, help lead the group games and keep the party moving. You can also work with another entertainer like a comedian, or magician to keep the crowd entertained. The trick is to always consider the audience, and choose the kind of entertainment that will truly be entertaining for all.
Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators: Charlotte, North Carolina

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

10 Questions to Guarantee a Quality DJ

There are ten questions that you should ask to ensure that you have a quality DJ at your wedding or next corporate event. Don't be left hoping that the DJ you chose will do the job well--be positive that your DJ will entertain, be professional and let you enjoy your party!

1.) Is the Disc Jockey (and/or entertainment company) insured?

2.) Will the DJ discuss the music selection with you ahead of time if you would like them to?

3.) Will the DJ use professional equipment and have a professional presentation, (table, speakers, signage etc.)

4.) Will there be back-up equipment available at the reception, (in case a microphone dies, a cord is broken, or a speaker blows!)

5.) Does the DJ know the proper etiquette, song selection and traditions for the reception (i.e. Bar Mitzvah, corporate party, wedding).

6.) Will the DJ set up before the event, and how long will they need to set-up before guests arrive?

7.) Does the DJ provide a written contract?

8.) Will the DJ be professionally, and appropriately dressed?

9.) Does the DJ belong to any professional organizations or groups, or hold any special designations or accreditation?

10.) Can the DJ provide references for the type of event you are planning?

Be confident that your next event will be entertaining! Make sure to hire a quality DJ Company!




Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators: Charlotte, North Carolina

Monday, September 14, 2009

Prom Playlist

The music played at prom can stay with you for a lifetime—forever reminding you of those special moments. This is why when planning your upcoming prom, you should choose songs that represent the your class, have true meaning and will leave a lasting impression—here is a list of 35 of the hottest songs for proms this year:

1. Just Dance by Lady GaGa featuring Colby O'Donis
2. Love Story by Taylor Swift
3. Untouched by The Veronicas
4. Far Away by Nickelback
5. Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis
6. Thunder by Boys Like Girls
7. 1, 2, 3, 4 by Plain White T's
8. When you look me in the eyes by the Jonas Brothers
9. I don't want to miss a thing by Aerosmith
10. Beautiful by Akon featuring Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall
11. Wonderwall by Oasis
12. Check Yes Juliet by We the Kings
13. Low by Flo rida
14. Apologize by One Republic featuring Timbaland
15. Wait for You by Elliott Yamin-
16. Graduation Song (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C
17. My Girl by The Temptations
18. I'll Stand by You by the Pretenders
19. You and Me by Lifehouse
20. Angel by Aerosmith
21. Teenage Love Affair by Alicia Keys
22. With You by Chris Brown
23. Viva La Vida by Cold Play
24. Last kiss by Pearl Jam
25. Don't Forget to Remember Me by Carrie Underwood
26. Take a Bow by Rihanna
27. These Are The Moments by Edwin McCain
28. Forever Young by Rod Stewart
29. Here Without You by 3Doors Down
30. Heres to the Night by Eve 6
31. Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson
32. Remember me the way by Jordan Hill
33. Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden
34. Until the End of time by Justin Timberlake
35. Don't Let Go by Bryan Adams with Sara Mclaughin

Have a great prom!

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators:
Charlotte, North Carolina

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Prom Themes

Are you on your prom's planning committee this year? A prom is an exciting event and choosing the right theme can be instrumental in its success and the ease of your planning. Here are a few GREAT prom themes to use--or inspire creativity of your own.

1) Dream / Day Dreaming / Star Gazing: Decorate with soft clouds, moons, stars. Instead of traditional tables and chairs, bring in bean bags and large floor pillows.

2) Under the Sea: Choose sea blue and foam waves for decoration, and sea shells and netting work great on the tables as decorations. This is an easy theme to go with since decorations are so available--and it is always fun!

3) The Roaring 20’s: The 20’s is a glamorous and romantic theme. Be sure to have the DJ play plenty of swing music and encourage if possible offer some after-school, or Phys Ed swing dancing classes in the weeks leading up to the prom to get everyone involved!

4) James Bond - Casino Royale: James Bond and the glamour of a casino themed night can be a fun and interesting way to add entertainment and activity into your prom. Have the guests arrive in black tie and cocktail dresses and use play money and game tables and serve mocktails. For those who choose not to dance, this is a great way to feel involved without hitting the dance floor!

5) Paris: Paris is considered one of the most romantic places on Earth--and this is a GREAT way to get your French club involved in the planning too! Decorate with Eiffel towers, French posters and advertising. Add Christmas-style lights strung across the space and write in French on the invitations, signs and tickets. Ask your DJ to bring in French pop songs to play, and ask your French students what songs they would like included!

6) Beach/ Hawaiian Theme: A great way to heat up a cold winter night or rainy spring is with a beach theme! Decorations can involve beach balls, a sandcastle contents, even fish bowls, or Hawaiian leis as table centerpieces. Have the students dress in their board shorts, sunglasses, Hawaiian shirts, flip flops, and hula dresses. Have the DJ play old beach music along side traditional prom music.


Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators:
Charlotte, North Carolina

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Getting Involved at Your Child's Middle School Dance

As a parent of a Middle School Student, you are probably concerned about how to stay involved with your child's life... while giving them the space to grow and become more independent. Helping plan your child's Middle School dance is one great way to accomplish this--and provide much needed assistance to weary administrators and over-extended teachers.

As a volunteer, you may be asked to head a committee or tasked with a single job such as hiring the right DJ. Whatever your involvement, be sure to include your son or daughter in to the planning process, asking for feedback and ideas. Having a task to accomplish together will establish a bonding, and set the tone for how you and your student will work together throughout their school social activities through Middle and High School. Remember, they will be exerting their own personal style, and their music or clothing choices may not be your own, but are not necessarily bad. As long as they fit the school's policies and are not crude or inappropriate, your child's tastes should be considered. This dance is not for you... it is for the kids and should reflect what they would like!

Take the cues from your child too, as they may be very willing to help you in music selection while you sit at home, but may completely ignore you as a chaperone at the dance while with their friends. Try not to take it personally--your child is growing up and trying to establish boundaries. At the end of the night, or the next day though, be sure to ask your child about the event, and maintain that open line of communication. You may find they are receptive to sharing with you more when not trying to show-off for their friends.

The Middle School years can be rough ones for parents and children, but they can also be profoundly rewarding! Stay involved, volunteer, engage... but remember to take a step back when the situation merits it. You are helping your son or daughter grow, by allowing them a little freedom of space and expression.

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators:
Charlotte, North Carolina