Holiday Gala Events

Summer is just starting to wane and the kids are headed back to school, but now is the time to start thinking about planning that big company holiday party. Here is a list of things to think about now, so that your holiday event goes off without a hitch:

1) Location: Would you like an on site or off site location? Will you need to rent a space?

2) Who will cater? Does your event venue do food, or will you need to contract with another company?

3) What will the menu look like? Will it be a dessert reception, or a sit-down dinner? Will alcohol be served—and will it be an open, or paid bar?

4) How will invitations be sent out? Is an email or evite OK, or do formal invitations need to be ordered and printed?

5) Who is handling the guest list and RSVPs?

6) What is the theme or décor for the party?

7) Do you need to recruit volunteers to assist with planning, decorations and clean-up?

8) What kind of entertainment will you have? Have you booked your favorite Charlotte DJ?

9) Will the event be a black-tie or a “Hawaiian Luau”? Be specific with your guests so that they can plan accordingly!

10) What kinds of favors or party give-aways will you need? Will there be recognition or awards given? Do you need to make arrangements for any items to be printed ahead of time?


When planning any event, it is important to get a jump start on the details, so when the time comes, everything will fall into place seamlessly!

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

Questions to ask your DJ

There was a time when having a DJ at your wedding, was mostly a cost decision. But DJ’s no longer just play a couple standard party songs in the corner and go home. DJ’s can offer a huge variety of music selections and styles that a live band sometimes cannot. And a DJ can be an emcee, moving the wedding along, getting the crowd to participate, and gathering the crowd to pay attention to a significant moment in the night.

So when you are considering a DJ for your wedding, here are some questions to ask:

Presentation. Ask the DJ how they will do the presentation of things like the introductions, first dance, cake cutting, bouquet & garter, requests and special dances. You and the DJ should be able to work together to accommodate your needs and their style.

Clothing. What will the DJ be wearing? Some DJ’s wear tuxedos, others suits, and still others show up in whatever they happen to throw on that day. If you have a preference—now is the time to say so!

Food. If you are having a reception at dinner time, rest assured the DJ will be hungry too. If you are serving food, make sure you ask if the DJ would like the meal, (most will say yes) and what choice they would like.

Breaks. Unless the DJ is working in a team, they will need a break (bathroom, drink, fresh air). Ask the DJ what their policy on breaks is and how they will cover the time they step away (Will they have music playing? Etc.)

Time. Ask about the DJ’s start and end times. The DJ can play just during the reception or during the cocktail hour and through dessert, but you should be specific about what you want and what rates apply for the time.

Song Selections. You should be able to select from a song list, and include a few special requests. You can even put a “no-play” list together, (that way if you don’t want a certain song, no matter how many times Uncle Erv requests it, it won’t be played).

Equipment. A DJ should have professional sound equipment – including speakers and a microphone and everything he or she should have to play at your wedding, but they will need access to a power supply, and potentially a table with linens (many will bring this, but it pays to ask). Make sure you know exactly what you are providing, and what they are bringing to the event.

AUDIO TO GO

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators:

Charlotte, North Carolina

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

Choosing a Wedding Florist

As professional DJ's we see a lot of wedding flowers, and deal with a lot of brides who are in the midst of choosing a florist. We would like to offer some advice to couples choosing floral arrangements, bouquets and other wedding flowers for their big day.

Every florist has their own style when it comes to wedding floral arrangements, so it is important to be familiar with a florist’s work before signing a contract.

The best way to start is to ask friends who they used, and what they thought of their work, price, and professionalism. If the florist comes highly recommended, chances are they will do a good job for you too. But don’t forget to also look at pictures (online and in-store) and if possible, check out a bridal order they are currently working on.

When you visit each florist, look at pictures of their previous work and look around their shop.

-->Do you like the arrangements that you see in the shop's displays?
-->Do the flowers in the pictures look fresh? (are the petal edges brown?)
-->Are the pictures current and do they follow contemporary styles?
-->Talk to the specific florist that will do your arrangements.
-->Do you feel comfortable with your florist and are they willing to take your ideas and wishes?

When to Book:
You should begin your search for a florist about 6 months before your wedding date. This is something you can’t do too early or too late because you need to have your reception and ceremony sites picked out before you can hire a florist, (because of size, location, amount, colors), but you also don’t want to wait too long, especially during a busy “wedding season,” so you can have your choice of florists.

What to Bring:
When you go to meet with your final florist-prospects, you should bring pictures of flowers and arrangements you like from magazines or photographs, pictures of your gown, color swatches and a list of the flowers you will need (i.e. centerpieces, boutonnieres, bouquets, etc.). You may also want to bring quotes your received from other florists.

What to Ask:
While you are looking over their portfolio, make sure to ask if the person who did the arrangements you like, is the same one that will be doing your flowers. Ask for their creative ideas and get a sense of what kind of artist they are. Ask if the flowers you want are in season when you need them. A florist may be able to get out-of-season flowers, but there may be additional costs, and they may not last as long. There are also some technical questions, such as “is there a delivery charge?” and “when must the final order be in?” and if there are hidden costs.

With these tips, we are sure you will haev beautiful arrangements on your special day.

Audio To Go: Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators,

and Party Motivators: Charlotte, North Carolina