Help I'm Getting Married!

OK, you found that perfect someone to share love and life with. He proposed, you accepted, and up until now everything has been pretty much stress free. In fact the idea of planning for the big day sounds like fun, as it should be. Now comes the time to choose the who, what, where, and when. Shall I have a sophisticated soirée or opt for a much simpler affair? Sounds easy so far, I'll just Google my way to wedding day bliss :)

Now, are we sitting down?  Good.  here is where it get's interesting.  Ever since Al Gore invented "the Internets"(ha ha), finding and comparing things has been a breeze. Most of the decisions brides and grooms make will be of things that they can actually hold in their hands. They have a brand, size or color. But what about the entertainment?  Can't I just point and click my way to party hosting success? The answer is yes and unfortunately no.  What the web can do is make you aware of local choices.  What often happens is we ask for more information in email.  And why not, it seems less intrusive. However websites and email are a cold medium. No personality, no charisma... you know the warm and fuzzy. To add to the confusion DJ's all start sounding alike. It's just not enough to make an informed decision as important as the heartbeat of reception. The music and entertainment.

Here is how we start on the right path to wedding reception happiness. When we meet with newly engaged people to see what their reception vision is there is something very important in it for them.  Have you ever met someone you just clicked with? You should know within the first few minutes if this is gonna work or not. It's a very good indicator of how good they are at first impressions, which is what the situation is going to be with the DJ and your guests at the wedding reception. After exchanging ideas during this informal chat you'll walk away knowing if you have found a match! And if not, nothing is really lost except for a whole lot of wedding day stress.

We not only love music and parties,  we love to talk about them too! I'll follow up soon with more tips on successful reception planning. If you have any immediate questions about finding what's right for you, we are here to help, call us anytime... Let us entertain you!

Photo by Linczak Photography

Top 5 Wedding Trends for 2013

Cleveland DJ & event production experts at Troy Entertainment point out top wedding trends for 2013.

Mint will be the Top Color for 2013

Mint was huge on the runway and will be the popular color incorporated into 2013 weddings.  Mint is refreshing, soft and adaptable into many elements of your 2013 wedding. From bridesmaids dresses, jewelry, shoes, wedding cake, centerpieces…use your imagination the ideas are endless! Many of those items incorporating the popular color can be found at Catan Bridal.

Feather Centerpieces

New for 2013 is the unique wedding trend of using peacock and ostrich feathers to decorate guest tables.  These feathers come in various shades so you can decorate your centerpieces in your favorite wedding color. Combine flowers with feathers or opt for a feather-only look.  We suggest you look at Socially Artistic Events to explore the possibilities in floral, feather and other new trendy design ideas.

Wedding Photo Booths

While photo booths have been the trend for a year or two, the new trend for 2013 wedding reception planning is to have a more upscale elegantly presented wedding photo booth.  The photo booth has evolved from the mall style or homemade ones first offered to one that matches the upscale glamorous wedding brides are planning.   The new trend in 2013 weddings is the “Wedding White Photo Booth” which features an eye pleasing white booth with beautiful white curtains that compliment the décor of the occasion.

Décor Uplighting

In 2013 wedding planning is all about simplicity and glamour while being cost effective! Décor Uplighting takes the plain and ordinary look and feel of the otherwise unembellished wedding reception space and transforms it to the beautiful hues and tones you prefer for your soirée. Use the accenting colors of your table linens, centerpieces, napkins and chair covers or even opt for the elegance and formal sophistication of white. The choices are all yours!  Uplighting can make this dramatic improvement at the fraction of the cost of other décor enhancing options.  Your DJ entertainment company is probably the best choice to provide you with décor uplighting by excluding delivery and removal fees common with outside lighting companies.  You can explore the possibilities at this link to Décor Uplighting.

Night Bites

One of the most popular trends of 2013 wedding receptions is having a display of fun foods for a late night snack prior to the bride and grooms farewell exit.  Everything from hot dog stations to taco bars have become excellent ideas to wind up a night of dancing and celebration. Most couples claim that the time will fly quickly and look to continue the party to the very last song. Adding late night social activity such as food stations or breakfast buffet will also slow the consumption of alcohol and relieve responsibility concerns.  Your caterer can offer these services in a creative display reflecting your personalities and preferences or you  can even choose local fast food delivered!

 

 

Cleveland Wedding DJ "Keeping it Fresh"!

Let's talk about our favorite subject "Wedding Entertainment". In the beginning Troy Entertainment looked at the Cleveland wedding DJ entertainment market and seen what was being addressed and assessed what needed to change. For example the market had very few interactive or entertaining DJ entertainment options and those that were focused on themselves and not the guests of honor (bride and groom) and their guests. To this day when asked "what is most important to you about your wedding" the prevailing response is "I want my guests to have fun".  This is why we became the first and continue to utilize the idea of using the audience as the "stars of the show".  Rather than having everyone focus on us, we cast the focus to an active dance floor.

The thing that we enjoy most about weddings is that the guest list is usually comprised of a diverse mix of people.  Everyone from the bride and grooms friends and family to neighbors and co-workers. There is commonly a wide range on ages present and people from near and far attend this once in a lifetime event. The premise that is usually implied is that a DJ will "read the crowd" when in actuality that is not very likely since nobody can read minds. For sensible results we make ourselves more approachable. What appears to be as subtle as a natural friendly presence is highly effective in connecting with the audience.  It's that charismatic way of presenting yourself to the guests that conveys comradery. Enthusiasm is contagious.

The other thing that is so grand about providing wedding DJ entertainment is that it is in a continues state of change that is in sync with trends in music and fashion. Let's discuss trends.  We have seen so many fads come and go. Group participation dance fads like the Electric Slide, Macarena, , Soulja Boy, the Doggie, Cha-Cha Slide, and the Cupid Shuffle. The latest being the Harlem Shake . The ability for a wedding DJ company to spot new trends and keep the package fresh is highly important. This doesn't mean that keeping it fresh would exclude music that stands "the test of time". Even music of the older generation has seen a rebirth in popularity. Wedding DJ's have seen the rebirth of the "Big 80's", or what about a few years ago when "Swing" was in again. Specific songs become replays like "Don't Stop Believing"  and "Living on a Prayer". A good DJ with talent will also know when a music trend or popularity has fallen which usually occurs if and when it is overplayed or it has simply run it's course. Yet some music becomes what we refer to as "musical staples" and has achieved longevity.

This brings us to today's bride and what her wants and needs are. If you are Cleveland area bride planning for that big day the key to a successful wedding reception is to select entertainment that is fresh with what the current trends and even traditions are, a company that is right for your event and your diverse guest list. Cleveland Wedding DJ's can only be judged by what they have done.  A proven track record and what their recent clients say about their experiences with that DJ company. We'd like you to consider us for your reception as we would be honored to combine our talents, experience and "fresh" approach with your preferences to reach our common goal of "everyone having fun".

To see and hear our recent weddings events you can follow this link: Weddings and Client Interviews. If you would like us to personally reach out and connect with you we'd love to do so. Tell us about your event here: Let's Chat!

Below is a picture from way back in time to our exciting beginnings.  Boy have things changed! but it sure was fun :)

Preparedness - Are they Ready?

This weeks Cleveland wedding DJ blog post for Troy Entertainment is an observation recently made while we were on vacation. Kimberley and I were on a cruise vacation aboard the Royal Caribbean's Alure of the Seas the week of February 3rd through the 10th. Yes, that is Superbowl XLVII Sunday and if your up on current events it is also the week that the Carnival Triumph left passengers stranded for 5 days with little in the way of the vacation they dreamed of and expected.

First, if you can imagine the enormous pressure in producing an event such as the Superbowl. Housing an event of 71,024 attendees and broadcasting to over 111 million viewers globally with a 20 minute halftime show that is rolled onto and off the playing field within minutes!  Shortly after the Superbowl Halftime performance of Beyonce the lights go out! was there panic, bedlam, a riot? No, the announcers equipped with earpieces where most likely informed of a situation and were instructed to stretch it out, talk through the happens of the first half, and roll to commercials, etc. while people behind the scenes worked the problem. Did they instantly know where to look and how long it would take? Probably not., but they had expert people with loads of experience on how isolate the problem, talent that can improvise to buy them time, and a contingency plan. Later they found that the issue was the "backup" power system that is used in case of power outages, lol. Neither the less, they remained calm and the show went on. How does this relate to Brides and Grooms on their wedding day? This is what "professionals" do at live events! You can plan for everything to run smooth, however you want to make sure you have the right people with talent and experience just in case the unexpected were to happen.

Later that week while we were enjoying our cruise we caught news coverage on CNN about the Carnival Triumph having a engine fire causing the ship lose electricity, air conditioning, and plumbing. If you could imagine these passengers boarding the ship expecting the times of their lives. eating, drinking, site seeing, dancing, and entertainment only to be left stranded out in the middle of the sea with little in the way of the basic accommodations  Yet, when it was all over one the thing that prevailed according to interviews with passengers aboard the ship during the ordeal was that the "Staff" of the cruise line kept people calm, remained pleasant and helped in any way they could to make good out of a terrible situation. This again is something "well trained" individuals do in the event of an unexpected situation. They remained calm,  worked at keeping the guests comfrtable, and kept upbeat while the other professionals on staff worked the problem.

If we learn anything relative from this it could be that when expectations are high and since the unexpected can happen it may be worth the "peace of mind" that comes with hiring professionals with proven "talent and experience" to handle your "once in a lifetime" event.

See and hear from our clients at our video demos and client interviews page.  Learn more about the talented professional Cleveland wedding and event DJ's at Troy Entertainment by filing out the contact us form or calling 440.238.9480.

Wedding & Event Showcase Event Planners VIP with David Tutera

Thursday Jan 31st the Cleveland wedding DJs & lighting staff of Troy Entertainment joined Cleveland's top wedding professionals for a VIP meet & greet with David Tutera.

David, the Wedding Planner of the Stars and star of "My Fair Wedding" on WE TV did his morning show rounds at Fox 8 studios prior to arriving at Catan's Fashion in Strongsville. The event was deliciously catered by Zack Bruelle. After catching up with the who's who in Cleveland's wedding planning industry we all had an opportunity to take some photos with David.

Lines formed as preregistered brides-to-be filed in to get a change to hear David speak about Dreaming Bigger and provide tips on planning the event of a lifetime. There was a wonderfully produced fashion show of the latest in bridal gowns and Patrice Catan, owner of Catan's Fashions provided some insight as to the new and exciting things Catan's and Socially Artistic Events offers.

We provided decor uplighting and monogram gobo projection in the display rooms to give brides a look as to what can be made possible.  They also had the chance to meet David and take photos as well as receive autographed promo pictures.

There were representatives of local event catering and several well respected wedding planners that we have worked with many times. It was great to be able to catch up with others after the very busy 2012 bridal season.

Afterwords, we went to dinner at J-Bella Italian restaurant with Niky and Alina of Party Decor. They are our favorite and one of the most popular companies in decor that includes table linens, chairs and covers, mandaps, and draped fabrics. As we were finishing Patrice Catan and her staff along with David Tutera had walked in to relax and enjoy a late dinner as well. So we all joined together for some stories and laughs.

Below is my photo opp with David and more can be found on the Mystic Image facebook page.

New Trendy Idea for your Cleveland Wedding!

Those that are familiar with Troy Entertainment Wedding & Event DJ Productions know that at the start of each year we look for new and exciting ideas.  This year is no exception.  Brides and grooms looking to add a splash of fun and excitement to their wedding reception now have a new trendy option to include in their entertainment package with our “Wedding Lantern Release”.

If you've never heard of these, here is a brief explanation:

The lanterns are airborne paper lanterns traditionally found in some Asian cultures. They are made from rice paper on a bamboo frame, and contain a small fuel cake composed of a waxy flammable material. When lit, the flame from the burning fuel cake heats the air inside the lantern, thus lowering its density causing the lantern to rise into the air. The lantern is only airborne for as long as the flame stays alight, after which the lantern will float back to the ground. They are very eco-friendly and they create a very dramatic effect for all of the your guests to see.

Our Lanterns can be used during the day or night and although colored lanterns can be used for a daytime display they still do not match the dramatic effect of an evening release.

Another great idea is to have your wedding guests write their own good luck messages on the lanterns before releasing them. It is said that by writing a wish on a lantern before its release, ones bad luck; ill feeling and misfortunes are given to the heavens. As the wedding wish lantern rises it takes away your trouble and sends fortune & prosperity.

If you are having an outdoor event or have access to an outdoor patio just outside your ballroom, this can be made into an exciting guest participation activity at the end of the reception during the bride and grooms departure as the official honeymoon send off.  

Feel free to give us a call to explore this and other add-on options to your event with Troy Entertainment Wedding & Event Productions.

Cleveland DJ Troy Entertainment Wins Bride's Choice Award 2013

Cleveland, Ohio – January 10, 2013 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading online wedding marketplace, is thrilled to announce that Troy Entertainment DJ & Event Production Company has been selected as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2013 for Wedding DJ in Cleveland Ohio!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Troy Entertainment’s selection as a Bride’s Choice Award 2013 winner was selected based on the positive experiences expressed by past clients on WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews.  While many industry awards are given by the host organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with Troy Entertainment.

The WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2013 are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on professional achievements from the previous year. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.  As a Bride’s Choice Awards winner, Troy Entertainment is highlighted within the WeddingWire Network, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.

“Each year, WeddingWire looks forward to celebrating the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Network,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Now in its fifth year, the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program continues to recognize  the elite wedding professionals who exemplify a commitment to quality, service and professionalism. These businesses were chosen by our bridal community for their responsiveness and dedication to their clients over the past year. We are honored to recognize Troy Entertainment for their impressive achievements within the wedding industry.” 

Troy Entertainment is thrilled to be one of the top Wedding DJ's in Cleveland, Ohio in the WeddingWire Network of sites, which include leading wedding sites such as WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee.

"Again, we would like to express our gratitude to all of you.  We feel so fortunate to have such great clients that fill our lives with joy and offer us such amazing opportunities". - Troy Entertainment